What Size Tapestry Do I Need?

Choosing the correct size of tapestry can be difficult.  There are several factors that you may need to consider before you make this decision.  These range from the size of wall where you would like to display the item to how you are going to hang your tapestry.

The first thing you should do is measure the wall where you would like to display your tapestry.  Most tapestry measurements are given in inches so it would be best to measure your space in this same measurement.  Also take into consideration furniture placement.  Often times you may be placing a table, cabinet, sofa, or bed directly below your tapestry.  Be sure to take this into account when taking your measurements.  Another factor that people often forget when taking their measurements is crown molding.  Crown molding is decorative woodwork placed at the top wall near the ceiling.  So, when measuring, be sure to measure just below the wood molding. 

Next take into consideration how you are going to hang your tapestry.  If you are going to use a rod with decorative finials, be sure to add the amount of space the finial will add to both sides of the tapestry.   This can add anywhere from 2 to 10 inches depending on the finials that you select for your tapestry.  So when looking at your space, add the amount of inches each finial will extend to the width of the tapestry.   This will give you a better idea of how much of the width of the wall your tapestry will need.  If you are using the baseboard method or saw-tooth hanger method to hang your tapestry, you will not need to take into consideration additional width for your hanging method. 

Now that you have an idea of the size of space you have to work with, you can take a piece of fabric such as a bed sheet, pin it to the size you think you may need.  Then hold it up in your space to see if would like something that size on your wall.  You may adjust the pins to try different sizes to see if you would be able to go with a larger or smaller tapestry.  We recommend pinning the size to be the same as the tapestry you are considering.  Then be sure to think about the allowance for finials if you are using a decorative rod.  Often times this gives a much better idea of the size of tapestry you need.  It gives a visual picture rather than simply a mental image.

Lastly, you should keep in mind that tapestries are a woven piece of art.  Often times the measurements listed by the manufacturer are approximate.  The item size can vary from piece to piece and manufacturer to manufacturer.  The item may be slightly larger or slightly smaller.  It is always a good idea to allow for this when selecting your tapestry.

Please remember when selecting the appropriate tapestry for your wall, you may have other factors than the ones listed here to take into consideration.  Hopefully these suggestions will make choosing the appropriate size tapestry a somewhat easier.