• Bloglovin
  • Facebook
  • Google+
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
  • Twitter
  • YouTube
  • Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer

Noting Grace

Inspiring You to Renew, Create and Decorate - One Budget DIY at a Time

  • Home
  • Renew
    • Room Renos
    • Furniture makeover
  • Create
    • DIYs to Try
    • Organizing
    • Recipes
  • Decorate
    • Farmhouse
    • Seasonal
    • Tips & Tricks
  • Project Gallery
  • Grace Notes
    • That Time I
    • Encouragement
  • Our Almost Farmhouse
  • Meet Jen
    • Contact Me
    • Disclosures and Policies

Temporary Wallpaper Tutorial – Vintage Farmhouse Powder Room

This post may contain affiliate links. While it's no additional cost to you, clicking these links helps keep our blog going. You can view our disclosure policy for details.

October 25, 2017 by Jennifer 40 Comments

Temporary Wallpaper Tutorial: Looking for a temporary solution to wallpaper? Here is a tutorial that shows how easy it is to install fabric wallpaper using starch. It's easily removed when you're ready for a change - perfect for renters!

Wallpaper is so popular right now, but I’m not a fan! After pulling off the many strips of old wallpaper in our 80s fixer, I was hesitant to add it back again. I found an easy solution to get the look I wanted without all the stripping mess when time comes to take it down. Because, as you know, I’m always wanting to switch things up.  This temporary wallpaper tutorial is the perfect solution to get the gorgeous wall coverings I wanted. This just may inspire you to do the same! Here’s how we took fabric and a bottle of liquid starch and transformed it into wallpaper.

Here we are in week 4 of the One Room Challenge, hosted by Calling it Home and House Beautiful Magazine, and I have to say I’m a bit surprised.  Historically, week 3 and 4 have been the tough weeks to get through, and so far, no issues or hiccups have occurred.

First, lets start with the supplies. Affiliate links are provided for your convenience – at no cost to you! Read my full disclosure here.

Temporary Wallpaper Tutorial

Temporary Wallpaper Tutorial: supplies needed for DIY fabric wallpaper

SUPPLIES

  • Fabric – I used Swavelle/Mill Creek Dalusio Damask Denim I ordered from Fabric.com.
    I ordered 7 1/2 yards for our half bath which is 3 ft x 7 ft.
  • Liquid Starch (this room took almost 2 containers)
  • Paint Tray
  • Foam Roller
  • Push Pins
  • Spackling knife
  • Folding Razor Knife
  • Towels

Step One: How Much Fabric?

The first step is to determine how much fabric you need. For my half wall, I needed 42 inches of fabric from the ceiling down to the top of my beadboard. *Important!* When you are figuring how much fabric you need, be sure to factor in for shrinkage.  I added 6 inches to the top and bottom that you will trim off.  As the starch dries, it will shrink! For my, this is how I calculated the amount to order.

First figure how many panels you will need:

Room in total inches wide divided by the width of fabric you are ordering

example: 3′ x 7′ room – 240 total inches inches wide ÷ 54 inches wide
= approx 4 1/2 panels needed.

Next you figure the length of each panel:

Height of wall in inches + 6 or 8 inches allowance for shrinkage x how many panels

example: 42 inches tall + 8 inches = 50 inches x 4.5 = 225 inches

Then convert the inches to yards to see how much fabric to order:

example: 225 inches divided by 36 = 6.25 yards of fabric

I was able to get a great price for my fabric so I ordered an extra yard in case of any goofs that might happen! The fabric I ordered arrived last week and I’m in love with how it looks!

Step Two: Figure Out Your Starting Point

Temporary Wallpaper Tutorial - Week four of the one room challenge means we are ready to hang the wallpaper! Here's how we added temporary wall paper with fabric and starch

This was the tricky part for me.  Trying to avoid a seam in the view from the door, no matter how I worked around the light fixture, the seam was visible.  I must have moved that first panel a half dozen times until I finally gave in!

Temporary Wallpaper Tutorial - week four of the one room challenge means it's temporary wallpaper time. the counter top is removed, but we wanted to tackled the walls first.

Total aside: we finally took out that ugly old countertop! We have the countertop removed and the new one cut ,  ready to get stained! But I’ll share the details on that process next week!

Turning off the electricity, we started hanging the fabric using pins

Step Three: Sizing and Hanging

First, you pour the starch in the tray and roll, or size, the walls with the liquid starch. Just note that this can get messy. Liquid starch is not the same consistency of paint and splashes and drips will happen.  I kept a towel handy to catch any drips or splatters.

I started with my first seam running in the center of the light fixture. This made cutting around that fixture a breeze! Working in small areas, you simply secure your panel with push pins to the wall.  My fabric was cotton and will hide the pin holes very easily.

I placed the pins about 6 inches apart starting at the top.

Temporary Wallpaper Tutorial: Using tacks to hold the fabric in the place as the starch dries

The next step is to roll the fabric with the liquid starch, smoothing the fabric as you go. I started at the top and worked my way down, adding push pins along the way.

Temporary Wallpaper Tutorial: Using a foam roller, you roll the starch over the fabric

Continue working in sections until each panel is hung. My tricky area was over the door where the patterns didn’t match up.

Temporary Wallpaper Tutorial: As the fabric dries, there may be a few spots that bubble. Simply add more starch and it's fixed

It took some thinking and extra cuts until I was able to figure it out. This is why you need to order extra fabric!

Then, you let the fabric dry overnight. Or you can be like me and continually babysit it to see how it’s doing. I finished at around 4:3o one afternoon, and kept going in and out until bedtime!

Step Four: Trim the Excess Fabric

Temporary Wallpaper Tutorial: using a drywall spatula and a razor blade, trim the excess fabric.

Without a doubt, a fresh razor blade is a must for this step. I took a metal spackling tool to create a sharp edge to run the razor against.

Another tip is to have a folding blade, especially when you are working with a ceiling line. I almost toppled at one point and was quite thankful that the blade was not open!

Temporary Wallpaper Tutorial: After trimming the fabric, it should peel away easily

The fabric easily pulls away, leaving a fresh, clean line.

So wanna see how it looks???

Temporary Wallpaper Tutorial: How we were able to easily hang fabric using starch

Temporary Wallpaper Tutorial: using fabric and starch make an easy wallpaper that makes it easy to remove when needed.

What a transformation! Taking only one day to install, this is undeniably an easy DIY. But all DIYs have their problems. There were a few issues that I came up against.

Problem Solving

Bubbling: After the fabric and starch dried, I noticed a few areas didn’t quite adhere. I simply rewet those areas and rolled more starch, then smoothed them out with my metal tool. It took the bubbles away!

Corners: Even though I pinned the corners of the fabric where the two walls met, it still pulled away in some places. The rewetting technique didn’t quite work, so this is something you need to do before it dries to really ensure that there is a crisp line in the corners. Luckily this happened over my sink, so it not really a touchable area and my pattern hides it.

Pattern: If you have a pattern, step back often to make sure you are still lined up. I had to remove one panel because my pattern didn’t line up with my beadboard. A ruler may be helpful here.

Temporary Wallpaper Tutorial: matching up the patterns makes was easy in this DIY Fabric tutorial

All in all, I love my temporary fabric wallpaper! I especially love how instantly warm the room feels – which is tough to do in a bathroom!

Even though the seam falls in the middle of the wall, it doesn’t bother me. It’s barely noticeable unless you are really looking for it!

Temporary Wallpaper Tutorial: The seam is somewhat noticeable but no different than regular wallpaper

Temporary Wallpaper Tutorial: Now we're ready to start putting the new countertop in!

What we have completed so far using supplies on hand:

  • ✓Replace Flooring using leftover from Kitchen and Laundry Room
  • ✓Paint existing cabinet using paint on hand
  • ✓Paint beadboard with white oil on hand
  • ✓Replace light fixture with previously used one from another room
  • Hang Vintage Medicine Cabinet
  • Reuse Sink basin

Purchases to Make:

  • ✓Replace Toilet – $100
  • ✓Install BeadBoard and Trim – $50
  • Replace Faucet – $50 – arrived!
  • Build Wood Countertop – $100
  • DIY Fabric Wallpaper with starch – $82
  • Decor Purchases – $100

Total Spent so far: $284

So far so good for being on budget! Since we are working with limited funds, every penny counts.

Be sure to come back next week to see our progress on the countertops. I’m off to check out how everyone else is doing on this challenge over at Linda’s link up. You should visit as well – loads of inspiration!

week 1, week 2, week 3, week 4, week 5, week 6, REVEAL

Temporary Wallpaper Tutorial: Looking for a temporary solution to wallpaper? Here is a tutorial that shows how easy it is to install fabric wallpaper using starch. It's easily removed when you're ready for a change - perfect for renters!

Filed Under: Projects, Renew, Room Renos Tagged With: One Room Challenge

Previous Post: « 11 Must have decor items from Chip & Joanna Gaines’ Target Line that are under $20
Next Post: Painted Metal Shelf Brackets – One Room Challenge Week 5 »

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Black Friday Deals

    October 26, 2017 at 1:04 am

    This is looking amazing. Thanks for sharing this post.

  2. Jennifer

    October 26, 2017 at 11:58 am

    Thank you so much!

  3. Stacy G.

    October 28, 2017 at 6:59 am

    I love it! The fabric you chose is beautiful.

  4. Jennifer

    November 2, 2017 at 11:56 am

    Thanks Stacy!

  5. Mary

    November 4, 2017 at 6:45 am

    Jen I don’t know about temporary. This looks incredible. And yes it really does warm up that room. Love the beautiful pattern on the fabric. I would leave it on forever!

  6. Debrashoppeno5

    November 5, 2017 at 7:08 am

    This came out fantastic. And so much better than wallpaper since it will be easier to remove.

  7. Calypso in the Country

    November 5, 2017 at 7:37 am

    First, I am so impressed with your skills! I don’t know if I could attempt this! Second, I LOVE that fabric! It is so perfect in there and I cannot wait to see the whole room come together! Great job!
    Shelley

  8. Stacey

    November 6, 2017 at 5:32 pm

    That is absolutely gorgeous!

  9. Jodie

    November 7, 2017 at 2:39 pm

    OMG – it looks GREAT!! Love the pattern…
    Hope you would consider joining my weekly party: http://www.jodiefitz.com/2017/11/07/reader-tip-tuesday-weeks-craft-recipe-party-11/
    xo

  10. Jennifer

    November 7, 2017 at 3:37 pm

    Me too, Shelley!

  11. Jennifer

    November 7, 2017 at 3:38 pm

    Thanks Debra – my thoughts exactly!

  12. Jennifer

    November 7, 2017 at 3:38 pm

    I’m thinking the same Mary – it’s so beautiful – it may be there for a while!

  13. Lubna

    November 7, 2017 at 9:44 pm

    This looks lovely. I’d rather do this than the wallpapers.

  14. Jennifer

    November 8, 2017 at 10:59 am

    Thanks so much! I think the temporary works great for those who aren’t wanting to commit to permanent wallpaper that’s difficult to remove.

  15. Jennifer

    November 8, 2017 at 11:38 am

    Thanks so much for the invite, Jodie! I added you to my party list!

  16. Erica De Sousa

    November 8, 2017 at 1:04 pm

    Wow, this is absolutely gorgeous! What a great idea!

  17. Nikki Gwin

    November 8, 2017 at 1:54 pm

    Wow! I am totally in LOVE! I love a bold color or bold pattern in a tiny room. I love your choice of fabric too.
    🙂 gwingal

  18. Jennifer

    November 8, 2017 at 6:20 pm

    Thanks Nikki! You are such a sweetie!

  19. Jennifer

    November 8, 2017 at 6:20 pm

    Thank you Erica!

  20. Elena

    November 9, 2017 at 11:53 am

    This looks beautiful! Perhaps if someone wanted it to be permanent they could spray a little adhesive on the walls too. This is a very tempting idea for my powder room makeover.

  21. Theresa

    November 9, 2017 at 8:22 pm

    That fabric is so pretty & love the bathroom walls with it. Sorry I’m just getting over here to comment Sharing & Pinnned Thanks for joining the Inspiration Spotlight party @DearCreatives..

  22. Jennifer

    November 10, 2017 at 7:41 pm

    Thanks so much Theresa! Always love linking up!

  23. Jennifer

    November 10, 2017 at 7:43 pm

    That’s a great suggestion too! Thank for stopping by Elena!

  24. Angelina

    November 11, 2017 at 9:40 pm

    This is so pretty! I love this! Thanks for sharing with Thursday Favorite Things! So happy to have you join us! Angelina @ Petite Haus.

  25. Jennifer

    November 12, 2017 at 7:56 am

    Thank you Angelina! I loved linking up!

  26. STEPHANIE ABBOTT

    November 12, 2017 at 9:06 am

    Wow, I had no idea you could use fabric on walls! An love the choice of fabric too. Thanks for sharing with our link party!

  27. Jennifer

    November 13, 2017 at 9:27 am

    Thank you Stephanie! I always love linking up!

  28. Sheri

    November 13, 2017 at 9:30 pm

    What a genius idea! Thanks so much for linking at To Grandma’s House We Go link party! Your project has been pinned. We hope to see you again this Wednesday!

  29. Carrie @ Carrie's Home Cooking

    November 13, 2017 at 11:09 pm

    This looks amazing! Thank you for sharing on the Whisk It Wednesday Link Party. I hope to see you there again soon! Have a wonderful week – Carrie @ Carrie’s Home Cooking

  30. Nichole

    November 14, 2017 at 9:50 am

    Love the look! It may be too soon for you to know, but how does it hold up against humidity? I live in Louisiana (very humid climate), and am concerned it might all start sliding down my walls

  31. Carol

    November 14, 2017 at 10:16 pm

    Love it! So when you say temporary, is that because it won`t stay on the wall or because you will change it out? I’d love to try this

  32. Jennifer

    November 15, 2017 at 3:24 pm

    Thanks so much for the feature!

  33. Jennifer

    November 15, 2017 at 3:24 pm

    Temporary in the way it can be removed. It’s sealed on there well, but since it’s just starch, it can easily be pulled off when you want to change it out.

  34. Jennifer

    November 15, 2017 at 3:26 pm

    We’re in middle Tennessee and it’s pretty humid here as well. So far so good! Hope that helps!

  35. Jennifer

    November 15, 2017 at 3:26 pm

    Always love linking up Carrie!

  36. Jennifer

    November 15, 2017 at 3:30 pm

    Thanks for the Pin!

  37. Susie

    November 17, 2017 at 9:34 pm

    Jen— This is genius! Pure genius! Let’s just say I’ll now be looking for more yardage in the remnants at the textile mill. LOL.. Thanks so much for sharing. It’s terrific! ~~ Susie from The Chelsea Project

  38. Jennifer

    November 18, 2017 at 9:47 pm

    Thanks Susie!! you are so sweet!

Trackbacks

  1. Reader Tip Tuesday with this week's Craft & Recipe Party says:
    November 13, 2017 at 8:39 pm

    […] We have just started a bathroom reno & I’m LOVING how Noting Grace used fabric as her wall paper […]

  2. DIY, Crafts & More Link Party 62 - Abbotts At Home says:
    November 15, 2017 at 3:14 am

    […] Grace chose this fantastic fabric to apply to her walls, instead of wallpaper. This is a cool […]

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published.

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

Primary Sidebar

Hi, I’m Jen

Welcome to Noting Grace!

Grab a cup of coffee, let’s laugh until we cry, and dare to DIY as I show you how fun and easy it is to Renew, Create, and Decorate your home all while finding Beauty in the Blemishes.

Read Our Story

Let’s Stay Connected

  • Bloglovin
  • Facebook
  • Google+
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
  • Twitter

Join My DIY Tribe!

Don’t Miss These Posts

Do you live with an ugly dated door? Here is how we brightened our Entryway with a DIY Glass Door Insert. It's scary to think you can cut a hole in your front door, but look at this amazing transformation!

Brightening our Entryway for Spring with a DIY Glass Door Insert

How to decorate with Tobacco Baskets to get that fixer upper style.

How to Decorate with Tobacco Baskets

Pallet Curtain Rods – My 30-Minute Solution

A no sew method to reupholstering a wingback chair: How I turned a free, but ugly chair into a showpiece!

Reupholstering a Wingback Chair: a No-Sew method

Our DIY Flooring only took 3 days and $400 to completely transform our kitchen with groutable Luxury Vinyl Tile.

DIY Flooring: How we changed our kitchen in 3 days for less than $400

Turning Recipes into Tea Towels - a great idea to create a custom gift this holiday season with a sentimental touch.

Turning Recipes Into Tea Towels

Shop Decor Steals

Footer

  • Counting my blessings today. While the past month has had its challenges, I know my God is in control and that is an overwhelming peace to cling to! 
May you be given that same peace this evening, dear friends! 
#livingroomdecor #deconstructedchair #farmhousehome #farmhousedecor #myhumblehome #homesweethome #makinghousehome #notinggrace #notinggraceblog
  • Sweet Ollie has had quite the week. It started Friday with a cluster of seizures that landed him in the doggie ER. Ever since he’s been home, he seems like a different dog. We aren’t sure if it’s the meds or the effects of the events from Friday, but he’s definitely tuckered out. At least we have glimpses of our sweet boy here and there. 
One thing is for sure - we certainly love this mutt and what a perfect way to celebrate that love than on National Love Your Pet Day. We are so thankful that he is on the mend. 
#nationalloveyourpetday #muttsofinstagram #muttsofinsta #olliethemutt #dogsindecor #dogsofinstagram #petsofinstagram
  • I’m a sucker for all thing vintage - including artwork! My favorites are the hand drawn illustrations from forgotten books. I stumbled upon these prints a while ago, saving them for the right project and this was it! .
And now, I’m offering these printables to you as a free download! Head over to my blog to receive 20 beautiful pencil drawn flowers!

https://notinggrace.com/free-vintage-printable-artwork/

#freeprintable #freeartwork #freedownload #diyblogger #notinggrace #notinggraceblog #wallmountedtvcabinet #diy #tvcover #mybhg #mybhghome #vintagedecor #vintagehomedecor #farmhousevintage #vintagefarmhouse
  • Oh my goodness! Thank you so much for your encouragement, reassurance, kind words, and prayers! Ollie came home last night and slowly has been coming back to the sweet mutt we know and love. The past few days have been so traumatic for him so he’s been out of sorts. .
But as the day goes on, both he and I are on the mend and I thank you for all the prayers - truly! .
#tobaccobasket #vintagedecor #farmhousevintage #vintagefarmhouse #vintagepitcher #ironstone #ironstonecrushin #oldbooks #mybhg #olliethemutt #serenesunday #notinggrace #mycottagefarmhouse #mycottage #myfarmhouse #farmhousefeatures #farmhousestyle #designtwinslove #foxhollowfridayfavs #southernliving #myfleamarketstyle
  • Well, we found out yesterday that our sweet Ollie is epileptic. We had suspicions, but never saw them with our own eyes, until yesterday. He had a cluster of them and is at the doggy ER to get them under control. It was scary and we felt so helpless. .
In the midst of it, I somehow pulled a muscle in my leg and have been couch bound most of the day. Funny how things fall like dominoes, isn’t it? But we are thankful that Ollie is getting the treatment he needs and we have hope that we can get this under control.  Thank you for being a sounding board over the past few weeks while we’ve tried to figure this out! I love this supportive community!
.
#olliethemutt #muttsofinstagram #dogsindecor #dogsofinstagram #sunroomdecor #notinggrace #blueandwhitedecor #ektorp
  • I finally updated my latest furniture find. This chair was just $35 on FB - swipe right to see the before. It took just 3 days and lots of bleached dropcloth to transform this chair and ottoman for our sunroom. .
All the details are up in the blog! 
https://notinggrace.com/easy-reupholstered-chair-and-ottoman/

#beforeandafter  #furnitureflip #reupholsteryproject #sunroomdecor #dropclothslipcover #budgetdecor #diyblogger #diydecor #notinggrace #notinggraceblog
  • Well today is a wonderful day! My momma is in town to visit with us for the long weekend and all of us are so excited! .
That also means that my house is clean, so I made a point to take a few extra pics. I can’t wait to transform this space later this Spring! Plans are brewing - that’s for sure!

#companyscoming #cleanhouse #lightandbright #wednesdayvibes #myinstahome #instadecor #farmhousestyle #farmhousestyledecor #interiordesign

Follow me on your favorite social media!

  • Bloglovin
  • Facebook
  • Google+
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
  • Twitter

Hey y'all! I'm Jen - a musician-turned-momma who started this blog with the goal to share my budget friendly tutorials with fellow creatives. Grab a cup of coffee, let's laugh until we cry, and dare to DIY as I show you how fun and easy it can be to Dress you Nest for Less while Noting the Grace in all Life's messes! Read More…

My Favorite DIYs

I took this ugly, disgusting dresser and transformed it into a beautiful DIY unfinished natural wood dresser

A DIY Unfinished Natural Wood Dresser

DIY Chandelier: This blogger takes an ordinary mesh basket and turns it into something stunning!

DIY Chandelier Tutorial – how to turn trash into treasure

DIY Farmhouse Kitchen Remodel for just over $5000: These bloggers are sharing their secrets on how they saved money on their kitchen remodel!

DIY Farmhouse Kitchen Remodel for just over $5000

Noting Grace is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com.

Copyright © 2019 · Foodie Pro & The Genesis Framework