| Fabric Wall Coverings |
From "Ask DIY"
episode ADI-109 |
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Q: I'd like to try something really different and put fabric on my walls, but I'm not sure how. Is this a project I can do myself?
A: (Nancy Golden, Ask DIY Decorating expert) If you've ever done any kind of wallpapering, you'll be able to put fabric on your walls yourself. The technique looks rich, and it's also a great way to cover damaged walls. But consider it a permanent solution: it's very difficult to remove. Here's how to proceed: Materials:
Upholstery-weight fabric a few inches longer on each edge than the wall
1/2"-thick batting a few inches shorter on each edge than the wall
Spray adhesive
Staple gun
Chair rail or wood molding
Quarter round to fit inside corners
Nails and hammer
- Attach the batting to the wall. After covering any electrical outlets, spray both wall and batting with low-tack spray adhesive. Then smooth the batting onto the wall, leaving an inch (figure A) on all sides so you'll have space to attach the fabric to the wall.
- Place the right edge of your fabric along the baseboard below the batting, and staple the right side to the baseboard (figure B). Space the staples three or four inches apart.
Safety alert: Always wear safety glasses when you work with a staple gun. - Turn the fabric up, bringing it up to cover the batting, with the right side showing. Fold the top edge under, so it rests just a half-inch or so above the top of the batting. Staple across the top.
Nobody's perfect: Cut openings in the fabric and the batting for electrical outlets before placing the fabric on the walls. Then you can reattach the outlet covers when you're finished with the project. - To cover the staples on the top, nail wood molding or chair rail over the top edge of the fabric (figure C). Or glue some fabric accessories, such as French braid, across the top to cover the staples.
- Continue covering the wall surface as you'd like, making sure to match patterns. Make seams on inside corners, covering the staples with quarter round (figure D). But never connect pieces on outside corners. Instead, pull batting and fabric over the corners for a cushioned edge.
More questions for Nancy:
Q: With my house's high ceilings, noise carries quite a bit. Can I do anything to bring the noise down to a more normal level?
A: Add texture on top of plain walls or floors -- rugs, floorcloths, heavier draperies. Add a thicker pile rug. That will act as a baffle for the noise.
Q: What's a good height for a chair railing, and does it belong only in the dining room?
A: A chair rail is usually about a third of the height of the wall. That's standard, but you can use it at eye level too: it's really up to you. And you can put it other places than the dining room, like a kid's room. Don't feel limited. Web site resources for Fabric Walls: Hancock Fabrics.com Fabric Wallcovering from HGTV.com Wall Art With Fabric from CMC-One.com Cleaning Fabric Wallcoverings from Michigan State University Extension Books: Decorating With Fabric and Wallcoverings: 98 Projects and Ideas
By Home Decorating Institute
ISBN: 0865733724
Cy De Cross Inc. (1995)
Creative Publishing
5900 Green Oak Dr.
Minnetonka, MN 55343
Phone: 800-328-0590 or 612-936-4700
Fax: 612-988-9108
Wallpapering: How to Cover Walls, Archways, Stairs and Ceilings in Paper and Fabric
By Steven Cory
ISBN: 0806970618
Sterling Publishing Company Inc.
387 Park Avenue South.
New York, NY 10016
Phone: 212-532-7160
Fax: 212-213-2495
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