Use DIY Fabric Bunting To Try An Accent Wall In A Less Permanent Way

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Accent walls are a tried-and-true home design trick, something so ever-present that the style has transcended the realm of trends. Interior decorators and DIY enthusiasts have been adding unique spins to rooms with paint, ornamentation, paneling, and more for years now. But just when you think there's no more iteration possible on the time-honored approach of accent walls, something new emerges: fabric bunting. But what, exactly, is fabric bunting? Bunting is a collection of small pieces of fabric, usually in a triangular or similar shape, strung up on a string and draped along a wall or ceiling for decoration. 

Fabric bunting is a trend that somehow manages to feel simultaneously old and new. The style has its roots in British celebratory culture, in which bunting is hung for national holidays or special occasions. Party bunting tends to be brightly colored or outfitted with flags. When used outside, it's the perfect decor for a vintage garden party. But bringing fabric bunting indoors for use on interior accent walls? This trend feels very fresh.

Before you begin making your bunting, ensure that you have collected a number of pieces of similarly sized pieces of fabric, as well as double-fold bias tape and multiples of any kind of clip. These fabric pieces could be similar colors and patterns, all the same hue, or any kind of mix. Select fabric pieces that will suit your desired bunting style.

Begin by cutting your fabric pieces into 8-inch squares. Fold each piece in half, and then sew the open edge. This will leave a small pointed piece of fabric at the bottom of the sewed edge; cut that off to reduce bulk. Flip the fabric inside out so that the seam is on the inside. Consider using something pointed to pop out the bottom of the triangle. Moving toward the top of the piece, opposite the small point, fold and tuck in the piece of fabric at the top. 

Repeat this process for each piece of fabric. Press everything flat, or use an iron. Next, use clips or laundry pins to place your triangles at regular intervals along the inside of the double-fold bias tape. Sew along the edge, and voila — you've created bunting.

There are tons of variations on how to bring the fabric bunting trend into a space, including iterations on the shape, material, and thickness. Professional and DIY decorators are flexible on location as well, placing the bunting near the ceiling or on a piece of furniture to draw the eye. When hung near the ceiling or atop drapery, fabric bunting is, in fact, very similar to valances.

Fabric bunting is straightforward to hang — and less permanent than some other accent wall choices. Being easy to put up and take down, it ranks among the most renter-friendly DIY decor tips to beautify your home. A number of bunting styles, like the Jialitfun pastel floral triangle bunting or the Leobro swallowtail flag in burlap, are available to ship online and can be hung on a wall with removable invisible Command clips. For a more bespoke treatment, work with a drapery professional after choosing your preferred fabric, or reach out to an Etsy creator who specializes in custom work.

How to choose an accent wall is, of course, entirely personal. But if you're feeling bold inspiration to try something new, which also happens to be easy to install and renter-friendly, give the fabric bunting approach a try.