How to Remove Wrinkles from a Printed Wall Tapestry

How to Remove Wrinkles from a Printed Wall Tapestry

If you've just unboxed a printed wall tapestry and found fold lines running through it — don't worry. Printed fabric tapestries are shipped folded, and creasing is completely normal. Unlike traditional woven tapestries, printed fabric responds quickly to heat and steam, so wrinkles come out in minutes.

This method works for all printed fabric tapestries — polyester, cotton blend, and organic cotton. If you're not sure what your tapestry is made of, check the product label. The technique is the same across all these materials: always work on the back of the fabric, never on the printed side. Direct heat or steam on the print surface can affect the colors over time.

Two household tools will do the job: a garment steamer or a regular clothes iron.

Steaming the back of a printed wall tapestry hung on a wall to remove fold lines — Decorvm care guide

Method 1: Garment Steamer (Recommended)

A handheld garment steamer is the easiest option. Hang the tapestry on the wall or over a door, then steam the back side in slow, even passes. The fabric relaxes quickly — most creases disappear within minutes. No ironing board needed, no pressure on the print.

Here's a quick demo showing how it works:

Ironing the back of a printed wall tapestry to remove wrinkles — close-up of iron on fabric reverse side

Method 2: Clothes Iron

If you don't have a steamer, a regular iron works fine. Lay the tapestry face-down on a flat surface (a clean floor or ironing board) so the printed side is protected. Set the iron to a low-to-medium heat setting — no higher. Press gently on the back of the fabric, keeping the iron moving. Don't leave it sitting in one spot.

For stubborn creases, place a thin cotton cloth between the iron and the tapestry back as an extra layer of protection.

A Few Extra Tips

  • If the tapestry has been stored folded for a long time, hanging it for 24–48 hours before steaming often loosens the worst creases on its own.
  • Avoid using the highest heat setting on either tool — regardless of fabric type, low-to-medium heat is always the safe choice to protect both the material and the print.
  • Never spray water directly onto the printed side.
  • These methods apply to all printed fabric tapestries regardless of brand. If you have a traditional handwoven tapestry, consult a textile conservator instead — the care requirements are very different.

All Decorvm tapestries are machine washable, but for everyday crease removal, a quick steam session is all you need.

Browse our full collection of wall tapestries — all printed in Europe and shipped ready to hang.

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