How to Install Fabric Wallcovering

Instead of traditional wallpaper, use a favorite fabric to add texture and pattern to your walls.

Midcentury Modern Sitting Room With Stone Fireplace

A rustic stone fireplace can't compete with the retro style in this sitting room. Graphic wallpaper and a starburst clock surround the fireplace, while midcentury modern chairs and a round coffee table form a small fireside seating area.

By: Brian Patrick Flynn

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Materials Needed:

bolt of backed fabric
wallcovering paste
fabric scissors
smoothing tool
bucket
tape measure
pencil
notepad
spackle
spackle knife

wallcovering primer
paint roller
paint pan
pan liner
roller cover
sanding block
damp rag
paint brush
utility knife

Measure the Walls

Use tape measure to determine height and width of space for fabric. Jot measurements down for reference.

Choose Fabric

Bring swatches of assorted backed fabrics home from fabric store and tape up on wall using painter's tape. In order for fabric to adhere to wall, it must have fabric or acrylic backing. Fabric without backing can be custom-backed by local fireproofing and backing shops. After a few days, decide which fabric works best in space. Keep in mind patterns with large repeats will require more yards, therefore will be more expensive. Smaller prints or textured fabrics require fewer yards, but might not be as impactful.

Choose Fabric for Wallcovering

Prepare Walls

Comb walls with smoothing tool to get rid of any bumps. Fill nail and screw holes with spackle using a spackle knife. Once dry, lightly sand residue, then wipe with damp rag. Apply a coat of wallcovering primer using paint roller. Allow three hours for primer to dry.

Prepare Walls With Wallcovering Primer

Cut Fabric

Roll fabric out on long, flat surface. Refer to dimensions, and use tape measure and pencil to mark height on fabric. Allow 4 extra inches to account for waste, then cut using fabric scissors.

Cut Fabric With Fabric Scissors

Roll fabric out on long, flat surface. Refer to dimensions, and use tape measure and pencil to mark height on fabric. Allow 4 extra inches to account for waste, and cut using fabric scissors.

Paste the Wall

Dip paint brush in bucket of paste, and spread paste on wall starting from the top down.

Attach Fabric

Hold each strip of fabric up to wall allowing overlap to match up the repeat. Press against glue, and smooth out air bubbles with smoothing tool.

Cut Excess

Use utility knife to cut excess from corners and around outlet holes.

Cut Excess Fabric With Utility Knife

Use utility knife to cut excess from corners and around outlet holes.