Designers are once again turning to historical interior trends for inspiration, with one antique in particular popping up in their most considered schemes: the tapestry.
Drawing on the indulgent grandeur of old manor houses, where layers, patina and a touch of drama seemed to be a part of daily life, today’s designers are using tapestries to bring warmth and character to modern homes.
Rather than feeling formal or fussy, these storied textiles now read as confident and full of personality. ‘They can add mystery, romance and softness to a room instantly,’ says interior designer Whitney Romanoff of Meet West. ‘The idea of hands from a couple of centuries ago weaving this snapshot of a moment in time, a daydream or an important milestone together is so captivating.’
The renewed interest is less about nostalgia and more about atmosphere, drawing on the characterful charm of English country houses, where walls are softened with fabric, patterns overlap without matching and nothing feels overly precious.
Today’s tapestries lean rich and moody rather than dainty, with velvets, fringe and pastoral scenes layering in texture and depth. Used this way, they create a cocooning effect, making a space feel intimate — classic without trying too hard, warm and unfussy in the best possible sense.
Tempted to introduce one at home? Here, designers share how to do it well.
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Why tapestries are trending right now
Part of the renewed appeal comes from a growing desire for rooms that feel personal rather than perfectly polished.
'We are all in love with more individualised spaces and are still discovering the treasures from the days of yore,' explains designer Sarah Stacey. 'Tapestries are such a classic, and they work in so many different ways.' In her projects, she uses them as wall art, to disguise televisions, or even as fabric for pillows and upholstery. 'Because it isn’t a repeating pattern, it can read almost neutral even when it has a lot going on,' she adds.
That slightly imperfect quality is exactly why tapestries feel timely. As interiors move away from the overly sleek minimalism of the 2010s, handmade details and visible age are finally having their moment. Sarah points to a broader cultural shift, noting that with AI everywhere, people are craving artisanal, handmade things.
For clients who want impact without committing to a full gallery wall or investing in a massive painting, a tapestry is an easy way to make a large wall feel finished.
How to style tapestries like a designer
Texture is a big part of the appeal. Designer Crystal Sinclair gravitates towards antique tapestries specifically for the balance they bring to modern spaces: 'I personally love the texture it brings to a space. It brings history,' she says.
Crystal likes to pair antique tapestries with modern furniture to create balance. That mix of old and new is what keeps tapestries from feeling heavy or costume-like; when paired with clean-lined furniture or contemporary silhouettes, the age of the textile becomes an asset. 'Go big or go home,' she says. 'It should be the focal point of the room.'
How to shop for tapestries
Scale is where people tend to get nervous, but designers agree this is not the place to play it safe. Sarah encourages clients to think boldly, especially when a tapestry is hanging on its own.
'If it’s going on a wall by itself, I want it to go almost wall to wall,' she explains. 'They are extra, so let’s lean into it.' She often prefers pieces that sit close to the ceiling and floor or extend long enough to disappear behind a sofa or headboard. It adds depth and makes the layering feel intentional.
Interior designer Chiara de Rege also embraces oversized pieces, even in smaller rooms. 'If ceilings are high but a room is small, I’m still happy to put a large-scale tapestry up,' she says. 'You just have to be ready for the tapestry to define the space.'
How to mix antique tapestries with modern decor
What keeps tapestries feeling current is contrast. All three designers emphasise pairing them with modern furniture, streamlined shapes or unexpected materials. Chiara loves the tension that comes from mixing something very old with something very new.
She points to using inherited tapestries alongside steel consoles, glass and chrome details or modern seating as a way to add a bit of humour and edge. 'There’s something grand but also modern and almost satirical – in a good way,' she smiles. 'Something so old on modern lines really works because of that contrast.'
The goal is not to recreate a period room. Instead, the tapestry becomes an anchor that grounds the space while everything else feels fresh and lived in.
What to know before you shop
When it comes to sourcing, designers overwhelmingly favour vintage pieces. Crystal is firm on the subject: 'Vintage is the only way to go. They’re a difficult find, and it usually takes a long search to find something that meets the specifics I have in mind,' she says.
Sarah turns to auctions, flea markets and online marketplaces for older pieces with character, while Chiara focuses on the story behind each textile. 'There is a story behind a tapestry, and the tapestry is most likely depicting a story,' she says. 'That should resonate with the client and the project.'
In a design moment defined by warmth, personality and history, tapestries offer something rare. They make a room feel intimate, layered and grounded all at once – and right now, that sense of escapism is just what we're after.
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