How to Hang an Oriental Rug
Oriental rugs look magnificent when hung on a wall, and provide warmth, insulation and interest to a room. Use a large rug to dominate an end wall, or hang a series of smaller ones along a corridor. Take some care when preparing to hang a rug, and calculate its weight and age before considering which hanging method will suit it best. Does this Spark an idea?
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Things You'll Need
- Tape measure
- Hanging bar
- Wall brackets
- Wall screws
- Manual or power drill
- Drill bit
- Screwdriver or power driver
- Rug tape
- Rigid tape measure
- Spirit level
- Pencil
- Scissors
- Darning needle
- Thimble
- Heavy-duty cotton thread
Instructions
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Heavy Oriental Rugs
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1
Measure the width of your rug with a tape measure and allow for a 1-inch-diameter hanging bar in metal or wood at least 2 inches wider on either side. Draw a pencil line on the wall at the required height, using a ruler and spirit level.
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2
Match a drill bit to the size of bracket screws, and mount four bar brackets on the wall along the pencil line, one at each end and two spaced equidistant between them.
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3
Attach three lengths of 3-inch-wide rug tape, or casing, parallel to the top back width of the rug. Use heavy cotton thread on a darning needle, and a thimble to protect your fingers. Sew one on either side and one directly between them. Sew each side of the tape to the loom threads rather than to the decorative design, and make the pocket loose enough to accommodate the hanging pole.
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4
Slide the mounting bar through the three tape pockets and lift the bar and rug up onto the wall. Secure the bar against the brackets according to the manufacturer's instructions.
Small or Light Rugs
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5
Measure the width of the rug as for the heavier rug, and mount an appropriately-sized bar on the wall. Smaller or lighter rugs do not need extra support--one bracket at each end and a 1/2-inch-diameter bar are sufficient.
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6
Sew one length of rug tape along the back top edge of the rug. Catch the threads of the warp and weft along each side of the tape.
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7
Slide the mounting bar through the pocket and lift the rug and bar onto the brackets. Secure the bar according to the manufacturer's instructions.
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Tips & Warnings
Mount your oriental rugs in partial shade to protect the rug from the long-term bleaching effect of direct sun.
Rest heavy rugs every few months, to allow them to regain their shape. Take them down and lay them out for three to four weeks before remounting them on the wall.
Attach rug tape to the other end of the rug, and alternate the orientation whenever the rug is rehung after cleaning or resting.
Do not nail rugs to the wall or use picture hooks. Nails and hooks damage rugs, and unequal gravitational stresses pull it out of shape.
References
Resources
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