Add A Bit Of Whimsy To Your Home By Creating A Graceful, Draped Fabric Ceiling

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A ceiling draped with fabric is a simple but stunning way to add whimsy to your home. You've probably seen it on Pinterest or Instagram — beautiful airy material attached directly to the ceiling and hanging delicately overhead. It can turn a bedroom into a boho chic dream or transform a living room into a relaxing nook. When properly done, these ceilings look straight out of a fairy tale and transform a basic room into a dreamy and luxurious space. But how, exactly, does one do that? For it to look elegant rather than messy, you need the proper equipment and technique to attach the drapes to the ceiling. It also needs to be secure, or else you risk the fabric falling down and causing a ruckus. 

One simple way to get this look without too much effort is to use hooks and fishing line. For this technique to work, make sure to choose a fabric that is not too heavy. Voile, chiffon, silk, tulle, and organza can all be good options because they are lightweight, which means they won't weigh too heavily on the fishing line and cause it to break. Of course, the fabric you choose should also reflect your own personal interior design style. For example, light bounces back on shiny fabrics like silk and can pass through more sheer ones like tulle. You can buy these fabrics by the yard directly from a fabric store, or purchase some rolls online like these New Star sheer voile fabric draping panels.

To start, attach screw hooks, like these Adiil hanger hooks, directly to the ceiling in even intervals. For renters who want their security deposits back, consider using adhesive hooks instead, like these Jinshunfa adhesive hooks. Next, string a clear heavy-duty fishing wire along each row of hooks, as if it was a clothing line for the fabric to lay over. Attach both ends securely with strong double knots or fishing knots. The clear wire should be as tight as possible so that the drape doesn't sink in at the center because of the weight of the fabric.

Repeat these two steps as many times as you'd like depending on the shape of the draping and how many dips you want. Finish on both ends of the room with a final line of wire at opposite walls just a couple of inches below the ceiling, where the fabric will fall down. To prevent the drapes from moving around, use some small clips to attach the fabric to the fishing wire. For example, these Meetoot transparent plastic alligator clips can do the job discreetly. If you don't mind damaging the fabric, consider adding an adhesive, such as E6000, along the fishing wire to secure the fabric in place. 

A draped ceiling is a statement piece that can be customized to no end. The right combination of fabric, lighting, and decor breathe personality into your home and truly make it unique. For example, consider using patterned fabric instead of a solid one. This alternative can give your room a complete bohemian aesthetic makeover. You may also choose to layer multiple panels of fabric next to each other with different colors and patterns to create dimension in the draping. To complete your bohemian decor, attach charms, suncatchers, and hanging crystals on the fishing wires.

If you'd like to keep the drapes simple but want the option of customizing them, consider how artificial lighting interacts with the draped ceilings. The use of string lights along the fabric create a bit of light weaved throughout the draping. By pairing white drapes with Linkind smart light bulbs that change color and intensity, you can truly adapt the vibe of the room for any occasion. Pair the lights with lamps on the floor in the corners of the room to create a radiating colorful hue that will bounce back on the fabric for a whimsical atmosphere. Another way to add color is by installing LED strip lights along the ceiling and walls behind the fabric.