Thursday, February 21, 2013

Wallcovering Wall Panels- A Renter's Solution

Design Dilemma- you update one part of your room and then you have to update all of it. It's a serious problem people!!

Case in point- my new super awesome patterned wall panels!


I was lucky enough to win a roll of wallcovering from 2Modern several months ago. Since then I've thought about how I would use it in our home.

I couldn't hang it the traditional way since we are only renting and can't put anything permanent on the walls. I've seen online where people use starch to hang fabric but that seems really messy and I wasn't sure if it would work for wallpaper or not.

So what was my quick, no nail, non-permanent solution? Command Strips! 


The ones I bought are rated for 9lbs- perfect for the wood moulding I wanted for framing out my wallcovering. It was quick, easy, and non-messy.

For this project I first measured out how big I wanted my panels- then figured how much trim I would need and how long they should be. I bought MDF moulding already primed (the cheapest kind I could find!) The super friendly guys at our local hardware store cut them to size for me- angle cuts and all. Yay!!


Then I got started physically measuring out the space on the wall where they would go.


Next step was hanging the wallcovering. I used the Command Strips on the top and bottom corners of each panel of wallcovering. To keep the panels from curling away from the wall I put one Command Strip in the center of each panel on either side.


Then trimmed the bottom to my desired length.


Finally the trim. Again I used Command Strips on to edges, started at the top and worked my way down.


As always my helper was nearby.


So easy a child can do it! (J/K - Not really)




Some things I learned while doing this project:

Make sure the Command Strips are stuck to the wall and not the wallcovering while hanging the trim.

Clean any dust from the wood trim before sticking your strips, otherwise they will not hold.

Make sure to press firmly down for the full 30 seconds the package recommends to ensure a secure hold. 

The panels and trim have been up for 2 days now and nothing has come crashing down on our heads in the middle of the night.

But here's my dilemma as mentioned at the beginning of this post:




Our traditional headboard and bedside tables don't jive with my new modern panels. The headboard is to tall and cover up my panels. My old bedding and pillows from college are old and tired. Our curtains don't really match well anymore either. I need to get rid of that boring lamp.

See what I mean! In design, one thing leads to another, you just can't stop.

No one sees this room except for me and the hubs; and well now you, so it's not a huge deal. But I'm thinking our bedroom is going to be getting some much needed attention in the coming months. We found out that we are not moving anytime soon so putting some work into this room will be well worth it. 

And since my Command Strips are removable I'll be able to take my wall panels with me where ever the Air Force takes us next!

*I wasn't compensated in any way to use Command Strips- I just happened to mention them a lot in this post! But maybe I should be- Wink Wink 3M*

7 comments:

Unknown said...

Love the new panels and how I can relate to your dilemma. I feel like that is what I am constantly dealing with in my house. I bring in something fabulous and chic and then I suddenly everything in the room is outdated and I want to change everything! Ha! Maybe add in a funky pillow or two to compliment your new panels or some dark blue lamps bases. Either way, those panels offer so much to work with. They are gorgeous!

Courtney said...

oh exactly!! i've just resigned myself to the fact that my house is never, ever going to be finished because i will constantly change something that will then lead me to need to change other things!!
just as well we love this kind of thing ;-)
Awesome Rachelle!!

Laura Everyday Edits said...

Love this idea! Thanks for linking up to Favorite Friday at I'm Not a Trophy Wife! laura@imnotatrophywife.com

Ashley@AttemptsAtDomestication said...

I love this idea! It's so clever and looks amazing! And I love that you used command strips! My hubs is a hard sell for anything permanent, but he'll be on board for anything temporary ;)

Kayla @ Home Coming said...

Love it! That's a great way to add some color to a rental. I host a DIY link party every Monday and would love for you to join! http://homecomingmn.blogspot.com/2013/02/the-diyers-link-party.html

Mally said...

That is a great idea for an apartment too. Looks beautiful. Thanks for the great idea.

Anonymous said...

Really awesome! The information about wall panels is great. Thanks for sharing such a beautiful article.