Vintage textiles are a beautiful and unique addition to any space. I frequently get asked how to display them properly to ensure they remain in excellent condition and can be appreciated for many years to come. In this article, I explore my favourite ways to display vintage textiles.
1) DISPLAY TEXTILES AS WALL ART
One of the most popular ways to display vintage textiles is to hang them on a wall. This is a great way to showcase their intricate designs and details. They can help brilliantly with softening acoustics and add texture to matte wall spaces. Depending on the size and weight of the textile, there are several ways to hang them on a wall. If you have a small or lightweight textile, such as a vintage handkerchief or doily, then you can use a picture frame to display it. Simply place the textile between two pieces of glass and secure it with the backing board; this will protect the textile from dust and damage. You can stretch them onto a canvas and then hang straight onto the wall with a picture hook. For larger or heavier textiles, such as vintage quilts or tapestries, you can use a rod or dowel to hang them on the wall. Sew a sleeve onto the back of the textile, slide the rod through the sleeve and hang the rod on two brackets or hooks. This method allows the textile to hang straight and prevents any creases or wrinkles from forming.
2) DISPLAY VINTAGE TEXTILES AS A RUNNER OR TABLECLOTH
Vintage textiles can add a touch of elegance and charm to any room as a runner or tablecloth. A vintage tablecloth or runner can be used as a statement piece on a dining room table or as a backdrop for a coffee table or console table. They look especially good on a smaller round table and can really spruce up an old favourite. Kanthas are excellent as tablecloths as you can put them in the washing machine. Suzanis fare less well with this method, so a tip is to cover them with a glass table top to protect them; a stylish and practical solution.
3) CREATE A VINTAGE TEXTILE GALLERY
If you have a large collection of vintage textiles, consider creating a gallery wall to display them. This is a great way to showcase the different styles and designs of vintage fabrics and can create a stunning focal point in any room. To create a vintage textile gallery, choose a wall that is free of any furniture or decor. Lay out your textiles on the floor and experiment with different arrangements until you find the perfect one. Once you have your layout, use picture hangers or adhesive strips to secure each textile to the wall.
4) USE VINTAGE TEXTILES AS UPHOLSTERY
Unique and One-of-a-Kind: one of the biggest pros of using vintage textiles for reupholstery is that each piece is unique and one-of-a-kind. You'll never find another piece of furniture with the same fabric, which adds a special touch to your space. You can create a real statement piece like none other when using vintage textiles for upholstery. I think they look especially good on headboards and ottomans. They can really elevate a room and create a strong scheme around the statement piece. Best to use vintage textiles on low usage items like footstools and headboards as there is less chance of them getting damaged.
5) DISPLAY AS A BEDSPREAD OR THROW
The most obvious but one of the best ways to display your vintage textiles is draped over a bed or sofa. Vintage textiles are one-of-a-kind and often have a unique story or history behind them. By displaying them over your bed or sofa they will add a personal touch that reflects your individual style and taste. Displayed in this way they will invoke nostalgia and create an ambience reflective of you and your personal taste.
6) MAKE YOUR VINTAGE TEXTILES INTO CUSHIONS
Vintage textiles are a treasure trove of unique patterns and colours that can add a touch of character and charm to any room in your home. One of the best ways to display your vintage textiles is by turning them into cushions. Not only do cushions protect your textiles, but they also give them a new lease on life and can make them stand out as a statement piece on your sofa or chairs. When you back your vintage textiles with a plain fabric, you're not only protecting them from wear and tear but also increasing their longevity. This means you can pass them down as a family heirloom for generations to come. Adding a nice feather pad can really bulk out your cushions, giving them a plush and luxurious look and feel. Using vintage textiles for cushions can add a wonderful texture, pattern, and colour to your space, making them a great way to add interest and character to your home decor. Plus, since vintage textiles are one-of-a-kind, you'll have a cushion that's truly unique and unlike any other.
7) DISPLAY VINTAGE TEXTILES AS CURTAINS/ ROOM DIVIDERS
Vintage textiles have an undeniable charm and beauty that can add a unique touch to any space in your home. While they can be used in a variety of ways, one of the most striking and effective ways to display vintage textiles is by using them as curtains. There are many benefits to using vintage textiles as curtains. First and foremost; they add a touch of nostalgia and character to any room. Whether you opt for a bold, colourful print or a more understated design, vintage textiles can make a statement and become a conversation piece in your home. Another advantage of using vintage textiles as curtains is that they are eco-friendly. By repurposing old textiles instead of buying new curtains, you are reducing your carbon footprint and helping to save the planet. Plus, vintage textiles are often made from high-quality materials that have stood the test of time, so you can be sure that your curtains will last for years to come. One of the best ways to display vintage textiles as curtains is by hanging them from a metal pole with clips. This functional and practical approach can also be a stunning decorative element, as it allows the textile to drape beautifully and showcase its intricate design. Hanging vintage textiles as curtains from walls can also create an impactful effect and really show them off to their absolute best. It is also a cost effective and practical solution. For example, if you choose a Kantha it is a quilt with layers of fabric sewn together it won’t require lining or interlining just attach it to the clips and it will prevent draughts and look extremely stylish.
8) USE THEM FOR LIGHTING
A fantastic way to showcase vintage textiles is by making them into lampshades. Silk saris, lace doilies and embroidered linens can all be transformed into stunning lampshades that create a warm and soft glow. This is a perfect way to showcase vintage textiles that are too delicate to be used for other purposes, or that you simply want to display in a new and creative way. Another way to use vintage textiles as lighting is by using them to create pendant lights. By wrapping vintage textiles around wire frames or hanging them from cords, you can create one-of-a-kind lighting fixtures that cast beautiful patterns and colours on walls and ceilings. Silk sari clip wall lights are a particular favourite of mine adding intricate detail to a space. Whether you use them as lampshades or pendant lights, vintage textiles can create a beautiful and unique ambiance that cannot be replicated by modern materials.