Tapestry is often an option to beautify the interior of a room and plain walls that need a little extra touch. In addition, rugs can add texture to walls and reduce noise. While the rug will not damage if dropped, you should hang it properly so that it looks better. There are many different ways to hang rugs, but regardless of which method you use, by following a few simple steps, you'll have a beautiful rug decorating your walls in no time!
Step
Method 1 of 6: Using the Stick with Final
Step 1. Use a stick with a finial if the rug has hooks
Most modern rugs are intentionally made with hooks at the top of the rug. In this case, you can use sticks (they are more or less the same shape as curtain rods). Hanging rugs with this method is fairly simple and easy.
- You can attach a metal frame (bracket) to the wall to hang the stick.
- Keep in mind that this method will result in a hanging rug that doesn't stick to the wall (the distance between the wall and the rug depends on the frame used). If you want the rug to really stick to the wall, try another method.
Step 2. Buy sticks, finials and frames
Choose a stick with a decorative finish that matches the existing decor of the room. While you can buy wands specifically made for carpet, it's really not a problem if you use regular curtain wands. However, make sure the stick can be inserted into the hook of the rug. The diameter of the stick needed depends on the weight of the rug, while the length of the stick must be adjusted to the width of the rug.
- A stick with a diameter of 1.5 to 2 cm can hold a medium or large rug weighing about 1-4.5 kg.
- The sticks should be long enough so that the ends of the finials are not covered by the edges of the rug. It would be better if the edge of the rug reaches the frame. That way, the rug will hide the frame a bit and people's attention will be on the finial, not the frame.
- The frame should be slightly protruding from the wall so the rug will hang at least 1.5 cm from the wall. This allows the rug to "breathe" and prevents moisture from accumulating.
Step 3. Determine the location where you want to hang the rug
You need to choose a location that allows the view of a person of average height to be parallel to the center of the rug. However, of course you are free to hang it where you want so that the rug can beautify the existing decoration of the room.
You may need to hang the rug a little higher if it is above the sofa or if the walls of your house are very high
Step 4. Iron the rug if necessary
Before hanging the rug, you may need to iron it first to remove creases. Use a low to medium heat setting first and iron the back of the rug to test it. If this doesn't work to remove creases, use sheets that have not been dyed and spread across the front of the rug before ironing.
You may need to increase the temperature of the iron and use a little steam to remove stubborn creases. Don't forget to try it on the corner of the rug first to make sure it doesn't get damaged
Step 5. Locate the studs on the wall
You can locate the posts using a pole detector so you can attach the frame to the posts. Drill holes so that the frame is wider than the width of the rug. Use a level (height gauge) to make sure the holes are level so the rug doesn't tilt when hanging.
- A rug doesn't always have to be hung on a wall truss. In most cases, you can simply screw the gypsum board and hang the rug anywhere.
- If you don't have a level, you can take measurements from the ceiling to where you will hang the rug. Make sure the two holes on each side are the same distance from the ceiling.
Step 6. Install the frame
Attach the frame to the wall using the holes you made. Make sure you use screws that are suitable for the type of wall, such as masonry screws, gypsum screws or regular wood screws.
Step 7. Push the stick through the hooks on the back of the rug
You'll need to thread the stick through the hook at the top back of the rug. Attach a finial to each end of the stick.
Step 8. Hang the rug on the frame and enjoy your beautiful and stunning artwork
Place the sticks securely on the frame and check once more to make sure everything is securely in place.
Method 2 of 6: Using Wooden Planks
Step 1. Use a wooden plank to hang the rug with hooks directly on the wall
This is a very cheap and easy way to hang rugs, but the rug must have hooks on the back.
- The rug will hang very straight if you use this method.
- This method also ensures that the rug hangs and sticks to the wall.
Step 2. Prepare a piece of wood plank that is slightly shorter than the width of the rug
Cut the wooden planks slightly shorter than the width of the rug.
- You can also make bars out of metal or plastic, but it will be more difficult to drill them properly.
- Make sure the wood planks match the size of the hooks on the back of the rug.
Step 3. Drill holes at each end of the board with a drill
Punch a hole in each end of the wooden plank an equal distance from the end of the plank and right in the middle. The size of the hole must match the size of the screw to be used.
Step 4. Locate the truss
Use the pole detector to locate the pole on the wall. While this step is optional, it can help you find the safest location to hang your rug.
If you can't use a post, don't have a post or want to hang the rug in another location, you can use gypsum screws or masonry screws, depending on the type of wall the rug will hang on
Step 5. Mark the location of the screws on the wall and drill holes
Use a wooden plank to mark the location of the screws on the wall. Once you have the board straight against the wall, you can slip a pencil or screw into the holes to make small marks on the wall. Drill holes in the wall with the drill in the marked locations to align with the holes in the plank.
Make sure the planks are straight as you do this to make sure the rug hangs straight
Step 6. Tuck in wall anchors if you use them
If you need wall anchors, for example if you want to hang your rug directly on a gypsum wall or you have a stone wall, now is the time to insert wall anchors into the holes.
Wall anchors will provide additional stability and ensure the screws do not slip out of the gypsum or masonry wall
Step 7. Slide the wooden planks through the rug hooks
You can find the hook at the top back of the rug.
Step 8. Attach the screws to the wall through the board
Start with one side and screw through the board into the hole in the wall or wall anchor in that section. Repeat the same procedure for the other side.
Step 9. Back away from the wall and make sure the rug hangs straight
When you're done hanging the rug, step back from the wall to make sure everything looks straight and even. If you are satisfied with the result, your job is done!
Method 3 of 6: Adding Scabbard
Step 1. Use this method to add a scabbard or hook if the rug doesn't have one
If the rug doesn't have hooks, you can simply add it to the top back of the rug to hang it using the previous method.
This is an easy choice for preparing a rug to hang with hooks or wooden planks
Step 2. Take a piece of fabric that is slightly shorter than the width of the rug
You can use thick cotton, linen, or even cotton twill that is commonly used for carpet edges. This material will be strong enough to hold the rug.
The strip of fabric should be wide enough to loosely wrap around the entire stick
Step 3. Sew the folded strip of fabric along the top back edge of the rug
You can sew it by hand. Use thick cotton thread to sew the strips of fabric along the length of the rug. Tie at least two warp threads (longitudinal threads) with each stitch so the fabric is strong enough to hold the rug.
- Use yarn of the same color as the dominant color of the rug so it doesn't stand out.
- Make sure you sew the fabric so that it sticks to the center. This will give room for the sticks so the rug can hang straight when the sticks are inserted.
- Make sure you sew the fabric straight, even if the rug doesn't have straight edges. If the fabric is installed crookedly, the rug will appear crooked when hanging.
Step 4. Insert the stick into the sheath you just sewed
You can use a regular rug stick or wooden plank to insert it into the sheath and hang the rug as in the previous two methods. Alternatively, you can insert a stick that is slightly shorter than the width of the rug.
If you choose to use a short stick, you can hang the rug with two screws that attach to the wall at the end of the stick. This way, you won't be able to see the tool used to hang the rug from the front
Step 5. Make sure the rug hangs straight and level
Back away from the wall and look at the rug to make sure it's straight. If not, try removing the stitches and repositioning the hook or holster.
Method 4 of 6: Using Velcro
Step 1. Use velcro as an easy-to-modify method of hanging rugs
Velcro is a method that is easy to adapt to your needs and allows you to move the location of the rug from time to time. If you have curved walls, the velcro method is very useful because it can be adapted to the wall where the rug is hanging.
This method is the choice for many museum curators to hang their rugs
Step 2. Prepare the velcro sheet
Take a piece of velcro that is slightly shorter than the width of the rug. You need both sides of the velcro so they can be glued together. The width of the velcro will be adjusted to the width and weight of the rug you will hang.
Velcro sold in the market has a width of between 1.5 and 10 cm. The longer and heavier your rug, the wider the velcro will need to hold it
Step 3. Sew the soft, smooth side of the velcro onto the rug
Use heavy cotton thread to sew the downy velcro side to the top back of the rug. Make sure you hook at least two warp threads in each stitch so the velcro is strong enough to hold the weight of the rug.
- Choose a thread that is the same color as the dominant color on the rug so that it blends well.
- You can also sew velcro onto a piece of canvas using a sewing machine first, then sew the canvas onto the rug by hand. This method makes the rug more rigid, allowing it to hang straight.
Step 4. Prepare a wooden plank or piece of wood and drill holes at both ends with a drill
The wooden planks should be shorter than the width of the rug. Make a hole in each end of the wood. The holes should be equidistant from the ends and exactly in the middle.
Step 5. Use a stapler to attach the rigid side of the velcro to the wooden plank
Use a special wood stapler to attach the velcro sheets along the strips of wood 2.5 cm apart. Make sure the velcro doesn't cover the hole in the end of the wood.
If you want to hang the rug on a curved wall, you'll need to use a flexible piece of wood or attach velcro directly to the wall
Step 6. Use a piece of wood to mark the hole in the wall where the screws will be attached
Hang the wooden planks on the wall and make sure they are straight. Mark the location of the two holes in the wall. Remove the wooden planks and drill holes in the wall with a drill.
Insert wall anchors into the holes in the wall if you are drilling into gypsum or masonry walls
Step 7. Insert the screws into the wall through the wood
Screw the screws into the wall anchors through the drilled holes in the board to secure them. Make sure the plank is straight before you continue.
Step 8. Attach the rug to the board using velcro
You simply press the velcro attached to the rug to the velcro attached to the board to secure it. Make sure that no bumps form and that the rug is hanging straight.
Method 5 of 6: Installing the Stretch Frame
Step 1. Attach the rug to the frame for a rigid base
This method requires you to stretch the thick fabric over the frame and then attach the rug to the stretched fabric. This method also provides a kind of edge for the rug.
Step 2. Make a wooden frame or cut a piece of painted plywood to the required size
You can make a wood frame using four thin strips of wood cut to the required length and width and glued or screwed together. Install corner frames to increase frame stability.
- You can also use painted plywood as a base. You simply cut the plywood to the required size as a base.
- The frame must be at least 2 inches (5 cm) wider than the rug on each side, but it does not need to be glued to this boundary. You are free to use the size of the brim that you think is most appropriate.
- Instead of using plywood or a wooden frame, you can also use foam board (PVC plastic in the form of a solid sheet) as a base. Foam board is very easy to sew which makes it very suitable as a base. Unfortunately, foam board is not suitable for heavy rugs. We recommend that you use foam board only for smaller rugs.
Step 3. Stretch the canvas or other rigid material on the frame or plywood
Choose a thick material like canvas and stretch it over a frame or plywood. Leave about 4 cm on each side of the fabric when measuring to allow it to fold easily over the edge of the frame. Use a special wood stapler to attach the fabric to the frame.
If you want to use a lightweight material, such as silk, you will need to spread it out on canvas or some other stiff material. This way, the canvas underneath will serve as a support as well as give you the opportunity to create the look you want. You can also use a soft flannel as a middle layer
Step 4. Sew the rug on the fabric
Use a thick cotton thread in a large staggered stich pattern to attach the rug to the fabric underneath. Make sure each stitch crosses at least two warp threads.
- Choose a thread color that matches the dominant color of the rug so you can't see the stitches from the front.
- Sew along the edge of the rug or other area to hold the entire weight of the rug well.
- You can also combine the frame and velcro methods by sewing the velcro to the frame and to the rug. This way, if you get tired of the location of the rug and want to swap it out for a different one, you can simply remove the velcro and attach another rug.
Step 5. Use a frame if you want
It doesn't matter if you want to use a commercial frame for the rug. Choose a frame that provides enough space to frame both the canvas and the rug at the same time. It's best not to cover the rug with glass or plexiglass as this can cause moisture to accumulate.
- Many museums use shadow box frames or plexiglass boxes to frame rugs.
- Make sure that there is air circulation around the rug so that moisture does not accumulate inside the frame.
Step 6. Hang the frame on the wall
Use the usual method of hanging photos or paintings for this purpose. Locate the stanchions in the wall and install two screws (only partially turned) in locations that are appropriate spacing for the frame. After that, you can place the edges of the frame on the screws to hang the rug.
- Make sure you use a hanging level for the frame to make it straight.
- You can also use a variety of tools designed to hang frames on the wall. Keep in mind, if the frame is very heavy, you will need to use a sturdy tool so that the frame will not fall off.
Method 6 of 6: Hanging a Tapestry with Tassels at the Top
Step 1. Use this method if you have a rug with tassels at the top
Tassels hanging from the top of the rug can detract from the beauty. This method helps hide the tufts at the top behind planks or pieces of wood, creating a cleaner, tidier look.
Step 2. Cut the wood to a size shorter than the width of the rug
You will use a piece of wood to hold the rug down. So, the pieces of wood needed must be adjusted to the weight of the rug.
For a normal sized rug, use a 2.5x5 cm or 2.5x7.5 cm piece of wood, but if the rug is very large or heavy, you will need to use a larger piece of wood
Step 3. Paint the piece of wood that will be used
Painting the wood will prevent acid damage to the rug where it comes into contact with the wood.
Because the ends of the wood will be visible, it's a good idea to use the same paint color as the wall color or the dominant color of the rug
Step 4. Sew a thick piece of fabric along the top edge of the rug
Cut thick canvas fabric a few inches longer than the width of the rug. Sew the canvas to the top back of the rug by hand.
- The width of the canvas strip should be about 15-17 cm, but if you are hanging a heavier rug, use a wider size.
- Make sure the seams are straight even if the ends of the rug are not completely straight so that the rug doesn't tilt when hanging.
- You may need several rows of stitches when sewing canvas, especially for heavier rugs.
- Make sure each stitch crosses at least two warp threads and uses a thick cotton thread. Choose a thread color that matches the dominant color of the rug.
Step 5. Fold the edges of the canvas and fold this part back again
Fold the ends of the canvas fabric toward the back of the rug, covering the tassels and edges of the rug at the top. Then, fold the entire piece of fabric so that it is facing the back.
Step 6. Use a drill to make holes in the woodcut board
Make a hole near the end of the board and keep it right in the middle and straight. Both holes should be the same distance from the end of the board.
Step 7. Use the board to mark and punch holes in the wall
Use the level when placing the board on the wall to mark where to punch holes. The best option is to use a pole detector so you can find the pole to punch holes in. Or, you can use gypsum screws if the walls are made of gypsum.
- Insert wall anchors if you are making holes in gypsum or stone walls.
- Make sure the screws you use are strong enough if the rug you are hanging is very large. Look for the information on the packaging to determine the strength of the screws.
Step 8. Insert a board or a painted piece of wood under this flap and secure it with a stapler
Insert the painted wood under the flap so that it sits between the canvas and the top of the rug. Use a wood stapler to attach the canvas directly to the back of the piece of wood.
Step 9. Lift the hanging rug and secure the board to the wall
You may need help holding the rug in place while you screw the screws into the wall through the boards. Make sure the board is tight and straight.
The canvas wrapping the tassels and the top edge of the rug should be between the board and the wall. You'll need to secure the boards well to the wall to make sure the rug hangs securely
Step 10. Lower the flap of the rug again and check that the rug is in a straight position
Once the board is firmly attached to the wall, you can lower the flaps of the rug that you lifted earlier. Make sure everything looks even and straight. Now, please admire the results of your work!
Tips
- Never use tape/adhesive tape when hanging delicate fabrics. The adhesive will damage the fabric.
- You can use brads (thin, flat nails) or tacks as a temporary solution for hanging the rug, but these methods can damage the rug by cutting the threads, placing stress on certain locations in the weave and rusting. Spring clips can also be used as a temporary solution.
- If the rug is still hanging loose, consider adding a light sheath or hook at the bottom of the rug. Once you've sewn, you can tuck in the wood so the rug hangs straight.
- You should always paint wood that is in direct contact with the rug. The acid in the wood can damage the fabric.
- Never hang fabric with rings because the weight of the fabric will not be evenly distributed. This can damage the fabric.
Warning
- Always observe precautions when using power tools.
- Be careful when using ladders to hang rugs in hard-to-reach locations. Every year, many accidents occur as a result of falling down stairs. So, make sure the ladder is in a safe and stable position before use.
- If you want to decorate your rug with tassels, consider children or pets (especially cats) who may find tassels a fun toy. Tassel, like any other rope hanging from a window, poses a choking risk. It's best to avoid tassel if you have children or pets.
