Using Fabric to Change the Look of a Room

Does your bedroom need a pick-me-up? Sick of your dull living room? Even if you are on a budget and can't spend much to redo a room, there are some very simple ways to create a whole new look with just fabric!

You can often buy remnants of very nice fabric for a fraction of the regular price. It is also worth checking your local fabric store regularly to see what deals they have, since there are frequently sales and coupons available that will allow you to buy yards of cloth for far cheaper than usual. Garage sales can also be good source of cheap, high quality fabric, as can thrift shops. Don't rule out sheets or even curtains, since these large pieces can be cut up and used for smaller projects.

Covering bookshelves with fabric can turn an old wooden shelf into something bright and new. Cut the fabric to fit the shelf, with an extra centimeter or two and either hem or glue the edges under to form a neat border. A dot of silicon in each corner helps keep the cloth in place on the shelf, but is still easy to remove later on.

Make instant curtains by simply installing a couple of hooks, one in each upper corner of your window. Drape a long strip of fabric over the window, caught up in the two hooks, to form a swag at the top and fall down either side. No sewing required!

If you are handy with a sewing machine, you can whip up a new slipcover for your sofa or armchair. Choose a fabric that goes with your existing color scheme, but that lends a new look. For example, if you have very feminine chairs, why not cover them with plaids or stripes instead?

Even if you can't sew to save your life, you can recover armchairs. Spread a large piece of fabric over the entire piece of furniture and then tuck it in to fit the chair. Use tacks to hold the edges under and you have an instant slipcover!