Navajo Native Blankets For Home

Navajo Native Blankets

I just came back from the Grand River Pow Wow at Six Nations Reserve in Ontario and fulfilled an objective that took many years to achieve. I always wanted some sort of large textile artwork, either a Southwest Native style, Latin American blanket or Inuit wall hanging to fill a large wall space I have at home. When I saw one particular Navajo native blanket at one of the pow wow art vendors, I knew that my search was finally over.

Although this Navajo blanket is really plush and warm, I knew that I would never use it as an actual blanket on my bed. This was too nice of a blanket to be used for that purpose. Instead, it belongs to be showcased on my wall.

So never having hung a blanket before, I researched different methods on how to do it. I saw methods online which included sewing on a rod pocket, using strong magnets and even using velcro strips. I did not like any of these methods for my blanket so I simply bought an inexpensive curtain rod hoping it would work.

How To Hang A Native Blanket

Initially, all I did was install a black colour curtain rod and hang my native blanket over it. It looked okay and the rod was strong enough especially with three attachments to the wall. But I wasn’t totally happy with how the blanket hung.

So I went back to Walmart where I bought the rod and purchased additional clips made by the same manufacturer (therefore ensuring the clips fit the rod). Fourteen clips were less than $5 while the rod itself was just under $17.

I attached the blanket to all fourteen clips and rehung the rod now with the blanket attached instead of just wrapped around it. This time since it is hung from the top end of the blanket, the entire piece extends down towards the floor which was okay by me.

More of the Navajo design can now be seen and the end result is the native blanket provides a dramatic look to the wall but at the same time, also seems to make my living room more warm and inviting like a real cozy home (as shown in the photo).

So using the clips plus a simple curtain rod would be my preferred method of hanging any native blanket or wall hanging.

If you are a native art lover like I am, consider adding wall hangings to your collection. They will certainly add warmth to any home.

By the way, those are my two Lhasa Apso dogs Chester and Roxie in the photo. They star in a free basic dog obedience training video over at another website I also run.