No matter where you’re situated in the world, chances are you’re familiar with some form of textile borne out of your culture or community. Kente cloths in Ghana’s Asante region; suzani in Central Asia; kilim in Turkey, Iran, and Afghanistan; ikat in Indonesia; the vast tapestries of medieval and Renaissance Europe that still hang resplendent in homes and churches across the continent. These pieces showcase cultural narratives, stories, and values, expressing something about human life that only the best art can.
So it might come as no surprise that in the digital age, this tactile art form is gaining popularity again. Global Google searches for “wall tapestry” and “vintage tapestry” are up 40 and 110 percent respectively in recent months; and according to some, there’s an obvious reason for this spike in interest. “I think they’ve become more popular due to the rise of AI,” explains Emma Lang, art consultant and founder of marketplace SOTA. “People are overwhelmed by its rapid influence on our lives, and are seeking traditional forms of craft that serve as a reminder of our humanity.” Despite years of curating art for luxury hotels and private residences, it’s only in the last six months that nearly every design brief Lang has worked on has included a request for textile pieces.
And why not? They’re a brilliant way to create a space that feels effortlessly lived-in, notes interior designer James Thurstan Waterworth, whose recent work on London’s The Zetter Bloomsbury hotel includes an array of antique fragments, woven cloths, and decorative panels. “Layering in textiles brings warmth, tactility, and narrative, making an interior feel collected and personal, rather than overly designed,” he explains. Bella Valenzia, founder of Pelican House (who recently launched a collaboration with Volga Linen that sees traditional folk motifs reinterpreted through traditional kilim weaving to rather wonderful effect), agrees: “They tell a beautiful story of a property, family, or hotel.”
Think of this as your sign, then, to add some textile art to your own space—whatever shape or form it may take.
Vogue’s Guide to Stylish Textile Art
Textile art can be sourced anywhere—it’s good practice to keep an eye on local fairs, antique markets, eBay, Etsy, and estate sales. Excellent pieces can even be found in homeware stores at the entry level, though many will want to invest in artisan work—or even commission it. “These pieces take time to create, so can be more expensive,” says Lang. Keep your eyes peeled on social media too; it can be a rich hunting ground.