Are you living in a rental apartment or house and want to make some permitted changes to the walls? Fabric wallpaper is a DIY decorating trend that has recently been gaining popularity. It is a contemporary take on the more classic wallpaper. It’s easy to take down and doesn’t leave a mess behind. Let’s discover the best fabrics for fabric walls and find out what suits you!
Can You Put Fabric on Walls?
All landlords have different rules and regulations regarding renovations or altering the rental property in any way. But, since most landlords allow tenants to paint their apartments, you may be seeking creative ways to spruce up your rental. As a homeowner, you may get bored with the same old paint.
Fabric walls are an attractive alternate option. If you use regular laundry starch, you may adhere any cloth to your walls and then take it down whenever you like without damaging the walls. It’s ideal for tenants who must return the space to its former condition before moving out.
This wallpaper is the easiest do-it-yourself option since it is virtually foolproof. The glue can be removed with plain water, so it’s not a big deal to fix, even if you mess up while hanging it.
The thrifty decorator might save a bundle by adhering fabric to drywall. Painting or installing wallpaper can be quick and easy ways to alter the look of a space by altering its background color or texture.
While the paint is less expensive, it doesn’t always have the same impact as more pricey wallpaper. Alternatively, you can use fabric starch to stick inexpensive cotton fabrics to the wall.
Pros and Cons of Fabric Walls
Much like all other options, fabric walls have their pros and cons.
They Are Mold-Resistant
Because it is permeable and porous, the fabric does not restrict the flow of air but encourages it. Therefore, fabric wallpaper is less likely to support the growth of mold spores. It is also less likely to be affected by mold than regular and most temporary wallpaper.
They Are Not Moisture-Resistant
Liquid starch will dissolve in water. If your fabric walls are in a room with lots of moisture (like bathrooms and kitchens), your fabric will likely peel off the walls.
They Can Be Removed Quickly
Whenever you want to remove fabric from walls, it’s as simple as rubbing it with a damp sponge. The process doesn’t leave any residue behind. Removing temporary wallpaper is likewise not too difficult. Still, it has a propensity to leave some of its clear top coat behind when removed. Taking down traditional wallpaper is a tedious and untidy operation that takes a lot of time.
They Are Prone to Discoloring
Certain commercial liquid starch formulas contain baking soda. Since it can give fabric wallpaper a yellowish cast when heated, this type of wallpaper isn’t a great option for use in areas with a high concentration of heat.
Tips for Applying Fabric to Walls
Some good case practices might help you apply fabric to walls in this endeavor.
Go With Lightweight Fabrics
Avoid heavy fabrics such as wool and use lightweight options, like polyester or cotton. These lightweight fabrics are easier to secure using liquid starch.
Use the Right Cutting Tools
Properly cutting the fabric is essential for good results. The best tools for the job include sharp craft knives, fabric scissors, or rotary cutters.
Clean and Smoothen the Surface
Fabric adheres most successfully to smooth, flat surfaces. If the wall you want to work with is patchy or holed, you must fix these imperfections first. Only proceed with gluing the wall fabric once the compound used is fully cured.
Use Pushpins for Panel Positioning
Use pushpins to secure each panel of cloth to the wall at intervals of two feet. If you use patterned fabric, you must ensure that each panel’s prints are appropriately aligned. After the entire wall has been covered, cut holes in the cloth where necessary to accommodate light switches and outlets.
Work in Small Sections
One of the drawbacks of working with liquid starch is that it dries fast, which means you have to work quickly and in small areas at a time.
Clean the Fabric Properly
Maintenance is a great part of ensuring your fabric walls look nice and last long. You can use a mixture of water and mild dish soap. Put this mixture on a sponge and lightly clean the walls to remove some dirt.
Best Fabrics for Fabric Walls
Lightweight fabrics are the best for your walls. Avoid heavy fabrics because the liquid starch doesn’t have enough power to hold up thick and heavy fabrics. Cotton and polyester are great options. Velvet and wool are not.
Silk is also a good wall fabric because it’s lightweight and has a nice sheen. However, not many people choose silk as a wall fabric because it’s more expensive.
FAQs
How Do You Clean Wall Fabric?
The best way to have clean wall fabric is to dust and vacuum the fabric regularly. You also have the option to dry clean or wet clean the fabric.
What Glue Is Best for Wall Fabric?
Experts suggest using liquid starch when looking to attach the fabric to walls.
Bottom Line
The key takeaway is that lightweight fabrics are the best solution if you want your wallpaper to stay on the walls instead of constantly peeling off. Avoid heavy fabrics such as wool or velvet because liquid starch is not strong enough to hold that.
Need another way to hang fabric without damaging the wall? Fabric can be draped over panels, which can then be tacked or Velcroed to the wall or just leaned against the wall. Covering only one panel in the fabric can do the trick if you want to create a statement.
Now, head to our selection of perfect fabrics for this job!