These days we've been searching around for removable or reversible design ideas. Not so much because we rent but because we have a hard time committing; we like knowing we can change our minds. This is the main reason we've avoided any kind of wallpaper. It's normally expensive, hard to put up an then, sort of permanent. But after reading about a way to make removable wallpaper our of fabric we already own, we're definitely warming to the idea, especially for a small area that would benefit from a little something something and not take 4 days to accomplish:
We've read rave reviews of mixing lightweight fabric with starch and applying it to walls. We don't have the courage to try this in an entire room, but for an accent wall or the space beneath a window, it could be perfect. And since the adhesive is starch, mixing a bit of water when you're done will help it pull right off.
Supplies:
lightweight fabric with a pattern and palette you love
(for some inspiration check out these etsy sellers, these eco friendly fabrics and this post on how to stamp your own fabric)
fabric starch
sponge or paint roller
pan
To Install Fabric Wallpaper (Linit Craft Ideas):
1. Wash the wall to remove any dirt or film.
2. Measure from the floor to the ceiling and add a couple extra inches. Cut the fabric accordingly. If fabric has a design, be sure to match the design before cutting the next panel as when using wallpaper.
3. Pour starch into a clean pan or spray on if using stiffener (see Tip section if using spray stiffener). Apply starch to the top half of the wall with a sponge, paint roller or spray on if using spray stiffener.
4. Smooth fabric into place at the top of the wall, leaving about one inch to be trimmed later. Use push pins to hold the fabric temporarily in place. Apply more starch going down the wall as needed until you get to the floor, leave approximately one inch overlap at floor level.
5. Apply starch to the top of the fabric, brushing and smoothing the fabric in place to remove bubbles and wrinkles. Be sure the starch penetrates the fabric evenly.
6. Work your way down the panel, continuing to sponge or spray starch onto the wall, smoothing the fabric, and applying more starch.
7. Position the second panel, matching the design along the edge. Repeat steps.
8. Around windows and doors, leave a one inch overlap as with the ceiling and floor.
9. Fabric overlap should be cut when the fabric is completely dry. It will then cut clean and easily and any shrinkage will have occurred before you trim.
To Remove Fabric From Wall:
Peel one corner loose, then gently begin to peel the fabric off of the wall panel by panel. If the fabric does not peel easily, dampen the fabric with water using a wet sponge and it should come right off.
Has anyone tried this? Have any tips to share?
[Image from Madison and Grow]
Here are some of the other reversible design ideas for renters we've posted on Apartment Therapy.
Would putting fabric on walls pose a fire threat?
view jplee's profile
I thought about trying this with an accent wall in my last apartment but was too wary of whether or not the moisture from the starch would damage the walls. Instead, I rigged up a hanging apparatus using wooden dowels mounted close to the wall so that the hanging fabric panel gave the impression of wallpaper.
view JH4285's profile
Make sure your fabric doesn't bleed first! I stained my walls and have to repaint
view shastaw2006's profile
I Did this in My daughters room, a couple years ago!
It turned out just great, and stayed up on the wall just great! I dont think it would be a Fire hazzard any more than curtains. (Which by the way is what I used..A shower curtain)
I really like the way it looks, I think I will do it again!
~The Rhinestone Contessa
view The Rhinestone Contessa's profile
wouldn't a lightweight fabric get stretched and saggy, especially when wet? This sounds like a disaster waiting to happen.
view hejiranyc's profile
It sounds a lot easier than it is. Messy and time consuming.
view quiltmaster's profile
Great idea JH.
view whytephoenix's profile
There are manufacturers that actually make removable wallpaper - why go to all the trouble of using fabric?
view dmh's profile
Question about the Kitchen- Does anyone know where to get these types of kitchen cabinets? glossy and modern looking?
view ladylola's profile
I've been doing this for years.
1) It's a two person job, but one wall is perfectly doable in a day.
2) It isn't any messier than regular wallpaper.
3) The fabric won't bleed onto the wall as long as you actually follow instructions and wash it first.
4) It isn't a fire hazard - drywall burns too, you know.
5) Always use lightweight cotton, nothing sheer or stretchy.
This tends to be much cheaper and easier than wallpaper, and it stays on until you decide to remove it. Once you do, it comes off clean as a whistle. You can also do this on furniture, not just walls.
view Allsunday's profile
ladylola, Ikea has a couple of glossy door styles in their rubrik/applad/akrum line.
view quiltmaster's profile
i like JH's idea best. It's less risk as a renter and doesn't sound as messy.
view emilykristin's profile
Yes! Thank you for this. I'm a renter and have been eyeing the removable wallpaper that you've posted before, but I'd love to do it on my own.
view missdk's profile
I did this in my apartment one wall over some atrocious paneling. I actually used a king sized flat sheet. After the starch dried, I just trimmed the side and bottom that were too long. I love how it turned out, and I always get compliments on it. But, it is definately a two person job! Best of luck!
view *Madeline*'s profile
I love this idea! Can someone please reccomend what kind of starch to buy and where one might buy it?
thanks!
view ohe's profile
ohe-
I used Sta-Flo liquid starch. You can buy it at any Wal/K/Tar/Shopmart. Hope that helps.
view *Madeline*'s profile
thanks for the tip!
view ohe's profile
Anyone know where that elephant print fabric is from please? I love it!
view clairemac's profile