Craft from India’s North – Kashmir handicrafts for your home

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Written By ms

Kashmir handicrafts offer a treasure of home decor items- Kashmiri Khandan carpet, metalware, walnut wood carving furniture, Papier Mache and more

Hidden in the scenic valleys of Kashmir, India is the best of traditional home decor – the Kashmiri handicrafts. The Kashmir valley is known for its scenic beauty, rolling mountains and mighty hills – it is a beautiful Indian state. Because of its beautiful weather, Kashmir is one of the popular tourist destinations. But there is more to Kashmir, apart from its scenic beauty. It is famous for its rich cultural heritage. So how about we explore a home decor shopping spree in Kashmir; I am sure you will love the fascinating decor items. Paper crafts, wooden items, stone crafts, silverware and metalware, are popular here. You can buy a few things to spruce up your home.

Kashmir home decor
Image sourced from Pinterest

Kashmir handicrafts culture

The people of Kashmir are known for their handicrafts. They craft the items without using any machinery. The Kashmiris’ are genuinely artistic and give their 100% when it comes to their craft. Do you know some of the crafting processes are a well-kept family secret, passed from one generation to the other? Kashmir is famous for pashmina, embroidery work, shawls, carpets, namdas. All these items are handmade by using silk threads or wools. Let’s explore all about the home decor items and crafts of Kashmir.

Beauty of Kashmir can’t be compared by the whole world

Aqdas
kashmiri woodwork

Home décor with crafts of Kashmir 

What are the handicrafts of Kashmir, India?

Here are the best of Kashimi handicrafts for home decor:
For Floor decor,
a. Knotted Carpets – Kaleen
b. Pile carpets – Khandan
c. Rugs and durries – Gabba
d. Handmade felted rugs – Namda
For Table decor
a. Papier Mache – Kar-i-munakash, kar-i-kalamkam
b. Metalware – in copper
c. Bamboo- baskets and storage boxes
For Furniture
a. Walnut wood carving – Pinjarakari, Khatumband, Chikri
For Home linen
a. Ari embroidery
b. Crewel embroidery

For Floor decor

Knotted Carpets – Kaleen

The first thing when someone visits your home, they will notice the floor. If you want to give your abode a traditional yet elegant look, then you must use Kaleen carpets. These hand-knotted carpets are woven using either wool, silk or rayon. They will give a luxurious look to your home, and I’m sure your guests will love this decor idea.

silk carpet kashmir
Image sourced from bestofkashmir.com

Pile carpets – Khandan

Another carpet you can use for flooring is Khandan. It is one of the famous floor carpets used by most people. These carpets are hand made and are available in different colours and shapes. Therefore, you can select them according to your choice.


Rugs and durries – Gabba

Gabba is one of the most essential and famous handicrafts of Kashmir. Gabba is woven by reusing the old woollen blankets. This style of carpet is one of the most common household items in Kashmir. Apart from enhancing the beauty, Gabba carpet keeps your floor warm during winters.

gabba kashmir
Image sourced from etsy.com

Handmade felted rugs – Namda

Namda is another exclusive floor carpet in Kashmir. The handcrafted floor carpet is woven by using wool or wool and cotton. The best thing if Namda floor carpet is, it keeps your floor warm during winters and cool during summers.


For Table decor

Papier Mache – kar-i-munakash, kar-i-kalamkam

Are you interested in collecting different types of pens and keeping them as a decor element on the table? Yes? Then it would help if you had kar-i-munakash or kar-i-kalamkam on your desk. Known as a pen stand, kar-i-munakash or kar-i-kalamkam gives an elegant look. These decor items are easy to maintain and long-lasting — moulding paper pulps in required shapes the craft of Kar-i-munakash or kar-i-kalamkam.


Metalware – in copper

Give your dining table a brand new look by using copper metal wares. You can use elegantly crafted copper jars for keeping on the dining table or centre table. Make use of copper flower vase on the corner table of your dining room. Use copper metal items like trays, glasses, other utensils and set new decor trends.

kashmiri metal vase
Image sourced from amazon.in

Bamboo baskets and storage boxes

Baskets and storage boxes made up of bamboo are one of the best decor options. You can use these baskets for multipurpose. To keep fruits, you can use bamboo baskets, and you can place it on the dining table. Kashmir’s bamboo crafts are popular for cane storage boxes, you can keep these near a table or by your bedside.

kashmir baskets

For Furniture

Walnut wood carving

Pinjrakari is one of the best and modern decor elements. Lightwoods are used to prepare pinjras on main doors, windows and partitions. The pinjras have a unique design to welcome natural light and fresh air. For me, ceiling decor is also one of the essential elements. Khatumband work is one of the best options for ceiling decor. Believe it or not, Pinjrakari and Khatumband are crafted without using a nail. Also, they last longer and give an elegant look. You can also make use of decor items made up of Chikri. Chikri wood is used to make combs, sandals and spoons.

kashmiri wood room divider

As Home linen

Aari embroidery

Decorate the rooms with elegant aari embroidery bed covers or pillow covers. These fabrics can genuinely enhance the beauty of your bedrooms with its richness. Aari embroidery fabrics are available in many colours.

aari embroidery kashmir
Image sourced from alibaba.com

Crewel embroidery

If you love hand-made home linen, then, you must go with crewel embroidery fabrics. Use crewel embroidery and set new decor trends. Bring some beautiful Crewel embroidery double-bed covers home for an elegant bedroom decor.

crewel kashmiri
Image sourced from bestofkashmir.com

Kashmir’s handicrafts for you

Kashmiri handicrafts are famous across the world for their style and exquisite artistry. The unique flair and elegant creative of these handicrafts make them more popular. So, once you plan a trip to Kashmir, do look for these traditionally stylish home décor items. Make sure you use the above decor ideas and give your home an alluring look.