If you just bought a wall hanging, you may know how confusing and frustrating it can be to hang a wall tapestry properly. Unlike posters or framed print, tapestry wallhangings can be very tricky to get just right. Luckily, there are some good general rules that you can follow to make your wall décor look as good as it should.

First, consider what hardware you would like to use to mount your tapestry. The most popular method is using a wall tapestry rod. Wall tapestry rods are preferred over curtain rods because the tapestry rods are stronger and will not warp. When shopping for a rod, look for one that has easy to assemble brackets. Make sure that your brackets will project your tapestry away from the wall at least 1 to 2 inches. This will keep the air circulating behind your wall hanging, so moisture cannot get trapped and damage the fabric. Look for a tapestry rod with an antique finish—it will add a touch of class and elegance to your wall décor.

Second, take a look at your room. Where should you hang the tapestry? How much space should you leave around the wall hanging? Here are some general guidelines that may help.

If you have a fairly long and narrow vertical wall hanging similar to our Portiere tapestries: http://www.european-wall-tapestries.com/store/catalog/Portiere_page_1_c_25.html you should hang it on a wall that is tall and narrow, but make sure there is enough space around it to prevent your wall from looking cramped. This will prevent the tapestry from looking small and insignificant.

If you have a large tapestry wall hanging, it is best to hang it on a wall all its own. You do not want to crowd the magnificence or distract a viewer’s attention with smaller pieces. Huge tapestries can transform your home into a castle, so treat them with care and respect.

Perhaps you purchased two smaller tapestries, but only have one rod—don’t worry, you can make this work. You can place two small narrow vertical tapestries next to each other on a single tapestry rod, just remember to leave at least 3 to 6 inches in between them for the illusion of separation. Please note that this will only work with tall narrow tapestries like our Art Nouveau Four Seasons Set. Anything larger than this will look cramped and amateurish, so try your best to measure everything out correctly.

You may need a special rod if your tapestry is very large and heavy or if your wall hanging is unlined and light. For large tapestries over 80 to 100 inches, you should consider a tapestry rod that is at least one half inch thick. This will prevent the rod from warping in the middle. If you purchased a chenille tapestry wall hanging, you may want to consider either a thin rod or a wooden rod. If the rod is too large in relation to your tapestry, it will look overbearing and unprofessional.