When people think of the medieval times, they usually imagine knights in armor, castles, dragons, high-rising cathedrals, and anything stately, noble, and royal. Historically, the focus of this 1000-year period has been diverse, from religion on its early stages to science and technology during the Renaissance. The same is true when it comes to the themes of medieval tapestries. And rightly so, since creating art tapestries reached its peak during the Middle Ages.
Tapestries then were used to adorn the walls of castles, churches, or homes of the upper class; today you have the chance to bring the elements of the medieval times into your home through hanging tapestries. As with any home decor schemes, however, the first thing to consider is how they would fit in with your overall motif. A knight in a historic battle might be a good piece of artwork, but it would look grossly out of place in an Oriental living room.
Living in the Middle Ages
There are houses decorated with classic medieval decor. Enamored by this romantic, almost mystical period in human history, aficionados of the Middle Ages put up armors, swords, or shields, in an attempt to practically replicate a castle’s feel right in their own homes. In this regard, medieval tapestries are perfect to make these scenes come alive.
It isn’t hard to understand this fascination for the era. Tapestries depicting epic battles, knights on their quest for holy relics, damsels in distress, and dragons will bring these otherwise unavailable elements into your room.
On the other hand, this is also a great idea for business establishments that are influenced by the Middle Ages. These include restaurants, bars, or gift shops that carry a medieval theme. This can enhance the aura of your business and produce the effect that you want your customers to feel once they step in.
In Any Home, for That Matter
Don’t be misled, though. Your house need not be a castle-wannabe to make a medieval tapestry fit in nicely. On the contrary, the sheer majesty of their most common subjects—aristocracy, chivalry, knights, and dragons—makes it possible for these art pieces to stand up on their own. Thus, do not hesitate to hang a single medieval tapestry as the focal point of your home decor. Just bear in mind that there are simply schemes in which medieval art won’t belong, such as contemporary design. If your motif is not period-based, then by all means hang a medieval tapestry in an otherwise bland wall or space.
Creating the Medieval Motif
Now should you decide to accompany your medieval tapestry with some home decor elements so that the tapestry won’t appear out of place, there are simple and quick ways to do so. Slightly remodeling your house to have that classic, medieval feel is even easier if you have a Victorian home with paneling, an old house with a high ceiling, or even a modern one with a lot of wide open spaces.
Add medieval components to your house, such as faux finishes to a wall to make them look older and richer. Use dark golds and bronzes, or, if you can afford it, display items that distinguish the period such as armors and swords.
The best thing about medieval tapestries is that they never seem to go out of style. After all, they’ve been around for the last 500 years.
