How to Decorate an Apartment With Starched Fabric

You can apply starched fabric to a feature wall.

You can dress up a feature wall or a whole room with starched fabric. Starched fabric is an alternative to paint or wallpaper and can be used in any room. Whether you choose to use fabric you already have or look for something new, choose a lightweight fabric with a colorful graphic to add a punch of color to an otherwise neutral room. Experiment with small spaces such as a framed shadowbox or a border to become familiar with working with starched fabric. The project can be completed on your own if you work in small sections, but for a full wall, you may want to enlist the help of a friend. Does this Spark an idea?

Things You'll Need

• Fabric starch
• Roller brush
• Paint pan
• Fabric
• Thumb tacks
• Sponge
• Utility knife

Instructions

1. Measure the designated area for the starched fabric application, and add a few inches to the length. Choose a fabric with a palette, texture or graphic that appeals to you and complements the existing decor. If it is a non-permanent application, you may want to create a whimsical design by choosing a wild pattern you would normally avoid.

2. Wash the wall thoroughly with warm, sudsy water and let it dry completely.

3. Pour the starch into the paint pan. Roll the roller through the starch to get an even coating on the roller brush.

4. Apply the starch in a workable panel-sized area, and hang the fabric panel in place. Smooth out air bubbles as you work. Leave an overhang at the top and the bottom.

5. Tack the fabric in place at the top using a few thumbtacks until the starch takes hold. Use the sponge to saturate the fabric evenly with more starch.

6. Repeat the hanging and starching process until the wall is complete. Remove the thumbtacks.

7. Let the wall dry completely. Trim away excess fabric at the top and bottom of the wall using a sharp utility knife.

Tips & Warnings

• Starched fabric is a suitable choice for renters, because it can be removed with soap and water. You can change the starched fabric in a small space such as a bathroom or a foyer with seasonal fabrics. If you are working with a pattern, line up the design before you cut the fabric to ensure a seamless application.

• Pre-wash color-saturated fabrics to prevent the dye from bleeding into the walls. Once you remove the starched fabric from your walls, don't discard it. You can toss it in the washing machine and use it for a different project.

References

• Rental Decorating: The Quick Fix Fabric on Walls
• Apartment Therapy: How to Make Removable Fabric Wallpaper