Tapestries in History

Although woven textiles can be found around the world much earlier in history, we generally date the traditional wall hanging tapestries of interior design back to the 13th and 14th centuries in Europe. “They are associated with the Medieval and Renaissance periods, as well as the later Baroque and Rococo,” says Anthony Barzilay Freund, director of fine art and editorial director at 1stDibs. “Traditional tapestries, often Flemish or French in origin, are distinguished by a particular form of weaving.”

They were created by weaving colorful threads—mostly wool, but also silk and metal threads—horizontally (called the weft) on an underlying vertical base (called the warp). A key characteristic of tapestries woven in this style is that the design is visible on the front and the back.

Where Were Tapestries Used?

Incredibly costly, tapestries were a status symbol for the wealthy, notably, the nobility and royalty, and used in their public and private spaces, from dining and gathering rooms to bed chambers. Initially popular for their portability as well as style, they were easily rolled and transported between residences, though eventually they’d be considered permanent decor. 

“Tapestries were originally both decorative and utilitarian,” says Wemlinger. Not just adding interest to walls, tapestry also had the important task of keeping out drafts and dampening sounds. In addition to wall coverings, tapestries were found hanging over windows and doors, and used as bed curtains and canopies in bed chambers. Tapestry was also used for coordinating elements such as pillow covers and upholstered furniture. 

Historical Examples

Tapestries were often designed in sets and meant to be hung together, depicting a story or theme. Two tapestry-laden bedrooms at Doddington Hall showcase themes of rural life and the Trojan War, while Henry VIII chose to decorate the Great Hall at Hampton Court with biblical stories of Abraham. The Lady and the Unicorn is a series of six famous tapestries that mix depictions of the senses with heraldic symbols and mythological creatures. 

Modern Tapestry

Tapestries in this grand form became less common in the 1800s, though the craft continued. Later iterations include tapestries reflecting the legendary works of artists like Gustav Klimt and William Morris—styles that are still popular in today’s wall hangings. According to Barzilay Freund, French artists like Jean Lurçat were responsible for reviving tapestry for the 20th century. “Tapestry would continue to flourish through the 1950s and 1960s, and increasingly abstract designs were made by such artists as Victor Vasarely and Jean Arp,” he says.

Victoria Pearson / Alisal Ranch

Choosing a Tapestry for Your Space

“There are many other forms of wall-hung textile art that are sometimes referred to as tapestries (despite not technically being tapestries), because they are intended to be displayed in a similar way and are similarly large in scale,” says Barzilay Freund. “When we talk about tapestries in interior design today, we’re referring to large-scale textile art that is hung in a place of prominence in much the same way an important painting would be displayed,” he says.

Whether historic or modern, tapestries bring many desirable characteristics into a room when it comes to decorating. "They are completely versatile and can work in nearly any design scheme, adding warmth, texture, patina, and visual interest to any space,” says Barzilay Freund.

He says tapestries are at home in a variety of spaces, from the starkly modern to the charmingly cozy. He gives a particular shoutout to traditional landscapes in today’s maximalist decorating styles. “Traditional Flemish and French tapestries from the 17th and 18th centuries are well suited to today’s maximalist interiors, particularly the tapestries known as verdures, which were woven to show lush landscapes and gardens.” Barzilay Freund likes these antique tapestries for the warmth and sense of importance that they carry, but also their aged appearance. “Period tapestries have gentle colors due to natural fading, much like the patina of a fine antique,” he adds. 

But there are a variety of styles to choose from. Look to the following for inspiration:

• Organic modernism and Swedish flatweave designs by the likes of Marta Maas Fjetterstrom
• Modern art rugs by such blue-chip names as Roy Lichtenstein and Alexander Calder, and contemporary creators like Jamie Hayon X Nani Marquina
• Bohemian and macrame and fiber art, like the large-scale wall hangings created by Jane Knight or contemporary artist Tamar Samplonius
• Fine art as tapestry or multimedia textile-like sculptures (metal that is woven or sewn together) by the contemporary Ghanaian artist El Anatsui

In addition to style, Wemlinger says size is an important factor when selecting a tapestry. “Overall, I think that bigger is better. They're made to be noticed, so make it a focal point in your room,” she says. 

Where to Hang Tapestry

Historically hung in bedrooms, tapestries are a natural fit for the room today and are especially suited to a formal traditional style or rooms with a bohemian flair. “I really like the idea of using a tapestry as a headboard,” says Wemlinger. “It takes up less space than a traditional headboard, eliminates the need for a piece of art over the bed, and is easy to take down and move when switching a room around.”

Tapestries work well for main living areas, too, where their imagery and storytelling can inspire conversation. Wemlinger suggests hanging a tapestry in a dining room over a sideboard or a living room above a sofa. But where tapestries really have the opportunity to make an impact is on a large wall. “I think another great spot for a tapestry is in a two-story foyer. It is sometimes challenging to know what to put on these walls, and I think the pliable nature of a tapestry is perfect for this area,” says Wemlinger. 

When you’re choosing where to hang a tapestry, remember that direct sunlight will fade fibers. You may also want to consider pets in the home that may find it appealing to climb or scratch. Avoid tapestries in kitchens, baths, and rooms with a lot of moisture or smells that can get trapped in the fibers. 

David Tsay

How to Display a Tapestry

Size, weight, age, and how it’s constructed all influence how to hang a tapestry. “As art, they can be hung from a rod (usually from a pocket sewn into the top of the tapestry), or matted and framed,” says Wemlinger. “Generally, the preference is to have it hanging loose so as to be able to appreciate the intricate nature of the construction of these tapestries."

A pocket along the back of a tapestry provides a traditional mounting style. A rod is slid through the pocket and attached to the wall (like a curtain rod). This method gives consistent support to the textile (no uneven bunching, unlike a curtain). It also allows the rod, instead of the textile itself, to be mounted to the wall, which is important support for heavy textiles. Very old or frail tapestries may be best framed to protect them.

Less formal decorating styles, as well as lighter-weight and less valuable tapestries, can take a more casual approach; mounting ideas include attaching curtain rings, draping over rods, and hanging from a dowel or banner hanger or quilt hangers. 

When it comes to care and maintenance, tapestries are fairly simple. Generally, dusting with a soft cloth should do the trick. If needed, light vacuuming with a brush may work, but typically, professional cleaning is recommended (if at all) for anything beyond dusting. 

Shopping for Tapestries

You can find antique and vintage tapestries of all styles on sites like 1stDibs and Chairish. Etsy is another online option that will also offer new tapestries, including more contemporary interpretations of textile wall hangings. 

“I think estate sales would be a great place to look as well; tapestries had fallen out of fashion for a long time, so they may be some of the easily looked-over items there,” says Wemlinger. “I would also look at consignment shops that cater to the higher-end products and furnishings."

Finally, tapestry is not a lost art form, and it has evolved to encompass many forms of textile wall hangings: look for contemporary artists and craftspeople through local art galleries and markets.