How to Upholster Walls

Starch it

Rather than stapling, you can treat fabric like wallpaper by attaching it with liquid starch. If you choose this method, go with lighter weight fabrics like muslin or tulle. Starching is a good choice if you think you may change your mind later. Starched fabric can be removed by dampening it enough to peel off, then washing the walls with soap and water.

What you’ll need:

• Fabric
• Liquid fabric starch
• Large container
• Sponge
• Utility knife
• Plastic drop cloths
• Fabric drop cloths
• Masking tape

Here’s how!

Step #1 – Prepare your fabric

• Determine square yardage you’ll need (add 5% just to be safe)
• Iron seams from fabric
• If fabric has a pattern, pre-cut several panels for matching

Step #2 – Attach your fabric

• Wash walls thoroughly
• Tape plastic drop cloth to baseboards and cover with fabric ones
• Using a sponge or paint roller, spread wall with liquid starch
• Starting in a top corner, press fabric to wall, rubbing with sponge to smooth it out
• Leave about an inch overlap at floor or baseboard level
• Use tacks if necessary to secure fabric while it dries
• When starch is dry, trim excess fabric with utility knife

Tags: bedrooms, chair, curtain, drape, fabric, fabrics, muslin, paint, rooms, stylish, tulle, upholstered, wainscoting, wallpaper