HOW TO HANG A RUG

Why hang a rug on a wall? There are so many good reasons! Perhaps you have run out of floor space. Or you have an extra special rug you would like to preserve or display more elegantly.

There are many ways to hang a rug on a wall. The size and general density of the rug will help to determine the best method for your situation. It is possible to 'do-it-yourself' but if the rug is a valuable one, you may want to contact a professional.

Here are some examples:

Hang a Rug - Methods  

Hang the Rug Freely on the Wall

This can be done with tacks or tackless strips (such as those used to install carpet). This is not a recommended method for most rugs and should be considered temporary. This would not be ideal for a heavy rug. Be very careful if you use this method not to place the tacks on a foundation cord (warp – running from the top to the bottom of the rug) to prevent damage to the foundation.                       

Map pins can be a good solution for hanging rugs freely on drywall. These short pins with colored tips are an inexpensive option and work best with lighter rugs. They will not damage the drywall.

Sew a Sleeve to the Back of the Rug and Hang on a Pole with Brackets

The materials needed for this project include a piece of cloth that is the same width as the rug, a rod a few inches longer on both sides to fit into wall brackets, and wall brackets. Sew the cloth to the back side of the rug, leaving openings on both ends for the pole. After you decide where you want to hang the rug, install the brackets and make sure the rug is hanging level.

A variation of this method is to sew strips of fabric to the rug, either on the back or from the top, for hanging on a pole.

Frame the Rug

Small or very fragile rugs could be placed inside a glass frame. This would be best done by a professional framer since the glass should be of the quality that would preserve and protect the colors in the rug.

Purchase Special Rug Hangers Available Online and in Department Stores

This method is not ideal for rugs with fringes on the end that would have to be secured in the hanger.

Apply Velcro 

At ABC, our repair technicians can apply one strip of Velcro to the back of the rug. The stitch can be easily removed should you want to use the rug on the floor at a later date. This technique involves a board that is cut to fit the rug. The other part of the Velcro is applied to the board which has had 2 holes drilled into it for hanging. The wood, which will not be visible, is not painted since acids that can be found in paint should not come in contact with the rug.

This is a very effective method that will allow the rug to be beautifully displayed, making the rug the focal point, rather than a rod and brackets. The rug can also be removed for cleaning with the Velcro still attached. Another rug, similarly prepared, can be changed out very easily, if desired.

It is also possible to apply strips of Velcro directly to the rug and the other part directly to the wall. This will require Velcro with glue, which could possibly damage the rug or the wall and we do not recommend this method.

Where to Hang a Rug

Just use your imagination when deciding where to hang a rug! Choose a room where the rug can be a focal piece or where the colors in the rug will harmonize or contrast with other items in the room. You can hang a rug over a banister in a hallway or on a long wall in a hallway, as a headboard over a bed, or anywhere your imagination can take you. A search on Google images for hanging rugs can be another good source for ideas.

There are really no rules where rugs can go. Just make sure you do not hang a rug where direct sunlight will hit it and, once again, make sure the foundation cords are not compromised during the hanging.

All wool rugs should be checked periodically (both front and back) for moth and carpet beetle infestations. This is especially important for hanging rugs since moths and beetles usually start eating from the back of a rug and may go unnoticed for a long time if the rug is hanging on a wall.

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