Hanging fabric wall decor involves several easy and effective methods, with Velcro being a super easy and versatile way to hang a tapestry, especially on challenging surfaces like brick or cement walls.
There are multiple approaches to displaying your fabric art, ranging from non-damaging options to more permanent fixtures, depending on the fabric's weight, size, and the type of wall you're working with.
Popular Methods for Hanging Fabric Wall Decor
The best method often depends on the specific fabric item, its weight, and your desired aesthetic. Here's a breakdown of common techniques:
1. Using Velcro
Velcro offers a strong yet adjustable solution, particularly useful for larger pieces like tapestries or fabric panels. It's an excellent choice when you need a secure hold without damaging the wall, or for difficult surfaces.
- Ideal For: Tapestries, large fabric pieces, lightweight quilts, and especially unforgiving walls made of brick or cement.
- How To:
- Prepare Surfaces: Ensure both the fabric and the wall surface are clean and dry.
- Attach to Fabric: Cut strips of self-adhesive Velcro (or sew-on Velcro if preferred, then use fabric adhesive to attach to the wall-side). Attach one side of the Velcro (e.g., the hook side) to the back of the tapestry, distributing strips evenly across the top and sides for support.
- Attach to Wall: Attach the corresponding Velcro strips (e.g., the loop side) to the wall surface, aligning them with where the fabric will hang.
- Hang and Adjust: Gently press the fabric with its Velcro onto the wall Velcro. You can gently peel apart the Velcro to drape or adjust as necessary, ensuring the fabric hangs perfectly. Once aligned, it should stay firmly in place otherwise.
- Benefits: Strong hold, easy to adjust or remove without major wall damage (especially with adhesive-backed Velcro), and ideal for uneven or rough surfaces where nails might struggle.
2. Rods and Dowels
This classic method provides a clean, elegant look, making it suitable for more formal fabric pieces.
- Ideal For: Tapestries, fabric banners, lightweight quilts, and textiles with a sleeve or loop sewn into the top.
- How To:
- Select a Rod: Choose a decorative curtain rod or a simple wooden dowel slightly wider than your fabric.
- Prepare Fabric: If your fabric doesn't have a sleeve, you may need to sew one onto the top edge.
- Mount Hardware: Install curtain rod brackets on your wall, ensuring they are level and spaced correctly.
- Drape Fabric: Slide the fabric's sleeve onto the rod, then place the rod onto the mounted brackets.
- Benefits: Offers a sophisticated look, distributes weight evenly, and prevents sagging.
3. Command Strips and Hooks
For a non-damaging solution, Command strips and hooks are excellent for lighter fabric decor.
- Ideal For: Lightweight fabric art, smaller tapestries, fabric squares, or banners.
- How To:
- Clean Wall: Wipe the wall surface with rubbing alcohol and let it dry.
- Apply Strips/Hooks: Attach Command strips directly to the back of the fabric (if stiff enough) or use Command hooks to hang loops or fabric tabs sewn onto your decor.
- Press Firmly: Press the fabric/hooks firmly against the wall for 30 seconds.
- Benefits: Damage-free removal, easy to install, and versatile for various lightweight items.
4. Push Pins or Small Nails
This is the simplest and most budget-friendly method, best for temporary displays or very lightweight fabrics.
- Ideal For: Small fabric swatches, lightweight scarves, or temporary displays where minor wall holes are acceptable.
- How To:
- Position Fabric: Hold the fabric against the wall in the desired position.
- Secure: Carefully push decorative push pins or small, fine-gauge nails through the top corners or edges of the fabric into the wall.
- Benefits: Quick, easy, and requires minimal tools.
- Considerations: Can create small holes in both the wall and the fabric.
5. Fabric Clips or Binder Clips
For a contemporary, minimalist look, clips can be used to suspend fabric from a string, a rod, or directly from small nails.
- Ideal For: Fabric posters, art prints on canvas, or fabrics you don't want to pierce directly.
- How To:
- Attach Clips: Attach binder clips or specialty fabric clips to the top edge of your fabric.
- Hang:
- From a String: Thread a decorative string or fishing line through the clip handles and hang the string from small hooks or nails.
- From a Rod: Place the clips over a thin rod or dowel.
- Directly: Use push pins or small nails to secure the clip handles directly to the wall.
- Benefits: No damage to the fabric itself, easy to change out fabrics, and offers a modern aesthetic.
Tips for a Successful Display
- Preparation: Always clean your wall surface before applying any adhesive-based hangers to ensure maximum stick.
- Leveling: Use a spirit level to ensure your fabric hangs straight and evenly.
- Fabric Weight: Match your hanging method to the weight of your fabric. Heavier textiles require more robust support.
- Aesthetics: Consider how the hanging method contributes to the overall look of your decor. Exposed rods, clips, or subtle hidden fasteners each create a different vibe.
