How to Choose the Best Tapestry for Your Space

Hanging a tapestry is an easy way to add a splash of color to your home

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Photo: Maskot / Getty Images
Mother breastfeeding her baby in the living room
Photo: Maskot / Getty Images
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Tapestries are works of art that can add warmth, color, and a whole lot of personality to your space. Not only are they easy to hang, but they’re also typically less expensive than traditional framed artwork or creating an accent wall. But not all tapestries are created equal. 

Here’s how to choose the best tapestry for your space, taking size and appearance into consideration.

4 deciding factors for choosing the right tapestry for your space, including fabric type and existing colors and decor
Photo: Photographee.eu / Adobe Stock

1. Experiment With Placement

You can place tapestries wherever you want. Think about where you want to put your tapestry before you buy one so that you can measure the space, match the room’s colors, and find the perfect fit. Consider hanging it along a blank wall or behind a bed, couch, or another large piece of furniture.

2. Measure Your Wall Space First

Before you start your search for the perfect tapestry, measure the space where you plan on hanging it. If you’re hanging it across an entire blank wall, measure the length and width of the entire wall and plan on getting a tapestry that matches or is slightly smaller. Avoid hanging a large tapestry on a small wall—it makes your space look cramped.

3. Find a Tapestry That Matches Your Style

Tapestry hanging on a wall of a house entryway
Photo: Pieter Estersohn / Corbis Documentary / Getty Images

Tapestries are statement wall decor pieces. If you’re looking for that wow factor for your room, this is it. And if you’re working to create a feng shui home, a tapestry fits the bill, adding beauty to your home.

These fabric wall hangings come in a wide variety of styles, colors, and designs, allowing you to choose the best one for your space. The right wall art for your room depends on the overall design of the room. Look for a tapestry that matches or complements your existing colors.

4. Bring Paint Samples With You

To absolutely ensure that the tapestry you choose matches your space, bring paint samples or fabric swatches with you to the store. This will help you narrow down which ones actually match your existing furniture and decor and prevent any impulse buys. When you find a piece you love, it’s easy to get tunnel vision only to realize it doesn’t quite fit your space when you bring it home.

5. Choose Colors Based on the Size of the Space

Dark or bright colors tend to make rooms look smaller, so avoid tapestries with dark or bright colors if you’re decorating a small space. Muted, light colors work well to make small rooms look bigger than they are.

6. Take Fabric Into Consideration

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Photo: petekarici / E+ / Getty Images

Tapestry fabric varies from maker to maker. Some fabrics look thick and textured, while others are thin and smooth. Before you go all-in on a tapestry, consider what textures are already in your space. If you already have a lot going on, adding more texture may be too much. But if your space is lacking texture, adding a fabric wall hanging will instantly warm it up.

Fabric quality also varies. If you plan to keep your tapestry up for years to come, make sure the tapestry is suitable for that. Avoid inexpensive fabrics that you can see through, which may tear or fade with time.

7. Get Help from an Interior Decorator

If interior design isn’t your forte or you simply don’t have time to dedicate to it, hire an interior decorator near you to help. A professional interior decorator has the skills necessary to take a good look at your space and provide guidance on what decor or arrangements will look best.

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