Looking for an easy DIY design wall
#11
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Join Date: Oct 2009
Location: Maine-ly Florida
Posts: 3,916

I had my foam board cut to size before bringing it home. Finally goy it put up after waiting close to 5 years to do so. I found online a flannel in a 3yd x 3yd size so 108x108. I'm in the basement with low ceiling rafters plus a baseboard heater at the bottom so could only make it 70"H x 96"W, the size of 2 - 48"x96" foam boards. The cutoffs were given to my sister. I used 505 spray to adhere the flannel over the boards. I cut it 2" more all around to go around the edges and tuck it behind. My foam board was 1.5" thick. Sorry no photo of it as my PC is in the shop right now.
When I brought it home, I had them strap it on top but loosely so not to damage it. It sat in my garage for nearly 5 years and never got damaged which to me was a miracle.
When I brought it home, I had them strap it on top but loosely so not to damage it. It sat in my garage for nearly 5 years and never got damaged which to me was a miracle.
#12
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Join Date: Oct 2009
Location: Maine-ly Florida
Posts: 3,916

Polar fleece works well as a design wall.
Simplicity, can be it pinned or taped to the wall.
Mine is polar fleece, stapled to homosote, and then that is screwed to the wall.
Total size is 11'x8'
Also did the same with fleece over corrugated plastic.
I have multiple sizes from 15" square to 24" and onwards up to the full 4'x8' corrugated.
These slide nicely behind a piece of furniture when not being used. Or into the back of a closet.
Fleece holds the blocks well with out pinning. I've even had full flimsy's on my large design wall with no pins, But, I still like the ability to pin something, to be sure it does not move, or because I am at the edge and the block goes beyond. Then I can!
Really depends on what size you want and what restrictions you have in your sewing room.
You can never have enough design walls!
Simplicity, can be it pinned or taped to the wall.
Mine is polar fleece, stapled to homosote, and then that is screwed to the wall.
Total size is 11'x8'
Also did the same with fleece over corrugated plastic.
I have multiple sizes from 15" square to 24" and onwards up to the full 4'x8' corrugated.
These slide nicely behind a piece of furniture when not being used. Or into the back of a closet.
Fleece holds the blocks well with out pinning. I've even had full flimsy's on my large design wall with no pins, But, I still like the ability to pin something, to be sure it does not move, or because I am at the edge and the block goes beyond. Then I can!
Really depends on what size you want and what restrictions you have in your sewing room.
You can never have enough design walls!
#13
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Join Date: Oct 2009
Location: Maine-ly Florida
Posts: 3,916
#14
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Join Date: Oct 2009
Location: Maine-ly Florida
Posts: 3,916

How much room do you have? I don't have a lot, so I taped two foam core poster boards together, covered them with flannel, and hung them on a nail in the room. Not fancy at all. When I need more than my 2' x 5' space allows, I lay everything out on a double bed in my guest room. It's a bit awkward but works for me in a small space.
#15
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Join Date: Oct 2009
Location: Maine-ly Florida
Posts: 3,916

Thank you all for your great suggestions. I'm thinking of having two skinny design walls on either side of the window that's on the only exterior wall. Which would do double duty. The room gets a lot of sun so they would be somewhat protected from that. It would look nice when you enter the room. And it would use a potentially awkward space.
#16
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Join Date: Apr 2011
Location: Ontario, Canada
Posts: 17,468

Lots2Do ... Sorry that I have been so long getting back to you, but it seems the auto-notice, didn't auto and I just saw your query a few minutes ago.
Corrugated plastic can usually be purchased at Home Depot, or similar stores. Also, have seen it at Dollar Stores, in bristol board size pieces. Another source would be through a sign shop. You could get full size sheets, or they may sell you off-cuts at a very reasonable price. Just know what min/max sizes will work for you.
Or if you are lucky enough to have access to old signage, it could be totally free!! It really doesn't matter if it has advertising on it, as you are going to cover it with fleece or whatever you choose.
Sounds like you have found a good unused space that can work for you. Another spot that some have used are the backside of the door, or closet doors. Some have even used sliding closet doors. Just need to make sure they are separated enough to function, but for sure the outer door would provide space.
Good Luck ...... once you have one design wall, you'll be sure to have more!
Corrugated plastic can usually be purchased at Home Depot, or similar stores. Also, have seen it at Dollar Stores, in bristol board size pieces. Another source would be through a sign shop. You could get full size sheets, or they may sell you off-cuts at a very reasonable price. Just know what min/max sizes will work for you.
Or if you are lucky enough to have access to old signage, it could be totally free!! It really doesn't matter if it has advertising on it, as you are going to cover it with fleece or whatever you choose.
Sounds like you have found a good unused space that can work for you. Another spot that some have used are the backside of the door, or closet doors. Some have even used sliding closet doors. Just need to make sure they are separated enough to function, but for sure the outer door would provide space.
Good Luck ...... once you have one design wall, you'll be sure to have more!
#18
Super Member
Join Date: Oct 2010
Location: Prescott Valley, AZ
Posts: 1,329

In my last house I used 1 1/2" foam insulation board covered with flannel. Just moved to a new house and my current vehicle wouldn't handle the large foam sheets. At my local Lowes store I found packages if 3/4" foam 13 5/8" x 48", 6 sheets per pack. I bought 3 packs. Used Silicon to attach 16 sheets to wall. I now have an 8x8' design wall, again covered by flannel.