How to Cover Stone Basement Walls With Fabric

The basement proves to be a tricky area of the house to decorate. Often the walls are plain stone blocks and extend the length of the home unbroken by windows or doors. Wallpaper is an option for perking up these stone walls, but wallpaper requires a commitment, and removing it is a messy and difficult task. The good news is you can cover your walls with fabric instead, a temporary solution that is widely available in hundreds of colors, textures and patterns.

Dish detergent
Bucket
Sponges
Measuring tape
Paint tray
Liquid starch
Paint roller
Driver’s license or gift card
Utility knife

Instructions

- 1
  Mix the dish detergent in a bucket with water to make a weak mixture of cleaner. Use 1 tablespoon of detergent to a gallon of water.
- 2
  Dip a sponge into the mixture, wring out the excess water and wash the entire surface you will cover. Allow ample time for the wall to dry.
- 3
  Measure the height of the wall that you will cover and add 2 inches to the measurement.
- 4
  Cut multiple panels of fabric to this measurement.
- 5
  Pour the liquid starch into the paint tray and paint the lower half of the wall with a generous coat of the starch.
- 6
  Apply the fabric to the starched area of the wall leaving 1 inch extra at the bottom for shrinkage.
- 7
  Apply starch to the top section of the wall and press the top part of the fabric panel onto the wall. There should also be 1 inch extra at the top end of the fabric.
- 8
  Roll more liquid starch over the top side of the fabric from top to bottom.
- 9
  Smooth the fabric onto the wall with your driver’s license, a credit card or an expired gift card to remove any bumps or bubbles from the surface.
- 10
  Repeat for each fabric panel along the wall.

Tile Archway Ideas

Dimensional Wall Plastering Techniques

Windows, Doors & Walls