Easy Fabric Wall Panels: A Great Way to Add Color and Personality to ‘No Paint’ Apartments
If you’re renting an apartment the owner won’t allow you to paint, but the color of the walls just isn’t what you want, don’t give up. You can change the look of “no-paint” walls in a couple of hours using fabric wall panels that are inexpensive, easy-to-make and a snap to install.
Begin by measuring the length of the wall or walls you want to change, and dividing that measurement so that the resulting number of panels are each no wider than about two and a half feet. This size allows you to use material that is 45 or 60 inches wide with the least amount of wastage.
Measure wall height as well, and then take your measurements to the fabric store to buy a fabric you like and lots of polyester batting. Tip: You need to buy the same yardage of batting as you do fabric. On your way home, stop at an art supply store and buy foam core for every panel you plan to make. Finally, stop off at a home supply center and pick up an exacta knife, some Velcro strips and a roll of duct tape.
Once home, measure and cut the foam board to size. Remember to cut slowly and carefully to avoid making a mistake. Because you’ll be placing polyester batting between the foam core and the material, and adjust the thickness of the foam core you choose accordingly-if your finished panel measurement is 24 inches wide, you’ll need to cut the foam core to 23-1/2 inches.
Measure and cut your fabric, allowing at least two inches all the way around so that you can wrap the fabric securely around the batting and foam core. Place the trimmed fabric on your work surface with the pattern facing down. Center the batting on the fabric and slightly trim the corners of the batting at a 45-degree angle to the corners of the foam core to eliminate extra bulk at the corners of the finished product. Then complete this “sandwich” by placing the foam board on top of the batting.
Trim the corners of the batting at a 45 degree angle to the corners of the foam core. This will eliminate extra bulk in the corners when you fold the batting over to wrap around. Then trim the corners of the fabric so they are about an inch wider than where the batting is trimmed.
Working on one side at a time, wrap the fabric over the batting and secure it to the back of the foam core with the Velcro duct tape. Then cut squares of the fuzzier of the two Velcro strips of the Velcro and stick them on the four corners of the foam core you left free of duct tape. Remove the protective backing from the Velcro, position the panels in place and press them against the wall, and you’re done!
Absolutely fabulous fabric paneled walls that make an exciting and alluring focal point in your apartment and will definitely set your pad apart from others in your complex. Choose exciting fabrics that complement or complete the interior design in your space – and don’t be afraid to use color and pattern that will most definitely jump off your ‘builder beige’ walls.
©2007, Kathy Burns-Millyard. All Rights Reserved.