Struggling to make your walls pop with personality? Hanging a tapestry can change any room from boring to brilliant. In this guide, I’ll walk you through creative ways to display your favorite textile art that’ll make your space truly unique.
If you’re:
- A renter looking to personalize their walls
- A design enthusiast seeking fresh decor ideas
- Someone wants to add warmth to a blank space
I’ve spent years helping people turn empty walls into beautiful showcases, and I know exactly how to help you succeed.
This step-by-step guide will give you the confidence to hang your tapestry like a pro, solving your decor dilemmas with practical, easy-to-follow tips that work for any skill level.
Ready to breathe life into your walls? Let’s get started!
What Is a Tapestry?
A tapestry is a piece of fabric, often decorated with patterns, images, or scenes, that can be used for decoration or storytelling. Traditionally, tapestries were woven artworks hung on castle walls for warmth and beauty.
Today, they come in many styles, from vintage to modern, and are a popular way to add color, texture, and personality to your walls. Some tapestries feature nature, animals, or cultural symbols, while others are abstract or geometric.
They are loved for their ability to turn a blank wall into a cozy, eye-catching space. Often decorated with patterns, images, or scenes, which can be used for decoration or storytelling.
Creative Ways to Hang a Tapestry
There are some fun, functional, and stylish ways to hang a tapestry using simple tools and smart methods.
1. Push Pins in the Corners
Press push pins into each corner of your tapestry to keep it in place. This method is quick and simple, especially for lightweight tapestries.
Choose colored pins that match your fabric, or opt for clear ones for a clean, minimalist look. It’s a quick fix when you want to decorate your wall with minimal effort.
2. Command Hooks with Clips
Stick small Command hooks on the wall and clip the top edge of your tapestry with binder clips. Then hang the clips on the hooks.
This makes the tapestry easy to remove or replace. It’s a renter-friendly way to display fabric without causing any damage to your wall.
3. Use a Decorative Curtain Rod
Slide your tapestry onto a decorative curtain rod for a fancy look. Choose one with a color or pattern that matches your room.
Mount the rod above a bed or sofa to make your tapestry the centerpiece. This setup is perfect for thicker tapestries or larger spaces.
4. Mount on a Wooden Dowel
Sew or pin a pocket on the back of the tapestry and slide a wooden dowel through it. Hang the dowel using string or hooks. This gives your wall a clean, horizontal display and adds a crafty, handmade vibe to your space.
Use stained or painted dowels to match your room’s theme. This method works especially well for long, narrow wall spaces.
5. Staple to a Wood Frame
Wrap the tapestry around a wooden frame, staple it at the back, and hang it like a painting. This keeps the fabric stretched and flat.
It’s a great way to make the tapestry look like a piece of art, especially in more formal rooms. This method turns soft fabric into structured wall decor. It’s ideal for tapestries with scenic or detailed patterns.
6. Clothesline and Clothespins
Hang a piece of string like a clothesline across your wall and use clothespins to attach the tapestry. This playful method gives your room a laid-back, creative feel. It’s great for dorm rooms, art studios, or kids’ rooms where you want to change things up often.
Switch out different fabrics or prints whenever you feel like it. Try using colorful or decorative clothespins for added style.
7. Velcro Tape
Stick one side of Velcro tape to the wall and the other side to the back of the tapestry. This method holds the fabric tightly against the wall and makes it easy to remove.
It’s perfect for keeping your tapestry smooth and wrinkle-free. It also allows you to reposition the tapestry without making holes. Choose heavy-duty Velcro for larger or thicker fabric.
8. Magnetic Poster Hangers
Use magnetic wooden poster hangers to grip the top and bottom of your tapestry. Hang the top piece from a nail or hook.
This gives your display a clean, modern look and makes it super easy to change out fabrics whenever you feel like redecorating. Lightweight and reusable, these hangers are great for renters and minimalists alike.
9. Upholstery Tacks
Decorative upholstery tacks can be both useful and stylish. Press them along the top of the tapestry or around the edges to create a frame. They add a touch of vintage beauty while keeping your tapestry firmly in place.
Try brass, bronze, or black finishes depending on your room’s style. This method works best with thick or woven tapestries. Space the tacks evenly for a professional and polished appearance.
10. Corkboard Display
Pin your tapestry to a corkboard and hang the whole board on your wall. This works well for small tapestries or fabric art pieces.
It’s an easy way to switch designs, and the board can double as a place for other decorations, too. You can layer postcards, notes, or prints alongside the fabric. Great for creative walls, office spaces, or cozy bedrooms.
11. Iron-On Hanging Loops
Add iron-on fabric loops to the back of your tapestry. Then hang it from nails, hooks, or a rod. This gives a clean finish without needing to sew anything.
It’s a handy option if you want a tidy, secure hanging method with little effort. The loops lie flat and stay hidden from view. Make sure your iron settings match the loop material to avoid damage.
12. Over-the-Door Hooks
Use an over-the-door hook bar to hang a tapestry on the back of your door. This works great for small spaces or rented rooms.
It also lets you enjoy your tapestry without using any wall space at all. The loops lie flat and stay hidden from view. Make sure your iron settings match the loop material to avoid damage.
13. Curtain Clip Rings
Clip rings are an easy way to hang a tapestry without sewing. Just clip them to the top of the fabric and slide them onto a rod or wire. This allows the tapestry to hang freely and provides a nice, soft drape.
You can create a pleated effect depending on how many clips you use. This method works well with lightweight or silky fabrics.
14. Binder Clips
Clip the top of the tapestry with black binder clips and hang the clips on small nails. This quick method is great for thick or heavy fabric. It also allows you to easily remove or swap tapestries without causing significant wall damage.
Use large clips for bigger tapestries and small ones for detailed placement. This method adds a fun, industrial touch to your decor.
15. Framed Glass Display
Place your tapestry inside a glass frame, similar to a poster. This protects it from dust and gives a sleek look. It works best with flat, small tapestries that you want to keep in top condition and display like fine art.
Choose a frame that complements the fabric’s color and style. This is ideal for preserving heirlooms or handmade fabric art.
16. Shelf Leaning Method
If your tapestry is framed or on a stiff backing, lean it against the wall on a shelf or mantel. This gives a casual, artsy vibe. You can move it around whenever you feel like changing the setup.
No tools or nails needed. Layer it with books, candles, or plants for a styled look.
17. Wall-Mounted Tapestry Rod
Install a wall-mounted rod that matches your decor and slide your tapestry on. Some rods come with decorative finials or finishes.
This method gives a classy, gallery-like feel and works especially well with long or wide tapestries. Adjustable rods let you change the width for different tapestries. Choose sturdy mounting brackets for heavier fabric.
Tips for Hanging a Tapestry
Want your tapestry to hang beautifully and stay in great shape? These practical tips will help you avoid common mistakes and get the best results every time.
- Measure your wall first to make sure your tapestry fits well.
- Use a level to keep things straight.
- If your tapestry wrinkles, steam or iron it carefully.
- Always test removable adhesives on a small wall area.
- Choose the right method based on fabric weight and wall type.
- Avoid placing tapestries in direct sunlight to prevent fading.
- Use a lint roller or fabric brush to keep the tapestry clean.
- Keep your tapestry away from heaters or vents to avoid damage.
- If possible, rotate your tapestry seasonally to give your wall a fresh look.
Conclusion
When I finally figured out how to hang my tapestry, it changed the whole look of my room. It made the space feel cozy, bright, and just more like me.
I hope this guide helps you find the perfect way to hang your tapestry as well. Remember, there’s no one right way. Try different methods, get creative, and don’t be afraid to make it your own.
Some tapestries look best when flat, while others look best with soft folds. Some prefer the look of clips, while others opt for a clean rod.
The most important thing is that you love how it looks. So grab your tools, pick your favorite style, and give your wall a brand-new look today.
Ready to hang your tapestry? Try one of these ideas and tag your photos online. Let others see your cool new wall art.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Hang a Tapestry without Nails?
Yes. Use Command Strips, Velcro tape, or over-the-door hooks for damage-free options. These tools are renter-friendly and easy to remove when you want a change.
What Is the Best Way to Hang a Heavy Tapestry?
Use a curtain rod, wooden dowel, or staples with a wood frame for strong support. Ensure the hardware is securely anchored into studs or use wall anchors for added stability.
Will Hanging a Tapestry Damage the Wall?
Not if you use gentle methods, such as Command hooks or clips. Avoid strong adhesives if you’re renting. Test a small area first to ensure the surface doesn’t peel or chip.