How to hang a tapestry – there are two ways of hanging tapestries with rod pockets (our standard finishing always has a rod pocket on the lining). These rod pockets, sometimes called tunnels or sleeves, vary in their depth but they are sufficiently wide for any decorative rod.:
- The simplest way would be to cut a length of round wooden dowel slightly longer than the rod pocket. Insert small closed cup-hooks into each end and simply place them over small picture hook nails banged into the wall. This is quick, easy (really!) and inexpensive. If the tapestry is very long we suggest a flat batten be used instead to prevent bowing.
- Another way is to purchase a metal or wooden rod with finials (decorative ends) from a local drapery, hardware or interiors store. We suggest that you do not buy these online since they are often poorly cast and we suggest you purchase this after you receive the tapestry. Use the metal or wooden rod with provided brackets to hang the tapestry ‘off’ the wall, or hang the rod over two nails hammered down at a 45 degree angle for flush mounting.
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To aid colour co-ordination – add a pair of cords with tassels to either side if you wish to match the tapestry to the existing décor. This is particularly useful when the colour of the tapestry does not exactly match the surrounding decor. You “draw out” one of the colours in the tapestry, even a minor one, to “tie it in” to its surroundings. Alternatively, you can use a colour from the opposite side of the colour wheel to negate the effect of a colour and thus tone down the visual effect.
These cords with tassels will visually seem to increase the width of the tapestry if hung on either side from the rod, or you can make the tapestry appear longer if a pair of tassels are attached to the bottom of the lining by sewing or with a safety pin.
You might find it handy to know that some consider the ideal viewing distance is 2.5 x the diagonal measurement of the tapestry.
Below is a creative option using a wooden rod and leather straps to hang The Minstrel Tapestry:
We hope you will find these ideas helpful on how to hang a tapestry, including the following examples: (scroll down to the photos below each tapestry page)
– cords and tassels hanging from a metal rod,
– effective use of surrounding accessories,
– a rod hanging from a central cord,
– a gilt metal rod,
– pairs of cords with tassels,
– effective use of wrought iron.
Here is an effective way for how to hang a throw:
Care of your tapestries
These practical points will help you care for your tapestry wall hanging.
- There may be transit creases on your tapestry when you receive it. These can be removed easily by careful pressing with a steam iron on the rear side (start with a lower temperature and increase heat only if necessary).
- Tapestries are woven individually on a loom and part of their individuality is that there may be irregularities in the weave or there may be hanging undulations. Do not expect them to be precisely square and flat like a framed print: this is not their character.
- Ongoing tapestry care is no more than an annual brushing with a soft brush to clear dust off your tapestry – or use the drapes vacuum attachment. It may be dry cleaned with great care if a stain somehow occurs but we suggest this be a last resort.
We would enjoy receiving emailed images (large file size preferable) of your tapestry in its new home!