Hanging Your Tapestry

Magnificent Tapestry Wall Hangings

134 Nelson Street, Arroyo Grande, CA 93420 805-474-8785

HOW TO HANG YOUR TAPESTRY There are several methods used in hanging a tapestry. The decision as to which one to use, of course, depends on your decor. The costs of these different hanging methods can vary considerably - from almost nothing to hundreds of dollars! We will be happy to assist you in any way we can.

RODS & FINIALS Using a rod is probably the most common way to hang a tapestry. Most tapestries have either a pocket sewn into the lining on the back or have a varying number of loops at the top. A rod is the easiest and most normal method of hanging and keeps the the tapestry straight at the top. They are available in a variety of materials, sizes and colors. You can find rods in brass, wood, and wrought iron and all of these are available in different lengths, widths and coloration - there is something for almost any decor. Most of these will have decorative end pieces called finials. Finials come in different designs such as balls, leaves, acorn shapes, etc. What you see at this link and this other link are solid brass finials that will screw into 1" or wider decorative wooden rods. The good news is that you can normally get the wooden rods at your local building supply and get it cut to length. You can then paint or stain it whatever color you would like. (We are more than happy to ship them but if they are too long, they have to be shipped as over-size packages!) However, a Wooden Rod Price List is available for your convenience. The length of the rod is usually to your own taste but you normally will not want it extending too far beyond the hooks or brackets. The diameter of the rod is usually dependent on the size and heft of the tapestry but there are times when, for effect, you may want to use a large diameter in a small piece and a small diameter in a large piece. And, as stated earlier, the price of the rods and finials can get rather high depending on how elaborate you would like to go. There are also some magnificent Metal Rods available with an assortment of finials. What is nice about these metal rods is that there are extensions available to arrive at whatever length you need. A Metal Rod & Finial Price List is also provided for your convenience.

HOOKS/BRACKETS Once you have the rod through the pocket or the loops, you need to have a system in place that will support the rod and the tapestry. To this end you can use hooks, brackets or the units that come with a rod/finial package. Hooks and brackets come in brass, wood, wrought iron, etc. Most commercial rods (such as a telegraphing cafe rod) come packaged with hooks that will hold the tapestry out from the wall. Some people prefer this but the tapestry normally looks better as close to the wall as possible. There are some brass hooks that will accomplish this. Interestingly, these hooks can be used with either brass or wood rods. There are some very nice, inexpensive Brass Hooks available. as well as some Brackets in both brass and wood. The brackets are a bit pricey but make a very nice presentation. If you want to have your own design in wrought iron, you may be able to find an ironworks near you that will do custom rods, hooks and brackets.

RINGS & BARS There are a number of tapestries that the hanging system consists of a series of rings or bars that are sown on the lining at the top of the tapestry. This calls for a number of things: 1) measuring the distance between the rings/bars; 2)drawing a straight line (using a level) on the wall; 3) marking the same distances on the wall as on the tapestry; 4)putting screws, nails or cup hooks at each of the marks; 5)then hanging the tapestry. This does get the tapestry very close to the wall and has a very nice, finished look.

BASEBOARD (ROD POCKET ONLY) There is another very effective (and inexpensive ) way of hanging a tapestry with a rod pocket. This is done by simply using a piece of baseboard a little shorter than the length of the tapestry. The width of the baseboard can vary with the width of the pocket on the tapestry. Once you have the baseboard cut to length, drill a hole at each end that is equidistant and centered. Determine where you will be hanging the tapestry, then, using a level and pencil, mark through the drilled holes where the screws will be placed. Now that the screw holes are determined you will probably want to put "wall anchors" where the screws will be going. Then, put the baseboard into the pocket and secure one end of the baseboard at a time using screws the right size for the wall anchor. As you can tell, this puts the tapestry right next to the wall, the top being very straight and level. The cost of this installation is usually just a few dollars.

VELCRO The last way suggested to hang a tapestry is on velcro. This will usually require some amount of sewing (there is some self adhesive velcro available). Velcro is available in a lot of different widths from 1/2" to 4". The width you use depends on the weight and width of the tapestry Half of the velcro needs to be added to the top of the lining. The other half of the lining can be put on (stapling is the best) a piece of baseboard (rather than attaching the velcro directly to the wall). Again, pre-drill the baseboard as mentioned above, and put wall anchors in to place before securing baseboard. Make sure you use a level. Then simply attach the tapestry to the velcro strip on the wall. The cost of the velcro application is somewhat more than just using a baseboard. In addition to the cost of the velcro, there is the cost of the baseboard and perhaps the cost of the labor to sew on the velcro.

CURVED WALLS Another good use of velcro is on a curved wall. This is especially good for some over-the-fireplace and stairwell applications. To use the velcro in this way requires a flexible or "bender" board. You would prepare the tapestry and the board the same as on a flat wall

A WORD ABOUT LOOPS/TABS As you have seen above, a rod is necessary for hanging a tapestry finished with loops/tabs. A lot of people prefer this method but it has it's drawbacks. The caution having a tapestry finished with this hanging method is that, unless the tapestry is sewn exactly right (our specialty!) the tapestry, after hanging for some period of time tends to "cup" - curve inward - between the loops.

TOOLS/EQUIPMENT When using hooks or brackets, rings or bars, velcro or baseboard, good measurement is essential. In all of the installations it is also necessary to be armed with the proper equipment. Here is a list of some of the epuipment/tools you may find useful:
-Ladder Especially for higher installations. It is recommended that you take precautions to keep from marring the wall with the ladder. An old towel works pretty good for this.
-Tape Measure A yardstick/straight edge may also be helpful. Make sure you have one long enough to measure all of your distances - from the top of your ceiling down and for any side to side measurement
-Pencil Good and sharp to make the least amount of marks
-Level For a nice, finished, even look, a level is essential
-Screwdriver/Powerdriver. Select the right type for the type screws you have
-Wall Anchors. Most installations will be into dry wall. Select the right size.
-Hammer/Rubber Mallet. Just in case! Actually a rubber mallet can come in handing when inserting the wall anchors. Putting something over the rubber mallet, such as a sock, can keep from marring the wall.

SAFETY Due to the fact that most tapestry installations require ladders and possibly some power equipment, please remember to use CAUTION. Remember, most accidents occur in the home!

For more information about this topic, contact Ron Whaley at tapestry@fix.net. To view our large selection of Magnificent Tapestry Wall Hangings you can go to hercastletapestry.com
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