{"id":343782,"date":"2025-04-14T12:22:32","date_gmt":"2025-04-14T16:22:32","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/blog.sothebysrealty.com\/?p=343782"},"modified":"2025-10-16T16:47:14","modified_gmt":"2025-10-16T20:47:14","slug":"woven-style-decorating-with-tapestries","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.sothebysrealty.com\/extraordinary-living-blog\/woven-style-decorating-with-tapestries\/","title":{"rendered":"Woven Style: Decorating with Tapestries"},"content":{"rendered":"

No longer the preserve of nobility, tapestry allows designers to blend old and new for strikingly contemporary interiors, writes Francesca Perry<\/span><\/h2>\n

\"\"<\/a>A historic tapestry in the Manhattan home of Adam Charlap Hyman, designed by CHH. Photograph: Steven Kent Johnson<\/span><\/p>\n

Tapestries are taking over our walls again. The focus of several high-profile exhibitions and a popular feature in stylish homes, woven wall hangings\u2014both antique and contemporary\u2014are back in the carefully adjusted spotlight. This year has seen major shows of textile art, tapestries included, at <\/span>MoMA in New York <\/span><\/a>and <\/span>The Clark in Massachusetts<\/span><\/a>. And interior designers are also taking cues from the art world, making tapestry a central part of their schemes for private homes.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cTapestries provide a real sense of depth when worked into a space, similar to the effect a mirror might have in a room\u2014they play a trick on the eye, as if the space might be architecturally grander than it is,\u201d explains Adam Charlap Hyman, co-principal of LA- and New York-based architecture and design firm Charlap Hyman & Herrero (CHH).\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Wall hangings feature regularly in CHH design schemes, including the large-scale, paradise-like scene in Charlap Hyman\u2019s own eclectically designed apartment in Manhattan. \u201cTapestries are different from a typical piece you might hang on the wall; they can somehow blend in and feel as if they are a natural part of the environment,\u201d he says. \u201cThere is an incredible variety, whether in origin, palette or means of production. My favorite finds are typically of 17th- and 18th-century Aubusson and Flemish origin.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>In Workstead\u2019s lobby for One Prospect Park West, an antique tapestry provides contrast<\/span>. Photograph: Matthew Williams<\/span><\/p>\n

Throughout history, weavers have depicted current events, religious or mythical scenes, and imaginary idylls in tapestry form. The medieval period saw a peak in production, especially in Europe, when large works were made across France, Belgium and the Netherlands for castles and palaces of royalty and nobility. The capacity to showcase intricate artisanal skill combined with access to fine materials, such as silk, meant tapestries continued to thrive in the Renaissance, even as the art of painting blossomed. Tapestries were able to cover larger areas than painting, often producing a bigger impact\u2014with the added benefit of insulating walls.<\/span><\/p>\n

Woven works still fill the grand interiors of Ch\u00e2teau de Fontainebleau, Villa Medici, Hampton Court Palace and Quirinale Palace, to name a few across Europe. Others are now in museum collections for the public to admire. \u201cThe Unicorn Tapestries\u201d (1495\u20131505), a much-feted series depicting a unicorn hunt, which originally hung in the home of a noble French family, has been on display at The Met Cloisters in New York since it opened in 1938.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

In the 20th century, the bold work of artists such as Joan Mir\u00f3, Anni Albers and Sonia Delaunay introduced experimental abstraction into the medium, pushing its potential. Contemporary artists including Jeffrey Gibson, Julia Bland and El Anatsui build on this experimentation, drawing from wider global influences\u2014woven works have long been a format of creative expression in Indigenous communities across the world\u2014and exploring unusual materials, textures and forms. Although the art world has periodically overlooked tapestries as \u201ccraft,\u201d they are now celebrated\u2014and collected\u2014as artworks themselves.<\/span><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>Nina Litchfield chose an abstract tapestry by Sussy Cazalet for this Notting Hill interior. <\/span>Photograph: Astrid Templier\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

It follows that more people are incorporating tapestries into their interiors, too. As wall decoration, tapestries can be softer and warmer than paintings, but just as flexible to complementing interior styles. Their texture and tactility chime well with domestic environments and their range of sizes provides options for perfecting the right look.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

In a recent project in Notting Hill, London, interior designer Nina Litchfield selected an abstract tapestry from contemporary artist Sussy Cazalet to anchor the living room. \u201cI designed the space with the tapestry in mind,\u201d says the Brazilian-born designer. As the rest of the room was \u201crelatively neutral,\u201d Litchfield wanted to bring warmth and color through a large-scale addition to the walls. Cazalet\u2019s tapestry, sourced from the London art gallery Tristan Hoare, introduces deep red and amber tones to the room, offset by playful contrasts of red and green. \u201cThat tapestry is so fascinating, so mesmerizing\u2014and it really makes the room,\u201d Litchfield says.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

New York-based architecture and design studio Workstead turned to historic tapestries for two interior schemes in New York. At Prospect Park West, a Brooklyn condominium development, a striking yellow lobby is offset by an antique European landscape tapestry, dominated by deep greens; at Twin Bridges House, in the Hudson Valley, a faded and framed 19th-century tapestry showing a verdant idyll complements a pattern-rich living room. \u201cThe tapestries add a historical artistry to each project,\u201d says Ryan Mahoney, partner and creative director at Workstead.<\/span><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>A framed 19th-century tapestry in the living room of Workstead’s Twin Bridges House. <\/span>Photograph: Matthew Williams<\/span><\/p>\n

So, how to style a tapestry in your own home? For many, contrast is the name of the game. Litchfield opted for a modern, abstract and minimal tapestry for the Notting Hill home \u201cbecause my design in general is quite traditional,\u201d she says. But just as a contemporary woven piece can offset a historic interior, so the reverse is true. \u201cNowadays it\u2019s in fashion to take a very old tapestry and put it in very modern interiors,\u201d she adds. \u201cThe modern interior can be quite cold and possibly even a little sterile\u2014and then you put in a tapestry and it brings in warmth.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Workstead adopted the old-meets-new approach at One Prospect Park West, where \u201cthe tapestry serves as a counterpoint to the more modern space,\u201d says Mahoney. But a richly detailed historic tapestry can also be an opportunity to embrace maximalism. \u201cThe intricacy of tapestries encourages the layering of materials and patterns,\u201d he says. Whatever the style chosen, tapestries can bring nuance and soul to a room. As Mahoney says: \u201cTheir soft, textured canvases enhance the depth of an interior\u2014and can weave in storytelling.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Books also furnish a room: read about<\/span><\/i> the rise of home libraries in an age of screen overload<\/span><\/i><\/a><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a><\/i><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

No longer the preserve of nobility, tapestry allows designers to blend old and new for strikingly contemporary interiors, writes Francesca Perry A historic tapestry in the Manhattan home of Adam Charlap Hyman, designed by CHH. Photograph: Steven Kent Johnson Tapestries are taking over our walls again. The focus of several high-profile exhibitions and a popular […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":232770370,"featured_media":343783,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"advanced_seo_description":"","jetpack_seo_html_title":"","jetpack_seo_noindex":false,"jetpack_seo_schema_type":"","_jetpack_newsletter_access":"","_jetpack_dont_email_post_to_subs":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_tier_id":0,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paywalled_content":false,"_wpcom_ai_launchpad_first_post":false,"_jetpack_feature_clip_id":0,"_jetpack_hide_featured_image":false,"_jetpack_featured_image_duplicate_dismissed":0,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":"","jetpack_post_was_ever_published":false},"categories":[1393],"tags":[1472,1505],"class_list":["post-343782","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-art-and-culture","tag-new-york","tag-united-kingdom"],"jetpack_likes_enabled":false,"jetpack_shortlink":"https:\/\/wp.me\/pf4gbL-1rqS","jetpack-related-posts":[{"id":348036,"url":"https:\/\/www.sothebysrealty.com\/extraordinary-living-blog\/why-the-bayeux-tapestry-is-falls-biggest-design-inspiration\/","url_meta":{"origin":343782,"position":0},"title":"Why The Bayeux Tapestry is Fall\u2019s Biggest Design Inspiration","author":"Natalie Davis","date":"September 10, 2026","format":false,"excerpt":"Threaded with history and human endeavor, the 11th-century masterpiece is the antithesis of AI, writes Elizabeth Metcalfe The Bayeux Tapestry has been loaned to the British Museum, London, from Normandy, France. Photograph: \u00a9 La Fabrique de Patrimoines en Normandie \/ Antoine Cazin Few international exhibitions have caused quite such a\u2026","rel":"","context":"In "Home and Design"","block_context":{"text":"Home and Design","link":"https:\/\/www.sothebysrealty.com\/extraordinary-living-blog\/category\/home-and-design\/"},"img":{"alt_text":"photo of antique tapestry hanging behind golden yellow sofa","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.sothebysrealty.com\/extraordinary-living-blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/Max-Rollitt_Yavington-Barn_Photo-Ed-Rollitt.jpg?resize=350%2C200&ssl=1","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.sothebysrealty.com\/extraordinary-living-blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/Max-Rollitt_Yavington-Barn_Photo-Ed-Rollitt.jpg?resize=350%2C200&ssl=1 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.sothebysrealty.com\/extraordinary-living-blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/Max-Rollitt_Yavington-Barn_Photo-Ed-Rollitt.jpg?resize=525%2C300&ssl=1 1.5x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.sothebysrealty.com\/extraordinary-living-blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/Max-Rollitt_Yavington-Barn_Photo-Ed-Rollitt.jpg?resize=700%2C400&ssl=1 2x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.sothebysrealty.com\/extraordinary-living-blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/Max-Rollitt_Yavington-Barn_Photo-Ed-Rollitt.jpg?resize=1050%2C600&ssl=1 3x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.sothebysrealty.com\/extraordinary-living-blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/Max-Rollitt_Yavington-Barn_Photo-Ed-Rollitt.jpg?resize=1400%2C800&ssl=1 4x"},"classes":[]},{"id":425,"url":"https:\/\/www.sothebysrealty.com\/extraordinary-living-blog\/inside-a-midcentury-contemporary-oasis-in-los-angeles\/","url_meta":{"origin":343782,"position":1},"title":"Inside a Midcentury Contemporary Oasis in Los Angeles","author":"Procurement Admin","date":"March 11, 2025","format":false,"excerpt":"Woven into the colorful tapestry of L.A.\u2019s history, this striking, light-flooded contemporary home in Silver Lake is a versatile oasis of creativity and seclusion designed by one of the city\u2019s significant architects. Secluded on a spacious corner lot in the storied Silver Lake neighborhood of Los Angeles, this striking contemporary\u2026","rel":"","context":"In "Home and Design"","block_context":{"text":"Home and Design","link":"https:\/\/www.sothebysrealty.com\/extraordinary-living-blog\/category\/home-and-design\/"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.sothebysrealty.com\/extraordinary-living-blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/header-2.jpg?resize=350%2C200&ssl=1","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.sothebysrealty.com\/extraordinary-living-blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/header-2.jpg?resize=350%2C200&ssl=1 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.sothebysrealty.com\/extraordinary-living-blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/header-2.jpg?resize=525%2C300&ssl=1 1.5x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.sothebysrealty.com\/extraordinary-living-blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/header-2.jpg?resize=700%2C400&ssl=1 2x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.sothebysrealty.com\/extraordinary-living-blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/header-2.jpg?resize=1050%2C600&ssl=1 3x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.sothebysrealty.com\/extraordinary-living-blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/header-2.jpg?resize=1400%2C800&ssl=1 4x"},"classes":[]},{"id":345484,"url":"https:\/\/www.sothebysrealty.com\/extraordinary-living-blog\/live-a-shakespearean-fantasy-in-these-picturesque-homes\/","url_meta":{"origin":343782,"position":2},"title":"Live a Shakespearean Fantasy in These Picturesque Homes","author":"Kate Marburger","date":"November 27, 2025","format":false,"excerpt":"As the playwright\u2019s work renews its position in the cultural spotlight, we celebrate the most accessible architectural flourishes of the era, writes Florence Hallett Verona, Italy | Italy Sotheby\u2019s International Realty The much-anticipated release of \u201cHamnet,\u201d the big-screen adaptation of Maggie O\u2019Farrell\u2019s acclaimed novel, is proof\u2014if it were needed\u2014that Shakespeare\u2026","rel":"","context":"In "Home and Design"","block_context":{"text":"Home and Design","link":"https:\/\/www.sothebysrealty.com\/extraordinary-living-blog\/category\/home-and-design\/"},"img":{"alt_text":"Shakespearean home in England","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.sothebysrealty.com\/extraordinary-living-blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/Shakespeare_ManorHouse2.jpg?resize=350%2C200&ssl=1","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.sothebysrealty.com\/extraordinary-living-blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/Shakespeare_ManorHouse2.jpg?resize=350%2C200&ssl=1 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.sothebysrealty.com\/extraordinary-living-blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/Shakespeare_ManorHouse2.jpg?resize=525%2C300&ssl=1 1.5x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.sothebysrealty.com\/extraordinary-living-blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/Shakespeare_ManorHouse2.jpg?resize=700%2C400&ssl=1 2x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.sothebysrealty.com\/extraordinary-living-blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/Shakespeare_ManorHouse2.jpg?resize=1050%2C600&ssl=1 3x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.sothebysrealty.com\/extraordinary-living-blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/Shakespeare_ManorHouse2.jpg?resize=1400%2C800&ssl=1 4x"},"classes":[]},{"id":348148,"url":"https:\/\/www.sothebysrealty.com\/extraordinary-living-blog\/the-return-of-the-salon-a-space-for-culture-and-conversation\/","url_meta":{"origin":343782,"position":3},"title":"The Return of the Salon: A Space for Culture and Conversation\u00a0","author":"Natalie Davis","date":"September 24, 2026","format":false,"excerpt":"Immaculate design is underpinning the revival of statement rooms that spark curiosity and human connection, discovers Elizabeth Fazzare Paris, France | Propri\u00e9t\u00e9s Parisiennes Sotheby's International Realty We often associate a digital detox or screen-free sojourn with getting out into nature. But as the desire to unplug increases for many, attention\u2026","rel":"","context":"In "Home and Design"","block_context":{"text":"Home and Design","link":"https:\/\/www.sothebysrealty.com\/extraordinary-living-blog\/category\/home-and-design\/"},"img":{"alt_text":"monochromatic salon with statement seating, red and blue coffee tables, and exquisite art collection on walls behind","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.sothebysrealty.com\/extraordinary-living-blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/Salon_SuttonPlaceA3-ALT.jpeg?resize=350%2C200&ssl=1","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.sothebysrealty.com\/extraordinary-living-blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/Salon_SuttonPlaceA3-ALT.jpeg?resize=350%2C200&ssl=1 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.sothebysrealty.com\/extraordinary-living-blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/Salon_SuttonPlaceA3-ALT.jpeg?resize=525%2C300&ssl=1 1.5x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.sothebysrealty.com\/extraordinary-living-blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/Salon_SuttonPlaceA3-ALT.jpeg?resize=700%2C400&ssl=1 2x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.sothebysrealty.com\/extraordinary-living-blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/Salon_SuttonPlaceA3-ALT.jpeg?resize=1050%2C600&ssl=1 3x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.sothebysrealty.com\/extraordinary-living-blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/Salon_SuttonPlaceA3-ALT.jpeg?resize=1400%2C800&ssl=1 4x"},"classes":[]},{"id":344698,"url":"https:\/\/www.sothebysrealty.com\/extraordinary-living-blog\/sweet-dreams-styling-a-statement-bedroom\/","url_meta":{"origin":343782,"position":4},"title":"Sweet Dreams: Styling a Statement Bedroom","author":"Kate Marburger","date":"October 2, 2025","format":false,"excerpt":"The audacious use of paint, textiles and eye-catching furniture can create a sense of sanctuary that is as personal as it is impactful, writes Francesca Perry A four-poster anchors this Montecito master bedroom by VSP Interiors. Photograph: Paul Massey Of all the rooms in a house, the bedroom is arguably\u2026","rel":"","context":"In "Home and Design"","block_context":{"text":"Home and Design","link":"https:\/\/www.sothebysrealty.com\/extraordinary-living-blog\/category\/home-and-design\/"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.sothebysrealty.com\/extraordinary-living-blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Bedrooms_Montecito1.jpg?resize=350%2C200&ssl=1","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.sothebysrealty.com\/extraordinary-living-blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Bedrooms_Montecito1.jpg?resize=350%2C200&ssl=1 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.sothebysrealty.com\/extraordinary-living-blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Bedrooms_Montecito1.jpg?resize=525%2C300&ssl=1 1.5x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.sothebysrealty.com\/extraordinary-living-blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Bedrooms_Montecito1.jpg?resize=700%2C400&ssl=1 2x"},"classes":[]},{"id":343837,"url":"https:\/\/www.sothebysrealty.com\/extraordinary-living-blog\/how-to-live-in-a-castle-in-2025\/","url_meta":{"origin":343782,"position":5},"title":"How To Live in a Castle in 2025","author":"Kate Marburger","date":"April 24, 2025","format":false,"excerpt":"Make like a king or queen with panoramic views from the turrets, luxe interiors, swimming pools \u2013 and even the odd moat, writes Aimee Dawson Perugia, Italy | Italy Sotheby\u2019s International Realty They say an Englishman\u2019s home is his castle. Certainly that has been the case for the Howard family\u2026","rel":"","context":"In "Home and Design"","block_context":{"text":"Home and Design","link":"https:\/\/www.sothebysrealty.com\/extraordinary-living-blog\/category\/home-and-design\/"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.sothebysrealty.com\/extraordinary-living-blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/Header.jpg?resize=350%2C200&ssl=1","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.sothebysrealty.com\/extraordinary-living-blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/Header.jpg?resize=350%2C200&ssl=1 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.sothebysrealty.com\/extraordinary-living-blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/Header.jpg?resize=525%2C300&ssl=1 1.5x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.sothebysrealty.com\/extraordinary-living-blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/Header.jpg?resize=700%2C400&ssl=1 2x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.sothebysrealty.com\/extraordinary-living-blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/Header.jpg?resize=1050%2C600&ssl=1 3x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.sothebysrealty.com\/extraordinary-living-blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/Header.jpg?resize=1400%2C800&ssl=1 4x"},"classes":[]}],"jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/www.sothebysrealty.com\/extraordinary-living-blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/header-2.jpg","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.sothebysrealty.com\/extraordinary-living-blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/343782","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.sothebysrealty.com\/extraordinary-living-blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.sothebysrealty.com\/extraordinary-living-blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.sothebysrealty.com\/extraordinary-living-blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/232770370"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.sothebysrealty.com\/extraordinary-living-blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=343782"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/www.sothebysrealty.com\/extraordinary-living-blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/343782\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":345111,"href":"https:\/\/www.sothebysrealty.com\/extraordinary-living-blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/343782\/revisions\/345111"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.sothebysrealty.com\/extraordinary-living-blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/343783"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.sothebysrealty.com\/extraordinary-living-blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=343782"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.sothebysrealty.com\/extraordinary-living-blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=343782"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.sothebysrealty.com\/extraordinary-living-blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=343782"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}