Rod with finials

If your tapestry has a rod pocket, you want to use a rod with finials to hang it on the wall. Modern tapestries most often come with a rod pocket, in which case, you will want a tapestry rod; no worries, we offer a selection at Heirloom Tapestries! This is a very straightforward way to hang your wall tapestry, so if you are looking for simplicity, this is a great option. However, keep in mind that when using this method, your tapestry will not lie flat against the wall; it will naturally fall slightly away from the wall. If you prefer the tapestry to be flat against the wall, a different method is better.

1)Choose a rod, finials, and brackets. Choose a rod that matches the tapestry and fits into your home decor. It’s important to make sure the rod fits into the pocket before you purchase it, so to measure your tapestry in order to find one that is the perfect size. The rod should extend beyond your tapestry so it can meet the brackets, which you will install on either side. This will ensure that the brackets don’t distract from the tapestry. Additionally, choose wall brackets that stick out enough that the tapestry hangs about an inch away from the wall. This will ensure your tapestry has air to breathe, preventing moisture from building up.

2)Pick where you will hang your tapestry. You likely already have a room in mind for your tapestry; however, you also have to pick which wall to use and at what height to hang it. In general, you want your tapestry to be hung so that it is eye level, but it is most important that it fits into the decor of the rest of the room. If you have high ceilings or want to hang it behind a piece of furniture, you may need it to be higher.

3)Find your wall studs. Once you have identified where you want to hang your tapestry, you need to identify where the wall studs are using a stud finder. You will attach your brackets to the wall studs. Alternatively, if you cannot find wall studs that fall where you want to hang your tapestry, you may be able to use drywall screws to hang it elsewhere. Regardless of whether you use wall studs or not, use a level to ensure that you hang your tapestry evenly. Drill holes on either side of the tapestry’s width for the brackets.

4)Attach the brackets. Using the holes you drilled, attach your brackets to the wall with screws. Ensure your screws are the best option for your wall; drywall screws, wood screws, or masonry screws may be necessary, depending on the material of your wall.

5)Slide the rod into the tapestry’s rod pocket. Attach the finials to the ends of the rod.

6)Hang your tapestry and enjoy!

Baseboard

Alternatively, you can use a baseboard to hang your tapestry. This method is easy and inexpensive, and is ideal if you want your tapestry to be hung flush against the wall and for it to be very straight. For this method, it is also necessary for your tapestry to have a rod pocket.

1)Acquire a baseboard. It should be a bit shorter than your tapestry’s width. You need a piece of flat board that will fit into the rod pocket. Though you could also use a board made of another material, wood will be easier.

2)Drill holes into the baseboard. You want two holes on each end that are equidistant and the ends and centered. They should fit whatever screws you intend to use.

3)Find your wall studs. Just like hanging a tapestry with a rod, you don’t necessarily need to find the wall studs, but it can ensure more security.

4)Mark the screw locations and drill. Using the baseboard, use a pencil to mark the spot where you will drill holes for your screws. Make sure that the board is level while you do this so that your tapestry is hung straight.

5)Add wall anchors. If you are hanging on masonry walls or drywall, use wall anchors for added security. Place them in the drilled holes.

6)Add the baseboard to the rod pocket.

7)One at a time, screw your screws through the baseboard and into the wall.

8)Stand back and make sure your tapestry is level. If it is, you’re done! Enjoy!

Casing

If your tapestry does not have a rod pocket, you may want to add a casing. This way, you can use either of the above methods to hang your tapestry.

1)Acquire a cloth strip that is slightly shorter than the tapestry’s width. Make sure it is wide enough to wrap all the way around the rod, as well as a little leftover so you can properly attach it.

2)Sew the cloth to the back of the top of the tapestry. For it to be strong enough to hold the tapestry, make sure you attach it to a minimum of two of the underlying tapestry threads. Additionally, use a thread color that will easily blend in with the tapestry. Also keep in mind that you want to make sure the cloth strip allows enough room for the rod or baseboard. Finally, be cautious to sew the strip on straight, because if it isn’t, it won’t hang properly.

3)Place the rod or baseboard into the new rod pocket and hang the tapestry. Stand back and make sure that it is straight. Now you’re ready to enjoy the beauty of your tapestry!

Velcro

You may not have thought of it, but velcro offers a few advantages for hanging tapestries. First, if you wish to occasionally change the location of your tapestry, velcro is easier to move. Additionally, if your wall is curved, velcro more tightly affixes your tapestry to the wall, conforming to the shape of the wall. This is the most popular method for art galleries to hang tapestries as it allows them to be adaptable and cause no damage to the wall art.

1)Get a piece of velcro that is a bit shorter than your tapestry’s width. How wide a piece you use is dependent on how heavy the tapestry is; the heavier a tapestry is, the wider your velcro should be.

2)Sew the velcro onto the top back edge of the tapestry, the soft side facing it. Like when creating a casing, make sure to include at least two of the underlying tapestry threads for strength. Alternatively, you could sew the velcro into a canvas strip, and then sew that to the back of the tapestry for additional strength.

3)Obtain a piece of baseboard that is slightly shorter than the tapestry’s width and drill holes in the end. The holes should be equal distance from the ends and center.

4)Staple the stiff side of the velcro to the baseboard. Ensure the velcro doesn’t cover up the holes you just drilled.

5)Mark holes for the screws by holding the baseboard to the wall. Make sure they are even. Drill holes where you have marked.

6)Screw the board to the wall into the holes. Make sure it is level.

7)Velcro the tapestry to the board. Step back to make sure it is even, and fix as necessary.

Mounted on stretchers

Mounting a tapestry on stretchers provides it with a rigid background and a border. To accomplish this, you must stretch canvas over a frame, then attach the tapestry. If you wish to frame your tapestry, this is the right method for you.

1)Create the frame. You can do this by using four pieces of wood and gluing or screwing them together into a frame. The pieces of wood should be sized to match the tapestry. Stabilize the frame by using corner brackets in each corner. Alternatively, you can use a piece of plywood or a foam board if your tapestry is not too heavy.

2)Stretch canvas over the frame. The material should be a minimum of two inches longer than the frame so you can easily fold over the corners. Staple the canvas to the frame.

3)Sew the tapestry into the canvas. Stagger your stitches to attach your tapestry, making sure to cross a minimum of two warp stitches each time. Use thread that blends into the tapestry. Sew as much as you need to ensure the weight of the tapestry is supported.

4)Add a frame, if you so desire. If you wish to frame your tapestry, make sure the frame is larger than the tapestry so it can easily fit behind the glass cover without touching, which can cause moisture to build up.

5)Hang your tapestry as you would hang any frame. Be aware that this will be heavier than the average picture frame, so make sure to use a strong hanging method.

Now that you know how to hang them, you’re ready to invest in a beautiful wall tapestry from Heirloom Tapestries! Shop our collection of handwoven tapestries and tapestry rods for a beautiful addition to your home.