Just because the traditional use of an oriental rug is intended for the floor, doesn’t mean it can’t be used any other way. In today’s day and age, there are no hard-and-fast rules when it comes to decorating your own home.

Decorating with oriental rugs is a fantastic way to add color, warmth, and character to any room — especially as a wall hanging. To learn more about hanging an oriental rug, this blog has all the information you need.

Why Hang Your Oriental Rug on the Wall, Though?

Whether an oriental rug has been passed down to you as a precious heirloom or you sourced it yourself, hanging it is one of the best ways to preserve it.

Some other benefits to hanging an oriental rug include:

• Create an aesthetically pleasing focal point in any room
• Add a modern edge to your home by mixing things up — hang a rug instead of pictures or wall paintings
• Keep the rug in the best possible condition

Essentially, by hanging your oriental rug on a wall, you extend its lifespan by keeping it away from foot traffic, dirt, spills, and stains. It’s also a better reminder to have your rug cleaned, versus when it’s under your feet and easily overlooked.

Decorating with Oriental Rugs: 4 of the Best Ways to Hang Them

First things first, you’ll need to decide whether you want to hang your rug flush against a wall or freely from a rod. This decision affects the method you choose to hang it.

When choosing a wall to hang it from, ensure the wall can live up to it. You don’t want your oriental rug totally dominating the space, it should complement it.

Also, make sure the wall is not exposed to any direct sunlight which damages and fades the vegetable dies of the rug over time. The same goes for hanging your rug near a heating source or under an airconditioning vent!

If you choose to hang it from a metal or wooden rod, don’t use an uncoated metal or raw wood — this can stain, tear, and damage your rug over time.

Here are four tried-and-true methods of hanging an oriental rug:

1. Hanging with Velcro

This is probably one of the most popular and fail-proof ways of hanging an oriental rug with as little damage as possible.

This method guarantees both safety and finesse. In fact, some of the most prestigious museums in the world even use this method to display heavy antiques!

For this method, you’ll need two individual strip loops and a hook. The loop, which is the fuzzy part of the Velcro, is sewn to the back of the rug. The hook is then attached to the wall.

If your rug is on the heavier side, go for a two-inch strip of Velcro. Don’t be put off by the stitching into the rug — it’s easily removable. Stay away from adhesive, sticky Velcro. This is hard to remove and can leave a residue on the back of your rug.

This is the best method to use if you’d like to hang your rug flush against your wall for a clean, sleek, and modern look.

2. Hanging with a Rod and Casing

Second to hanging with Velcro, is the installation of a hanging rod and stitching a casing to the back of your rug. This is well-suited to heavyweight oriental rugs and lighter versions.

A casing tube of fabric is stitched into the back of the rug, which then slides over the rod for a snug, stable fit. This method does take a little extra time and effort, but your rug will look immaculate once it’s hung.

This method is also extra secure as the rod ensures there is an even distribution of hanging weight, so there’s no risk of the rug tearing itself apart over time.

Choose a rod that complements the overall style of the room as well as some of the hues within your rug. Make sure the rod is the right size and length for the wall and does not overpower it, either.

3. Hanging with Carpet Clamps

This is another popular and efficient way to hang an oriental rug, often used by rug stores and museums, too. This is a good method for hanging both large, heavy rugs and smaller ones.

You’ll also need to mount a rod to the wall, and from there, large rug clamps are attached. Your rug is then clamped onto the rod for a sleek, flawless display. Just bear in mind that your rug clamps should be evenly spaced so that there is an even distribution of weight across the rug. Otherwise, your rug could warp over time.

4. Hanging with Tackless Carpet Strips

Finally, hanging a rug with tackless carpet strips is not the most popular method, but it’s pretty cost-effective and low maintenance. Tackless carpet strips are usually used to secure new carpeting to the ground but can be just in the same way on a wall.

The tackless carpet strips must be attached to your chosen wall, and then your rug is oriental rug is hung from the strips. This is another good method if you prefer to display your rug flush against the wall.

Overall, this method requires a lot less work than the above-mentioned options, but may not offer the same longevity to your rug.

Find Your Perfect Antique Piece

We hope this blog on hanging tips and decorating with oriental rugs has offered you some insight on how to display these fine works of craftsmanship.

If you’re looking for the perfect antique to decorate your home with, the Fred Moheban Gallery stocks a plethora of some of the world’s finest antique rugs and carpets.

Whether it’s an antique Persian, antique Oriental, or antique European, from the 16th to the mid-20th century, we have a range to suit all tastes. Contact us today for all your specific inquiries!