Rediscovering a Mid-Century Classic: The Iconic Hungarian Tapestry of the 1960s

Unlock Mid-Century Charm: The Story of Hungary's Iconic "Emese" Vintage Tapestries

Ever browsed the Retro Cube Home collection and noticed some vintage tapestries that just click together? Maybe they share a certain artistic flair, a familiar color scheme, or a consistent size? Well, you've likely stumbled upon a true icon of 1960s home decor: the "Emese" tapestry family!

Meet "Emese": The Best-Selling Vintage Tapestries of the 60s

These captivating mid-century tapestries were proudly produced in Hungary by the Home Textile and Upholstery Company during the late 1960s. Thanks to original labels we've found on some incredible deadstock pieces, we know they were officially christened "Emese."

What gives them their unique look and feel? They're crafted from a woven fabric called "moquette," a blend of 35% cotton and 65% viscose.

Moquette tapestry fabric, 1960s

So, what exactly is moquette?

Moquette is a type of woven pile fabric. Imagine tiny loops or cut threads standing up to create a short, dense surface. This construction gives it a distinctive, almost velvet-like feel that's incredibly soft to the touch. But it's not just about looks; moquette is also exceptionally durable, designed for heavy-duty, long-term use. That's why these vintage wall hangings have stood the test of time!

Blue abstract wall art by Laszlo Pecsi, 1960s

I have to say, I find these 1960s wall hangings absolutely fascinating. I'm always on the hunt for new designs to add to our collection – each one tells a story!

A Little Slice of History: Why Tapestries Took Hungary by Storm

To truly appreciate these Emese tapestries, we need to hop in our time machine and head back to 1960s Hungary. The country was experiencing a major housing boom! Thousands of new apartment buildings were popping up, many constructed from pre-made concrete blocks. While modern, these new homes had a bit of a chilly secret: those concrete walls could get pretty cold in the winter.

People needed a solution – something to make their living spaces cozier and more visually appealing. Enter the tapestry! Suddenly, you couldn't find a home without one (or more!) of these beauties adorning the walls, especially in living rooms and bedrooms, often hung behind daybeds, sofas, and beds. They were the original "feature wall" for mid-century modern home decor!

Tapestry making also became a super popular hobby. Young men and women embraced weaving, latch hooking, punch needling, and quilting. (You'll find many unique, handmade vintage tapestries right here in our shop!). But with the housing boom came an unprecedented demand for home decor items in quantities never seen before. Not everyone could afford original paintings, and art prints weren't as widely available as they are today.

Want to see some of my all-time favorite designs? Click here to see my 10 favourite tapestry designs!

Mid century abstract art - in different color schemes

Where Art Meets Necessity: The Rise of Mid-Century Tapestry Design

This is where the state-owned Home Textile Co. and their "Emese" tapestries hit the nail on the head. These large-format, beautifully designed pieces quickly became a sensation across Hungary. They were true bestsellers, offering an affordable and stylish way to bring art and warmth into the home.

What's really cool is that renowned Hungarian textile designers of the era, like Laszlo Pecsi and Zsigmond Bakos, collaborated with the Home Textile Co. They weren't just churning out patterns; they were creating genuine works of art suitable for large scale production. The "Emese" line featured around 18-20 distinct designs, and many (though not all) were available in 3-4 different color combinations. Some designs were produced by the tens of thousands, others were sold by the yard (imagine creating custom room dividers or curtains!), and a few were made in such small batches that they're incredibly rare finds today.

Modern wall art 1960s - by the yard

 

Now, when we talk "large scale production" in 1960s Hungary, it's important to remember the context. Hungary is a relatively small country, and its economy was still recovering and developing after World War II. The political climate also encouraged artists to channel their talents into applied arts, designing for factories alongside (or instead of) private commissions. This is one of the reasons I adore "Emese" tapestries: they represent a beautiful marriage of artistic integrity and accessible design, never sacrificing quality for quantity.

As Seen In... The Hottest Decor Mag of the 60s!

"Emese" tapestries weren't just popular; they were celebrated. They received widespread coverage in Hungary's premier home decoration magazine of the time, Lakáskultúra (which translates to "Home Culture," published from 1968 onwards). From its very first issues, you can find articles, stunning photographs featuring these tapestries in stylish interiors, and even interviews with their talented designers. This was the ultimate seal of approval for 1960s home decor!

Finding Your Perfect Piece of Mid-Century Modern Wall Decor

Every single tapestry you find at Retro Cube Home is a genuine vintage piece, sourced with care from estate sales or reputable dealers. I've even been lucky enough to find a few unused, deadstock pieces still sporting their original factory labels – a true thrill for any vintage lover!

Now, you might think that because these tapestries were so popular back in the 60s and 70s, they'd be easy to find today. Unfortunately, that's not quite the case. Many of the pieces I come across at estate sales are sadly damaged, stained, or badly faded from sun exposure. Over the last few years, I've painstakingly curated a collection of about 100-150 pieces in good to excellent condition – and believe me, the hunt is constant! Finding a tapestry in great shape truly feels like striking vintage gold. They are becoming increasingly sought-after pieces of authentic 1960-1970s home decor.

 

Ready to bring a piece of this unique history and undeniable mid-century modern style into your home?

Browse our curated collection of unique "Emese" vintage tapestries here! 

These aren't just wall hangings; they're conversation starters, pieces of art history, and a fantastic way to infuse your space with authentic retro charm.

Happy decorating!