How to Decorate an Apartment With Starched Fabric

You can dress up a feature wall or a whole room with starched fabric. Starched fabric is an alternative to paint or wallpaper and can be used in any room. Whether you choose to use fabric you already have or look for something new, choose a lightweight fabric with a colorful graphic to add a punch of color to an otherwise neutral room. Experiment with small spaces such as a framed shadowbox or a border to become familiar with working with starched fabric. The project can be completed on your own if you work in small sections, but for a full wall, you may want to enlist the help of a friend.

Fabric starch
Roller brush
Paint pan
Fabric
Thumb tacks
Sponge
Utility knife

Instructions

- 1
  Measure the designated area for the starched fabric application, and add a few inches to the length. Choose a fabric with a palette, texture or graphic that appeals to you and complements the existing decor. If it is a non-permanent application, you may want to create a whimsical design by choosing a wild pattern you would normally avoid.
- 2
  Wash the wall thoroughly with warm, sudsy water and let it dry completely.
- 3
  Pour the starch into the paint pan. Roll the roller through the starch to get an even coating on the roller brush.
- 4
  Apply the starch in a workable panel-sized area, and hang the fabric panel in place. Smooth out air bubbles as you work. Leave an overhang at the top and the bottom.
- 5
  Tack the fabric in place at the top using a few thumbtacks until the starch takes hold. Use the sponge to saturate the fabric evenly with more starch.
- 6
  Repeat the hanging and starching process until the wall is complete. Remove the thumbtacks.
- 7
  Let the wall dry completely. Trim away excess fabric at the top and bottom of the wall using a sharp utility knife.

How to Apply Granite Sparkle in Paint

How to Build a Comic Book Wall

Paint & Wallpaper