How to Mount a Tapestry
Wall tapestry adds texture, warmth, color and elegance to your decor. You can mount your tapestry in a few ways, including wall tapestry rods and frames for smaller-sized tapestries. Most tapestry rods come with hardware brackets that make your tapestry hanging stand out away from the wall. This prevents the tapestry from developing mold and keeps air circulating behind it. Also, select a tapestry rod that has at least 2 inches on each side to keep the tapestry from appearing crowded on the rod. Frame and mount tapestries as fine works of art. Does this Spark an idea?
Other People Are Reading
Things You'll Need
- Tapestry
- Measuring tape
- Sheets of newspaper
- Tapestry rod with brackets
- Level
- Screwdriver
- Wall anchor
- Ladder (optional)
- Deep frame
- Pencil
- Hammer
- Picture nail
- Shadow box frame (optional)
- Colored canvas or matting
- Scissors
Instructions
-
Rod Mounting
-
1
Examine your walls for a good space to mount your tapestry. Mount a long, narrow tapestry hanging on a long wall, but make certain you have room along the sides so the wall does not look too crowded. Mount a very large tapestry hanging alone on a bare wall. This allows your tapestry to receive complete attention as a work of art.
-
2
Measure the length and width of your tapestry, then measure newspaper for the same size. Mount the newspaper on the wall to get a good, visual idea of how you want the tapestry to hang.
-
-
3
Mark the top of each side of the paper when you decide where you want the tapestry to hang.
-
4
Install the rod brackets to your wall, according to your rod's instructions.
-
5
Iron the back of your tapestry if it has creases or wrinkles. Place a cloth between the tapestry and the iron set on low to medium heat. Use steam if needed. Allow the tapestry to cool before hanging it.
-
6
Slip the tapestry rod through the rod pocket on the back of your tapestry. You will see the rod pocket tapers at the ends, which helps hide the brackets from view.
-
7
Mount the tapestry on the rod onto the rod brackets. The tapestry will hang away from the wall 1 to 2 inches.
Frame Mounting
-
8
Place the empty frame against the wall and position it so it you have it at eye level. Make certain the bottom of the frame is no higher than 4 feet from the floor.
-
9
Mark the wall lightly with a pencil where the top of the frame meets the wall.
-
10
Measure from the top of the frame to the hook or hanging wire on the back of the frame. Make note of this measurement.
-
11
Place the measuring tape against the wall starting at the pencil mark you made. Measure down the same number of inches you noted for the back of the frame. Mark the wall with an "x" at this spot.
-
12
Place a piece of transparent tape over the "x" spot you made. This prevents the paint from chipping and the wall from cracking when hammering the nail.
-
13
Hammer a nail into the tape-covered "x" spot on the wall, angling slightly upward.
-
14
Remove the glass and back from the frame. Place your tapestry inside of a deep frame. If you have a thick tapestry, place it inside of a shadowbox frame. Shadowbox frames have 4 to 6 more inches than your tapestry all the way around.
-
15
Insert a cut sheet of colored canvas or matting onto the back of your tapestry as it lays in the frame. Make certain the canvas or matting has a neutral color that matches your tapestry, like beige or cream, depending on your tapestry colors.
-
16
Hang the framed tapestry from the picture nail on the wall. Position it until it hangs straight.
-
1
Tips & Warnings
Keep your tapestry looking fresh by brushing it using a soft brush when needed.
Use a clothespin around the nail as you hammer it into the wall for your frame mounting. This prevents you from accidentally hammering your fingers.
Never iron directly on the tapestry or have your iron set too hot.
References
Resources
- Photo Credit broom tapestry image by Adrian Hillman from Fotolia.com
