A striking number of high-end companies now offer tapestries. From classical to hyper-modern artistic creations, the trend is hard to ignore—and Belgian producers have played a leading role in this for centuries. (Illustration: Arte International).
What exactly is tapestry?
Tapestry is the term used for wall hangings—sometimes handwoven. They date back to the Middle Ages and the Renaissance, when, alongside glorious hunting scenes and biblical stories, they were also used to soften cold stone walls and improve acoustics. They sometimes consist of multiple panels that together tell one story. A woven painting, you might say. No wonder that they primarily gain a foothold in Brutalist architecture.
Why is tapestry making a comeback?
In interior architecture, tapestry is the new “hot” trend. It is being used again as “soft architecture”: large textile surfaces bring color, texture, acoustic absorption, and warmth into minimalist spaces with concrete, glass, and steel.
The renewed focus on craftsmanship, “slow design,” and tactility—in response to digitalization—makes handwoven or limited-edition wall textiles especially appealing to collectors and designers.
There is also an art-historical reappraisal: from the 20th century onward, modern artists (such as Miró, Léger, Calder) collaborated with workshops in Aubusson and elsewhere, restoring tapestry’s status as a fully-fledged artistic medium rather than merely decorative.
In interior design trend reports for 2025–2026, tapestry is explicitly mentioned alongside other rich materials (such as mixed marble) as a way to give modern spaces character and layering—and above all, to turn interiors into a personal diary.
Migration and globalization have also had a clear influence on the renewed appreciation of tapestry. Carpets are culturally rooted, among others, the Berbers, Moroccans, Persians, and nomadic peoples from regions such as Mongolia and Kyrgyzstan. For them, wall hangings reflect a story, an experience, or a lived moment with deeper meaning. The tapestry shown below (left) is an ode to the desert, a story expressed in an abstract way.
Also striking is the creativity and the freedom of design, often shaped by the materials at hand. Patterns may refer to cultural background, a search for balance and structure, or the designer simply follows the inspiration of the moment. It is precisely this narrative that finds fertile ground in the West—the freedom of creation, unrestrained by the fluid canon of a fast-paced society.
Woven into our history
Tapestry, particularly the Flemish variety, has a rich history that symbolizes luxury and craftsmanship.
Origins (13th–14th century)
Tapestries emerged in the 13th century in Northern France and the Low Countries, especially in Tournai. In the 14th century, production flourished in Brussels, Bruges, Oudenaarde, and Ghent, where the textile industry was already well established.
Peak (15th–16th century)
From the late 15th century onward, Brussels became the leading center, followed by Oudenaarde, while Antwerp developed as a major trading hub. Thousands of tapestries were woven for royal courts, with strict quality marks introduced from 1544.
Revival and decline (17th–18th century)
Changing tastes and religious wars led to a gradual decline. There was a brief revival in the 17th century with Baroque designs by Rubens, but competition and French occupations ultimately caused its downfall. After 1830, Belgium rediscovered this heritage in museums.
