How to hang rugs.

Justin, I attached with only one piece of tack strip. It sits behind the rug with the spikes penetrating the hand tied knots on the back of the rug. The tacks are shallow enough that they don't pass completely through the rug face.

I did add two tiny nails at each end of the 2X2 to be certain the rug did not slip off and fall on my equipment. If a tiny nail is used you can "feel" your way, pushing between the fibers and causing little or no damage to fine rugs.

Mine is an antique Persian, 100% silk and worth a fair amount of money. I see no harm from the tack strip, probably less damage than feet cause when the rug is on the floor.

I've used this rug for many, many years. I originally imagined some of my photography silk screen printed on thin (semi acoustically transparent) cloth with fiberglass behind as sound treatment.

I ultimately decided the rug was simpler and a lot less work. It's surprising how many people think it's decorative (they love it) as opposed to being there for sound.

Albert-mine isnt silk but it did cost me a few schillings, and if it didnt hurt yours im convinced. Do you have any thoughts on which wall and which direction i should hang it to acheive the best sonic bonus. thanks again.

P.S. your system is gorgeous!

Thank you Albert!!! A lot easier than mine and will use that combination the next time. Jlind, if you have ceilings that are 10' tall there are probable a few people that would help you in room acousitics. ;-) My ceilings are 8' and from listening to other people's system I've come to understand that the room is part of the sound equation and you haven't said what your new room size is so can't really offer advice on rug placement. Good luck!

Boss302

My wife & I are fans of good weaving and have collected rugs for many years. The only thing I'd add to Alberts' advice is that sometimes when you hang a rug on a wall facing the exterior, sufficient moisture can migrate through walls over time to cause rust to develop on the steel tacks in a tack strip. It has been my preference to use copper tacks which can be purchased at any well stocked hardware store. Boss302's sewing method works well too, I've done that for flat weave kilims or small Afghan saddle bags.

I have a tapestry on my wall. It is meant to be hung, unlike a carpet, which can be hung or put on a floor. It is hanging with Velcro. One strip of the Velcro is on the back of the tapestry. The other is on a 1x3 board so the the tapestry is supported along its length. It is the long edge of the tapestry which is supported, unlike rugs which are usually supported by the narrow end. The top edge of the board has eye hooks, which then slips onto another set of hooks on the wall. I didn't come up with this myself. The artist who made the tapestry prepared it and sold it with this hanging system in place. I don't know whether putting a Velcro strip on the back of a silk Persian would be the thing to do. I would want to check with a store which sells them, or even an antique dealer. I like Alberts's idea with the tack strip. The more tacks the better so that each holds less weight.