How to hang a tapestry

When you purchase a tapestry, you’ll probably want to also get a tapestry rod to hang your tapestry with when it arrives.

Most tapestries have a ‘rod pocket’ or tunnel to enable you to hang it using a tapestry rod. Just choose a rod and finials whose style is compatible with the style of your wall tapestry.

This is the simplest way to hang tapestries, and the instructions comes with it, to make it even easier.

Let’s have a look at some tips here, on how to prepare and hang your tapestry with a rod.

Step 1

Firstly, when your tapestry arrives, see if you need to remove any wrinkles or creases that can come about during the shipping.

One way to do this is to iron the back of the tapestry with a cloth in between. Use a low to medium heat and you can use steam. Do not iron directly on the tapestry or use excessive heat. Then wait for the tapestry to cool and dry before hanging the tapestry.

The other way is to open the seams on the bottom of the tapestry lining, and insert a wooden rod or dowel that's cut to a length slightly shorter than the width of the tapestry. Then place a stich in the openings to avoid the rod from coming out.

The second method helps the tapestry to hang flatter in the long term, but some people actually prefer the tapestry to have some natural curl to add to their character and style, and would prefer to not to add the base rod.

Step 2

Secondly to hang the tapestry, follow the instructions on the tapestry rod set, which will include the associated pieces such as the finials and the mounting brackets.

The great thing about our tapestry rods is that you can adjust the length of the rod which means that you can get the correct length for your tapestry.

To get a great finish, make sure that when the rod is placed on the brackets, that it’s perfectly horizontal. A spirit level will help you to check this.

With most tapestries, the rod pocket at the back will be tapered at the ends, so that the bracket, which attaches to the wall, will not be visible, being behind the tapestry. Another great advantage of using rods for tapestries.

And when mounted, the tapestry will hanging be 1-2 inches from the wall, depending on the thickness of the rod and finials used, giving it room for ventilation.

So there you go! Now you can admire your tapestry.

Step 3

Some tips on maintaining your tapestry?

To maintain your tapestry, simply brush with soft brush if required, or use a drapes vacuum.

If you really need to, you can dry clean a tapestry, which won’t often be needed if at all. If possible,  use a dry cleaner that has had experience with tapestries.

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