How to Build a Wall-Sized Frame for a Fabric Print

Creating a wall-sized frame for fabric is an excellent way to add an accent to your space without the permanence of paint or wallpaper. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the process of building and installing a wall-sized frame that can transform the look and feel of your living space. Jenn Largesse from House One completes this step-by-step process in the video above, showing how to construct a frame that’s both sturdy and visually appealing.

Materials and Tools Needed for a Wall-Sized Frame

Before you begin, gather the following materials and tools:

• (5) 1” x 4” x 6′ boards
• (4) 1/4″ x 1 1/8″ primed lattice trim boards
• 6′ x 9′ medium-duty canvas drop cloth
• 6′ x 6′ fabric shower curtain (or your chosen fabric)
• Wood glue
• Staples
• Screws for pocket holes
• Paint or stain (optional, for lattice trim)

• Pencil
• Tape measure
• Miter saw
• Drill/driver with pocket hole jig
• Hand stapler
• Pliers
• Hand clamps
• Iron (for fabric)

Pro Tip: Jen from House One recommends downloading her cut list from the House One channel on ThisOldHouse.com before shopping for materials. She also advises: “If you are installing a frame that’s any larger than the one that I’ve specified, you may wanna make sure that it’s going to fit through the opening and into the room where it will be installed. The opening of a typical door is about 80 inches.”

Preparing the Wall-Sized Frame

The first step in creating your wall-sized frame is to prepare the wooden pieces that will form its structure. Follow these steps:

1. Using a miter saw, cut the two side boards to the height of your fabric minus 5 inches. This allowance ensures the fabric can wrap securely around the frame edges.
2. Cut the two horizontal boards to the width of your fabric minus 5 inches and the width of the two side boards (typically 3 1/2 inches each for 1 by 4s).
3. Cut four corner braces with opposing 45-degree angles mitered at each end.
4. Drill two pocket holes into each end of the top and bottom boards and at each end of the corner braces.

This project comes from Jen at House One, who wanted the look of a wall mural without the permanence of paint or wallpaper. As she explains: “I love the look of a wall mural, but I have trouble committing to the permanence of paint or wallpaper. So today I’m showing how I built a full size wall frame that I could wrap fabric around to get the look.”

Assembling the Wall-Sized Frame

With your pieces cut and prepped, it’s time to put the frame together. Here’s the step-by-step assembly process:

1. Set up sawhorses or clear a large floor space for assembly.
2. Apply wood glue to the ends of the top and bottom boards.
3. Position these boards between the side pieces, ensuring everything is square.
4. Secure the joints by driving screws through the pocket holes into the side boards.
5. Slide the corner braces into place, making sure they sit evenly along each side.
6. Glue and screw the corner braces into position.
7. Allow the glue to dry completely before moving on to the next step.

Preparing and Attaching the Fabric

The fabric is the star of this project, so it’s important to prepare and attach it carefully for a professional finish. Iron both the drop cloth and your chosen fabric to remove any creases. 

Pro Tip: Before you start stapling, lay down a piece of plastic sheeting on your work surface. Since you’ll be working on the floor with the fabric face down, the plastic prevents dirt and dust from embedding in the decorative side of the fabric while you attach it to the frame.

Attaching the Drop Cloth

Lay the drop cloth on a clean surface and center the frame on top of it. Pull one edge of the drop cloth over the frame and staple it to the back every 2–3 inches. Repeat this step on the opposite side, starting from the middle and working outward. Continue with the remaining edges, leaving the corners free for now. Use pliers to pull the fabric taut if needed.

Securing the Decorative Fabric

Place your chosen fabric face down on a clean surface. Position the frame (with the drop cloth already attached) face down on the fabric. Starting with one edge, pull the fabric over the frame and staple it to the back every 2–3 inches like you did with the drop cloth. Work your way around the frame, pulling the fabric taut but not so tight that it ripples. For the corners, pinch the fabric, fold it over one edge, and staple securely.

Adding the Finishing Touches to Your Wall-Sized Frame

To give your wall-sized frame a polished look, add a decorative border and make sure it hangs securely. If desired, paint or stain thin lattice strips before attaching them to the frame edges. Simply cut two lattice strips to the height of your art and nail them to the sides. Then, measure the width of the art plus the thickness of the side strips, cut two more pieces to this length, and nail them to the top and bottom.

To install a hanger, choose one that’s appropriate for the size and weight of your frame. A metal French cleat is an excellent option for larger pieces. Install the hanger centered on the back of the frame, cutting away excess fabric if necessary For added security, especially in children’s rooms, add strips of double-sided tape or Velcro along the bottom edge of the frame to keep it flush against the wall.

This Old House’s Jen Larges chose the metal French cleat for this project specifically because the frame was destined for her child’s room. As she explained: “Since this is going to be in my little one’s room, I wanted to withstand any tugging. So I’m using a metal French cleat.” The payoff is a mural look that is inexpensive and removable — or recoverable — should you want to change the look in the future.

Helpful Tips and Considerations for Wall-Sized Frames

Building a wall-sized fabric frame involves several steps where attention to detail can make the difference between a professional and amateur finish. Here are some additional pointers to ensure your project goes smoothly and looks fantastic.

Choosing Fabric

The fabric you pick will affect the look and durability of your wall art. If you use a thin fabric, like a shower curtain, consider backing it with a sturdier material, such as a drop cloth, as we did. This will prevent the fabric from sagging and provide a richer texture.

From the Project: For this House One build, Jen used a graphic shower curtain as the main fabric — a budget-friendly alternative to pricier art prints. Because the shower curtain was a thin fabric, she layered a drop cloth from the home center underneath it on the frame to add body and prevent sagging. Before installing either layer, she laid down a piece of plastic on the floor to protect the fabric from getting dirty during assembly.

Ensuring Smooth Fabric Application

Ironing your fabric before securing it to the frame may seem like a small step, but it will have a major impact on your project’s final appearance. Use a steam iron for best results, and make sure the fabric is completely dry before attaching it to the frame.

Additional Support for Larger Frames

If your frame is exceptionally large, take extra measures to ensure it remains stable. In addition to the corner braces, you can add additional cross braces. These will help keep the frame from bowing or warping over time.

Maintaining Your Fabric Frame

Maintaining and updating your fabric frame is simple due to its removable nature. Here are some useful tips for keeping your art looking fresh:

• Clean the fabric: Dust and dirt can dull the appearance of your fabric over time. Light vacuuming with a brush attachment can help keep the fabric clean. For tougher stains, spot-clean with a mild detergent and a damp cloth.
• Update the fabric: To update the look, simply remove the old fabric and staple a new one in its place. This allows you to adapt your decor to suit changing tastes or seasonal themes easily.
• Secure loose ends: Over time, edges might come loose. Periodically check the fabric and re-staple any areas that need attention.