Blankets and woven fabrics have been used as wall art throughout recorded history. One of the earliest examples of this is a handmade tapestry that dates back to the third century BC. Today, the practice of using blankets as wall art is still going strong.
Those who makeTapestriesdo so with wall hanging in mind. But, you don’t need to box yourself into that accessory. A standard throw blanket offers a pop of color and texture that can transform a room in minutes.
Whether you plan on displaying a throw or a quilt, it’s important to consider how you’re going to get it up on the wall. Blankets aren’t rigid like canvas or paper. So, you run the risk of ruining the fabric and getting a finished product that looks unkempt. In this guide, we’ll go over a couple of techniques to get the job done.
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In This Article We'll Discuss
Create a Dedicated Blanket Hanger
Quilt and blanket hangers are not new. They have been around for quite some time and use a couple of different features to display fabric. Some use magnets while others have a clamping mechanism.
While those systems work great, the hanger remains visible on your wall. To create a seamless appearance, you can create a hanger from scratch. This is ideal if you plan on swapping out blankets every once in a while.
The first step is to drill a thin strip of woodto your wall. It only needs to be one to two inches thick and the same length as your blanket. This piece of wood will represent the top line of your blanket.
Keep this in mind when you’re hanging your artwork. If you follow the “57-inch Rule,” you’ll need to take some measurements to get things just right. Of course, make sure to make the strip levelas well.
Since the wood will span the length of your wall, it shouldn’t be difficult to find a wall stud. However, you can also use drywall anchorsfor some extra support.
At this point, it’s time to attach some hook and looptape. This closure system is comprised of two components. One side has rigid hooks while the other has soft loops.
When they’re pressed together, the hook grabs onto the loop. This creates strong adhesion that’s perfect for hanging heavy blankets.
To create your hanger, place the hook side of the tape onto the strip of wood on the wall. Place the loop alongside the top edge of your blanket. This arrangement is better because the loop side is softer, making it easier to wash your blanket without having to remove the tape.
For some added security, you can staple the tape onto the wall. After all that is done, you can press the blanket onto your wall anchor. Apply some pressure and it should have no issue staying up.
Another alternative you could try out is using carpet tack strips. They have built-in nails that stick out to grab onto fabric. It can achieve the same effect.
Recommended Reads: What is a Throw Blanket & Standard Throw Blanket Sizes
Make Curtain Tabs
Curtain tabsare used for drapery. They are small fabric loops that wrap around a rod and provide support throughout the length of the fabric. Tabs are strips of fabric and that are placed strategically to avoid puckering.
For hanging blankets on the wall, you can make hidden curtain tabs. These tabs are sewn into the fabric a few inches below the top hemline. In the finished product, you won’t be able to see them.
Fabricating curtain tabs is not difficult.Though you do need some experience with sewing. First, you’re going to cut a piece of durable fabric into strips that measure approximately 5 inches wide by 6 inches long.
If you’re making hidden tabs, a strong fabric like canvasdoes well. Then, simply fold the strip in half width-wise and tuck in the frayed edges to create a clean hem. After sewing the edges down, you can fold the 6-inch strip in half to fashion a loop.
Once your tabs are all sewn up, you can sew then directly onto your blanket. In most cases, you will needeight tabs. To figure out where to place them, divide the length of your blanket by eight.
You can then attach any standard curtain rod to your wall. Use the same methods we mentioned above to ensure that it’s strong and level.
If you’re not a master sewer, premade loops with clips are available. The attached loop can be used on the edge of your blanket for hanging. The downside to this method is that the clips will be visible.
Tacks and Pins
Standard pins and thumbtacks do just fine with thinner blankets. Though, you run the risk of damaging the fabric. When you insert a pin, the fibers must move out of the way to accommodate it.
If you ever take the blanket, you might have tiny marks that resemble a stitch hole. Also, hanging a heavy blanket on the wall will need a lot of pins. Using only a handful around the corners will result in a droopy appearance.
You can avoid this by placing a pin every few inches. Thicker blankets may only need pins every 10 to 12 inchesto stay flat.
Use a Canvas Stretcher
A stretcherrefers to the wooden frame you’ll find behind a canvas. It’s what keeps the fabric taught and the artwork looking pristine. If you aren’t worried about getting holes in your blanket, this method is a great option.
It transforms your blanket into a uniform shape, which complements other pieces on your wall. The first step is to buy a blank canvas. Take some measurements before you do this. There needs to be a few extra inchesof fabric around the perimeter of the blanket for wrapping.
If you choose a standard stretch, you will need at least 2 inches of extra fabric. They measure about three-quarters of an inch in thickness.
To attach the blanket, lay it flat on a floor or table with the “good side” facing down. Put the stretcher onto of the blanket and start foldingin the edges. Staple the blanket onto the inside edge of the wood.
Conclusion
Hanging blankets and interesting fabrics in your interior design endeavors is a great way to add variety. Print photos and artwork tends to be flat. But, blankets offer texture. This adds a new dimension into your design.
Whether you decide to build your own hanger or use a standard curtain rod, the unique element can transform your space. Best of all, you can easily out blankets whenever you want a room refresh.
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