Wall hangings have adorned walls for thousands of years—from medieval castles to today’s modern apartments. What began as insulation against cold stone walls has now become one of the most sought-after interior design elements. A wall hanging brings warmth, texture, and personality into a room in a way that neither paint nor posters can match. At dims studio, we’ve curated a wide selection of wall hangings in materials like cotton, wool, and jacquard—from colorful designs to calm, neutral patterns.
What is a wall hanging, and why is it popular again?
A wall hanging is a piece of fabric hung on the wall as decoration. The tradition dates all the way back to ancient Egypt and reached its heyday in the European Middle Ages, when tapestries told stories through woven motifs. In recent years, wall hangings have experienced a renaissance in Scandinavian interior design. The reason is simple: we’re seeking materials with soul. In an era of smooth surfaces and minimalist design, a cotton or wool wall hanging adds the tactile dimension that many rooms lack. The bohemian look dominating Instagram and Pinterest has also made macramé hangings and tufted wall hangings a common feature in modern homes.
Types of wall hangings
Wall hangings come in many techniques and materials, and the choice depends on the style you want to achieve:
- Cotton: Soft, lightweight, and well-suited for colorful prints. Cotton is easy to maintain and creates a relaxed, casual look.
- Wool: Thicker and more luxurious. Wool has natural insulating properties and feels exclusive on the wall. The colors are often deeper and more saturated.
- Jacquard: A weaving technique that creates complex patterns directly into the fabric. Jacquard wall hangings often have an artistic flair and can resemble classic tapestries.
- Tufted: Here, yarn strands are shot through a base fabric, creating a soft, almost three-dimensional surface. Tufted wall hangings are popular in children’s rooms and as statement pieces.
- Macramé: The knotting technique creates a bohemian look that fits well in living rooms and bedrooms with a relaxed aesthetic.
Colorful wall hangings from Doing Goods and Bongusta
If you want a wall hanging with character, Doing Goods is an obvious choice. The brand is known for its animal motifs and vibrant colors—from tigers to parrots—woven in jacquard with a quality that lasts year after year. Each design tells a story and functions as a work of art in itself.
Bongusta takes a different approach with their tufted wall hangings in soft materials and playful colors. Bongusta designs are graphic and modern, often featuring geometric shapes or abstract motifs in bold color palettes. They’re perfect for the bedroom or a creative home office.
See also Bloomingville wall hangings for more subdued, Scandinavian designs in natural colors and materials.
Where should you hang a wall hanging?
A wall hanging works in almost any room, but here are the most popular placements:
- The living room above the sofa: The classic choice. A large wall hanging above the sofa ties the room together and creates a natural focal point. Choose a hanging that is about as wide as the sofa—or slightly narrower.
- The bedroom above the bed: Instead of a traditional bed valance, a wall hanging provides a soft, warm backdrop behind the headboard. It also dampens sound and makes the room cozier.
- The kids’ room: Tufted throw blankets with animal motifs or fun characters are perfect for the kids’ room. They stimulate the imagination and can easily be swapped out as the child
- The Entryway: A small wall hanging in the entryway signals personality from the moment guests step inside. Pair it with a wall sconce or a decorative mask for a curated welcome.
Can a wall hanging replace a painting?
Absolutely. A tapestry does the same thing as a painting—it catches the eye and sets the tone for the room—but it does so with an extra dimension: texture. Where a painting is flat, a tapestry invites you to touch it. It shifts its appearance with the light in the room and provides a depth that prints and posters cannot deliver. For many, a handmade throw blanket is also a more sustainable investment than mass-produced wall decor, because it lasts for decades.
Acoustic benefits of throw blankets
Modern homes with concrete floors, large windows, and open floor plans can sound hollow and echoey. This is where throw blankets come in as an elegant solution. Textiles absorb sound waves and noticeably reduce reverberation—especially in the frequency range of voices and music. A large wool or jacquard wall hanging on an open wall can improve the acoustics in the living room just as effectively as specialized sound panels, but with far more charm. Combine it with a rug for the best effect.
How to hang a weighted blanket
There are several methods depending on the blanket’s weight and your desire for flexibility:
- Wooden rod with string: The most popular method. Thread a rod through the top loops of the tapestry and hang the rod on two hooks in the wall. Creates a relaxed, natural look.
- Clips or hangers: Use decorative clips along the top edge of the blanket. Suitable for lighter cotton and macramé blankets.
- Nails or screws: For heavy wool or jacquard wall hangings, use several nails spaced along the top edge. Use wall anchors in brick or concrete walls to ensure the rug stays secure.
- Velcro tape: A gentle solution that leaves no holes. Works best for smaller, lightweight rugs.
Tip: Hang the rug at eye level—or slightly higher—so it gets the visibility it deserves.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you wash a wall hanging?
Most cotton wall hangings can be machine-washed at 30 degrees. Wool and jacquard should be vacuumed gently or aired out outdoors. Always check the care instructions on the specific product.
Can I use a rug as a weighted blanket?
Yes, many people do. Kilim rugs and flat-woven rugs are popular as weighted blankets. Be mindful of the weight—heavy rugs require sturdy hangers.
Which wall hanging suits a minimalist home?
Choose neutral colors like sand, cream, or gray in natural materials such as cotton or wool. A simple macramé hanging can also add texture without disrupting a minimalist style. See our full selection of wall hangings here.
