Architectural Designs

Covering large built-in shelving with fabric?

My bedroom is a converted office, with two huge floor to ceiling shelving units (built in). I want to use the shelves for clothing storage(as there is no closet), but I want to cover them with fabric. I have a light green, asian inspired comforter, and light green/dark brown curtains(almost a "crushed" look). Any color and design ideas? It will cover 2/3rds of the second largest wall, with a 3 foot wall in the middle.

Public Comments

1. Because of the size of your built-ins I would imagine you would want to be careful with your fabric costs because you really will need quite a large yardage. I would look for something along the lines of natural canvas which tends to be available at a very reasonable price, is easily washable, sews nicely, and takes well to fabric paint or other decoration. Opt for a plain neutral and, using fabric paint or fabric markers to match the colours of your bedding or curtains, find a stencil with a pattern that goes with the Asian theme, and add some interest that way. You might be able to find inexpensive Roman shades in natural canvas that would fit -- I would try that first because making your own curtain-like enclosure for those built-in shelves could easily become a pretty big job. Good luck!