How to Use Fabric to Decorate Wall Space

Walls are no longer limited to paint or wallpaper. There are a number of different types of techniques and designs that can be used to jazz up the wall of any room in the house. One that top designers often choose to use is adding fabric to wall space. Whether it is used merely as an accent to a single wall, or to replace standard wallpaper, fabric offers a unique and beautiful way to decorate the most important part of a room--the walls.

Things You'll Need

• Measuring tape
• Fabric
• Saw
• Stape gun with staples
• Nail gun with nails
• Sander and sandpaper
• Plywood
• Upholstery batting
• Canvas
• Frames
• Foamcore board
• Fabric glue
• Paint
• Paint mister/sprayer
• Safety goggles
• Safety mask
• Cardboard
• Tapestry rod
• Tapestry roping and tassels

Instructions

1. Choose fabric instead of wallpaper. Fabric comes in as many different styles and patterns as wallpaper. It also comes in more colors than can usually be found in standard wallpaper. So, instead of wallpapering an entire room, use fabric instead. Adhere the fabric to the wall with an appropriate glue or staple it into place if trim will be used on top. Choose fabrics that will clean easily and that will not stretch out over time. Be sure to pull the fabric tight as it is adhered to the wall in order to avoid wrinkles.

2. Add texture to a room with unique fabrics like burlap, wool, velvet, simulated suede or any other type of texture desired. Use texture as an accent rather than as the wall base. Choose one or two walls for the fabric finish, then paint or wallpaper the other two. Apply the textured fabric the same way as outlined in Step 1.

3. Apply pattern to wall space with fabrics like gingham, plaid, print, stripes or any other pattern type desired. This technique is best when used sparingly to accent a single wall, rather than throughout an entire room. Or better yet, make wall panels out of the patterned fabric with plywood. This technique will also help to add a slight dimension to the wall space. Cut plywood panels into the desired width and length. Sand off any rough edges before covering the panels with the fabric chosen. Cover the panels with the fabric, pulling it tight around the panel and tacking it tightly to the back. Consider adding upholstery batting between the panel and the fabric for extra dimension and padding. Once all of the panels are covered, attach them to the wall in any pattern desired with a staple or nail gun, letting the remaining wall space show in between the panels.

4. Make fabric tapestries to hang on one wall or throughout the room. Choose fabrics with an interesting scene or pattern that will add something unique to the space. Tapestries can be made one of several ways. Stretch fabric over canvas of the size and shape desired. Pull the fabric tight arond the canvas frame, attaching it to the back with a staple gun and staples. Then just hang the fabric as one might hang a painting. Frame a tapestry in a beautiful frame that matches the overall decor of the room. This can be done with or without the glass front. Stretch the fabric over foamcore board cut to the size of the frame. Use the same mounting method described for canvas in Step 3. If desired, add glass to the front of the picture frame. Otherwise, leave the frame open so that the fabric's texture and "feel" can be experienced. Make a tapestry that can be hung from a tapestry rod. This will require fabric that has enough body to stand on its own or that has been padded with batting or cardboard to give it enough body to hang freely on its own. Add roping or tassels as desired to set off the tapestry.

5. Hang free flowing romantic fabrics like netting, lace, chiffon, or organza from the top of a wall. Pleat or gather the fabric as desired, stapling it into place with staple gun and staples. This technique can be used on one or more walls or done for just a portion of a wall space such as that in front of the bed.

6. Use lace as a stencil to paint a feminine and romantic wall space. Attach lace to the area of the wall where the lace design is to be stenciled. Be sure it is pulled tight and that it is even all the way around the stencil area. Then, using the color of choice, lightly mist or spray the paint over the lace pattern. Let it dry thoroughly before removing the lace. Adhere beautiful ribbon or braid around the patterned area to finish off the design.

Tips & Warnings

• Be creative and come up with new ways of incorporating fabric into wall space.

• Choose fabrics that can be cleaned easily.

• Use Scotch Guard for extra fabric protection.

• Mix colors, designs and textures to add interest and depth to the room.

• Take the time to make sure fabrics are handled carefully so as not to stretch or damage them in the process.

• Use safety garb and techniques in working with noxious glues or paints.