Tip: Inexpensive Wallpaper Alternative

There are so many beautiful wallpapers out there, but when it comes right down to it, they aren't exactly inexpensive. Well, they might be if you're putting them in your closet, but for larger spaces, often times applying a bold print to your wall can cost more than you like. That is unless you...

... turn your eye to fabrics! Check out the photo above. Amanda Nisbet has designed a beautiful space, but what really caught our attention was the use of fabric behind the artwork on the wall. The same fabric is also trimming out the windows and with the oversized frames (that allow for a good amount of fabric to be seen) and the window trim, the wall could almost be mistaken for wallpaper at first glance.

There's tons of great fabric prints out there right now and many of us have basements, attics or craft rooms full of remnants that could be put to use! If not, chances are you know someone who does, or you can finally put to you those craft store coupons for 40% off a single cut of fabric!

It can be a great way to bring in an extra bit of pattern and print to a space when the fall back standard throw pillow isn't always an option.

(Image: Amanda Nisbet Design)

Comments (10)

That's such a great idea!

posted by vitamini on October 6th 2009 at 12:14pm
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with the high-quality and low-price of oversized digital output these days, it seems that framed patterns cold be the next (___: antlers, KCCO, ...). i.e.: some cool vintage wallpaper could be scanned (or photoed) and printed at large sizes. perhaps, hit up http://www.shortrunposters.com for supercheap 18X24 poster repro and head to ikea for a cheap frame...

posted by redneckmodern on October 6th 2009 at 12:19pm
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I wish I could see more of that ceiling. My bedroom ceiling is a mess and I've thought of covering it with fabric, but am intimidated.

posted by patia on October 6th 2009 at 12:54pm
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omg, I'm always finding random fabric swatches that I need new uses for.

Fabulous!

posted by LydiaKutko on October 6th 2009 at 1:06pm
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I love this!!

posted by stylehound on October 6th 2009 at 1:37pm
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Liking lots.

posted by JoJenks on October 6th 2009 at 2:10pm
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Know this is slightly off topic but I actually love the Travers Posters (grew up in Saratoga Springs where the Travers Horse Race takes place!)

Erin
SYL: Slipcover Your Life Blog

posted by slipcoveryourlife on October 6th 2009 at 2:57pm
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My mother figured this out way back in the 70's. She would get fabric and re-do a room in just a couple of days, and she was always at it, so you never knew what you were going to find when you came home. Fabric is much easier to remove from the wall than wallpaper as well.

posted by cliokitty on October 6th 2009 at 3:49pm
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Plenty of uses for it and ways to use it. Inexpensive frames from IKEA can be used to feature fabrics. And it doesn't have to be fabrics found at the fabric store...think thrift store!

That funky out-of-style shirt or dress or jacket can have squares harvested to feature in frames.

Likewise, consider PAPER...gift wrapping paper, hand made paper, origami paper.

http://papercrave.com/category/gift-wrap/

http://www.containerstore.com/shop/giftPackaging/giftWrap

http://www.origami-fun.com/origami-paper.html

http://handmade-paper.us/

posted by #9 on October 6th 2009 at 5:08pm
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Very clever in using the pattern as a mat and then putting it in frames to blend into the white trim of the room. What a great idea for a small room!

posted by KidMoe on October 6th 2009 at 11:16pm
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