How To Wall Upholster Austin Texas
A padded wall feels cozy in a bedroom, keeps the room warmer, and muffles sound. Learn how to upholster a wall on your own with our how-to.
What You Need
1) Measuring tape
2) Upholstery fabric (We used approximately 9 yards for a 12-x-8-foot wall.)
3) 1-inch-thick quilt batting
4) Staple gun and staples, no larger than 5/8-inch
5) Level
6) Perfect Glue #1 or fabric-tested glue gun and hot melt adhesive
7) Mini sticky notes or painter's tape
8) ½ inch buttons to cover
How to Make It
1) Measure the width and height of the wall to determine the amount of fabric and quilt batting needed. Purchase extra fabric for the French seam tape and button covers.
2) Remove any moldings at the ceiling and floor if possible. Cut a length of quilt batting 2 to 3 inches less than the height of the wall. Starting in one corner of the room, staple the top edge of the batting to the wall 1 inch below the ceiling. Have a helper hold the batting in place as you staple every 3 inches along the top edge. Staple the bottom edge of the batting to the wall, keeping the batting smooth and wrinkle-free.
3) Using sharp scissors, cut the batting at the window and door moldings. Staple the batting to the wall along the molding. Cut and attach additional lengths of batting as needed to cover the wall.
4) Determine the number of fabric panels needed by dividing the width of the wall by the width of the fabric. Plan the placement of the panels. We planned for our first panel to be centered behind the headboard and worked toward the room's edges from there. For the best seam placement, it may look best to cut a panel into two pieces and place these smaller pieces on opposite sides of the wall. Cut the fabric lengths a few inches longer than the height of the room just to be safe.
6) Position your first fabric panel over the batting and have your helper hold it in place.
7) Beginning in the center of the panel and working outward in both directions, staple the top edge to the wall above the batting every 2 inches. Be sure your staples will be hidden by the molding. To assure that the panel is straight on the wall, regularly check the side edges with a level.
8) Staple the bottom edge of the panel to the wall below the batting, smoothing the fabric so it is taut over the batting. Carefully cut the fabric around any window and doors and staple in place every 2 inches, placing the staples parallel to the fabric edge so they will be hidden by the seam tape. Continue attaching panels in this manner, but fold under the overlapping side edge and staple every 2 inches for a neat seam. Staple these seams in as straight a line as possible so they will be easier to conceal later. Trim excess fabric.
9) Add the following to determine the total length of French seam tape needed: the left and right edges of the upholstered wall, the height of the wall multiplied by the number of panel seams, the perimeter of any windows, and the sides and tops of doorways. Cut enough 1-3/4-inch-wide fabric strips to total this amount. Use diagonal seams to sew the strips together to the needed lengths; trim the seam allowances and press open. Press under 1/2 inch along the long edges of the strips; there will be a 1/4-inch overlap at the center.
10) Topstitch 1/4 inch from each pressed edge.
11) Attach the seam tape with glue or a glue gun, covering the staples at the edges of the fabric panels and around the windows and doorways. Replace the moldings.
12) Place mini sticky notes or pieces of painter's tape to mark the locations of the tufts, measuring between the marks to space evenly and using as many or as few as you'd like.
13) When you're pleased with the number, staple into the wall to tuft at each marked spot.
14) Cover the button forms with fabric and hot-glue one over each staple.
Tips for a Flawless Upholstered Wall
Think about indoor-outdoor fabrics for high-traffic areas. They're available in thousands of colors and patterns and can be sponged clean.
Consider the size of the room when choosing patterned fabric. Too large a pattern could overwhelm the room; too small and it might get lost. For example, try a small-scale pattern in a powder room, where it can be appreciated up close.
Avoid complex patterns, such as plaids. They can be difficult to match.
Treat the fabric for stains before you install it. Use a spray-on stain repellent.
Remove the moldings at the top and bottom of the wall before you begin upholstering.
Don't upholster a bathroom or kitchen. Moisture may cause the fabric and batting to mildew or shrink, and odors can become trapped in the fibers.
Vacuum monthly to keep the wall clean and free of dust. Spot-clean as necessary.