A tapestry on the ceiling turns a bedroom into something closer to a tent, a night sky or a canopy. It is a popular dorm and bedroom idea, and it is easier than it looks. Here is how to hang a tapestry on a ceiling with four different methods, how to stop it sagging, and how to keep it safe.
Before you start: safety
- Keep it clear of lights. Fabric must not touch bulbs, light fittings or heat sources.
- Don't cover smoke alarms or sprinklers. Leave plenty of space around them.
- Check your lease or dorm rules about fixings on ceilings. Many dorms don't allow anything attached to the ceiling at all.
- Use a stable step ladder and, ideally, a second person.
Plan the position
Lay the tapestry on the bed or floor under the spot you want to cover, so you can see where its corners will land. Mark the corner positions on the ceiling lightly with a pencil or small pieces of masking tape. Decide whether you want it flat and taut, or draped with a gentle dip in the middle.
Method 1: Thumbtacks or push pins
The simplest method on plaster or drywall ceilings. Pin each corner first, then add pins every 12 to 18 inches along the edges, pulling the fabric slightly taut as you go. Use clear or colour-matched pins so they disappear. Small holes are easy to fill with a dab of filler when you move out.
Method 2: Small ceiling hooks
Screw-in cup hooks at the corners and middle of each side let you hang the tapestry by small loops or binder clips. This is good for a draped or billowing canopy look and makes it easy to take down for washing.
Method 3: Adhesive hooks or clips
Renter-friendly adhesive hooks rated for ceilings can hold a lightweight printed tapestry. Clean the ceiling with rubbing alcohol first, press each hook firmly for 30 seconds and wait an hour before hanging anything. Use more hooks than you think you need so no single one carries much weight. Our guide to hanging a tapestry without nails covers adhesive options.
Method 4: A canopy over the bed
Fix two hooks or a slim curtain rod above the head of the bed, and two more towards the foot. Drape the tapestry between them so it dips slightly in the middle. This frames the bed rather than covering the whole ceiling. See tapestry as a headboard, canopy or room divider.
How to stop a ceiling tapestry sagging
- More fixing points. Sagging almost always means too few. Add one every foot along the edges.
- Add a centre point. One clear pin or hook in the middle of a large tapestry takes out the belly.
- Pull it taut as you go. Work from the corners towards the centre of each side.
- Iron it first. Creases from packaging make it look saggy. See how to get the wrinkles out of a tapestry.
- Use the lightest method that holds. Heavy clips pull fabric down between fixings.
Which designs work best on a ceiling?
Skies, stars, galaxies, clouds and abstract patterns work best, because they have no clear "up". Designs with figures or text can look odd from the bed. Celestial designs are a natural fit; see celestial tapestries for the bedroom.
Which size?
For a full-ceiling look in a small room, choose the largest landscape tapestry; for a canopy over a bed, one that is about the width of the bed works well. The tapestry size guide lists sizes.
Lighting a ceiling tapestry
Warm fairy lights or an LED strip run along the edges, not touching or trapped under the fabric, make a ceiling tapestry glow at night. Battery or low-voltage LED lights stay cool. Our guide on tapestries with fairy lights and LED strips explains how to do it safely.
Taking it down
Remove pins or clips from the centre outwards so the fabric doesn't drop on you. Peel adhesive hooks by pulling the tab straight down, slowly, parallel to the ceiling.
Browse every design, in landscape and portrait, in the tapestries collection.