Fabric Wall Décor Is One of the Biggest Design Trends of 2025
January 23, 2025 | by kutub21
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It’s always an adventure to see which way interior design waves will flow, and right now we’re seeing a surge in cozy, inviting aesthetics rich in texture and warmth. Among the top trends of the moment is fabric wall decor, which is up 135% in searches according to Pinterest.
“We are seeing more and more people incorporate fabric decor as a way to add texture to a space in a way that a traditional painting or framed photograph cannot achieve,” says Gale Sitomer, interior designer and founding partner of Gale Sitomer Design. Lucy O’Brien, interior designer and founder of Tartan & Toile, agrees, noting that this trend coincides with the maximalist surge we’re seeing. She says, “It’s coming back into fashion after decades of cold, large, and overbearing designs. People want cozy and warm places to come home to after the chaos of our daily lives.”
Ahead, we’re covering everything you need to know about embracing this trend in your own space, including types of fabric wall décor, how to find great pieces, and tips on hanging and displaying them.
- Gale Sitomer, interior designer and founding partner of Gale Sitomer Design
- Lucy O’Brien, interior designer and founder of Tartan & Toile
- Sarah Latham, principal designer at Latham Interiors, a full-service interior design company based in Sun Valley, Idaho
- Gideon Mendelson, founder and creative director of Mendelson Group
Types of Fabric Wall Décor
Fabric wall décor comes in all sorts of shapes, sizes, and styles. You can try more traditional options like wall tapestries or upholstered walls, or get a bit more creative by hanging embroidered art, macramé, fabric panels, or even vintage scarves. “The most common way would be to apply a fabric as you normally would a wallpaper,” Sitomer says. “However, tapestries have been making a comeback as more clients look to blend traditional pieces in otherwise modern spaces.”
Types of fabric wall décor can include:
- Tapestries
- Upholstered walls
- Embroidered art
- Macramé
- Woven baskets
- Original art made with fabric
- Quilts
- Rugs
- Fabric panels
- Vintage scarves
Whatever the particular type, O’Brien says fabric wall décor can make a space feel cozy as well as serve as an excellent sound barrier and insulation for your home. “Fabric, along with other soft textiles absorbs a great amount of sound waves and stops them from bounding against the hard surface of the wall,” she notes.
Tips on Finding Beautiful Fabric Wall Décor
Do we have you convinced to try blending fabric wall décor in your space? Below, see expert-approved advice about incorporating the design style.
Consider Your Space and Style
The first step is to consider your space and personal style. While larger rooms can handle bold, oversized tapestries, smaller spaces may benefit from more delicate or minimal designs. Think about your existing aesthetic and ensure the fabric’s texture, pattern, and style align with your overall décor. Then, choose a piece that naturally blends with or complements your color palette.
Hire an Artist
With logistics and style in mind, you can officially start shopping around. A great place to start is with a local artist. “Local artists are always our go-to when moving in this direction. Oftentimes, a local artist will work with you by incorporating whatever color palette you want to enhance,” Sitomer explains. “On the other hand, we have also had clients find great pieces first (or have them passed down from family), and then the piece can influence the entire color story for a room.”
Try Secondhand and Vintage Shopping
Interior designer Sarah Latham tells us that one of her favorite places to find fabric wall décor is at antique shops, flea markets, and thrift stores. This approach allows you to find one-of-a-kind pieces—often for a handsome price. Also check out digital marketplaces filled with secondhand and vintage finds, like eBay and Etsy.
How to Add Fabric Wall Décor to Your Space
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Whether you’re trying to create a bold focal point or add subtle texture, there are lots of ways you can incorporate fabric wall decor into your space. Here are a few ways you can seamlessly integrate a great piece.
Hang on Rods
If you have a freestanding piece of fabric wall decor—like a tapestry, rug, or macrame—one of the best ways to display it is via rod and chain, O’Brien says. This creates a polished look while ensuring the fabric hangs securely and evenly. It also allows for easy removal for cleaning or swapping in a new piece.
Framed Fabrics
Whether working with a piece of original art or vintage textile, framing your fabric wall décor is another great option. “This allows you to add texture and color, but the frame adds a polished touch to keep it from looking too bohemian,” Sitomer says.
Stretch Over a Canvas Frame
This option is great if you have a piece of raw fabric you want to showcase. Stretch it over a canvas frame and secure the fabric on the backside with a staple gun. This creates a more polished and modern look and works particularly well for bold patterns or intricate designs.
Use Fabric Wallpaper
One of the most common ways to incorporate fabric wall décor into a space is by applying a fabric as you would a wallpaper. “I like using fabrics the same way we use wallpaper—with a paper back or by adding some batting for something more cushy,” says Gideon Mendelson, founder and creative director of Mendelson Group. “ This adds extra dimension to the entire room.” You can find wallpaper that already has a fabric quality, or you can DIY this.
Incorporate into a Gallery Wall
For small to medium pieces, consider weaving your fabric wall decor into a gallery wall. You can mix fabric pieces, like embroidered hoops or mini panels, with framed art and photos for a texture-rich, layered look.
As for where to hang these pieces, the world’s your oyster. “Just like any other art, they can be used in any space,” Sitomer notes. “However, we would be cautious in kitchens or bathrooms where they would be exposed to a lot of humidity or cooking smells and grease.”
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