Rugs as Wall Hangings: How to Hang it and Why Adopt it

This article was first published on January the 25th, 2019

In western countries, rugs are put on the floor to make the room more comfortable, to absorb noises, or to define a part of the room. But when you think about it, putting them on the walls can have the same effects. It is common to find carpets as wall hangings in the Near and Middle East, they have been doing it for ages. There, rugs have always been considered as wall art. So it was only natural that they would hang it up as a work of art rather than put it on the floor.

Rugs for wall hangings also have many advantages in terms of home decor. Let’s see.

The benefits of hanging a carpet on the wall

Adding texture to a wall

A rug is by definition more texturized than a picture. There are many kinds of rugs some are more prominent than others but they will surely all add texture to a wall. In the end, it’s a great way to dress up a wall giving it relief and dimension.

Creating a cozy feeling

Using a rug on a wall can also add coziness to a room. Since rugs are made out of materials such as wool, cotton, silk, jute etc… they are a good way to warm things up.

Making a statement

You don’t see rugs hanged in every home. So far the home I’ve visited that had rugs hanged on walls had all this one thing in common: a lot of character. It might not have been the best-decorated home, nor the trendiest but they all had a recognizable identity.

And isn’t it the most important thing in the end? You don’t want to live in a home that looks exactly the same as your neighbor’s. You want to live in a home that fits you and that shows your personality.

Sound-absorbing properties

If you happen to have an echo in your room, using a rug as wall hanging could definitely help a lot. All carpets have a more or less sound-absorbing power. Depending on the configuration of the room, hanging a rug on the wall can be more effective than putting it on the floor.

3 fairly easy ways to hang a rug as wall art

According to my research, there are many different ways to hang a carpet on the wall, some methods are more complex than others. Here, I wanted to favor relatively easy methods that don’t take too much time and don’t require too much know-how. let’s see:

1. A sliding bar to hang a carpet on the wall like a curtain
2. Using carpet tack strips
3. Velcro straps

A few things you should consider before hanging a rug on the wall:

• What effect do you want to give to your hanging carpet? rather free or rather flush.
• Try as much as possible to avoid direct light on your carpet as it will eventually damage its colors.
• Keep in mind that sticky adhesives are not recommended but can sometimes be used for small light rugs (see method 3).
• Consider the size of your wall before purchasing the rug. A large wall can accommodate a large carpet
• Keep in mind that a nail-hanging rug would tear after a period of time.

1. A sliding bar to hang a carpet on the wall like a curtain

The idea here is to install a bar on the wall where you want to fix a carpet.

This is the ideal solution for optimal support, especially if you have chosen a heavy model to hang and a good way to not alter your rug.

In order to make you rug slide onto the curtain bar you’ll need to create a sliding strip. This strip consist of a piece of fabric that will be located at the back of the carpet and into which the bar will slide. Basically it’s the same system as curtains.

2. Using carpet tack strips

Carpet tack strips are wooden strips with small spikes on them. They are normally used to secure carpets to the floor. You can easily find them in the woodworking department of a traditional DIY store.

These tack strips come with nails that you drive into the floor but here it will be into the wall. The peaks have to face you. Once the strip is in place, press the carpet firmly against the tack strips. You can add another strip at the bottom of your rug, it really depends on the effect you want to achieve. If you need to, you can consolidate your fixation with upholstery nails.

3. Velcro Straps (no drilling needed)

This third solution is more suitable for lighter rugs. Don’t try this with a beni ouarain or any other heavy rug.

The idea is to avoid making holes in the wall by using the power of velcro.
You’ll need to build a frame with wooden sticks slightly smaller than your rug. Once you’ve assembled your frame, put it at the back of your carpet. To make it fit simply use upholstery nails. Then glue the strips of this special velcro on the wooden sticks and follow the instructions. Once this is done, well: you can hang your rug.

More ideas for rug-like wall hangings

When I found out about Christabel Balfour beautiful weaving tapestries I was amazed. Her pieces are truly one of kind. She explores geometric forms, colors, and texture through weaving and does it masterfully.

The come back of quilts

While I was looking for some beautiful rugs for wall hangings I stumbled upon Louise Grey contemporary quilts. Their minimalist look, their geometrical forms, and muted tones completely swept me away. Plus in a stroke of genius, Louise Gray created a throw quilt hanger in order to make the whole hanging process looking sleeker.

I hope I have convinced you that hanging rugs on the wall can be a very good way to add some personality to your home and that it doesn’t have to feel outdated.