Pro tip: Rugs are equally amazing on the wall as on the floor. If you’re as hooked on color, pattern, and texture as we are, then you’ll have to try this innovative way of decorating.
Source: A House in the Hills
Whether you’re into Kilims, shags, Navajos or that hidden vintage gem, rugs can set the tone and style of your living space. Rugs are as visually powerful on the wall as they are on the floor, so why not give your rug the attention it deserves? Here are a few steps to help you master this design trend and tackle the wall hanging process while you’re at it.
Step 1: Find Your Dream Rug
Your rug may have colors that blend seamlessly, a design that leaves you in awe, or a historical backstory that speaks to you. Whatever style rug you prefer, now is the time to grab a friend and go shopping! As wall hangings, rugs function perfectly for adding a personal and unique touch to your space.
Moroccan Rag Rug
Looking to add some flavor to a neutral wall? Why not try this handmade Moroccan Boucherouite rag rug? Unlike most weaving techniques, the Boucherouite style is not based on a predetermined pattern. Rather, the artist creates the rug through a free-form weave of colorful pieces of fabric. With its chromatic intensity and electric zigzag design, this rug is much more suitable for framing than for walking on.
Kashmir Nadha Felted Crewelwork Rug
We love the intricate crewel stitching in this vintage Turkish rug. The vibrant pattern stands out against the creamy and soft wool background. This rug’s fringed edges and border act as a picture frame, drawing the eye towards the piece and highlighting the central image.
Step 2: Solidify the Space
Just like hanging your favorite piece of artwork, it is important to choose a space that will complement your rug. In order to allow your piece to be most effective, take some time to think about how your rug will look in spaces of varying size, light, and style. Dynamic rugs can serve as great backdrops or as headboard, while smaller rugs are excellent at highlighting carefully curated spots in the home.
Source: Ferm Living
With its sunset palette of soft yellows, pinks, and blues, we love how this rug adds to the lively atmosphere of the room while simultaneously blending in with the plant and wooden floors that surround it.
Stephanie Odegard Handmade Rug
This Stephanie Odegard Collection piece adds a fresh, modern style to your space through its color pairing and shape exploration. Consider hanging this rug in your child’s room or a rec room for a creative and playful atmosphere.
Source: The Design Files
Don’t be afraid to be adventurous with material and patterns. A bedroom with a high ceiling like this one can support many elements without being overpowering. This Moroccan rug makes quite the statement when hung behind a bed, yet the neutral tones hush the bold design, creating a serene and soothing atmosphere in the bedroom. Try this vintage Beni Ourain from Chairish, and get ready to cozy up!
Vintage Beni Ourain Moroccan Carpet
Instantly transform a dull entryway with a bright Kilim rug on the wall, placed just above a wooden credenza or console.
Source: Elle Decor
This royal red ikat rug is beautifully designed, making it a crucial piece for breaking up an otherwise flat, painted wall. Needless to say, your friends will definitely be impressed as soon as they walk in the door!
Turkish Kilim Rug
Step 3: Hang Your Rug
Besides appreciating the beauty of a hanging rug, keeping these woven treasures off the ground will ultimately protect it from wear and tear. When hanging the rug, be sure to avoid an uneven distribution of weight, which can cause a heavy rug to warp or even rip. There are many different options for hanging rugs - you can use a curtain rod, Velcro, carpet tacking, clip on curtain rings, a wood frame, or upholstery nails. Find the option that works best for you and go from there. We’ve highlighted a couple of our favorite methods below.
Hanging a Rug with Nails
Tools
rug
level
tape measure
pencil
hammer
upholstery nails
self-adhesive Velcro
Directions
To secure the rug in place, use self-adhesive Velcro along the bottom edge of the rug.
Figure out how high you want your rug to hang, measure the space, and mark the wall with the appropriate measurements.
Hold the rug up next to your markings and hammer the upholstery nails into the top corners and edges of the rug. Be careful when applying the nails to the rug as you might have a tendency to stretch the rug - this will cause the rug to not align correctly with the wall.
Source: House Mix Blog
With its asymmetrical pattern and lively print, this stunning, blue Batik bird rug is the perfect accent piece when nailed against all white walls. Give your dinner guests something to talk about all night long by hanging your rug adjacent to your dining room table.
Hanging a Rug with a Rod
Tools for Option 1:
rug
screws/nails
twine
PVC pipe: ¾ inch
saw (for cutting the PVC pipe)
screwdriver
Directions for Option 1:
Hang the rug on a nail or stud in the wall.
Cut the PVC slightly shorter than the width of your rug so that it is not visible.
Cut several pieces of twine.
String the twine through the pipe, the more twine you use, the more secure the rug will be.
Place the pipe in the center of the rug and fold the rug over.
Tie the loose ends of the twine, making sure that the knots are as close to the pipe as possible.
Tools for Option 2:
rug
dowel
needle
thread
nails/hook
Directions for Option 2:
Attach the dowel to the rug by sewing the dowel onto the back of the top of the rug. It is best to use thick upholstery thread for better stability of the rug.
When sewing, be sure not to stitch all the way through to the front of the rug as this is the part that will be showing. Make sure to sew just far enough to catch onto the rug and pick up a few stitches in the back to stabilize the dowel.
Hang the dowel rug on a nail or hook in the wall.
Source: Earnest Home Co
Black and White Moroccan Rug
We’ve said it once, and we’ll say it again, add texture to your space by hanging a dynamic, shaggy area rug as wall art. This vintage, black and white rug would go especially well in a monochrome style room. Pair it with a funky, brass piece for an exciting visual display.
Source: Good Housekeeping
We love how this room instantly transports us to the vibrant streets and colorful bazaars of Morocco through its fearless combination of prints. A well-traveled vibe emanates from the room’s focal point: a mounted and hung rug. Check out this earth-toned, vintage Navajo rug for a similar Bohemian and worldly look in your bedroom!
Vintage Navajo Kilim Rug
Ready to take on the rug hanging challenge? Shop all our vintage rugs on Chairish here.