When you think of wall coverings, do you consider fabric? Most of us think of covering furniture with fabric, not walls. But you can achieve a lovely look to a room with fabric-covered walls. And it’s not a new concept – medieval castles were often hung with tapestries and other fabric pieces. There are all kinds of benefits of fabric wall coverings, and here are some tips on how to apply them.
Renter-Friendly
Don’t you hate living in an apartment with bare white walls, and not being able to change them? Many renters are concerned about not getting their original deposit back if they move. Fabric coverings are a great solution. You use liquid starch to paste the fabric to the wall, and when it’s time to move, sources say you just peel it off.
Damage Prevention
Think about it – a covered wall may be less likely to sustain damage. Recliners, rocking chairs, and just everyday wear-and-tear can easily damage a wall and its paint. Fabric covering puts a barrier between your wall and your household activities.
Customizable
Fabric offers a look for every personality. Bold colors and designs are just as easily achieved as restful, demure designs. Think about all the different designs and colors available – it would be hard not to find one that suited your taste.
Functional
A fabric wall can act as a fun space for hanging and pinning objects up. All you need is a safety pin to attach a note, lightweight object, or even holiday cards.
Application Tips
As mentioned above, you use liquid starch to adhere the fabric to the wall. Liquid starch is usually available in the laundry section of most retailers, but some sources say you can simply mix corn starch and water in a ratio of 1 to 2 (1 part corn starch to 2 parts water).
Use a paint roller to apply the liquid starch to the wall, and when you apply the fabric, smooth it out with a flat putty knife. Then roll more starch over the top. To keep it from sliding around when the starch is wet, you can secure the fabric temporarily with thumbtacks.
You may experience some bubbling of the fabric as it dries. No worries – rolling more liquid starch over the problem area will usually take care of the problem. If it continues, make a tiny pin-prick in the bubble before smoothing it out with starch. This should let the air out of the bubble and help it adhere to the wall.
