Your home is your sanctuary, your safe haven and the place that you can settle in after a hard day at work. Not only is it the place where you need to unwind and relax, but your home is also your space to visually express who you are, your personality and your character.
Decorating your home allows you to personalize your space and demonstrate your personality type. Whether it be minimalist, with clean lines and simple colors, or dramatic, vibrant and bohemian, there are hundreds of options for you to make your space your own. If you are not too certain where you fit in, there is an array of sites that can help you filter down what your ultimate look is.
One key element that can be added to your home, whether it is minimal or dramatic, are tapestries. The versatility of tapestries allows you to chop and change and choose the ideal one to hang on your wall to match your look. We thought we would take a look at tapestries, how they can be added to the room and what you need to consider when choosing one.
Know your Tapestries
Let’s start off with the different types of tapestries that you need to know about before you make your decision. Tapestries are decorated fabrics that have been hung on people’s walls throughout history. In fact, tapestries go back centuries and have been some of the most popular forms of decorating homes throughout the world. Not only does the material keep the home warm, but they depict scenes of the times and areas and maintained their popularity throughout the ages.
You can choose from different materials including wool, cotton, silk, and linen. Most tapestries are delicately woven, with the more expensive ones being hand-woven. There are numerous intricate techniques that are used to weave tapestries, and depending on the area in the world that you are getting them from, you can choose from a variety of styles.
Tapestries can come in various themes, colors and can be created in a variety of ways. Not only can they be specifically hand-made, as mentioned before, but you can buy a tapestry that has been digitally made and even screen-printed tapestries. Screen printing takes a bit longer as these use mesh to make the patterns.
Choosing the Right Tapestry for You
So, what kind of wall hanging will work for you? The first thing you will need to consider is what your home currently looks like. What are the major themes, what is the overall feeling that you are looking to achieve and what will enhance the colors of your room? The next thing will be to look at the size that you have to work with. A large area of the wall is better as it gives you more space to work with. Smaller rooms and walls can look even smaller if you are hanging patterned fabric.
The next thing for you to consider is the color and pattern of the tapestry. If you are looking for a modern, slick look, there are thousands of patterns to choose from that will simply add dimension to your minimal look. Go for neutral tones, with simple, repeating patterns, that can be hung on a bare piece of wall. Geometric shapes can be a great offset on the simple white and black minimal look, and these shapes can be carried through with lamps, solid tables, and simple pots.
If drama is more down your alley, adding that touch of vibrancy can lift any room. Mandala tapestries are the bright, Hindu and Buddhist inspired patterns representing the universe. They can be matched with Morrocan style lamps, curved furniture and hanging plants for effect. These repeated bright patterns can also be found in hippie-style tapestries, as well as the very bohemian omber floral.
If a solid image is what you are after, there are endless options for a wall hanging for you. Whether it be the bohemian elephant, the sun and the moon, or a depiction of The Great Wave off Kanagawa, whatever your style, you can match it up to your personal tastes.
Decorating Around Your Tapestry
The tapestry is usually the central focus of the room, and as mentioned before, the size of the room matters immensely. You will need to take a step back before hanging it permanently to see whether the flow of the room is disrupted by the fabric hanging, especially if it is very bold and vibrant.
Tapestries can be accentuated with simple pieces added to them. For example, if you have a simple blue and white patterned tapestry hanging above your bed, you can add a string of fairy lights over it, and even a hanging plant to add depth to the look. Adding a tapestry underneath spotlights can also draw attention to the hanging, especially if it is an expensive, hand-made tapestry that is worth a lot of money and is an attraction.
Make sure you add similar colors into the room that are present on the tapestry to make sure that there is a flow. Vastly different colors could work well if you have a vibrant boho-chic look, but in most cases, you will need to add a plant pot, decorative frames or a lamp that matches the colors somewhere in the room. If you are adding a mirror in the room, try not to add it directly opposite the tapestry. This will make the room feel smaller and cluttered. Rather hang a mirror on a side wall, and make sure that it is not the same size as the tapestry.
Last Thoughts
A tapestry is a simple, cheap way to brighten up and create a focal point in any room. They work well in any home as they can be easily interchanged depending on the season, tastes or even just mood. They are incredibly versatile and have unlimited benefits to them when you find the one that works for you.
