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No matter where you’re situated in the world, chances are you’re familiar with some form of textile borne out of your culture or community. Kente cloths in Ghana’s Asante region; suzani in Central Asia; kilim in Turkey, Iran, and Afghanistan; ikat in Indonesia; the vast tapestries of medieval and Renaissance Europe that still hang resplendent in homes and churches across the continent. These pieces showcase cultural narratives, stories, and values, expressing something about human life that only the best art can.
So it might come as no surprise that in the digital age, this tactile art form is gaining popularity again. Global Google searches for “wall tapestry” and “vintage tapestry” are up 40 and 110 percent respectively in recent months; and according to some, there’s an obvious reason for this spike in interest. “I think they’ve become more popular due to the rise of AI,” explains Emma Lang, art consultant and founder of marketplace SOTA. “People are overwhelmed by its rapid influence on our lives, and are seeking traditional forms of craft that serve as a reminder of our humanity.” Despite years of curating art for luxury hotels and private residences, it’s only in the last six months that nearly every design brief Lang has worked on has included a request for textile pieces.
And why not? They’re a brilliant way to create a space that feels effortlessly lived-in, notes interior designer James Thurstan Waterworth, whose recent work on London’s The Zetter Bloomsbury hotel includes an array of antique fragments, woven cloths, and decorative panels. “Layering in textiles brings warmth, tactility, and narrative, making an interior feel collected and personal, rather than overly designed,” he explains. Bella Valenzia, founder of Pelican House (who recently launched a collaboration with Volga Linen that sees traditional folk motifs reinterpreted through traditional kilim weaving to rather wonderful effect), agrees: “They tell a beautiful story of a property, family, or hotel.”
Think of this as your sign, then, to add some textile art to your own space—whatever shape or form it may take.
Vogue’s Guide to Stylish Textile Art
Textile art can be sourced anywhere—it’s good practice to keep an eye on local fairs, antique markets, eBay, Etsy, and estate sales. Excellent pieces can even be found in homeware stores at the entry level, though many will want to invest in artisan work—or even commission it. “These pieces take time to create, so can be more expensive,” says Lang. Keep your eyes peeled on social media too; it can be a rich hunting ground.
As for when it’s time to decorate? Waterworth says they look their best as part of a broader mix of styles, textures, and eras. Try hanging an antique textile alongside 20th-century British artwork and tactile ceramics for depth and personality. Even if you’re not immediately sure how a work you’ve fallen in love with will fit in with your existing decor, trust in this layered approach: “The best piece of advice a mentor once gave me? If you like an antique piece but don’t quite know where it’ll go, make the stretch and buy it,” says interior designer Nicholas Hodson Taylor. “Otherwise, when you finally decide, it will be gone forever.”
Don’t miss out—here are four different ways to incorporate textile art in your home.
Large Tapestries
If you’ve got the wall real estate, an expansive tapestry can feel relaxed and organic when loosely hung. Waterworth suggests putting these massive pieces anywhere you might hang a framed artwork: “Above beds, behind seating areas, in hallways—anywhere that could benefit from added softness and texture,” he explains. “We’ve even used them over doorways, in place of doors.” Anthropologie’s Sarita floral tapestry offers rustic charm via a bold botanical scene, while this vintage Circus Cat tapestry—handmade from antique saree silks and linens in India—packs a visual punch.
Framed Works
For something smaller-scale, look to these options. Whether it’s a scrap of antique lace or a textile fragment, don’t hesitate to frame fabric you love. A perfect example is the handmade Ishaan textile wall art from Lulu and Georgia: “Most of the pieces we use weren’t originally intended to be displayed as wall art,” says Waterworth, “but through reframing and re-contextualizing them, they take on an entirely new presence.”
Wall Hangings
Even smaller wall hangings are a great option for a more compact space. “Color, weight, and weave all subtly influence the way we experience a room, even if we don’t realize it,” says Waterworth. Small but mighty, the Balance Bogolan wall hanging is spun, woven, and dyed by hand, then painted with fermented mud; it introduces rich character and artisanal detail to a tinier space like a powder room or galley kitchen. For something softer and more playful, this cobalt blue Andean llama duo is a fun finishing touch to hang above a bed or sofa.
Rugs and Throws
Here’s one insider interior designer trick: Hanging a rug or throw can bring warmth and texture to a room, sometimes more affordably than buying large textiles. “Flatweaves and lighter options tend to work best; they’re easier to hang and sit more naturally against the wall,” says Waterworth. “Heavier-pile rugs often require more substantial fixing and can feel visually dominant.”
Taking its cues from fairground carousels and Pakistani truck art, Pemberton Qwilts’ quilt is an energetic mix of color and shape—guaranteed to bring a playful twist to your interior. And when in doubt, animal print remains a timeless choice. Lulu and Georgia’s Makeda hand-knotted rug brings just the right amount of pattern and drama without overwhelming a room.
