Since they were first created in the Middle Ages, medieval tapestries have held a special place in homes large and small. Part of the reason for their enduring popularity is the classic themes portrayed in these works: knights, chivalry, historic battles, the thrill of the hunt and classic Biblical tales.

The artists of the time had a love of varied themes, often adding representations of fictional characters and symbols to tell a story. Most of the time, these medieval tapestries were commissioned for specific walls in large castles, churches or estates. They were prized not only for their beauty, but the sheer artistry of the original art and the fine weaving of the tapestry itself.

Your own home can enjoy these classic works. In fact, they are more popular than ever and highly collectible. To help you add medieval tapestries to your own home decor, here are 3 decor ideas on how to use medieval tapestries to enhance your home.

1. In your medieval themed room

If you have a room that is decorated with classic medieval decor, such as armor, swords or shields, medieval tapestries will help you turn your home into a castle!

Many of the greatest works depict epic battles of the time and brave knights who set out in search of holy relics, dragons and damsels in distress. The bold use of these themes - in many cases, portrayed in a set of medieval tapestries - will look great in a room where the Middle Ages are still revered.

2. As a focal point in any home

In any room or home setting, you can opt to use medieval decor to create a focal point by adding a single medieval tapestry or a selection of medieval tapestries to a room. For example, Les Vendanges is one of the great works of the period. Depicting the annual wine harvest, it shows peasants gathering the grapes to be made into wine. Medieval tapestries such as Les Vendanges or even verdures will look beautiful in an entryway or in the dining room.

3. To create a medieval theme throughout the home

Many home designs lend themselves well to medieval tapestries. Victorian homes with paneling, older classic homes with high ceilings and even modern homes with large open spaces are perfect for a Middle Ages makeover. It's easy to add medieval accents to the home, such as faux finishes on the wall to make the room look older and richer. Dark golds and bronzes work well, as does wainscoting, which adds an element of wood paneling to the lower portion of the wall.

Before doing a makeover, it's recommended that you select your medieval art works first so you can design the color scheme to match your favorite woven works. This can be much easier than trying to do one without considering the other.

One of the great things about medieval tapestries is that they never go out of style. For the last 500 years they have graced some of the most beautiful homes, estates and palaces in the world. They can give your home a look that is fit for a queen or a king.