Last updated: 16/10/2022

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Tapestries are a long-standing trend. Used for centuries to store the warmth of the rooms and also as sound insulation. They thus acted as decoration with a practical function. Through elaborate patterns and high-quality fabrics, they gave the room a cosy atmosphere.

Today, tapestries are still used as decoration, replacing pictures and posters. In our product comparison, we have weighed up different models and their most important features to be able to present you with a wide selection.




Summary

  • Tapestries can stand out as a standalone piece, or work together with matching decorative items to create a pleasant atmosphere. They give each room its own character, with style.
  • Tapestries exist in a wide variety of materials. The higher the quality of the fabric and the more elaborate its workmanship, the higher the price range.
  • The cleaning of wall hangings must be researched beforehand. High-quality tapestries also require specialist cleaning.

The Best Tapestry: Our Picks

Buying and evaluation criteria for tapestries

So that you know what to look for when buying a tapestry, the most important criteria have been listed and explained in the following section.

With these criteria, you can compare individual products and more easily decide whether they meet your requirements.

Material

Tapestries can be made of synthetic or natural materials. Both have their advantages and disadvantages, and also vary greatly in price. Wall hangings made of synthetic fabrics, such as polyester, are very easy to clean. They are also more functional. You can easily put them up and take them down, pack them up and take them with you as they are quite light anyway. With natural or high-quality fabrics like (sheep) wool, it’s not so easy. However, they give a very special atmosphere, and also feel great on the skin.

Size

Before buying, you should definitely read up on the dimensions of the product. Especially on the internet, products look much bigger or smaller in the showcase pictures. Once you know the units, you can also better plan whether you have enough space for your wall decoration.

The good thing about wall hangings is that although they cover a lot of wall space (depending on the dimensions), the space itself doesn’t get smaller, as it does with a piece of furniture, for example. And you can still put things and furniture in front of it without any problems.

Colour

When buying, make sure that the colours of the fabric do not clash with your wall colour or the colours of other decorative items. You should also be aware that the colour may vary when you buy your tapestry online, as the images are often edited or have a filter. Also, the style or print should match well with the rest of the room and furniture. The tapestry should be a positive eye-catcher, not a thorn in the side.

Weight

You need to consider the weight when transporting the tapestry. Light fabrics are best suited to be hung up and taken down often. This allows you to decorate different areas of your living space without having to buy new ones.

If you are thinking of ordering a wool tapestry on the Internet, you must bear in mind that the shipping costs will increase if the fabric exceeds a certain weight. With heavy fabrics, it is not only a challenge to transport them, but also to hang them up and clean them. The last question in the FAQ shows you how best to do this.

Guide: Frequently asked questions about tapestries answered in detail

This FAQ has been compiled for you to answer the most important questions on this topic.

Who is a tapestry suitable for?

As already mentioned, tapestries are a wonderful alternative to decorate your wall. Since there are so many different types, there is in principle something for everyone. Of course, the price range also varies. But we will come to that later. The most popular tapestries are light fabric lacquers with printed patterns, or pictures.

Popular prints are hippie or oriental patterns, mandalas or minimalist drawings. Depending on the print and material, the room takes on a very specific atmosphere. Decide beforehand in which room the tapestry should hang and whether you have enough space on your wall.

Wandteppich

Persian carpets are made of sheep’s wool. If the fabric contains silk, the price range is at least 5,000. (Image source: Ashkan Forouzani / unsplash)

But how do you hang such a heavy fabric? You’ll find a few tips in the next section of our FAQ.

Is installing a tapestry difficult?

The easiest way to install a tapestry is with a nail or hook from which hangs a string or ribbon attached to the wooden beam. Before buying, check whether your tapestry can be hung in this way. This is less likely with heavy and large tapestries. With heavy models, the help of several people may be required to ensure that the product is not damaged and that it hangs on the wall as desired.

This can be achieved, for example, by using a curtain rod. Loops are attached to the carpet so that the curtain rod can be pulled. You must make sure that there are enough loops so that the fabric does not fold or even fall off.

How do you care for a tapestry?

To keep your tapestry as new, it needs to be cared for. How you do this depends on the fabric. Synthetic fabrics such as polyester can be hand-washed at less than 30° Celsius or machine-washed with a little detergent. To make the fabric easy to hang up again and to keep it looking neat, you can iron it at under 110° Celsius. What you should not do is use bleach. This could ruin the fabric and the pattern.

Higher quality specimens should be taken to a professional cleaner for a thorough cleaning. For everyday use, a hoover can be used as with a normal carpet. Make sure the suction power is low so that the tapestry is not torn from its attachment, or hang it as a precaution. What you can also look out for is where you hang it so as not to need extra cleaning. For example, the kitchen would not be a good place as fumes and odours could easily get into the fabric, and food stains would be a danger.

Conclusion

A tapestry is just the right choice to make you feel comfortable in your home. It combines warmth and security, with style and art. They are a real eye-catcher on the wall, even in neutral and subtle colour schemes.

Now you know our recommendations, the most important buying criteria you should consider, and how best to keep your tapestry looking like new. So keep in mind where you want to hang your tapestry and whether it is suitable for your ideas.

Image source: unsplash.com / Martin Sanchez

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