“There’s a growing interest in more tactile art forms like tapestries right now,” says Christian Bense. “Modern or antique, this medium feels at home in both traditional and contemporary interiors, and it really contributes to the layering of a space. Textile art offers something authentic and organic—qualities that resonate in an increasingly digital world.”
For Rachel Chudley, the trend is also a response to the times. “The world feels rather cold and dark at the moment, and everyone wants warmth and cosiness—creative, textural works on their walls help achieve exactly that.”
Bense recently collaborated with South African artist Francis VH on two custom mohair tapestries for an apartment at 60 Curzon. Spanning over two and a half meters, the pieces bring softness and warmth to an open-plan living area. “Their handcrafted tactility and abstract detailing complement the more sculptural furniture in the room,” he says.
Great examples abound: see Pelican House’s custom botanical tapestry in Amanda Brooks’s New York townhouse (above), or Christabel MacGreevy’s handmade wall quilt fashioned from her grandmother’s tablecloth—proof that textiles can be incredibly personal while visually grounding a room.
While auctions are a rich source for antique textiles, Chudley encourages looking closer to home. Consider hanging a decorative rug, or repurposing vintage fabric you’ve stowed away in the loft. “When hanging any artwork, intuition is key,” she says. “Think about the elements you want to see—some textiles look beautiful in a floating frame, but I recommend avoiding glass so you can fully appreciate the texture.”
For tapestries, you can simply hang them directly on the wall or suspend them from a metal pole above. “It depends on what the room calls for—and how relaxed you want the hanging to feel.”
The occasional sofa
Pictalab Milano and Nicolò Castellini Baldissera’s Portaluppi Herbarium at Alcova in 2022.Photo: Courtesy of Mattia Parodi