Handmade area rugs worthy of hanging on a wall are pieces are art that you don't want to alter in the process.
So, you've purchased a beautiful handmade rug that you're considering hanging on your wall. With handmade rugs, you don't want to alter the rug in the process.
While there are some more effort-intensive methods like adding velcro to the back or putting a rod through the rug, We have a quick and easy way to do this without making any changes to the rug itself.
Master weaver, Hocine Bazine, who designs and weaves Berber rugs shows how to hang a rug using the rug's fringe in a few easy steps.
Browse our selection of flat-weave handmade Berber rugs that would look great on your walls!
Tools Needed to Hang a Handmade Rug on Your Wall
You'll only need small nails, measuring tape, a hammer, and a level. That's it!
If your walls require more technical skills for putting in nails, like brick or concrete, Ultra Grip Hooks are a great alternative solution. (Note: Avoid using these on any painted or wallpapered walls. You may need to use a heat gun to remove the hooks in the future.)
Steps to Hanging a Handmade Rug on Your Wall
Step 1: Tie Knots in the Rug's Fringe
- Take two pieces of fringe that are next to each other.
- Loop them together, like the first step of tying shoe laces, but only pull the knot about halfway down to give yourself room to hang the loop on a nail.
- Create a full knot on top of the first loop with the same two pieces of fringe to create a closed knot.
- Repeat on the other side of the rug. For heavier rugs, repeat as many times as needed toward the center of the rug.
Step 2: Place the Nails or Hanging Hooks on the Wall
- Measure the distance between the knots on the rug.
- Mark on the wall with pencil the location where the nails or hooks should go. Use a level to ensure the rug will hang at the right angle.
- Hammer the nails in the marked locations. Alternatively, place the command strip hooks or Ultra Grip Hooks in the correct locations.
Step 3: Hang the Knots from the Nails
- Place the knots on the nails that are in the wall.
- If the knots are placed in the wrong location, untie one of the knots, and repeat step 1 in a different part of the fringe that lines up with the nail.
Finding the Right Handmade Rug for Your Wall Space
Rugs are a great way to add color and texture into your home decor, whether on your floors or on your walls. When hanging a rug, there are a few considerations to keep in mind.
Rug Weight
Heavier rugs require more tools to support their weight on the wall. Flat-weave rugs, like Turkish Kilims, Navajo rugs, or Berber rugs, weigh less than hand-knotted rugs, and will be easier to hang.
Hanging Location and Matching the Room's Design
Match the lines of the space where you are hanging a rug. Vertical lines extend up and down, while horizontal lines go from side to side. If you are hanging a rug above a couch, fireplace or the long side of a table, you'll want to hang it horizontally. If you are placing the rug above a stairwell or the short side of a table, hanging a rug vertically will match the space.
Rug Size
Similar to matching the lines of the space, make sure the size of the rug fits with the space you are filling it. A small rug on a wall with high ceilings will appear out of place. If you have a small rug, find a smaller nook of a large room, like above a desk or bookcase.
Rug Color
Consider other artwork, furniture, or colors in the room. You can go with a look that matches the other parts of the room, or find a rug that creates contrast. For example, if you have a bright red rug on a muted red brick wall, that can create a monochrome look while still creating a pop of color. Still, a rug that is another color that doesn't match the room can draw the eye to it.
