If you've been following along with my colonial dollhouse remodel, you know I’ve been on a mission to create the perfect cottage core interior. The vision I had in mind? Tiny vintage floral prints covering almost every inch of the house. When I have a design idea in my head, it’s nearly impossible for me to settle for anything other than what I want. Some might call me hardheaded and stubborn, but I like to think I'm just very determined to get my way.
After scouring stores and websites for what felt like forever, I realized I wasn’t going to find exactly what I needed with the two most common wallpaper options – dollhouse wallpaper and scrapbook paper.
Dollhouse wallpaper can be amazing for accent walls, but it's tricky to work with when you're covering an entire room. It’s not cheap either, especially if you’re working with a large house like mine. As for scrapbook paper, I was disappointed by the limited selection and high costs once I realized I’d need multiple paper books to complete the look.
That’s when I had a lightbulb moment. I remembered a past craft project where I used fabric and Mod Podge to decorate a wooden door hanger. Could this technique work for my dollhouse walls? I couldn’t wait to try it! So, I hopped in the car and headed to JoAnn’s Fabric to start my hunt. (Side note: living within five minutes of the top three craft stores in the country is both a blessing and a curse – just ask my husband!)
I’m thrilled with the results of this DIY fabric wallpaper method and couldn't wait to share it with you all. Not only did it turn out beautifully, but I also saved over $150 compared to using scrapbook paper or dollhouse wallpaper. Best of all, I used less than half a yard of fabric per room, which cost me between $1.50 and $3 per room. Let me show you how you can do it too!
Materials You'll Need:
- Cotton fabric (I used quilt cotton)
- Original Mod Podge (Matte finish)
- Scissors or rotary blade & cutting mat
- Ruler
- Pencil
- X-Acto knife
- Squeegee or a credit card
Step-by-Step Tutorial:
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Measure Your Walls: Measure the height and width of each wall and mark your fabric, adding a little extra length to all sides so you’ll have enough to cover the entire wall.
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Cut the Fabric: For precise cuts, I like to use a ruler and rotary blade, but scissors work just as well. You just want to be sure the cuts are straight!
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Test Fit: Before applying any glue, test fit the fabric on the wall to ensure everything lines up the way you want it to.
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Apply Mod Podge to the Wall: Using a sponge brush, spread a generous but thin layer of Mod Podge over the wall. You want to make sure the wall is evenly coated without globs or runs of glue. (Work quickly – Mod Podge dries fast!)
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Align and Apply Fabric: Start in one corner, carefully aligning the fabric to ensure the pattern is straight. There should be some overhang on each side.
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Smooth the Fabric: Use a squeegee or credit card to smooth the fabric onto the wall, making sure there are no creases or bubbles. If you need to reposition the fabric, you’ll need to add more glue, so be sure of your placement before pressing down.
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Seal with Mod Podge: Once your fabric is smooth and in place, apply a thin layer of Mod Podge on top to seal it. Double-check for any creases, smoothing them out as needed.
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Trim Excess Fabric: After the Mod Podge has fully dried (which usually takes less than an hour), trim any excess fabric from windows, doors, or edges using scissors or an X-Acto knife. If your house is still under construction like mine, don’t worry too much about the edges – trim and molding will cover them later.
Helpful Tips:
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I only used cotton fabric, specifically "Quilt Cotton Fabric." It's thin, lightweight, and holds up well with the Mod Podge. Thicker or more textured fabrics may not work as well and could end up looking uneven or stained after drying.
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Do a test! Cut a small piece of fabric and test it with Mod Podge before committing to an entire wall. This way, you’ll know if your fabric will hold up and how the Mod Podge might alter its appearance.
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Different Mod Podge finishes, like glossy or semi-gloss, can give your fabric different looks. I recommend sticking with matte for a more realistic wallpaper effect, but definitely test out the finish that best suits your style!
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When trimming fabric, always use a sharp blade – especially when cutting in small or tight spaces like a dollhouse. Be careful and take your time!
- I allowed my fabric to overlap in the corners. The prints I chose look seamless in the corners, even with the overlap. If you'd prefer your edges to meet up vs. overlap, just trim the excess before applying fabric to the adjoining wall.
I am absolutely in love with how this DIY fabric wallpaper turned out in my colonial dollhouse and I can only imagine how incredible it will look once the remodel is complete. These prints give the space the exact cottage core aesthetic I envisioned! Plus, knowing I saved so much money just makes it that much better. If you're looking for a unique, budget-friendly way to add character to your dollhouse, this is definitely worth trying!
