Need to change a plain room into one with a bit more color and drama? Add fabric. The traditional ways are with pillows, to add panel draperies and re-upholster your furniture. Here are 5 new ways to use fabric - inexpensively - that are easy to do yourself.
1) Frame it. Love a great print? Buy or make a frame that complements your decor and use the fabric as art. With larger pieces and large scale prints, you can create a triptych as in the image to the right.
2) Skirt it. Rather than fully re-covering chairs or adding new padded seats, create a great skirt. Simply staple the fabric to the underside of the seat. You can gather it, make a tailored skirt, or create pleats. Bows are dressy and feminine. With pedestal sinks, you can skirt them for a tailored or dressy look.
3) Drape it. Update your bed with a fabric drape. Swag fabric from the ceiling, your bedposts or even a rod and create a stunning bed. You can update an old window shade with a great square of fabric, add a band at the bottom of old panels, and even swag a new piece over the top of panels to create new ambiance. The toppers below are a quick tack-up of a textured fabric that adds just the right touch to a cottage style kitchen. How about draping your fabric on a rod on a bedroom or living room wall as a piece of art? Add tassels, trim, or found objects to create a work of art.
4) Glue it. Hate that old dresser? Glue fabric to the drawer fronts and even the top for a totally new look. Are your cabinet doors boring? Glue fabric inserts on kitchen cabinets and even on closet doors.
5) Cover it. Have some older lamps? Update them with shades in a fabric that complements your decor. If you are handy, and confident in working with adhesives, cover an accent wall with your fabric. Cover your dated wooden headboard with batting and fabric for a great re-use project that completely changes the look of your room. If your have smaller amounts, cover picture frames with the fabric.