Are you looking for a unique way to elevate your interiors without draining your budget? Or perhaps you’re tired of blank walls that feel more cold than curated? Let us introduce you to a creative, character-filled solution: DIY rug art. That’s right — old rugs aren’t just for floors. With a little vision, they can become statement boho wall hanging ideas that bring soul, colour, and texture to your space.

This blog will guide you through everything you need to know to turn your forgotten floor textiles into stunning, affordable wall décor. We’ll cover sourcing, prepping, hanging methods, style inspiration, and more — all with a warm, accessible, and practical tone.

Why Rugs Make Great Wall Hangings

Rugs are essentially art in textile form. They offer:

  • Intricate patterns: Especially vintage, ethnic, or tribal-inspired designs
  • Rich texture: Adds depth and warmth to bare walls
  • Bold colour stories: Perfect for eclectic, boho aesthetics

Boho Bonus Points:

  • Reusing rugs fits the bohemian love of sustainability and imperfection
  • They help anchor large or awkward spaces
  • Ideal for renters who can’t repaint or wallpaper

Anecdote: A friend used a vintage kilim rug from her grandmother’s attic to cover a water-damaged wall in her studio. Not only did it hide the flaw, but it became a conversation-starting centrepiece.

A person holds a large, intricate macramé wall hanging, surrounded by cozy home decor items in a bright, minimalist setting.

Best Rugs to Use for Wall Art

Not all rugs are created equal when it comes to vertical life. Look for:

Materials

  • Flatweave rugs (kilims, dhurries, tapestries) are lighter and easier to hang
  • Cotton and wool blends hold shape without sagging
  • Avoid heavy tufted or rubber-backed rugs unless you’re using industrial wall fixings

Patterns & Colours

  • Global motifs like Moroccan, Turkish, Navajo, or Indian prints
  • Neutral tones with geometric designs for minimalist boho
  • Bold, mixed-colour pieces for maximalist flair

Sizes

  • Small to medium rugs work best
  • Even runners or doormats can be turned into a multi-panel wall series

Visual cue: Think of your rug as a tapestry. Does it tell a story? Does it feel rich with culture and colour?

Where to Source Rugs for Wall Hangings

Creating beautiful boho wall decor doesn’t have to mean buying expensive artisan pieces.

Budget-Friendly Rug Sources:

  1. Thrift stores and charity shops
  2. Online marketplaces like Facebook or eBay
  3. Car boot sales or flea markets
  4. Family hand-me-downs
  5. Old floor rugs that have seen better days

Internal Link: For more treasure-hunting tips, see How to Thrift Perfect Boho Decor on a Budget.

Prepping Your Rug for Hanging

Before it goes on the wall, a bit of care ensures it looks great and lasts.

Cleaning Tips:

  • Vacuum both sides thoroughly
  • Spot clean with a gentle solution (check colourfastness!)
  • Air it out in sunlight for freshness and odour removal

Reinforcing (If Needed):

  • Hand-stitch edges to prevent fraying
  • Sew a fabric backing to stabilise fragile pieces
  • Iron gently with a cloth barrier to smooth folds

DIY anecdote: I once rescued a faded door mat and painted over the pattern with fabric-safe dye to revive it — it now hangs in my hallway.

Hanging Techniques for Rug Wall Art

There are several ways to get your rug up on the wall — and most are renter-friendly.

1. Curtain Rod Method

  • Sew a pocket into the back of the rug or use clip rings
  • Hang from a mounted curtain rod
  • Ideal for larger or heavier rugs

2. Velcro Strips

  • Attach industrial-strength Velcro to both the rug and the wall
  • Great for lighter rugs
  • Easy to remove with no damage

3. Wooden Slats

  • Staple or sew the rug to a narrow wood strip
  • Mount with brackets or nails
  • Adds structure for floppy textiles

4. Tapestry Clips or Clamps

  • No sewing required
  • Just clip the top edge and hang from nails or hooks

Internal Link: For creative wall display inspiration, visit Creating a Budget-Friendly Boho Gallery Wall.

Tip: Use a level before mounting. A slightly crooked rug can make the whole space feel off.

Styling Ideas: Where and How to Display Rug Art

Now that it’s wall-ready, let’s find the perfect spot to let your rug shine.

Living Room:

  • Above the sofa as a centrepiece
  • Behind an open bookshelf to create visual depth

Cozy bohemian bedroom with vibrant rugs and tapestries, featuring a bed with colorful pillows and lush greenery.

Bedroom:

  • Headboard substitute behind the bed
  • Along a side wall paired with plants and low lighting

Hallway or Entryway:

  • Vertical runner as a statement
  • Create a rug collage with smaller mats

Boho Nooks:

  • Use as a back panel for a reading corner
  • Layer behind mirrors or framed prints

Styling metaphor: Think of the rug as a backdrop to your lifestyle. How does it support or enhance the energy of that room?

Creative Add-Ons to Elevate Your Rug Wall Hanging

Make it your own with easy custom touches:

  • Add fringe or tassels to the bottom
  • Embroider over parts of the design for texture contrast
  • Stitch beads or sequins into patterns
  • Layer rugs of varying lengths for a cascading effect

Real story: One reader cut a rug into a half-moon shape, then hand-stitched brass sequins into the pattern. It now sparkles beautifully with evening light.

Budget Breakdown: Rug Wall Art Project Under £50

Materials:

  • Old kilim rug: £10 (thrifted)
  • Curtain rod and brackets: £20
  • Embellishments (tassels, thread): £5
  • Backing fabric: £5
  • Hooks and level: £5
  • Optional dye for pattern touch-up: £5

Total: £50 for an original, personality-packed wall feature

Compare that to: Designer tapestries that retail for upwards of £200 with similar dimensions and design!

Mistakes to Avoid When Turning Rugs Into Wall Art

Don’t let excitement overshadow the details. Here’s what to watch out for:

Common Errors:

  • Hanging without cleaning first (hello, dust!)
  • Choosing rugs too heavy for wall-safe mounting
  • Clashing with existing colour schemes
  • Hanging too low or too high — aim for eye level

Quick Fixes:

  • Test your hanging method with a lighter rug first
  • Try paper templates on the wall to play with height and placement
  • If in doubt, keep it simple — the rug is already a statement

Emotional Impact: Why Rug Wall Art Feels So Personal

There’s something deeply satisfying about repurposing an old object into something beautiful. A rug that was once walked over now becomes an honoured part of your space.

It Reflects:

  • Creativity: You made it
  • Sustainability: You saved it from the landfill
  • Cultural awareness: You honoured a craft tradition
  • Home identity: You chose to personalise

Human touch: Every rug tells a story. Yours now adds a new chapter.

From Floor to Fabulous

Old rugs are more than just throwaway textiles. With a little creativity and care, they can become bold, beautiful, and budget-friendly DIY wall décor that tells your story and adds soulful texture to your home.

From sourcing the perfect piece to hanging and styling it with flair, turning rugs into wall art is a truly boho way to embrace design, sustainability, and self-expression.

Ready to bring your walls to life? Share your rug art creations using #DIYRugWallArt, and don’t forget to subscribe for more earthy, artsy home inspiration!