Fabrics are an essential part of a home’s decor, with each type meant to fulfill a specific purpose. Some fabrics are meant to be showcased in more formal settings while others are perfectly designed for casual, high-traffic areas. And while you can certainly focus all your attention on upholstery, the realm of fabric is much broader than that. In fact, there are many ways fabric can be used in your home — oftentimes, without it involving a major purchase. Whether you have whole yards of fabric lying around, or a variety of scraps, if you’re up to the challenge, there are lots of fun DIY projects you can conquer with fabric. Here are some crafty ideas that might fuel some inspiration for your home’s decor.
Updated Lighting
These days, it’s easy to pick up a light fixture that reflects your decorating style. However, a personalized light fixture is an easy way to take that decorating style to a whole new level. All you need to do is pick up an inexpensive lampshade (drum style works best) and some of your favorite fabric. Measure the shade and then cut the fabric, adding an extra two inches so it will wrap nicely over the edges. Apply some spray adhesive (to the wrong side of the fabric) and then wrap the fabric around the shade. Before pressing it into place, be sure to cut slits to accommodate the support wires.
Snazzy seating
You can easily reupholster a chair cushion, but believe it or not, fabric works just as nicely with a plain wooden chair. Simply remove the seat and back from the chair, trace them onto some fabric, cut, and then adhere it with some spray adhesive. As always, give yourself some extra fabric when you cut just in case. For this project shoot for 3 inches wider for the seat perimeter and 1 inch for the chair back.
Pretty pillows
The task of making accent pillows is a pretty simple one. Once you have your fabric, pillow form (or stuffing), and sewing tools, you’re ready to get started. A yard of fabric will make a 30 x 30 sized pillow, but feel free to make them as small or as big as you see fit for the room. Don’t forget to add 1 inch to both the length and width of the fabric you cut for seam allowance.
Clever curtains
While making cute cafe curtains for the bathroom or kitchen is a breeze, there are other places you can use them. For example, a curtain “skirt” can be made to cover the contents under a sink in a room such as a laundry room. You can also hang curtains in place of cabinet doors. Another idea is to add curtains to a console table to hide the storage underneath. Once the curtains are made, you can hang them between the table legs using tension rods.
Eye-Catching Wall Art
The right piece of wall art can really make a room, however, it can be hard to choose. A good way to ensure you end up with something you really enjoy is to create decorative fabric panels. Panels of eye-catching fabric can be installed on padded foam boards, as well as cut pieces of foam or plywood. They can be mounted in frames. They can even be artfully hung from the ceiling. Whether you own your home or rent, fabric panels are a wonderfully versatile option when you’d rather not paint or paper.
A bit of this and that
Your use of fabric doesn’t even have to be a big one. Fabric can make a huge impact even when it’s used in the simplest of ways. Some ideas that might be fun to try are:
- Making personalized stationery. A beautiful card decked out in texture from beautiful fabric is something unexpected and surprisingly, easy to make. With some blank cards, heat and bond adhesive, scissors, and an iron, you can design stationery that’s one-of-a-kind. Check out this great tutorial to learn how.
- Creating a table runner. A handmade table runner is a surefire way to design a table that truly reflects your personality and style. With some fabric, thread, and a sewing machine, you can have a beautiful runner that will look right at home on your table. Check out these tips to get started!
- Wrapping a glass vase. Wrapping a vase in fabric is as simple as it sounds. And, the good news is that it’s temporary, making it easy to change it up on a whim. Here are some details to help inspire you.
- Jazzing up a plain corkboard. Corkboards are useful, but they aren’t that nice to look at. Fabric can easily change that, like this!
- Adding color to a boring cabinet door. Do your cabinets need a pick-me-up? If so, consider adding fabric. One way to do so is by placing fabric on the inside of glass cabinet doors. The other way is to affix fabric to the outside with adhesive. Regardless of which you choose, it’s sure to get those cabinets out of their rut.
Fabric is a product that can be used in so many different ways, so don’t feel limited on your projects. From the big to the small, projects with fabric are a great way to add that extra burst of style and personality into your home.
When you are looking for a fabric store near you in Fort Worth, TX, stop by our CUTTING CORNERS on Burnett Road for great deals on discount designer fabrics. You will find something for every home interior project from gorgeous drapery fabrics to lightweight cottons and luxurious Dupioni Silks.
