Minimalism in interior design is characterized by extreme spareness and simplicity. Historically, the word minimalism was first used in 1927 when designers started simplifying interior spaces in opposition to the excesses of the Victorian era. From then, henceforth, homeowners have been applying minimalism to both the house’s architecture and interior decor. (1)
If you’re one of those who treasure simplicity, you’d want to decorate your home with tapestries. Here’s how to go about it:
1. Wall tapestries
This should be your starting point in decorating your minimalist home. After all, minimalism isn’t all about white, bare walls. You can still add wall decor, but of a size and design that accentuates your simplistic tastes. So, consider shopping for uncomplicated wall tapestries to add a mild sense of style to your minimalist home.
You’d want to try abstract art tapestries. By definition, abstract art abstains from representing an authentic depiction of visual reality. Rather, artists employ forms, shapes, lines, colors, and gestures to convey the message.
Also, you can go for a black and white one or any other combination of two neutral colors, such as beige, taupe, ivory, gray, and shades of white. Avoid overly bold and vibrant colors, such as lime green, fire-engine red, canary yellow, and Tivoli gold. But that’s not to say that your tapestries should entirely be devoid of these colors; you can still have them, as long as they’re not the dominant ones in the piece of art. (2)
Alternatively, think about a seascape theme. A wall tapestry depicting the ocean with rocks, cliffs, sunsets, clouds, sea animals, coral reefs, or just the waves is simple and calm enough to fit your minimalist home.
2. Tablecloth tapestries
Minimalism focuses on functionality. So, instead of merely hanging a piece of art on the wall or placing it on a shelf, you’d want it to also serve a particular purpose. One way to implement this idea of minimalism is to use a tapestry as a tablecloth. (3)
First, measure your table and then add about three to six inches on all sides to allow for the drop around the edges. Make a point of ensuring that the main subject of the tapestry art lies at the center of the tablecloth. This way, it’ll look balanced when placed on the table rather than skewed to one side. Perhaps a simple repetitive floral pattern will do.
3. Tapestries as curtains
Still on the functionality aspect of minimalism, you can consider having a tapestry that doubles up as a curtain. That’s actually killing two birds with one stone–you’re decorating your minimalist home and also dressed the windows with one piece of fabric. Just ensure that you choose colors that blend with the rest of the interior decor.
4. Styling
As a minimalist homeowner, you wouldn’t want to over-decorate your home with tapestries. It’s best to stick to just one outstanding piece. But if your rooms are large, there’s no harm in hanging two or three per room.
One ideal location is the wall behind your three-seater couch. Align it so its center coincides with the centerline of the sofa. You want a large tapestry that forms the focal point of the living room. Let it stand alone as it is, with no other smaller ones scattered all around it.
Another good place to hang your tapestry is above the fireplace if you have one in your house. That’s where family and friends hang out to warm themselves as they catch up on life’s issues. So, it follows that they should have a breathtaking piece of art to stare at. It can even trigger interesting conversations as the viewers marvel at its beauty.
If you have a large blank wall in any room of your house, you’d want to implement the rule of threes. As you’ve probably heard from expert interior designers, decor items arranged in odd numbers are more memorable, engaging, and effective than those arranged in even numbers. So, consider grouping your tapestries in odd numbers, such as 5, 7, or 9, but, most importantly, in threes, which always works magic. (4)
Endnote
With the above ideas, it’s assured that tapestries aren’t getting outdated any time soon. The trend, which started thousands of years ago, is set to get even stronger in the coming years, especially since more and more people seek to copy their forefathers. Also, if you want to achieve a minimalist look, you can never go wrong decorating with tapestries, too. So, go shopping for museum-quality tapestries that’ll last you dozens of years.
References
- “Minimalism 101, Part 1: Characteristics of The Minimalist Home,” https://medium.com/the-nordic-mod-stress-free-home/minimalism-101-part-1-the-minimalist-home-17dedf5fc297
- “ABSTRACT ART,” https://www.tate.org.uk/art/art-terms/a/abstract-art
- “What Is Minimalist Design?” https://www.thespruce.com/what-is-minimalist-design-4796583
- “The Rule of Threes: Why You Should Know It, Love It, & Use It,” https://www.apartmenttherapy.com/the-rule-of-threes-and-other-odd-numbers-218086