A tapestry should hang flat, straight and secure, and still look the same years from now. The way you hang it makes all the difference. Push pins and nails through the fabric might work for a thin cotton hanging, but they can stretch and distort a heavier textile, and they leave it hanging from a few stressed points.
Here's how to hang a tapestry properly, including heavy hand-tufted wool pieces, plus options if you rent.
The golden rule: support the full width
Textiles hang best when their weight is spread evenly along the whole top edge. Hanging from a few points (nails, pins or clips) concentrates all the weight in small spots. Over time the fabric can stretch, sag between the points, or ripple.
This matters even more for wool. A hand-tufted wool tapestry is dense and substantial: our smallest size, 60 × 80 cm, weighs around 2 kg (4.4 lb), and larger pieces weigh more in proportion to their size. That weight needs to be carried evenly.
Hanging methods compared
| Method | Best for | Wall damage | Our verdict |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hook-and-loop strip on a batten | Any weight, including heavy wool | A few small screw holes | Best overall: museum method, even support, easy to adjust |
| Rod through a sleeve | Tapestries with a sewn rod pocket | Two brackets | Great if your tapestry has a sleeve |
| Clip or poster hanger rail | Light to medium textiles | One or two hooks | Fine for lighter pieces; clips concentrate weight |
| Adhesive strips | Light pieces, or mounting a light batten | None if removed carefully | Check weight ratings carefully |
| Nails or pins through the fabric | Thin, lightweight hangings only | Small holes | Avoid for wool and anything you value |
The best method: hook-and-loop on a batten
This is how museums hang textiles, and it's what every Hewn Earth piece is designed for. Each tapestry comes with a hook-and-loop hanging strip.
What you'll need
- The hook-and-loop strip
- A straight wooden batten (a thin strip of wood), about 2–3 cm shorter than the width of the tapestry so it stays hidden
- A spirit level, tape measure and pencil
- A drill, screws and wall anchors suited to your wall
- A staple gun or strong glue to fix the strip to the batten
Steps
- Fix the strip to the batten. Attach one side of the hook-and-loop strip along the front face of the batten, using staples or glue.
- Mark the height. Decide where the top of the tapestry should sit. As a guide, the centre of the piece should be about 145–150 cm (57–60 in) from the floor, or the bottom edge 15–25 cm above furniture. Our size guide has more detail.
- Level and mount the batten. Hold the batten against the wall, check it with the level, and screw it in. Use at least two screws for small pieces and three or more for wider ones, ideally into studs or with proper wall anchors.
- Attach the tapestry. The other side of the strip goes along the top edge on the back of the tapestry. Lift the tapestry, line it up and press it onto the batten, starting from the centre and working out to both ends.
- Adjust. Step back and check it's straight. Hook-and-loop lets you peel back a section and reposition until it's exactly right.
Why this works so well: the weight is spread evenly across the full width, the tapestry sits flat against the wall, and you can lift it off for cleaning or moving without any tools.
Choosing screws for your wall
- Drywall (plasterboard): screw into a stud if you can find one. If not, use drywall anchors rated well above the tapestry's weight.
- Plaster walls: drill slowly with a masonry bit and use wall plugs.
- Brick or concrete: use a masonry bit and wall plugs.
Above a bed or sofa, always use screws rather than adhesive. It's worth the few extra minutes for peace of mind.
Renter-friendly options
You don't have to give up on proper hanging if you rent.
Small screw holes are easy to fix. A few small holes in drywall can be filled with a dab of spackle when you move out, and are often acceptable under a lease. It's worth checking yours.
Mount the batten with adhesive strips. Heavy-duty adhesive picture-hanging strips can hold a light wooden batten, with the tapestry attached by hook-and-loop as usual. Add up the weight of the batten and tapestry, then check the rating on the pack and stay well below it. For heavier pieces, use screws.
Remove adhesive strips carefully. Pull the tab slowly, straight down along the wall, not outward. This is what stops paint from peeling.
Use what's already there. An existing picture hook or screw in a good spot can often hold a batten with a small bracket.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Pinning or nailing through the tapestry. It stretches the fabric and can leave permanent marks.
- Hanging from two corner points. The middle sags and the top edge bows.
- Using adhesive strips beyond their weight rating. Wool is heavier than it looks.
- Hanging it too high. Most art is hung too high. Keep the centre near eye level.
- Strong direct sunlight. Long hours of direct sun can fade any dyed textile over time.
Taking it down and storing it
Lift the tapestry off the batten by peeling from one end. If you need to store it:
- Make sure it's clean and dry.
- Roll it loosely around a cardboard tube. Never fold it, which can leave creases in the pile.
- Wrap it in a breathable cotton sheet rather than plastic, and store it somewhere dry.
Frequently asked questions
What's the best way to hang a heavy tapestry?
A hook-and-loop strip mounted on a wooden batten, screwed into the wall. It spreads the weight across the full width and keeps the tapestry flat.
Can I hang a tapestry without drilling?
Yes, for lighter pieces: mount a lightweight batten with heavy-duty adhesive picture-hanging strips, and attach the tapestry with hook-and-loop. Always stay well within the strips' weight rating, and use screws for heavy pieces or anywhere above a bed or sofa.
Can I use a curtain rod to hang a tapestry?
If your tapestry has a sewn sleeve along the top, a rod works well. Without a sleeve, a hook-and-loop batten gives cleaner, more even support.
How do I keep my tapestry straight?
Use a spirit level when mounting the batten, then press the tapestry on from the centre outward. Hook-and-loop lets you peel back and adjust any section until it's straight.
Does my Hewn Earth tapestry come ready to hang?
Yes. Every piece comes with a hook-and-loop hanging strip. You'll just need a batten and a few screws, or heavy-duty adhesive strips for lighter pieces.
Every Hewn Earth tapestry is made to order by hand, and arrives ready to hang. Explore the collection, or read how each piece is made.
