How to Hang an Area Rug on the Wall Safely

Arsh's Rug Library · Decorating

Small blue and pink Mamluk-style rug, the right size for a wall — Small, graphic rugs make the easiest wall art. Shown: Tribal Mamluk Deacon, 1'11" x 2'11"

A beautiful rug can be as striking on a wall as any painting. Hung the right way, it is also protected from foot traffic. Hung the wrong way, it can stretch and tear.

The goal: spread the weight

A rug is heavy, and hanging it from a few points concentrates that weight and pulls the weave out of shape. Every safe method spreads the load evenly along the top edge.

Method 1: hook-and-loop strip

Hand-sew the soft side of a hook-and-loop (Velcro) strip along the back of the top edge, stitching through the foundation, not just the pile. Fix the hook side to a wooden batten screwed to the wall, then press the rug onto it. This is the method museums often use, and it lets you remove the rug easily.

Method 2: sleeve and rod

Hand-sew a fabric sleeve across the back of the top edge and slide a rod or flat wooden slat through it. Hang the rod on brackets. This suits lighter rugs and kilims.

Small blue and red Mamluk-style rug — Bold geometry reads well from across a room.

Close-up of Mamluk geometric panels — Bold geometry reads well from across a room.

What to avoid

Nails, staples or tacks through the rug.
Glue or adhesive tape on the back.
Clip-style hangers that grip only a few points.
Strong direct sun, which fades the colors.

Which rugs work best

Smaller, lighter rugs are easiest: kilims, tribal rugs, prayer-rug designs and small accent rugs. Bold, graphic designs like Gabbeh and Kazak rugs read well from across a room. For a large or valuable rug, ask us to sew the backing for you.

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