There are several reasons why wall tapestries have become popular as home decor. Not only are they pleasant to look at, they also serve other practical purposes. They can cover an unsightly hole in the wall, or even sound-proof a room. Like all wall hangings, there are many ways to mount your wall tapestries. Regardless of method, the objective remains the same—to make the mount look as inconspicuous as possible, so that the focus is directed to the work of art, nowhere else.
But before you hang your wall tapestry, you should first remove any fold line that might have resulted from packaging and delivery. To remove fold lines, simply run a steam iron at the back side of your tapestry until the fold is gone. If you don’t have a steam iron, you may also use a regular electric iron. Get a clean moist cloth, lay it on top of the fold line, and start ironing with moderate heat until the fold disappears.
Method 1: Decorative Rod
On the back side of most tapestries, you will find at the top either rod pockets or loops for easy hanging. Tapestries sold online may include a free metal rod. You may also buy your own rods, whose ends may be simply round or stylized into feathers or a fleur-de-lis. Rods are used frequently because they create a classic presentation for fine tapestries.
Decorative rods are do-it-yourself pieces; you simply hang them as you would a drapery. Run the rod through the rod pocket, place the rod in hooks and you’re done. Moreover, a rod keeps the fabric at a reasonable distance from the wall, giving it ample room to breathe. Hanging your tapestry flat on the wall allows mildew to develop because of moisture, especially in humid spaces. This results in a musty smell over time.
Method 2: Wooden Boards
Another way to hang your tapestry is to use a wooden board. Insert a wooden board into the rod pocket. You should not be able to see the wooden board at both ends. Drill holes evenly along the length of the board. When deciding how many holes or how far apart should they be, consider the tapestry’s size and weight. A larger one will logically require more screws for support. Drill holes into your wall, corresponding to the screw slots in your wooden board. Reinsert the board into the hanging pocket of your tapestry and put the screws in place.
Method 3: Velcro
Decorative rods and wooden boards are used when hanging tapestries on wide even surfaces. If you need to hang tapestry on a curved surface such as a stairway wall, Velcro mounting is the best option for you. Simply sew Velcro on the top of the tapestry. You may use self-adhesive Velcro, but although this is easier to use, it can damage your tapestry. Instead of gluing the other strip of Velcro directly on your wall, attach it on a wooden board. Use screws to mount the wooden board on your wall, similar to the previous method. It is recommended to use the soft Velcro strip on your tapestry and the stiff strip on your wooden board. Press the strips of Velcro onto each other to hang your tapestry.
Finally, remember that mounting your tapestry should not only be decorative. The method you choose should also contribute to the longevity of your tapestry. As with any work of art that is intended for display over a long period of time, the slightest carelessness can do damage to your tapestry and wall.
