Upholstered walls

Fabrics are woven into the very heart of interior design. They offer texture, colour and pattern in endless permutations. In the world of materials, everything from humble cotton to the richest silks can be used to stunning effect. When choosing fabrics for the home, of course upholstery fabrics and drapery fabrics are considered, but if true luxury is desired think about upholstered walls. Not only will upholstered walls provide a cohesive backdrop to well-appointed furnishings, their innate opulence is decadent enough to satisfy even the most unrepentant material girl.

History of upholstered walls

Early forms of wall decorations consisted of tapestries, hangings, and simple coverings made of linen. These were layered over stone walls in castles and great homes to provide warmth and insulation. By the 17th century, embossed and gilded leathers were added to the list of options for decorating walls. Of course, these were extravagances that only the very wealthy could afford.

Besides the practical advantages of adding warmth and insulation to draughty interiors, wall hangings and tapestries also added colour and pattern to rooms - creating a more cheerful and pleasant environment. Damaged or uneven walls could also be easily disguised with a length of fabric or a tapestry.

As the middle classes grew, so did the desire to emulate the effects of fabric wall treatments. Early wallpapers were the first real attempt to imitate the more luxurious upholstered walls and were designed to appeal to a wider range of the population.

Upholstered walls today

Today, affordable fabrics are widely available, making this luxurious wall treatment more attainable than ever before. Depending on the room and style of décor, designers use a variety of fabrics such as rich silks and elegant damasks, which provide a dramatic sheen to walls. Good quality felt, tweed, or wool as well as synthetic suede works beautifully too. Dining rooms, libraries, or indeed any formal room requiring exquisite detail, is a candidate for upholstered walls. I love to use upholstered walls in bedrooms where the extra insulation creates a hushed tone conducive to quiet spaces. Occasionally a designer will use a single fabric for walls and windows treatments, creating a comfortable and cohesive atmosphere. You see this most often in bedrooms using an all over pattern such as a French toile de jouy or English floral chintz. Powder rooms also provide an appropriate canvas for upholstery since intricate patterns can be appreciated at close range.

Installation

Although fabrics can be paper-backed to hang on walls, most often the fabric is stretched over a batten and applied on top of padding. One exception - in Venice where water and moisture are constant companions upholstered walls are created without a layer of padding underneath - allowing for circulation of air.