American Tapestries - The Western Frontier

Tapestries with a distinct Western theme make a log cabin or old style ranch house simply vibrate with authenticity. Using western themed tapestries as wall hangings in your home can bring a touch of the old West into your den or bedroom. You can cover large expanses of rough hewn natural walls, or accent plain pine or cedar paneling.

The Western style of tapestry can encompass many different designs and colors. The traditional burnt sienna, desert tan and earthy brown tones can mingle in a striped saddle blanket style, complete with thick bound edges. Alternately, a jagged stripe of white or deep indigo can work its way across more subtle tones for a sharp, edgy look.

Quieter tones of slate grey, black and dusky blue can bring a feeling of serenity and peacefulness into your home. This is the perfect look for the bedroom or study, to lend a calm air. Choose a softer edged pattern that is easy on the eye. Don't waste such tapestry wall art above your headboard - hang it on the opposite wall so you can see it when you rise in the morning and lie down at night.

Brighter reds oranges and yellows can add a Tex-Mex flavor, especially if the tapestry is edged with fine tassels. Try hanging a small one in your kitchen for a little pick-me-up every time you walk in. If your kitchen is more modern looking, try a classic red, black and grey design. You can choose a different look for each room, or pick up a common thread throughout your house.

For those enamored of the Southwestern decorating scheme, traditional colors for tapestry wall hangings include turquoise, pale pink and purple or even a soft yellow. Try using a narrow tapestry vertically in the 'wasted space' between a doorway and a wall, and picking up the theme across the room with a larger horizontal piece. This emphasizes

Your existing style will have a lot to do with your choice of tapestry style. In some cases, basic patterns reminiscent of Native American weaves may be appropriate. Geometric designs form some of the most well known patterns; others feature birds or native wildlife. If you have a lot of natural wood furniture and favor earth tones in your fabrics and floor coverings, this could be a natural extension of your existing décor.

Choosing high quality tapestries is key when it comes to enhancing the beauty of your home. Authentic woven tapestry wall hangings may cost more than cheap imitations, but they will last longer and retain their look and feel. Many Western style tapestries are woven with thicker, handcrafted wool that gives almost a tufted effect, making them tactilely interesting as well as visually pleasing.

Tapestries are conversation pieces, so be prepared to give a history of the one you choose for your home! Learning the story behind the design used can be entertaining, and you can use your knowledge to impress visitors and add another dimension of history to your home. Whether the design is a unique frontier housewife's creation or a traditional Navajo pattern, the back-story is sure to be interesting.

You can select a favorite room to dress up Southwest style, or develop a new house's décor around a rustic theme. Pull the look together with gorgeous tapestry wall hangings, floor rugs and upholstered furniture. You can find pieces to match any color scheme you desire, and mix and match textures for a rich frontier setting. Use your imagination and cerate your very own version of what you think the Wild West looked like!

Whether you decide on handcrafted Navajo tapestries made of naturally dyed wool or more modern Americana style tapestry wall art, you can rest assured that the Western theme is timeless. You can implement a Southwest flavor in a house, apartment or weekend cabin getaway. All it takes is a few appropriate tapestry wall hangings worked into your existing decorating plan.

Best of all, if you change color schemes or styles at a later time, tapestries are incredibly versatile and easy to transport. You can move them to another room, use as an accent to give a dressing room extra warmth, or completely change the tone of a small study. Covering one wall with a large tapestry is a great way to add depth to a room.

Consider going back to basics and exploring the wealth of Western style tapestries available! You will be amazed at the color, texture and character a fine tapestry wall hanging can add to your home. A little innovation goes a long way, and you can add an authentic frontier flavor to your home.