UPHOLSTER THE WALL

Fabrics on the wall are not a new phenomenon; they have been used historically as tapestries and wall coverings. Initially used for its insulation benefits, it soon became a trend for the wealthy with the use of rich fabrics such as brocades, silks and gilded leather. The orientally inspired fabric – Toiles, emerged during the 18th century, soon became a French favorite and continues to be popular today.

Upholstered fabrics are a great choice if you are looking to soften your interiors and create a cozy atmosphere with a luxurious vibe. They also act as good sound absorbers which work well for your entertainment areas or home offices. A good choice for colder regions as they provide thermal insulation and for rental homes as they are easy to remove and won’t damage walls. Try this ideal design trend while keeping some tips in mind

Space Understanding

Are you trying to use it for a small niche or a statement wall in your master bedroom? Here are a few ideas |

Suspended | This is the easiest way you can add fabric to your wall; use a tracker and curtain wire to suspend a large piece of textile.

Wall Paneling

A wall paneling is a game up – all you need is board, fabric and a staple gun. Or get it installed professionally using a rich fabric.

Wall Covering

A good option especially if you are looking to change your interiors in an easy way.

Framed

Another super easy way to incorporate your collection of textiles is having them framed; it will act as an artwork.

The right fabric | Think of where and which fabric you will be using – whether it is an expensive fabric such as silk, leather, suede, hand painted or a more contemporary fabric such as felt or linen. It is important to consider if it will be a high traffic space or near water splashes such as your bathroom or your living space. Once you know which space it will be installed in you will be able to make a better fabric decision.

Fabric yardage calculation | Measure the width of your walls and round it up. Once you know the total inches of the length of your room, divide it by fabric width. Also, measure correctly from ceiling to baseboard to divide the height and pattern repeat. Having an estimate will give you a price range. Always buy a little extra fabric which will come to use in case of any mishaps.

Fabric Pattern 

If you are working with a printed or patterned fabric you will need to make sure it will repeat seamlessly. Understand what pattern you are working with, they are broken down as :

Random Match. | A pattern which is easily matched and covers less distance, hence less waste of material.
Straight across Match | Patterns which have motifs on adjoining strips and are same on the top.
Drop Match: Patterns vary and are further categorized to half drop and multiple drop matches.

Maintenance | In order to prevent them from looking dull and possibly losing their color, make sure you dust and vacuum your walls at least once a month. In case of any sort of spillage, attend to it immediately with a damp cloth and mild detergent before it leaves a mark. If you have purchased fabric wallpaper, always ask about its maintenance beforehand. Also, if you have invested a lot into an upholstered wall, try getting it cleaned from a professional who deals with upholstered walls specifically.