Look! Fabric on Walls

(Here is the second post from Monika, who is trying out for a post on the AT:SF team. Her first post can be found right here. Comments are welcome!)

The idea of fabric on a wall instead of paint or wall paper is not a new one, but something in this picture from a 1975 decorating book caught our attention. Random blooms were cut away and outlined, unveiling the painted wall underneath. We are fans of wild patterns, but it can often feel overpowering, especially in a small space. Cutting away parts of the pattern helps to avoid this problem by making it feel more sporadic.

Here are a few common sense pointers to guide you with picking the right kind of fabric:

The best ones are thick enough so that no glue will be showing through to the front. Backed fabrics will work the best when applying glue but keep in mind that they have tendencies to to shrink more (paper backing more than woven) so you will need to get more of it.

Liquid fabric starch can be used in place of glue. It is great for renters as it is easily removable and the fabric can be washed and re-used for another project.

Other things to look for is resistance to staining, mildew (especially when used in bathrooms), fading, shrinking and fire-rating. You can also ask to have your material stain-guarded when you purchase it. This might be a good idea, especially when applied in heavy traffic areas of the home.

One last detail is the trim. For a finished look you will want to hide the edges. Molding or a decorative ribbon will get the job done.

Here are some resources for your fabric shopping in the Bay Area:

Britex Fabrics in SF

Discount Fabrics in SF and Berkeley

Mendel's Far Out Fabrics and Art in SF

Fabrix in SF

Stich Lounge in SF

Fabric Outlet in SF (109 Mission St., between 17th St and Clarion Aly)

Peapod Fabrics in SF

WhizBang Fabrics in SF

Sal Beressi Fabrics Company in SF (1504 Bryant St. between 15th St and Alameda St.)

Beverly's Fabrics & Crafts in Daily City

Stonemountain & Daughter Fabrics in Berkeley

-Monika

Comments (11)

That's a crazy-cool wallpaper on those walls...

It's Daly City. Also, there's a huge Joann Fabrics in El Cerrito.

"We are fans of wild patterns, but it can often feel overpowering, especially in a small space. Cutting away parts of the pattern helps to avoid this problem by making it feel more sporadic."

Personally I think this pattern is still overpowering, regardless of cutting away the blooms. I'm pretty sure this is the same wall paper that caused Jack Nicholson to go insane in "The Shining."

This reminds of my first apartment and how I striped the walls of a big patterned wallcovering and painted white. The owners of the Neutra apartment liked shagged carpet too.

This is an interesting idea, although I'd never opt for this kind of treatment but, in terms of making a point, I'm not sure how this "sporadic" cutting away of flowers makes the loud pattern any less "overpowering." I mean, really?

This looks like my grandma's house, circa 1973.

that seems pretty complicated... why not just use wall stickers or wall decals? like pretty pasture wall decals from www.Art-A-Peel.com

Sorry, but I can't say that I think this is particularly good example of this idea, if there is one at all. The idea of cutting wall-paper motifs and sticking them on a wall is interesting, especially if you can't find decals that you like. This version just doesn't work for me one bit.

yep - good idea, bad picture

Fabric panels are also a cheap and easy way to really dress up your office cubicle: http://stylenorth.ca/blog/2008/06/pimp-my-cube/

Wouldn't the fabric get moldy easier than paper in a bathroom? or can it be treated first?