A Timeless Interior Trend

Rugs aren’t just for floors — in fact, many of the world’s most treasured textiles were always intended to be displayed, not walked on. From Ottoman palaces to Arts & Crafts interiors, hanging rugs on walls has long been a way to bring warmth, colour, and craftsmanship into a space.

At Sharafi & Co, our collection of handwoven rugs in the UK includes pieces that are just as striking on the wall as they are underfoot. If you’re looking for a unique, timeless alternative to art prints or canvases, consider making a rug the focal point of your room — literally.

🧵 Why Hang a Rug on the Wall?

Hanging a rug is about more than just decoration — it can transform the entire feel of a space. Here’s why designers and collectors love this technique:

• Artistry: Antique and handmade rugs are woven artworks, full of symbolic patterns and natural colours.

• Texture: Rugs add depth and warmth to walls, softening hard surfaces and improving acoustics.

• Heritage: A wall rug tells a story — often of a region, a tribe, or a particular weaving tradition.

• Statement: A large rug on the wall makes a bold, dramatic statement that can anchor an entire room.

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📐 Which Rugs Work Best on Walls?

Not all rugs are ideal for wall hanging. These types typically work best:

1. Flatweave Kilims

Lightweight and easy to mount, kilims are perfect for modern or bohemian interiors.

2. Antique Persian or Caucasian Rugs

Rich in colour and story, these are beautiful as focal points in traditional or eclectic spaces.

3. Smaller Tribal Rugs or Runners

Perfect for vertical spaces or narrow wall sections — think stairwells, studies, or reading nooks.

4. Tapestry-Style Rugs

Some vintage and Arts & Crafts pieces were designed specifically to be hung, featuring symmetrical patterns and framed borders.

🔨 How to Hang a Rug on the Wall (Safely)

Preserving the rug’s integrity is key. Here are common methods:

• Velcro strips sewn onto a cotton casing — the most textile-safe option for antique rugs.

• Rod and sleeve (like a curtain rod) — ideal for heavier or longer pieces.

• Tack strips or clips — only for flatweaves and when careful not to damage fibres.

• Framing — best for small, precious pieces you want to protect long term.

If you’re unsure, we recommend consulting a textile conservator — or reach out to us directly for advice.

🏠 Interior Styling Ideas: Where to Hang Rugs

• Above a bed instead of a headboard

• Behind a sofa as a living room centrepiece

• On stairwell walls to warm up vertical space

• In entryways to make a strong first impression

• Framed in studies or libraries as a rich artistic statement

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A wall-hung rug adds character, history, and texture — turning any room into a personal gallery.

✨ Shop Wall-Worthy Rugs at Sharafi & Co

From geometric kilims to antique Persian pictorial rugs, we stock exceptional handwoven pieces suitable for both floors and walls. Whether you’re an interior designer looking for something bold or a collector searching for that perfect showpiece, we’re here to help.

🛍 Browse Rugs for Display

[📞 +44 (0)20 8735 0701]
[✉️ info@sharafiandco.com