Tapestries can be beautiful decorations for rooms and walls that need an extra touch. They can also add texture to walls and decrease noise. Although tapestries cannot break if dropped, they still look better if hung properly. There are many different ways to hang tapestries, but regardless of which method you use, with just a few steps you will have a beautiful tapestry hanging on your wall in no time.
Steps
Method 1 of 6: Using a Rod with Pinnacles
Step 1. Use a pole with pinnacles if the tapestry has a pocket
Most modern tapestries will come with a pocket along the top edge. In this case, you can use a rod, which will look more or less like a curtain rod. This is a simple and straightforward method of hanging tapestries.
- Brackets can be added to the wall from which to hang the pole.
- Keep in mind that this method will result in the tapestry hanging at a distance from the wall and that this distance will depend on the particular supports. If you want the tapestry to stick completely to the wall, try another method.
Step 2. Get a pole, pinnacles, and wall brackets
Choose a pole with pinnacles that matches the existing décor of the room. Although there are poles made specifically for tapestries, you can also use regular curtain poles. However, you must make sure that the wand fits inside the pocket of the tapestry. The diameter needed for the stick depends on the weight of the tapestry, and the length of the stick depends on the width of the tapestry.
- A 1.5 to 0.75 inch (1.27 to 1.9 cm) pole will hold an average or large size tapestry of 2 to 10 pounds (0.9 to 4.5 kg).
- The pole should be long enough that the pinnacles extend beyond the edges of the tapestry, with the brackets touching the edges. This will allow the tapestry to slightly hide the supports, focusing more on the pinnacles.
- The brackets should protrude slightly from the wall so that the tapestry hangs at least 1/2 inch (1.2 cm) from the wall. This will prevent moisture from building up.
Step 3. Determine where you would like to hang the tapestry
You will generally want to hang it so that the center is at eye level for an average size person. However, you can hang the tapestry any way you like to match the rest of the room.
You may need to hang the tapestry a little higher if you are hanging it over a sofa or if you have very high walls
Step 4. Iron the tapestry if necessary
Before hanging, it may be necessary to iron it to remove creases. Use an iron on the low or medium setting to test first and iron the back of the tapestry. If the pleats are not removed by ironing the back, use a non-dye-free sheet and lay it over the front of the tapestry to iron.
You may need to increase the temperature of the iron and use a little steam to remove the creases, but always test one corner of the tapestry first
Step 5. Find the rafters
Find the wall studs using a stud finder so that you can adhere the brackets to them. Drill holes spaced so that the supports are only slightly beyond the width of the tapestry. Use a leveler to make sure these holes are even so the tapestry doesn't end up crooked.
- Tapestries do not always have to be hung on wall beams. In most cases, you can simply use drywall screws and hang the tapestry wherever you want.
- If you don't have a leveler, you can also measure from the ceiling to where you want to hang the tapestry. Make sure the distance from the ceiling to the hole is the same on both sides.
Step 6. Attach the brackets
Attach the brackets to the wall using the holes you have drilled. Make sure to use the correct screws for the type of wall. These can be masonry screws, drywall screws, or simple wood screws.
Step 7. Push the wand through the pocket on the back of the tapestry
Slide the wand through the pocket at the top of the back of the tapestry. Attach the pinnacles to each end of the rod.
Step 8. Hang the tapestry on the brackets and enjoy your beautiful and eye-catching new piece of art
Place the stick securely in the brackets attached to the wall and check one last time that everything looks even and secure.
Method 2 of 6: Use a table
Step 1. Use a board to hang a pocket tapestry directly against the wall
This is a very cheap and easy method of hanging tapestries, although it still requires that the tapestry have a pocket on the back.
- The tapestry will be very straight using this method.
- This method also ensures that the tapestry is hung close to the wall.
Step 2. Get a board that is slightly shorter than the width of the tapestry
Cut a board or other flat piece of wood so that it is slightly shorter than the width of the tapestry.
- The board can also be made of metal or plastic, but these are more difficult to drill properly.
- Make sure the board fits into the pocket at the back of the tapestry.
Step 3. Drill holes in each end of the board
Drill holes at each end of the board that are equal distances from the ends and centered. These holes should match the size of screw you are using.
Step 4. Locate the joists
Use a stud finder to locate the studs on the wall. Although this is not always necessary, it will help you find the safest location to hang your tapestry.
If you can't use the joists, don't have joists, or would like to place the tapestry in another location, you can use drywall or masonry screws, depending on the type of wall where you will hang the tapestry
Step 5. Mark the screw locations on the wall and drill the holes
Use the holes in the board to mark the location of the screws on the wall. Once you're holding the board level against the wall, you can drive a pencil or screw into the holes in the board to create small marks on the wall. Drill holes in the wall at these locations to line up with the holes you made in the board.
Make sure the board is level while you do this to ensure the tapestry is straight
Step 6. Insert wall anchors if you are going to use them
If you need wall anchors (for example, if you are hanging the tapestry directly to the drywall or have masonry walls), you must now insert them into the drilled holes.
The wall anchors will provide additional stability and ensure that the screws do not come out of the drywall or masonry
Step 7. Slide the board through the pocket on the mat
The pocket should be located at the top of the back of the tapestry.
Step 8. Drive the screws into the wall through the board
Start one side at a time and screw through the board into the hole or wall anchor on that side. Repeat the procedure with the screw on the other side.
Step 9. Take a step back and make sure the tapestry is level
Now that the tapestry is hanging, take a step back to make sure everything looks even and level. If everything is ok, then you are done!
Method 3 of 6: Add a tubing
Step 1. Use this method to add a tubing or pocket if your tapestry doesn't have one
If your tapestry does not have a pocket, you can simply add one to the top rear edge of the tapestry to hang using the above methods.
This is an easy way to prepare the tapestry for hanging either using a pole or a board
Step 2. Get a band of fabric that is slightly shorter than the width of the tapestry
You can use heavy cotton, linen, or even cotton twill rug ties. These materials will be strong enough to hold the tapestry.
The band of cloth should be wide enough to wrap around the pole lengthwise and over a bit of cloth
Step 3. Sew the fabric band by hand along the top rear edge of the tapestry
Use heavy cotton thread to hand stitch the band through the tapestry. Hook at least two warp threads (the underlying straight threads) through each stitch so that the band is strong enough to hold the tapestry.
- Use thread that is the same color as the dominant color of the tapestry so it won't show through.
- Make sure to sew the band so that it sticks up in the middle. This will make room for the wand so that the mat is straight when the wand is inserted.
- Be very careful that the band is straight, even if the tapestry does not have a straight edge. If the band is not stitched straight, the tapestry will also be crooked.
Step 4. Put a stick in your pocket or tubing
You can use either a regular tapestry pole or a board to slide them through the pocket and hang the tapestry as in the other two methods. Alternatively, you can insert a stick that is slightly shorter than the width of the tapestry.
If you are using a short pole, you can hang the tapestry with two screws attached to the wall at the ends of the pole. This way, no hanging hardware can be seen from the front
Step 5. Make sure the tapestry is straight and even
Take a step back and look at the tapestry to make sure it's straight. If it is not even, try removing the stitches and rearranging the pocket or tubing.
Method 4 of 6: Use Velcro
Step 1. Use velcro as an easily modifiable method of hanging the tapestry
Velcro is an adaptable method that allows you to change the location of the tapestry from time to time. Velcro is also particularly useful when hanging tapestries on curved walls because it conforms to the wall on which it is mounted.
This method is preferred by many museum curators for their tapestries
Step 2. Get a velcro strip
Get a piece of velcro that is slightly shorter than the width of the tapestry. You will need both sides of the velcro so that they can be attached to each other. The width of the velcro will depend on the width and weight of the tapestry you are hanging.
Velcro comes in widths of 0.5 to 4 inches (1.5 to 10 cm). The longer and heavier the tapestry, you should use a wider velcro to hold it in place
Step 3. Sew the soft, fuzzy side of the velcro to the tapestry
Use heavy cotton thread to sew the fuzzy side of the velcro to the top rear edge of the tapestry. Make sure to sew over at least two warp threads with each stitch so that it is strong enough to hang.
- Make sure the thread is the same color as one of the dominant tapestry colors so it blends in.
- You can also machine-sew the velcro to a canvas strip first and then hand-sew the strip to the tapestry in the same way. This provides additional stiffness and support to keep the tapestry straight.
Step 4. Get a board or strip of wood and drill holes in the ends
The stripe should be slightly shorter than the width of the tapestry. Drill a hole at each end. The holes should be equidistant from the ends and should be centered.
Step 5. Staple the stiffer side of the velcro to the wooden board
Use wood staples to staple the piece of velcro across the board at a distance of 2.5 cm (1 inch) between each staple. Make sure the velcro doesn't cover the holes in the board.
If you are hanging the tapestry on a curved wall, you will either have to use a flexible board or simply attach the velcro directly to the wall
Step 6. Use the chart to mark holes in the wall where the screws will go
Hang the board on the wall, making sure it is level, and mark the locations of the two holes on the wall. Remove the board and drill two holes in the wall.
Drive anchors into the wall if you are drilling directly into drywall or masonry walls
Step 7. Drive screws into the wall through the board
Screw them through the pre-drilled holes in the board and into the anchors to secure the board. Make sure the board is level before proceeding.
Step 8. Attach the tapestry to the board using the velcro
Simply press the velcro on the mat against the velcro attached to the board to secure them. Make sure there are no lumps and that the tapestry is straight.
Method 5 of 6: Mount on Racks
Step 1. Mount the tapestry on racks to provide a rigid background
This involves stretching thick fabric over a frame and then attaching the tapestry to the stretched fabric. This also provides a kind of border for the tapestry.
Step 2. Create a wooden frame or cut a piece of painted plywood to size
You can make a wooden frame by using four thin pieces of wood cut to desired lengths and widths and gluing or screwing them together. Use corner brackets to increase frame stability.
- You can also use a piece of painted plywood as a backing. Simply cut the piece the size you want for the bottom.
- The frame should be at least 1 inch (2.5 cm) wider than the tapestry on each side, but you can use any frame size that seems appropriate.
- You can also use a foam core for the background instead of plywood or a wooden frame. The foam core is particularly easy to sew and is therefore an ideal base, but is not suitable for heavy tapestries. Use a foam core only for smaller tapestries.
Step 3. Stretch the tarp or other sturdy material over the frame or plywood
Use a heavy material, like canvas, and stretch it over the frame or plywood. Make sure the material is at least 1.5 inches (3.75 cm) long on each side so that you can easily fold it over the edges of the frame. Use wood staples to staple the material to the frame.
If you want to use a lightweight material for the border, such as silk, you should stretch it out on a canvas or other sturdy material. This way, the tarp underneath will provide support but you can also create the look you want. You can also use a soft cotton flannel midlayer
Step 4. Sew the tapestry to the fabric
Use thick cotton yarn with large, staggered stitches to attach the tapestry to the background material. Make sure the stitches cross at least two warp stitches at a time.
- Choose yarn in a color that matches the dominant color of the tapestry so that you can't see the stitches from the front.
- Sew along the edges as well as other areas to fully support the weight of the tapestry.
- You can also combine the frame and velcro methods by sewing the velcro to the frame and tapestry. This way, if you get tired of the tapestry location and want to rotate it, you can simply remove the velcro and change it.
Step 5. Use a frame if you wish
You can also use a purchased frame if you wish for the tapestry. This frame should provide plenty of room for the canvas and tapestry to fit within it. You don't want the glass or Plexiglass cover to touch the tapestry or it could cause a build-up of moisture.
- Many museums use a shade box or a plexiglass box to frame their tapestries.
- Make sure there is air circulation as well so moisture doesn't collect on the frame.
Step 6. Hang the frame on the wall
Use normal photo hanging methods that will help you hang the frame on the wall. Find the studs in the wall and partially screw in two screws at an appropriate distance for the frame. Then you can simply support the edges of the frame on these screws to hang it.
- Make sure to hang the frame using a leveler so that it is straight.
- You can also use a variety of tools designed to hang photo frames on the walls. Be aware that if the frame is particularly heavy, you will have to use reinforced tools or the frame will fall.
Method 6 of 6: Hang a Fringed Tapestry at the Top
Step 1. Use this method if you have a tapestry with fringes on top
Having fringes hanging from the top of the tapestry may not be very attractive. This method hides the top fringes behind a board or piece of wood, creating a cleaner, more refined look.
Step 2. Cut a piece of wood so that it is slightly shorter than the width of the tapestry
You will use a piece of wood to support the tapestry, so the size required for the wood depends on the weight of the tapestry.
For normal applications, you can use a 1 x 2-inch (22 x 44 mm) or 1 x 3-inch (22 x 72 mm) piece of wood, but if your tapestry is particularly large or heavy, you should consider larger sizes
Step 3. Paint the piece of wood
Paint the wood to prevent acid deterioration of the tapestry where the tapestry will touch the wood.
You will be able to see the board at the ends, so use either a color that matches the wall or the dominant colors of the tapestry
Step 4. Hand sew a thick fabric along the top edge of the tapestry
Cut a thick canvas-like fabric so that it is a few inches longer than the width of the tapestry. Sew this canvas by hand to the top front edge of the tapestry.
- The tarp should be about 6 to 7 inches (15-17 cm) wide, but if more support is needed for heavier tapestries, you can use a wider strip.
- Make sure the stitches are straight even if the end of the tapestry is not perfectly straight or you will end up with a crooked tapestry.
- You may need multiple rows of stitches when sewing on canvas, especially for thicker tapestries.
- Make sure each stitch covers at least two warp threads, and use thick cotton thread that matches the dominant color of the tapestry.
Step 5. Fold over the edges of the tarp and drop this section back
Fold the ends of the canvas strip over the back of the tapestry, circling the fringes and tapestry edges at the top. Then drop the entire piece so that it is facing the rear.
Step 6. Drill holes in the board or piece of wood to attach to the wall
Drill holes near the ends of the board so they are centered and even. They should also be equidistant from the ends.
Step 7. Use the chart to mark and drill holes in the wall
Use a leveler while placing the board against the wall to mark the locations where you will drill the wall. The best option is to use a stud finder to find studs to drill on. Alternatively, you can use drywall screws and drive them directly into the drywall.
- Insert wall anchors if you are drilling into drywall or masonry.
- Make sure the screws you are using are strong enough if you have a particularly large tapestry. Check the manufacturer's label to find out how strong they are.
Step 8. Slide the painted board or piece of wood under this flap and secure with staples
Slide the painted board under the flap so that it is between the canvas and the top of the tapestry. Use wood staples to staple the tarp directly to the back of the piece of wood.
Step 9. Pick up the tapestry and secure the board to the wall
You may need help holding the tapestry while screwing the wall through the board. Make sure the board is secure and level.
The fringes and the top edge of the tapestry wrapped in the canvas should be between the board and the wall. Make sure to secure the board tightly against the wall to secure the tapestry in place
Step 10. Let the flap of the tapestry go down one more time and check that it is level
Now that the board is securely attached to the wall, you can lower the flap of the tapestry that was holding up. Make sure everything looks even and straight and admire your work!
Advice
- If your tapestry still hangs unevenly, consider adding a thin pocket or tubing at the bottom. Once sewn, you can add a pole to keep the tapestry hanging straight.
- Never use adhesives when mounting fine fabrics. These adhesives will damage the material.
- Always paint any wood that is in direct contact with the tapestry. Acid in wood can damage fabric.
- You can use dowels or studs as temporary solutions to hang your tapestry, but these methods can damage the tapestry by cutting the threads, putting pressure on certain locations in the fabric, or rusting. Spring terminals are just a temporary solution too.
- Never hang a fabric with rings because the weight of the fabric will be unevenly distributed, which can damage the fabric.
Warnings
- Always follow safety precautions when using power tools.
- If you choose to hang tassels with the tapestry, consider children or pets (cats) who can use them as toys. Tassels, like any other string hanging from windows, can create a strangulation hazard. It is best to avoid using them if you have small children or pets.
- Be very careful when using a ladder to hang tapestries in hard-to-reach locations. Many accidents occur each year due to falls from ladders, so make sure the ladder is safe before using it.