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Finding the Right Tapestry for You
Whether you hang them behind your bed as a dazzling alternative to a headboard or over the sofa as a large-scale focal point in the living room, vintage tapestries can introduce an array of textures and colors to any space in your home.
Woven wall hangings haven’t consistently enjoyed the popularity or earned the highbrow status that other types of wall decorations have over the years, at least not since the 1970s, which was somewhat of a heyday for tapestries. Today, however, these tactile works of art are seeing a renaissance, as modern weavers are forging new paths in the medium while the demand for antique and vintage tapestries continues to grow.
“We are drawn to texture in environments, and we see tapestries as a subtle layer of soft ornament,” says Lauren Larson of the New York design duo Material Lust. Indeed, and a lot of opportunity comes along when decorating with this distinctive brand of soft ornament.
Think of wall hangings as paintings created by hand with fabric instead of oil or watercolors. If you’re not simply securing your treasure to a wall with nails, pushpins or Velcro, tapestries can be stretched over a frame, used to create a canopy in a cozy living-room corner, hung from a rod or placed inside a shadowbox. And because this kind of textile art is hundreds of years old, options abound with respect to subjects and designs.
For richly detailed depictions of landscapes and garden scenes, look to antique Chinese tapestries and Japanese tapestries. Aubusson tapestries are ornate wall hangings manufactured in central France that are also characterized by romantic portrayals of nature. For weavers of mid-century modern tapestries, as well as those working in textile arts today, the styles and subject matter are too numerous to mention, with artists exploring experimental shapes, bold colors and provocative abstract designs.
Antique, new and vintage tapestries can make a room feel warm and welcoming — find yours on 1stDibs now.
- What is a tapestry?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertFebruary 22, 2021A tapestry is a piece of hanging textile art that contains pictures or designs. A tapestry is created by weaving colored weft threads or by embroidering directly onto canvas.
- Can you frame a tapestry?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertFebruary 22, 2021You can frame a tapestry using a tapestry frame, which works to keep the canvas taut and hang the item. There are many different types of tapestry frames, though a popular one has a top wooden clamp with a hanging mechanism and a bottom wooden clamp to weigh down the material.
- Where did tapestry originate?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertFebruary 13, 2024Historians are not completely sure where tapestries originated. Ancient literature from Rome, Greece and other civilizations does not specifically mention tapestries, but that doesn't mean that they didn't exist. We do know that the Ancient Egyptians did produce and utilize tapestries, as examples have been discovered in the tombs of Thutmose IV and Tutankhamen. The word tapestry wasn't coined until the 15th century, and it originated in England. Find a wide variety of tapestries on 1stDibs.
- What is a tapestry used for?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertFebruary 22, 2021Tapestries is a decorative piece of heavy fabric that's usually hand-woven. It can be used as wall art, to cover furniture, or as an area rug.
- What is embroidered tapestry?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022Tapestries are thick, textile art that’s often hung from the wall as a method of displaying it. Embroidery is a type of needlework that uses counted threads and stitches to create patterns or images. An embroidered tapestry is a fabric wall hanging that features the art of embroidery for visual impact. On 1stDibs, find a variety of original artwork from top artists.
- What is Flemish tapestry?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022A Flemish tapestry is a decorative woven wall hanging produced in Flanders, primarily during the 15th, 16th and 17th centuries. Peter Paul Rubens and Bernard van Orley are two of the most famous Flemish artists to work in the medium. You'll find a variety of Flemish tapestries on 1stDibs.
- Where can I buy tapestries?3 Answers1stDibs ExpertFebruary 22, 2021You can buy tapestries on 1stDibs.com. 1stDibs has a variety of different tapestries in different colors, patterns, and prices.
Antique Textiles GalleriesFebruary 25, 2021Most of our textiles, tapestries, furnishings and pillows are available through 1stdibs. A.T.G.H.C’s beautifully crafted and hand sewn work exhibits our creative eye for detail in made-to-order luxury throw pillows and furnishings with the exceptional textiles of our vast collection.
NazmiyalMarch 23, 2021You can find many of our Tapestries on the 1st dibs platform. - How are tapestries made?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertSeptember 25, 2019
Tapestries are handwoven on a loom is such a way that only the weft (horizontal) threads are visible.
- What are tapestries made of?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertFebruary 27, 2024Tapestries are made out of a wide range of materials. Wool is arguably the most commonly used to produce the threads for weaving tapestries. In some cases, silk or metallic threads will be mixed in with wool for added luster. Some weavers opt for other materials, such as cellulose and cotton. Find a selection of tapestries on 1stDibs.
- What do tapestries symbolize?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertMay 14, 2024What tapestries symbolize is largely a matter of individual interpretation. Because early examples graced the walls of palaces and grand estates, many people associate them with wealth, royalty, power and prestige. Individual tapestries may symbolize different themes based on the images and symbols that they display. For example, art historians believe the medieval Lady and the Unicorn tapestries represent the five human senses: sight, hearing, taste, touch and smell. On 1stDibs, shop a selection of tapestries.
- 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022By definition, tapestries are woven textiles, not embroidered fabrics. However, you will sometimes see people refer to embroidered wall hangings as tapestries because both types of decorative textiles function as wall décor. On 1stDibs, shop a large collection of tapestries.
- 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022To know if a tapestry is valuable, seek the help of a licensed appraiser. Because condition has a big impact on what a tapestry is worth, you will need an expert to thoroughly inspect the textile. On 1stDibs, find a range of expertly vetted tapestries.
- 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022Yes, William Morris made some tapestries. William Morris was a true artisan and delved into a variety of different areas. He’s also credited with ushering in the Arts and Crafts movement in England. He held a lot of respect for those who could produce tapestries and made his first one in 1879. He learned more and created more tapestries but also established a small tapestry workshop where he employed tapestry weavers. Shop a collection of tapestries from some of the world’s top sellers on 1stDibs.
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