Video:5 Ways to Punch Up a Space With Fabric

SHARE ON                

Transcript:5 Ways to Punch Up a Space With Fabric

Hi, my name is Greg Dunlop with About.com. Are you feeling like your space isn't exciting enough and that it could use a punch in the wall, so to speak? Do you feel like the tall ceilings and hardwood floors cause an echo every time you speak? Well, it might be time to think about some basic ways to use fabric to liven up your space.

Decorate Tables With Linens

Quick question - who has table cloths folded nicely in a drawer or hanging in a closet? Well, why not take them out and leave them on your table as decoration? Who says they have to stay hidden all year until a holiday or a special occasion? Tablecloths are a great way to make your dining room look different while bringing in some color or pattern. Table runners can do the same thing. Just don't leave placemats out - it makes it look like you forgot to finish clearing the table.

Use Fabric Throw Pillows

Throw pillows on a sofa are another simple way to use fabric to really punch up a space. Here I've paired some great colored pillows on a dark sofa. The color adds some visual interest and gives some dimension to the room and the sofa.

Change Bedding Decor

In bedrooms, the easiest way to liven up the space is to change your bedding. If you have a duvet, buy two different covers. This way you have some options throughout the year when you get bored. It's up to you if you add the extra pillows, these are known as shams, but it's another way that fabric can help liven up your space. Here's a tip though, look around some stores before you invest in a whole set of a cover and the matching pillows. These pillows weren't shown all together but I found them in the living room section of the store and I thought they worked pretty well.

Add Fabric Window Treatments

OK, here's another simple way to bring in some fabric to your space: window treatments. A simple drapery panel hanging on a rod can soften the feeling of your room and add some nice layering and depth. Here, I've mounted a simple rod on the wood work and let the drapery hang to the floor. I measured the distance from the rod to the floor before I bought the drapery panel so that it doesn't come up short. Window treatments do a really good job of absorbing sound so, again, if you feel like there's an echo in your rooms, some drapery panels could help.

Create Fabric Wall Art

Finally, if you feel like being crafty and taking on a do it yourself project you might try buying some fabric that you like and stretching it on a frame or stapling the fabric over a canvas. You could pick your size and create some really cool wall art.

So, when your space needs a boost think about integrating some fabric in a variety of ways and you'll feel great about a change to your space that was quick and easy.