Have you thought about giving your bedroom a unique and cosy touch but don't know where to start? Hanging a rug as a headboard has become one of the most popular and original decorating trends. This solution is not only affordable and versatile, but it also adds texture, warmth, and personality to any room.
Hanging a rug as a headboard can seem complicated at first, especially if you've never done it before. Doubts are normal: How do you make sure it's well-secured? What type of rug is best? How do I avoid damaging the wall? In this guide, we explain everything you need to know to get a professional result without complications.
This decorating technique is the latest fashion, and best of all, you can change your headboard whenever you want, adapting it to new trends or simply when you feel like refreshing the atmosphere of your room.
Step-by-step to hang a rug as a headboard
Achieving a perfect rug headboard requires planning, the right tools, and following the correct process. With the method we are going to explain, you will get a professional result that will completely transform your bedroom.
Preparation: choose the perfect rug for your headboard
The first step, and possibly the most important, is to choose the right rug. Not all rugs work equally well as a headboard, and making the right decision from the start will save you problems later.
Ideal size: The rug should be approximately 20-30 cm wider than your bed on each side. For example, if you have a 150 cm bed, look for a rug between 190-210 cm wide. As for the height, between 120-150 cm is ideal, depending on the height of your ceiling and the visual effect you are looking for.
Recommended materials: Natural fibre rugs like jute or cotton are excellent options because they are light and durable. Synthetic rugs also work well and are usually more affordable. Avoid very thick or heavy rugs, as they will be more difficult to hang and can put too much pressure on the anchors.
Style and design: Think about the atmosphere you want to create. Rugs with geometric patterns provide modernity, while bohemian or vintage designs create a more relaxed and cosy atmosphere. Rugs in neutral colours are versatile and combine with any decor.
Method 1: Curtain rod system (recommended)
This is our favourite method because it is safe, stable, and allows you to easily change the rug whenever you want to refresh your decor.
Materials needed:
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1 curtain rod the width of the rug + 20 cm
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Rod brackets (2-3 depending on the width)
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Drill and bits suitable for your wall type
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Level
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Pencil for marking
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Rings or clips for rugs
Installation process: First, determine the ideal height. It's common to place the rod between 15-25 cm above the mattress, although this can vary according to your personal taste and ceiling height. Mark the points where the brackets will go with a pencil, using the level to ensure they are perfectly aligned.
Drill the holes with the appropriate bit for your wall type. If it's plasterboard, use special anchors; if it's brick or concrete, use nylon anchors. Install the brackets and place the rod. Before hanging the rug, check that the installation is firm.
To hang the rug, you can create a kind of "sleeve" by sewing the top edge, or use special rug rings that are sewn or hooked every 20-30 cm. This method allows the rug to hang evenly and naturally.
Method 2: Wooden slat system
This option is perfect if you are looking for a more rustic finish or if you want the fastening system to be part of the decor.
Materials needed:
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1 wooden slat the width of the rug
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2-3 brackets or supports for the slat
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Upholstery stapler or tacks
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Drill and fastening material
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Sander and varnish or paint (optional)
Installation process: If the slat is made of natural wood, you can sand it and apply varnish or paint that matches your decor. This will give it a more professional finish and allow it to integrate better into the overall look.
Mark the position of the slat on the wall, just like in the previous method. Install the brackets making sure they are perfectly level. The slat should be horizontal and firm.
Attach the rug to the slat using an upholstery stapler every 15-20 cm along the top edge. The staples should be hidden when you hang the slat. If the rug is very thick, you can use decorative tacks that, in addition to holding it, add an aesthetic touch.
Method 3: Industrial velcro system
This method is discreet and works very well for lighter rugs, although it requires a bit more precision in the installation.
Materials needed:
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Self-adhesive industrial velcro (twice the width of the rug)
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Extra-strong adhesive for walls
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Sewing machine or fabric glue
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Level and pencil for marking
Installation process: Cut a strip of the rough part of the velcro the width of your rug. Stick it on the wall at the desired height, making sure it is perfectly horizontal. Use extra-strong adhesive in addition to the self-adhesive velcro for added security.
Sew or glue the soft part of the velcro to the back of the top edge of the rug. It must be well-secured to support the weight. Once the wall adhesive has cured (usually 24 hours), simply press the rug against the wall.
Essential tools and materials
To achieve a professional result, it is important to use the right tools. You don't need specialized equipment, but you do need some basic items that you probably already have at home.
Basic tools:
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Drill with bits of different sizes
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Spirit level (essential for it to be straight)
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Screwdriver
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Pencil for marking
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Tape measure
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Stud finder (useful for locating beams)
Fastening materials: The type of fastening material depends entirely on your wall type. For brick or concrete walls, use 6-8 mm nylon anchors. For plasterboard, special anchors for this material are essential, as normal ones will not hold the weight. For wooden walls, you simply need appropriate screws.
Complementary accessories: A caulking gun can be useful to reinforce fastenings, especially if the wall is not in perfect condition. Rubber door stoppers can protect the wall from the rug rubbing against it if it is too close.
Tips for different types of rugs
Not all rugs behave the same when you hang them, and knowing the peculiarities of each type will help you choose the most suitable method.
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Long-pile rugs: They are especially decorative but also heavier. They need a robust fastening system, preferably the curtain rod method. Long pile can accumulate dust, so plan for regular vacuum cleaning.
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Synthetic rugs: They are the easiest to work with and allow you to use any of the three methods. They are ideal if this is your first time doing this type of installation.
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Natural fibre rugs: Like jute or sisal, they are durable but can be stiffer. The wooden slat method works especially well with these materials because it complements their natural style.
- Vintage or delicate rugs: They require special handling. Avoid making unnecessary holes and consider using the velcro method, which is less invasive. If the rug is very valuable, consult a professional before proceeding.
Mistakes to avoid when hanging your rug headboard
Some mistakes can turn what should be a simple project into a bigger problem, or even permanently damage the rug or the wall.
Not calculating the weight correctly: This is the most common and also the most dangerous mistake. A large rug can weigh between 5-15 kg, and if the fastening system is not adequate, it can fall during the night. Always oversize the fastening: it's better to be too strong than too weak.
Hanging the rug crooked: Once it is hung, correcting a crooked headboard is very complicated, and the poorly made holes are visible. Always use a level and take the time needed to mark correctly before drilling.
Not considering the location of plugs and switches: Plan the installation taking these elements into account. Sometimes it is better to adjust the height or position slightly to prevent the rug from covering them or looking poorly integrated.
Using the wrong method for the wall type: A plasterboard wall will not hold the same weight as a brick wall. If you are not sure what type of wall you have, consult with someone experienced before you start.
Not preparing the rug: Before hanging it, make sure it is clean and in good condition. Once it is hung, cleaning it will be more complicated. Also, check that it does not have loose threads that could worsen with handling.
Forcing the installation: If something doesn't fit or doesn't work as you expected, stop and rethink. Forcing can damage both the rug and the wall, and subsequent repairs are usually more expensive than doing it right from the start.
Not planning for maintenance: Think from the beginning about how you are going to clean the rug once it is hung. Some installations make regular maintenance almost impossible, which can turn your beautiful headboard into a problem.
Maintenance of your rug headboard
A hung rug requires different maintenance than a rug on the floor, but it is not complicated if you follow some basic guidelines.
- Regular cleaning: Vacuum the rug at least once a week with the upholstery attachment. Do it from top to bottom, following the natural direction of the fibers. This regular cleaning prevents dust from accumulating and keeps the rug looking good.
- Stain cleaning: If stains appear, treat them immediately before they set. Use a slightly damp cloth and specific rug products, always testing first in an inconspicuous area.
- Checking the fastening: Every few months, check that the fastening system is still firm. It is normal for small loosenings to occur over time, which should be corrected before they become a bigger problem.
- Seasonal rotation: If you have several rugs, consider changing them according to the season. In winter, a long-pile rug provides more warmth; in summer, a lighter and fresher one may be more appropriate.
Decorating ideas and styles
Your rug headboard can be the starting point for the entire bedroom decor. Here are some ideas to get the most out of this trend.
Bohemian style: Combine a rug with ethnic or mandala patterns with natural textiles, hanging plants, and warm lights. Ethnic rugs are perfect for this style.
Modern minimalist: Choose a rug in neutral colours or with simple geometric patterns. Keep it as the only prominent decorative element and combine it with furniture with clean lines.
Vintage retro: A rug with vintage patterns can be the centre of a retro-inspired bedroom. Combine it with wooden furniture and earthy colours.
Industrial: A natural fibre rug hung from an untreated wooden slat fits perfectly into an industrial-style bedroom, especially if you combine it with metal elements.
As you have seen, hanging a rug as a headboard is a perfectly manageable project that can completely transform your bedroom. You just need to choose the right method for your situation, be patient during installation, and follow the maintenance recommendations.
The satisfaction of creating a unique and personal headboard, in addition to the possibility of changing it whenever you want, makes this project totally worthwhile. Don't get discouraged if it's not perfect at first; as with any manual work, practice will give you the necessary confidence and skill.
Have you already tried this technique in your bedroom? Do you have any special tricks you've discovered during the process? At Atticgo, we would love to hear about your experience and see what your rug headboard looks like. If you still don't have the perfect rug for your project, take a look at our rug collection and find the one that best suits your style.
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