The use of woven tapestry as a decorative element and form of literary expression dates back to medieval times. In fact, stories of Homer’s Odyssey and Iliad were told to the ancient Greeks in this unique art form.

High Point, NC–based Tapestries Ltd. has given the classic wall hanging a modern twist with the addition of a motorized curtain rod that can lower the fabric over a wall-mounted flat-panel LCD or plasma TV, on command from a handheld remote. Company CEO Andrew Kane developed the concept after numerous requests from interior designers for a way to conceal flat-panel TVs from view when they weren’t being used. Tapestries Ltd. cuts the rod to the specified width of the chosen tapestry (the company offers numerous sizes and designs), installs the tapestry into the rod, and then ships the unit ready to mount above a flat-panel plasma or LCD TV of sizes up to 60 inches. The motorized tapestry unit comes with a preprogrammed handheld remote, and optional finials can be attached to each end of the rod. According to company vice president of marketing Alan Dvoskin, the motorized product is no more difficult to install than a standard drapery rod.

The motorized tapestry rod retails for about $400. Tapestries run between $200 and $2,000, depending on the size and quality of the fabric.