Elegant and Easy: Hanging Fabrics on Walls Without Damaging Them

Hanging fabrics on walls can add a stylish and ephemeral touch to any room, whether you're a renter or a homeowner. This guide will walk you through a simple, non-damaging method to cover your walls with fabric.

Purchasing and Washing the Fabric

To start, measure the height and length of the wall where you intend to hang the fabric. You can use a measuring tape, and it might be helpful to have a friend assist in holding the tape in place accurately. Remember to purchase approximately an extra 3 feet of fabric to ensure you have enough to work with.

Choose a lightweight fabric like cotton or polyester. Heavy fabrics such as velvet or wool might not adhere well to the wall using liquid starch. If you're using a patterned fabric, make sure to match the design along seams. Wash the fabric in cold water with mild detergent to prevent any shrinkage.

Positioning and Cutting the Fabric

Once your fabric is dry and free of wrinkles, position it against the wall, overlapping the edges along the corners and baseboards by 1-2 inches. Use masking tape to attach the fabric to the trim, ensuring it stays in place while you cut the excess.

Use fabric scissors to cut the fabric, leaving some overhang at the baseboards. Remember to also cut around any outlets or light switches, leaving about 1.5 cm of excess fabric. This cut fabric will be precisely positioned on the wall, giving you a smooth, professional look.

Adhering the Fabric to the Wall

To adhere the fabric, apply liquid starch to the wall using a paint roller. Make sure to saturate the surface thoroughly. Smooth the fabric down from top to bottom, ensuring it sticks to the wall and removing any wrinkles. Allow it to dry for about 24 hours before proceeding.

Finishing the Edges and Corners

Once the fabric is completely dry, remove any loose areas by applying a thin layer of liquid starch and smoothing it out. Finally, trim the excess fabric using a utility knife, ensuring the edges are clean and tidy.

If you need to remove the fabric, simply soak it with warm water and wipe it off. This process can be repeated several times without damaging the original wall finish.

Conclusion

Fabric wall coverings are a fantastic way to refresh your space without committing to permanent repairs. This method allows you to easily change the look of your walls seasonally or depending on your preferences. Enjoy the process and the beautiful results!