How To Hang A Rug On The Wall

Dec 4, 2023

If you're a home décor and interior design buff, you've probably considered (or at least heard of) hanging up a rug on the wall. Hanging area rugs on the wall is a trendy, unique way to display your heirloom rug or the latest pretty rug you picked up. However, doing so may not seem like a practical option for everyone, especially those who rent.

But worry not - I'm here to lend you my years of expertise as a designer to teach you foolproof methods to hang up your beautiful wall rugs without damaging your rug or your walls.

Follow these 5 methods to securely and beautifully transform your area rug into a statement wall-mounted artwork. I'll outline step-by-step techniques for attaching your textile to the wall using common household materials. I'll include links to more in-depth tutorials from trusted home decorators.

Method 1 - Direct Wall Attachment

Photo by Jotex

Velcro

The Velcro method involves adhering fuzzy Velcro loops to the rug backing and secured Velcro hooks mounted directly on the wall.

Photo by Kantara

How to Attach Using Velcro:

To avoid damage, first sew a protective canvas the width of the Velcro to delicate or heirloom rugs.
Sew or stitch sturdy Velcro loop tape along top back edge. For visibility, use thread close in color to your rug hue.
Affix corresponding Velcro hook tape securely to mounting boards or wood lath using staples or adhesive.
Mount boards horizontally. Use several smaller evenly-spaced boards for heavy carpets to prevent sagging.
Carefully align Velcro and press the top edge of your rug to affixed the tape for instant removable mounting.

Photo by GANXET

Curtain Rod and Casing

This method provides secure support for heavier rugs. Follow steps to insert drapery rods through a sturdy sleeve or casing at rug back.

Photo by Hunker

How to Attach Using Rod/Casing:

Sew rugged fabric casing along the rug top back, leaving space for protective canvas on fragile pieces.
Insert an appropriately sized curtain rod through the casing, extending several inches at each side.
Secure heavy duty iron brackets at precise width for rod insertion. Consider decorative or hidden designs.
Set rod into brackets for straight horizontal hanging. Use multiple central brackets on extra wide or heavy carpets.

Photo by Centered by Design

Photo by POPSUGAR

Clip Method

Photo by MINNA

For a means requiring no permanent attachments, affix clips with hanging rings across the top of your area rug. Follow all packaged instructions for spacing and adjustment. Re-check your rug occasionally for even positioning.

Photo by MINNA

Photo by Maison Créative

Tack Strip

Adhering rugs directly to strips mounted tight on the wall creates smooth, tight stretching.

Photo by LStudioFiberArt

How to Attach to Tack Strip:

Mount strips level to wall using the width of your rug. Hammer nails for security.
Lift rug to press the top edge firmly against the mounted strip.
Use evenly spaced upholstery nails to secure the rug backing to the strip's bottom edge.

For an in-depth tutorial on how to hang your area rug using tack strips, check out interior designer Brian Patrick Flynn's guide.

I'm also a huge fan of home renovator duo Chris Loves Julia's step-by-step tutorial.

Photo by Chris Loves Julia

Method 2 – Mounting a Backer Board

For protected cushioning between wall and rug, cover firm boards in batting and fabric to create wall-mounted padding.

Photo by It's Pam Del

How to Create and Attach a Backer Board:

Cut mounting board (corrugated plastic or wood) to match rug shape and dimensions.
Layer polyester batting* over board for padding. Stretch desired fabric type over batting to encase board. Use adhesive or staples to secure stretched fabric neatly.
Affix rug backing securely to fabric-padded board using strong adhesive, staples or stitching.
Mount completed padded rug board to wall using hardware appropriate for board material and wall type (masonry, wood studs, etc.)

*Batting here refers to a soft, thick cushioning material used to pad the backer board in order to protect the rug. Options include polyester batting, cotton batting, wool batting, or fusible fleece/batting, which has a bonded side to adhere to the board. This batting layer pads the rug from the hard mounting board surface.

Photo by Charleston Crafted

Important Do’s and Don’ts

Do decide fringe placement preference before mounting.
Do not allow unfinished wood contact with rugs.
Do not stretch or pull delicate rugs during any mounting method.
Do not place rugs on walls above or near fireplaces.
Do use small nails matching rug hue if visible. Decorative upholstery nails add flair.
Do double check all measurements for straight, secure hanging.

Photo by west elm

I hope these comprehensive step-by-steps give you the knowledge to confidently mount your rug as a treasured wall art piece.