History of Wall Upholstery

Chances are you have been in a home with at least one upholstered wall, even if you didn’t realize it. Wall upholstery is a beautiful way to customize a room, add warmth, and create a beautiful focal point. It can be done on a single wall or every wall in a room.

If you’ve never considered upholstering your walls, here’s a little inspiration.

What is Wall Upholstery?

Wall upholstery is exactly as it sounds, using fabrics to cover a wall or several walls in a room. It is a very versatile way to add texture or pattern without altering the wall permanently. When walls are covered with fabric, they have a softer appearance than wallpaper or paint. The feel is warmer and more elegant with a very aesthetically pleasing visual appeal. You can cover a single accent wall in a room, or cover all the walls, it depends on the effect that you are after and the upholstery fabric that you select.

History of Wall Upholstery

Wall upholstery is not a new décor trend. It actually dates back to medieval times when people would hang large, thick tapestries on the walls to help insulate against drafts. The 17^th century saw the introduction of fixed wall upholstery which is around the time that opulent fabrics became popular and were much more readily available.

Today, upholstered walls are more of a style choice than a functional one. There are hundreds of fabrics, patterns, colors, and prints that can transform a room into a space that is personal, elegant, and welcoming.

How do You Upholster a Wall?

There are several ways to upholster a wall and many people do take on the task themselves. But usually, this is best left to a professional. Lining up fabric to blend easily, keeping the fabric from wrinkling or sagging on the wall, and achieving a final look that is polished and natural looking takes a lot of practice and skill.

The fabric is attached to the wall with staples and upholstery tacks. This gives it an upholstered look. The tacks can be used to create patterns like diamonds or squares. The fabric can also be sewn or gathered in areas to give certain effects as well.

Caring for your Wall Upholstery

Cleaning and maintaining your wall covering is pretty easy. You only need to clean your wall covering when it is dirty, otherwise, just do a spot clean.

To clean your wall upholstery, follow these steps:

• Once a month, run a handheld vac or a vacuum with an upholstery attachment over the surface to get any dust or dirt in between cleanings.
• Clean any stains as soon as they happen.
• Use a clean sponge with mild detergent/warm water or a fabric cleaner.
• Begin at the bottom of the wall and work your way up, gently sponging the area with the seams (typically up and down).
• Rinse thoroughly using a clean sponge in the same motion as the seams run.
• Avoid abrasive or harsh detergents or cleaners, or cleaners that contain bleach
• Use a lint-free, soft cloth to dry

If you are not comfortable cleaning your fabric wall covering yourself or if you don’t want to do it, you can also hire a professional cleaner.

At Valley Drapery & Upholstery our designers have the talent and skill to transform your room into a space that you will love. Whether you are unholstering a wall, choosing furniture, or giving your home a décor revamp, we’re here for you.

Call today to find out how we can help you have the home of your dreams.