How To Use A Tapestry As Wall Decor - Without Feeling Like You're In A Dorm Room
A dorm room is often the first time young adults have control over their living space. While they may have had a say in their childhood bedrooms, many parents have the final say over paint colors and furniture. However, that freedom of decorating is still limited by budget, dorm rules, and the college section of big box stores. Because of those buying trends, there are some items that have come to be associated with dorm and college decorating.
The most popular is the tapestry. These are large pieces of fabric, sometimes woven and sometimes screen printed, with designs and patterns. They're ideal in dorm rooms because they're inexpensive, easy to hang, and add plenty of color to the space. Tapestries' are easy décor, but people rarely use them after college because they're so heavily associated with dorm rooms and university apartments. But if you find the right tapestry and get creative with how you use it, this can be the secret weapon for creating a stylish and unique interior.
Go for pairs
Make tapestries feel like art by hanging a set of them. These tapestries are mirror images of each other and look like intentional art pieces rather than cheap décor pieces. Hanging them over the sofa places them in a featured location, which feels more like art than a quick décor option. Hung up on a wooden branch furthers the artistic direction of the tapestry and introduces a natural element into the room. And because these tapestries are smaller, they don't feel like the kind typically found in a dorm room.
Use lots of texture
A mix of fibers of various weights creates a tapestry full of texture. It makes a unique piece that's an understated statement for a home. The earth-tone and neutral shades allow it to fit with a variety of décor styles. Handwoven tapestries are typically made by independent artisans, so you're sure to get a rare piece, as opposed to the ones that are typically mass-produced and popular for dorms. And being on the smaller side allows you to hang them virtually on any wall.
Oversized statement
If you love how your college tapestry made a statement, you don't have to give that up completely. You can still look for oversized tapestries that act as large-scale art in your home. Make the tapestry look more grown-up and sophisticated by choosing an artisan-made or thicker woven piece. Tapestries that are screen-printed feel more juvenile, which can make your home feel like a dorm. The neutral colors and art style of this tapestry also feel more elevated for an adult-oriented space.
Create a gallery wall
Gallery walls have been a popular method of decorating for years and are a timeless way of displaying photos and art. However, gallery walls are also always getting a revamp. Consider a gallery wall of tapestry art to show off a few woven pieces. You can still use some of the gallery wall design tenants to create a tapestry gallery. As featured here, a large centerpiece surrounded by smaller pieces provides built-in statement and accent pieces. Or choose an arrangement of smaller pieces to evoke more symmetry.
Play around with shape
Most tapestries are square or rectangular, but those aren't your only options. Create a unique wall art piece by finding tapestries in various shapes. Many independent textile artists will experiment with different colors and shapes, which creates interesting pieces that create artistic accents when hanging in a room. These tapestries are abstract shapes with visual interest and are filled with colored shapes to elevate your space more than a typical tapestry.
Frame it
What better way to make a tapestry feel like art than to frame it? This vintage tapestry in an antique frame feels like it should be in a history museum, perfect for adding an old-world charm to your home. With a smaller tapestry, you'd be able to frame it on your own. However, larger ones may require a custom professional frame. When framing, you may also want to leave the glass out of the frame to admire the texture. This method will elevate the typical tapestry to make it feel like an expensive piece of art.