The Art of Silk: How to Care for and Style Hand-Painted Silk Décor

Because your tapestry deserves more than being “that fancy thing on the wall

Let’s get one thing straight: silk is not just fabric. It’s a legacy, a whisper of elegance spun by worms with an astonishing work ethic, and, in your case, a hand-crafted masterpiece. That’s not home décor—it’s silk art, baby. And if you’ve been lucky enough to own one of our Nakshi Kantha Tussar Silk Wall Hangings, then you already know they deserve their own mood lighting, soft jazz, and perhaps a small shrine.

But let’s not get carried away (okay, just a little). Instead, let’s dive into two very important topics:

1. How to care for this exquisite silk artwork, so it lasts longer than your houseplants.
   
   
2. How to style it, so it looks like an intentional design statement—and not something you "just threw up there."
   
   

Ready? Let’s silk and roll.

1. Silk Isn’t High Maintenance—It Just Has Standards

We get it. You hear "silk" and immediately envision a checklist of diva-like care instructions and the faint sound of your wallet weeping. But Tussar silk? It’s the cool, low-key cousin of mulberry silk. Still luxurious. Still royal. Just a tad more down-to-earth.

🧽 Basic Silk Care Tips:

• Dust, Don’t Panic: Use a soft brush or clean feather duster to gently remove any dust. (Bonus points if you pretend you're a museum curator while doing this.)
  
  
• No Direct Sunlight: Silk loves to bask in beauty but not in UV rays. Prolonged sun exposure can fade the hand-painted detailing faster than you can say, “Where did the red go?”
  
  
• Avoid Moisture Like It’s a Bad Ex: Humidity is not your silk’s friend. So, no, the bathroom is not the place for your Flora or Jungle silk tapestry. Keep them in dry, ventilated areas.
  
  
• Dry Clean Only: Seriously, don’t toss it in the washing machine. If your tapestry needs more than a gentle dusting, call a professional who knows what they’re doing. (Preferably one who won’t panic when you say “hand-painted silk.”)
  

2. Ironing Without Tears

Got a fold or two? No worries. Just don’t go at it like it’s a pair of jeans. Use a cool iron on the reverse side, ideally with a thin cotton cloth in between. And never, ever steam it directly. Silk doesn’t do sweat.

3. Framing vs. Free Flow: Two Ways to Flaunt It

There’s no one right way to hang your silk tapestry—just many fabulously wrong ones we’re trying to save you from.

🖼️ The Framed Look:

Great for a more polished, gallery-like aesthetic. Especially ideal for pieces like Patchwork 1 or Tribal Warli Color that are bold, vibrant, and visually dense. Pro tip: go for UV-protective, non-reflective glass to preserve the piece and avoid the “Oops, I can’t see it unless it’s nighttime” problem.

🪢 The Flowing Textile Look:

Let your silk breathe and move like the textile goddess it is. Hang it with a wooden dowel or handcrafted rod that adds an earthy touch. Works wonders for pieces like Garden or Forest, where the textures and embroidery truly shine.

4. Where to Hang Your Silk Decor (Without Looking Like You’re Trying Too Hard)

Let’s be honest, hanging a hand-painted silk tapestry over the laundry basket isn’t exactly the vibe.

Here’s where these beauties thrive:

• Above the Sofa: Instant focal point. Pairs beautifully with soft lighting and a few matching cushions.
  
  
• Bedroom Backdrop: More unique than a headboard and way more poetic.
  
  
• Hallways or Transitional Spaces: These often-forgotten areas become mini galleries with the right piece.
  
  
• Study or Reading Nook: Add visual calm to intellectual chaos. Bonus: it makes your Zoom background look very cultured.
  

Feeling maximalist? Mix different pieces—try combining Fauna with Bazaar for a stunning, story-rich wall collage.

5. Pairing with Other Decor: It’s a Vibe, Not a Theme Park

You don’t have to convert your whole house into an art gallery or jungle temple. Here’s how to pair silk with style:

• Natural Wood Furniture: Complements the organic texture of silk without competing.
  
  
• Neutral Walls: Let the silk shine. Think creamy whites, sandy tones, or warm greys.
  
  
• Textile Companions: Consider adding a Jaipuri Quilt or Pashmina Shawl on nearby furniture to build soft, layered textures.
  
  

6. Owning Silk Art = Owning a Story

These aren’t just decorations. Each Nakshi Kantha tapestry is embroidered with motifs that whisper tales of nature, folklore, tradition, and imagination. By owning one, you’re holding a piece of heritage that was painstakingly hand-stitched, dyed, and painted by master artisans.

You're not just styling a wall—you’re curating a legacy.

Wrapping It All Up (In Silk, Obviously)

Caring for your hand-crafted silk isn’t hard. It just requires a little intention and a lot of admiration—kind of like owning a really fancy plant, minus the guilt trips. And styling it? That’s the fun part. There’s no wrong way to celebrate art—especially when it’s been crafted by hands that treat every thread like a verse.

So go ahead, find your favorite piece, give it pride of place, and let your home tell stories worth leaning in for.

🧵 Explore our full Silk Art Collection
✨ Or check out popular pieces like Patchwork 2 and Flora