Six Ways to Use a Tapestry
Tapestries are versatile and inexpensive pieces of fabric art that can be used in several different ways to add color, interest, and function to a space. They’re washable, and easy to pack up when moving from place to place. Here are six of the most common ways we use tapestries in our retail space, and the popular ways that our friends use them in their own homes!
One: Wall Hanging
By far the most well known method, hanging a tapestry on a wall is an excellent way to cover a large, blank space with something beautiful. There are many ways to hang a tapestry on a wall, and the method you use will depend on what material your wall is made of. For simple painted drywall I use thumbtacks that you would use on a cork bulletin board — they are easy to find, have a grip for pushing and removing, and often come in interesting designs. Even extra large tapestries can be held up with thumbtacks — start by finding the middle of the top edge of the tapestry, and pin it to the wall at this spot. From there, pin up each top corner, making sure to gently pull tight to make as straight a top edge as possible. You can add as many tacks as you like around the edge to keep the tapestry in place.
Two: Bed Covering
image from Printed Fabric Store on Etsy
Tapestries are essentially very thin blankets, and make a great layer over the top of an existing comforter, quilt, or sheet to add design to your bed — they’re often printed in patterns that would be hard to find in a traditional bed covering! While they can simply be laid loose over the top of the bed, most tapestries can also be attached to an existing blanket with sewing or pins for a more permanent covering. Tapestries can be placed over a boxspring before the mattress to create a bedskirt, and a wall mounted tapestry behind the bed itself can create a unique headboard to match!
Three: Curtains
While some tapestries come pre-sewn with curtain rod pockets or tabs at the top, any tapestry can be used to cover a window. They can be pinned directly to the wall above the window with thumbtacks and tied to the side with a piece of cord or ribbon during the day, or can be folded over at the top and secured with safety pins for a no-sew curtain rod pocket. Many tapestries are thin enough to show a little light from behind during the day, creating a neat stained-glass effect if left to cover.
An example of the stained-glass effect that can be achieved when using a tapestry as a window covering.
Four: Ceiling Swag
image from Indie Tapestry on Pinterest
In places where you may be stuck with a light fixture you don’t like or can’t change, hanging a tapestry from the ceiling to cover it is a unique fix. The thinner and lighter the tapestry the better — more light will come through, and it will be easier and more secure to hang from the ceiling. While you could use thumbtacks to attach super light items to the ceiling, I would recommend screw-in hooks, or special ceiling mounted hangers to avoid damage and falling tapestries. For this option, I highly recommend cotton tapestries — natural fiber will diffuse light and heat better than synthetic polyester. Tapestries can also be hung from the ceiling at a gathered point to create a canopy for a bed, meditation corner, or reading spot.
Five: Table or Surface Covering
Fairly straightforward, tapestries of all shapes and sizes can be used to decorate tables, counters, and other flat surfaces — there are endless possibilities with this option! I’ve seen tapestries used to cover dog kennels, dining room tables, storage drawers — even as rugs! (Not sure how they get it to stay down — if you find out, comment below!) For those who are moving or otherwise in a temporary space, a large tapestry could be used to camouflage stacks of storage boxes to create an additional flat surface for use or display. Chairs and couches can also be successfully covered with large tapestries by tucking the excess in at seams and where the cushions meet the frame of the chair.
Six: Room Divider or Doorway
Just like hanging a curtain to cover a window, a tapestry can be used in doorways to visually separate a space that may otherwise be lacking a door. Tapestries can also be hung strategically from the ceiling to create a vertical divider for a large or shared space. Standing room dividers that may be open weave or otherwise not very visually appealing can also be draped or covered with a tapestry to create more of a solid barrier (staple or nail it on for a more permanent solution!)
Ultimately, tapestries are one of the most useful, multi-purpose decor items you can have in your space. We hope we’ve given you some ideas! Happy decorating!
