How to Hang a Rug on the Wall as Gorgeous Wall Art

November 20, 2023 Hanif Hosseini

Did you know that rugs are not only for floors, but also for walls? Hanging a rug on the wall can add warmth, texture, color, and personality to your space. It can also create a focal point, cover a blank wall, or showcase a beautiful piece of art. Hanging rugs on the wall is a trend that has been around for centuries, and is still popular among collectors, designers, and homeowners.

In this article, we will show you how to hang a rug on the wall using five different methods, along with some tips and examples to inspire you.

Method 1: Velcro

Using Velcro to hang your area rug on the wall is currently the method preferred by many museums, including The Textile Museum. This method can be used on heavy-weight rugs with success, and without causing damage to the rug. Velcro tape consists of two separate strips: the hook tape and the loop tape. The hook tape is the rough part of the Velcro, and the loop tape is the softer, fuzzy part.

Steps to Hang a Rug on the Wall with Velcro

Measure the width of your rug and cut a strip of Velcro loop tape that is slightly shorter than the width of your rug.
If your rug is an heirloom piece or a high-value rug, cut a strip of plain, unbleached muslin or canvas that is wider than the Velcro strip and the same length as the width of your rug. This will prevent any damage to the rug from contact with the Velcro tape or other materials.
Stitch the Velcro loop tape to the muslin strip, using a sewing machine or a needle and thread. Make sure the stitches are close to the edge of the Velcro tape and the muslin strip.
If your rug is handmade, hand-sew the muslin strip to the back of your rug, along the top edge. Use a whip stitch to avoid any damage to the rug, and carefully guide the needle between the rug fibers. To hide the stitching, use a heavy cotton thread that is close in color to that of your rug. If your rug is not handmade, you can use a sewing machine or a needle and thread to sew the muslin strip to the rug, or use fabric glue or iron-on adhesive tape instead of sewing.
Cut a strip of Velcro hook tape that is the same length as the loop tape, and staple it to a thin, straight piece of wood that is the same width as your rug. Make sure the staples are close to the edge of the Velcro tape and the wood. Raw, untreated wood should never come into contact with the rug. The use of muslin or canvas as outlined above prevents this from occurring; however, if you have not used a muslin or canvas strip, ensure that the piece of wood has been sealed or painted to prevent any damage to your rug.
Mount the wood to the wall, using screws or brackets. Make sure the wood is level and aligned with the top edge of your rug. For large and heavy rugs, you may need to use more than one piece of wood, stacked vertically every few feet, to support the weight of the rug.
Press the rug against the wood, connecting the two Velcro strips. Make sure the rug is smooth and straight, and adjust it as needed.

Advantages of Velcro

Suitable for heavy or large rugs
Provides strong and even support
Allows easy removal and cleaning of the rug

Disadvantages of Velcro

Requires sewing and precision
May damage the wall or the rug if not done properly
May be visible or bulky depending on the rug and the wall

Method 2: Curtain Rod

Another easy and adjustable way to hang a rug on the wall is to use a curtain rod. This method is ideal for thin or light rugs, as it allows you to slide the rug along the rod and change its position. To use this method, you will need to insert a curtain rod through the top hem or loop of the rug, and hang it on the wall using brackets or hooks. You can also add some curtain rings or clips to secure the rug to the rod.

Steps to Hang a Rug on the Wall with a Curtain Rod

Measure the width of your rug and choose a curtain rod that is slightly longer than the width of your rug. You can use a straight or a curved rod, depending on the shape of your rug and your preference. You can also use a tension rod, a dowel rod, or a rod with finials, which may provide more stability and style for the rug.
Insert the rod through the top hem or loop of the rug. If your rug does not have a hem or loop, you can create one by folding the top edge of the rug and sewing or gluing it. Make sure the rod fits snugly and evenly inside the hem or loop.
Attach some curtain rings or clips to the rod, and secure them to the rug. You can use metal or plastic rings or clips, depending on the weight and material of your rug. Make sure the rings or clips are evenly spaced and aligned with the rod and the rug.
Hang the rod on the wall, using brackets or hooks. Make sure the brackets or hooks are level and aligned with the rod and the rug. You can also use a stud finder to locate the studs in the wall, and drill holes to insert the screws or nails for the brackets or hooks.
Slide the rug along the rod and adjust it as needed. Make sure the rug is smooth and straight, and hangs at the desired height and position.

Advantages of Curtain Rod

Easy and adjustable
Does not require sewing or cutting
Can be matched with the existing decor or curtains

Disadvantages of Curtain Rod

Not ideal for large or thick rugs
May sag or droop depending on the weight and shape of the rug
May damage the rug if the rod or the clips are too sharp or tight

Method 3: Wooden Frame

A more elegant and sturdy way to hang a rug on the wall is to use a wooden frame. This method is perfect for small or medium rugs, as it gives them a framed look and protects them from dust and damage. To use this method, you will need to cut four pieces of wood to match the size of the rug, and glue them together to form a frame. Then, you can staple or nail the rug to the back of the frame, and hang it on the wall using picture hangers or wire.

Steps to Hang a Rug on the Wall with a Wooden Frame

Measure the length and width of your rug and cut four pieces of wood that are slightly shorter than the length and width of your rug. You can use any type of wood, such as pine, oak, or plywood, depending on your budget and preference. You can also use a jigsaw or a circular saw to cut the wood, and sand the edges to smooth them.
Glue the four pieces of wood together to form a frame, using wood glue or nails. Make sure the corners are square and aligned, and clamp the frame until the glue dries. You can also paint or stain the frame to match the color, finish, or style of your rug or your wall.
Staple or nail the rug to the back of the frame, using a staple gun or a hammer. Make sure the staples or nails are close to the edge of the rug and the frame, and evenly spaced and aligned. You can also use a tape measure and a pencil to mark the spots where you want to staple or nail the rug.
Attach some picture hangers or wire to the back of the frame, using screws or nails. Make sure the hangers or wire are strong enough to support the weight of the frame and the rug, and centered and balanced on the frame. You can also use a level to check if the frame is horizontal and straight.
Hang the frame on the wall, using nails or hooks. Make sure the nails or hooks are level and aligned with the hangers or wire, and inserted into the studs or anchors in the wall. You can also use a stud finder to locate the studs in the wall, and drill holes to insert the nails or hooks.

Advantages of Wooden Frame

Sturdy and elegant
Protects the rug from dust and damage
Can be customized with different colors, finishes, or styles

Disadvantages of Wooden Frame

Requires cutting and gluing
May be heavy or bulky depending on the size and thickness of the wood
May not be suitable for irregular or curved rugs

Method 4: Clips

A simple and removable way to hang a rug on the wall is to use clips. This method is great for temporary or seasonal rugs, as it allows you to change them easily and frequently. To use this method, you will need to attach some clips to the top edge of the rug, and hang them on the wall using nails or hooks. You can also use some decorative clips, such as binder clips, clothespins, or bulldog clips, to add some style and fun to your wall.

Steps to Hang a Rug on the Wall with Clips

Choose some clips that are suitable for your rug and your wall. You can use metal or plastic clips, depending on the weight and material of your rug. You can also use some decorative clips, such as binder clips, clothespins or bulldog clips.

Attach some clips to the top edge of the rug, and hang them on the wall using nails or hooks. You can use metal or plastic clips, depending on the weight and material of your rug. You can also use some decorative clips, such as binder clips, clothespins, or bulldog clips, to add some style and fun to your wall.
Adjust the clips as needed to make sure the rug is smooth and straight, and hangs at the desired height and position.

Advantages of Clips

Simple and removable
Does not require sewing or cutting
Can be changed easily and frequently

Disadvantages of Clips

May not be very secure or stable
May damage the rug if the clips are too tight or sharp
May not be very aesthetic or professional

Method 5: Nails

The simplest and cheapest way to hang a rug on the wall is to use nails. This method is suitable for any size or weight of rug, as long as you have enough nails to hold it securely. To use this method, you will need to hammer some nails along the top edge of the rug, and make sure they are evenly spaced and aligned. You can also use some washers or grommets to prevent the rug from tearing or slipping.

Steps to Hang a Rug on the Wall with Nails

Measure the width of your rug and mark the spots where you want to hammer the nails on the wall. You can use a tape measure and a pencil to mark the spots, and a level to check if they are horizontal and straight. You can also use a stud finder to locate the studs in the wall, and drill holes to insert the nails.
Hammer some nails along the top edge of the rug, using a hammer and a nail set. Make sure the nails are close to the edge of the rug, and evenly spaced and aligned with the marks on the wall. You can also use some washers or grommets to prevent the rug from tearing or slipping. The washers or grommets should be slightly larger than the nails, and placed between the rug and the nail head.
Adjust the rug as needed to make sure it is smooth and straight, and hangs at the desired height and position.

Advantages of Nails

Simple and cheap
Suitable for any size or weight of rug
Does not require any additional materials or tools

Disadvantages of Nails

Not very secure or aesthetic
May damage the wall or the rug if not done carefully
May be visible or rusty depending on the type and color of the nails

Warning: Using nails to hang a rug on the wall is better for temporary hanging, as it may not be very secure or aesthetic. It may also damage the wall or the rug if not done carefully. If you want to hang a rug on the wall permanently, you may want to consider other methods.

We hope you enjoyed this article and learned something new about how to hang a rug on the wall. As you can see, there are many different methods to choose from, depending on the type and size of the rug, and the style and condition of the wall. Before you decide on a method, you should consider the following factors:

The size and weight of the rug: Larger and heavier rugs may require more support and stability, such as Velcro or a wooden frame, while smaller and lighter rugs may be easier to hang with a curtain rod or clips.
The material and texture of the rug: Thicker and coarser rugs may be more durable and resistant to damage, while thinner and smoother rugs may be more delicate and prone to tearing or slipping.
The style and design of the rug: More colorful and intricate rugs may be more suitable for a framed or clipped look, while more simple and plain rugs may be more suitable for a velcroed or nailed look.
The location and condition of the wall: More visible and spacious walls may be more appropriate for a larger and bolder rug, while more hidden and narrow walls may be more appropriate for a smaller and subtler rug. You should also check the wall for any damages, holes, or stains, and repair them before hanging the rug. We would love to hear from you and see your own creations. Please feel free to share your experiences, questions, or feedback in the comments section below, or contact us through our website or social media. You can also check out our other articles or products for more ideas and inspiration.