The Beauty of Woven Wall Hangings: A Guide to Choosing and Styling Them

Decorating
13 0
A close-up view of a hand-knotted macrame wall hanging in cream and brown, showing intricate weaving patterns and soft textures. The text "The Beauty of Woven Wall Hangings" is overlaid.

Woven wall hangings are more than just decoration; they are pieces of art that bring a unique warmth, texture, and personality to our homes. In a world of mass-produced items, the appeal of a handcrafted piece is undeniable. It tells a story of artistry and care, transforming a simple wall into a point of interest and a source of comfort.

Whether you are drawn to the intricate knots of macrame or the rich texture of a tapestry weave, these textile wonders have a remarkable ability to soften a room and make it feel more complete. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know, from understanding different styles to choosing and styling the perfect woven piece for your own space.

Why Choose a Woven Wall Hanging?

Before we delve into the ‘how,’ let’s appreciate the ‘why.’ What makes these textile pieces such a wonderful addition to a home?

  • They Add Instant Warmth and Texture: Hard surfaces like walls and wooden furniture can sometimes feel cold. A woven hanging instantly breaks up that monotony, adding a layer of softness and tactile appeal that makes a room feel more inviting.
  • They Absorb Sound: In rooms with high ceilings or minimalist furniture, echoes can be an issue. The soft, thick fibers of a wall hanging can help absorb sound, contributing to a more peaceful and quiet atmosphere.
  • They Offer a Touch of Artistry: Each handcrafted piece is unique. By hanging one on your wall, you are showcasing a piece of art that reflects your personal style and appreciation for detailed work.

A large, earth-toned woven tapestry hangs as a single focal point on a large white wall in a minimalist, gallery-like space with a concrete floor.

An oversized, neutral-toned woven tapestry serves as the main art piece on a white wall in a modern living room with a beige sofa and wooden table.

A Guide to Different Weaving Styles

The term ‘woven wall hanging’ covers a beautiful variety of styles. Understanding the main types will help you find the one that speaks to you.

The Classic Macrame

Macrame is a form of textile produced using knotting techniques. It’s known for its intricate patterns, geometric designs, and often, flowing tassels. Modern macrame pieces range from simple and elegant to large and complex, fitting perfectly into bohemian, coastal, and even modern home aesthetics.

A classic, intricately patterned white macrame wall hanging is mounted on a light grey wall above a rustic wooden bench with lush green potted plants.

An elegant macrame wall hanging with knotted details and tassels on a pale wall. Below, a wooden bench holds several green houseplants, with soft light from the side.

The Earthy Flat Weave (Tapestry)

Unlike macrame, tapestries are woven on a loom. This technique allows for beautiful, flat designs that can depict abstract shapes, landscapes, or geometric patterns. They often have a rich, substantial feel and are perfect for adding color and pattern to a room in a refined way.

A woven tapestry with a geometric pattern in warm sunset tones of terracotta and mustard hangs above a dark wood, mid-century modern console table, illuminated by warm sunlight.

A colorful flat-weave wall hanging with a geometric design in shades of orange, yellow, and white is centered on a plain wall above a sleek mid-century wooden sideboard with a glass top.

The Chunky Roving Weave

For a bold textural statement, look no further than chunky roving weaves. These pieces use thick, unspun wool roving to produce a soft, cloud-like effect. They are incredibly tactile and bring a wonderful sense of coziness to any space, especially bedrooms and reading nooks.

A macro close-up shot showing the thick, soft texture of a chunky knit blanket or wall hanging made from cream-colored, unspun wool roving.

Choosing the Perfect Piece for Your Space

With so many lovely options, how do you pick the right one? Consider these three key factors to guide your decision.

Consider the Scale and Size

The size of your wall hanging should be proportional to the wall and the furniture it hangs above. A tiny piece will get lost on a large wall, while an oversized hanging can overwhelm a small space.

A Quick Tip on Sizing As a general rule, a wall hanging placed above a piece of furniture (like a sofa or a headboard) should be about two-thirds the width of the furniture. This leaves some breathing room on the sides and establishes a pleasing visual balance.

An instructional diagram showing a grey sofa against a white wall. It illustrates the '2/3 Sizing Rule' for hanging art, marking sections for 'Too Small' and 'Just Right' above the sofa.

Match the Color Palette

Decide if you want your wall hanging to blend in with your existing decor or stand out as a statement piece. For a harmonious look, choose a piece with colors that are already present in your room (in your pillows, rug, or curtains). For a pop of interest, opt for a hanging with a bold accent color.

In a neutral living room with grey chairs and greige walls, a navy blue and cream woven wall hanging provides a pop of color above a classic white marble fireplace.

A modern woven tapestry with a navy blue and cream geometric design hangs on a warm beige wall, centered above a sleek marble fireplace in a cozy living room.

Think About Texture and Materials

The material of your wall hanging contributes significantly to the overall feel.

  • Cotton & Linen: Offer a clean, modern, and light feel.
  • Wool & Roving: Provide maximum coziness, warmth, and depth.
  • Jute & Hemp: Bring a natural, earthy, and rustic element to your decor.

Inspiring Ways to Style Your Woven Wall Hanging

Now for the fun part! Here are some tried-and-true ways to display your new textile art.

Above the Sofa or Console Table

This is the most classic placement for a reason. A large woven hanging centered above your sofa or entryway table anchors the space and acts as a beautiful focal point, instantly drawing the eye.

A large, horizontal woven tapestry with an abstract blue and cream landscape design hangs on a white wall above a light-colored sectional sofa in a bright living room.

An abstract woven tapestry in warm, earthy tones hangs above a beige sofa, bathed in the soft glow of golden hour sunlight streaming into the living room.

As a Statement Headboard

Looking for a unique way to frame your bed? A wide, long wall hanging can serve as a soft and visually stunning headboard. It adds a touch of dreaminess to the bedroom and makes the sleeping area feel like a special sanctuary.

In a bright, serene bedroom, a wide and intricate macrame wall hanging is used as a beautiful, unconventional headboard above a bed with white and beige linens.

A large macrame wall hanging in beige and grey with a geometric pattern hangs above a low-profile bed, functioning as a modern and stylish headboard.

In an Entryway or Hallway

Welcome guests into your home with a touch of warmth. A narrow, vertical wall hanging is perfect for filling that empty wall space in a hallway or beside the front door, making a memorable first impression.

A narrow, vertical wall hanging woven from natural jute is displayed on a white wall next to a simple mirror with a rounded wooden frame in a minimalist hallway.

A stylish entryway featuring a narrow, striped woven wall hanging next to a black-framed vertical mirror which sits above a small console table with vases of lavender.

Grouped in a Gallery Wall

Don’t be afraid to mix your mediums! A small or medium-sized woven piece can be the perfect addition to a gallery wall. Its texture provides a wonderful contrast to framed photos and prints, adding depth and dimension to your collection.

And there you have it. A woven wall hanging is a simple addition that makes a huge impact, bringing texture, artistry, and a sense of thoughtful design into your home. It’s a celebration of beautiful materials and patient hands, ready to make your space feel even more like you.

You might also like More from author
Leave A Reply

Your email address will not be published.