Angela Dawson-Field asked:


The use of tapestries in American interior design was the height of fashion in the late 1800′s. They represented elegance, and the new wealthy American aristocracy mimicked European styles that boasted wall tapestries in estate homes and castles.

People continue to seek individualist ways to decorate their home that will reflect their good taste and sense of style. A wall tapestry is a sophisticated alternative to a framed painting or an oil canvass. The variety of quality art, unique textures, and ornate hardware options for hanging them make tapestries an enduring choice for any décor.

Tapestry is an ancient art form woven on a loom-Egyptian mummies were buried in tapestries. The ones of highest quality are crafted by hand. Imagine the possibilities of texture and color that pop and immediately draw the eye to where the tapestry is displayed. The right tapestry in the right décor is truly a wall to wall solution for modern homes that boast high ceilings and huge expanses of open space.

The need and function of tapestries has evolved throughout the ages. Artistic or decorative values have replaced the more practical uses like for protection in cold castles during the Middle Ages. Today there is not a room in your home that would not benefit with a tapestry.

There are many tapestry choices!

Whimsical pillows and comfortable chenille tapestry throw on a sofa or bed add warmth and personality to any room. Your ordinary dining room table is instantly transformed with a tapestry runner down the middle woven from wool, silk, synthetic fibers, or cotton. That sleek fireplace without a mantel becomes the focal point of your room with a six foot long tapestry over it in a modern or rustic design that compliments your marble or slate floors.

Another important décor decision when purchasing a tapestry is the style of hardware chosen to accentuate its placement on a wall. Cast iron sets with rods, finials and brackets are available in a variety of finish colors such as gold leaf, bronzed wood, or flat black. Hang your tapestry close to the wall with decorative solid brass hooks.

If your tapestry is an antique, or a traditional medieval or Renaissance style, a Fleur de Lies or an enlarged spear shape finials would compliment that style period. If you seek a more modern tapestry design like a single flower or a geometric design, select a simple brass or pewter ball finial on the end of the rod.

Where can you find the best tapestries?

Flanders, Belgium is well known as one of the origins of the ancient technique of tapestry weaving. Other countries contributing to the spread of tapestries throughout the world are England, France, Italy and Germany. The artwork depicted on European tapestries has reflected the décor styles of each new age throughout history.

Belgium and Italian tapestries favor rural scenes within their country or religious themes. After the Renaissance, English, French and German tapestries reflected the popularity of hunting and game animals, even war scenes from famous battles in history. Flowers and gardens are a universally popular theme in European tapestries.

People collect valuable antiques and works of art and enjoy displaying them in their home. An antique tapestry from Flanders or France will add a unique dimension to a room filled with other collectibles. They become cherished possessions and will be passed down from generation to generation with a sentimental value that goes beyond its price tag.

Matching your tapestry to your décor

A French tapestry is the perfect fit if your home décor is the popular Country French style. With this sunny, earthy and rustic design, tapestries can add an elegant and even romantic touch to your home. Bring the freshness of the outdoors into your home with a handsome floral tapestry.

If you prefer the more modern Scandinavian Style, look for a tapestry that favors a basic color palette of whites, beiges, natural light wood tones. A geometric design in bright red can contrast dramatically with the predominately basic colors.

An eclectic theme is a perfect fit for tapestries. When a style is allowed to mix anything in order to create a completely individualized style, tapestries make an unequaled décor statement. An old world tapestry, or one with a religious theme, would enhance your personal style and it could become an evocative conversation piece.

No matter the size of the walls in your home, tapestries can be used as a wall to wall décor that adds value to your home. When you begin the search for just the right tapestry, you may find that adding tapestries as accents in your home has become addictive!