When faced with bare walls most people automatically think pictures. They need framed pictures of some sort to break up their wall space. Makes perfect sense, most people like a little art in their lives whether it has meaning to them or they just like the colors, it makes a house feel more like a home. But there are alternatives many people don't even consider like wall tapestries.

Many people assume tapestries are expensive and a luxury only for the rich. I guess this stigma comes from the fact that tapestries are pictured in castles and large Victorian homes. It is a complete misconception however, there are several very good online tapestry stores that offer hangings under $100 and they're not all tiny.

Consider this you might find a gorgeous print of your favorite painitng, let's say for example Van Gogh's Irises. The print is an average size (38 x 28) which you can get on art.com for $21.99. Not bad, but you're not going to just thumbtack a print to your wall, this is your house not your dorm room, so you also need to get it framed. Here is where you see the first difference, with a decent (but not great) frame your $21.99 print became a $164.99 investment. Now if you take a look at tapestries you can find Irises in a comparable size (33 x 28) for $132.00. Even with a rod for $18 you're still spending less.

You can easily find tapestries that are more afforadable than framed prints or paintings but that's not the only reason I prefer them. There is a very different aesthetic feel to a tapestry. It has tangible depth which is something a print can never have, it is tactile. It also hangs an inch or so from the wall which makes a wall look bigger and bolder, perfect for an accent wall.

Tapestries are easy to hang as well, just like putting some curtains on your wall you just need a thicker rod. You can usually get one along with your tapestry but they can also be found at most regular stores like Target or Sears.

After I bought my first tapestry I loved it so much I started selling them. That's absolutely true. I bought the Venice tapestry pictured above in June of 2002 and started my Tapestries and Wall Decor site that September. I have several hanging in my house and really feel that they add that extra something.