India is renowned for its rich cultural heritage. Being a culturally diverse country, there are several different forms of art and craft from the various parts of the country. Each state has its own unique kind of art and craft thus offering a myriad range to customers. Known not only for its diversity but also rich colors, textures and creativity, Indian handicrafts are much appreciated all over the world.

Wall papers have become passé; an innovative and inexpensive way to adorn your wall is to hang an intricate Indian wall hanging, to add color, character and panache to your room. Indian Wall Hangings are available in various colors and various materials. But what is most appealing is the broad spectrum that is available in Indian art forms.

Wall Hangings can be of different types:

- Painted Wall Hangings

- Embroidered Wall Hangings

- Appliqué and Patch Work

- Weaved Wall Hangings

- Beaded Wall Hangings

- Enameled Wall Hangings

- Engraved Wall Hangings

Of these the most prominent and most valued are the hand painted and embroidered Wall Hangings. The two of these are also available in multifarious designs, textures and patterns as each state of India has a different form of embroidery and painting.

The most preferred hand embroidered Wall Hangings are the Kantha, Kashmiri, Zardosi and the Phulkari. Also available are Banjara, Kathi, Soof, Aari Bharat, Rabari, Ahir Bharat, Banni, Kasuti, Chikan Kari, Bidri and Mirror. Mirror embroidered Wall Hangings are popular among the international crowd and a good option for corporate gifts. Kantha embroidery is not only colorful but rich due to its use of intricate designs. It also happens to be one of the most environmentally friendly products as the material is generally discarded or worn out fabric. Kashmiri or Kashida embroidery looks impressive on a wall hanging. The whole pattern is created using one or two embroidery stitch styles. Kashmiri embroidery is known for the skilled execution of a single stitch. Sozni embroidery or Dorukha is often done so skillfully, so that the wall hanging can be used both ways- there is no wrong side. The same design is produced on both sides in different colors.

Another type of needle embroidery which looks elegant on Wall Hangings, is popularly known as 'papier mache' embroidery because flowers and leaves are worked in satin stitch in bright colors such as those of papier mache and each motif is then outlined in black. This is done either in broad panels on either side of the breadth of a wall hanging. A third type of embroidery is ari or hook embroidery; motifs here are the well-known flower design finely worked in concentric rings of chain stitch. However, the Zardozi looks the most rich and elegant as a wall hanging due to the use of metallic thread on brocade or silk which gives it a rich and elegant look.

The phulkari is known for the use of rich colors and flower motifs. The phulkari with intricate flower patterns is known as Bagh. The phulkari is done on hand spun khadi cloth using simple running stitches. The design and intricate shading of phulkari Wall Hangings is breath taking.

Hand painted Wall Hangings are most sought after as they require little or no maintenance. Sanskrit scrolls, Batik, Glass paintings, Kalamkari, Madhumani, Indian Murals, Miniature, Pahari, Patachitras, Pithora, Pichwai, Tanjore, and Warli are some of the most popular hand painted Wall Hangings.

What is most astonishing is that these paintings are done on either the walls directly or barks of tress, cloth etc using organic paints, the most sought after hand painted Wall Hangings are Kalamkari, Tanjore, Madhubani and Warli.

Tanjore is known for its intricateness and attention to detail. These are also the most expensive form of hand made Wall Hangings as semi precious stones are used in the execution of the final work. Tanjore wal hangings have an almost 3- D appearance, due to its several layers.

Compared to this ancient art form, Madubani and Warli are fairly simple as they are parts of India's folk art. Found mainly on walls of tribal houses, today they are being painted on all kinds of bases. The warli is usually on a brown base on which the painting is done in white. Madhubani on the other hand is very colorful and ornamental in nature.

Handmade Wall Hangings are the way to go, to add color and style to your room. They also make exquisite gift items for friends, family, loved ones, or colleagues. Available in various shapes, sizes and price ranges, they are one of the best available gift items and home décor items available.