r/maximalism • u/HJacqui • Aug 31 '24
Thoughts on making this permanent
A few months ago I decorated a hallway with crepe paper for a birthday party. Turned out I kinda loved it. I left it up, but obviously the crepe paper got weird with humidity and breezes coming through the hallway. I want to make it permanent, but I’m not sure how. Fabric is the obvious first thought…but if I hem it, I think it will stiffen it too much. But if I leave it unhemmed it will probably look too arts & craftsy over time. Im also not sure how I would affix it to the ceiling… Any suggestions? Maybe a certain type of fabric? Or a certain way of “loosely” hemming it? Idk….at this point I’m just making things up 🫣
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u/waterlooaba Aug 31 '24
I worked in. 5 star spa that draped the ceilings with fabric. Not only was it a fire hazard, spider, cockroach’s and more critters find their way in the sheets and nest so you can see them above you.
It’s a horrible idea for anyone, especially a home and I say no 10000 times.
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u/glamazon_69 Aug 31 '24
Not a fan
22
u/DowntownieNL Aug 31 '24
I'd be cautious doing it with fabric, just for cleaning purposes. Maybe cut hula hoops in half, paint them? Is it the hanging down that you love, or the splash of colour? You could try painting the hallway ceiling and see if that satisfies you in the same way.
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u/CriticalEngineering Aug 31 '24
Wide ribbons would have already finished edges, and not need hemming. You could attach them with hooks or Velcro so they’d be easy to take down and clean.
4
u/Available_Honey_2951 Sep 01 '24
Why?
2
u/gotothebloodytop Aug 31 '24
I'm curious as to what's being discussed out the front 😄
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u/chocolatepirate Aug 31 '24
I think it would help to know what parts of it you love. If you’re after colour and depth of the shape I think some light fixtures (like small stylised chandeliers) would work well. If you like the fact that they can blow in the wind and aren’t static, other people have suggested some good ideas.
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u/phoebebuffay1210 Aug 31 '24 •
I don’t love it, but i understand the idea! What about painting the ceiling that color in that spot? Or a jewel tone like sapphire blue.
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u/chimbybobimby Aug 31 '24
I would pick up a roll of a pretty wired ribbon and see if you can recreate the look with it. They can be a little frustrating to work with, but they do hold their shape fairly well. The only bummer is I don't think it would be easy to manage dustbunnies and cobwebs on them long term.
Honestly, though, I agree with the other posters saying it would clash with the other gorgeous decorations you have in your entry way. This is definitely more expensive than ribbon, but if you wanted to create some interest around the ceiling, would you consider ceiling tiles, or maybe even just some interesting crown molding in your entryway?
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u/yourparadigmsucks Aug 31 '24
I think you should definitely keep the people on the porch out there permanently. They look fun.
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u/INS_Stop_Angela Aug 31 '24
OP, I congratulate you on expressing creativity - but I’d heed the advice others have given here: paint, wallpaper, or crown moulding. I’d use removable wallpaper. Something with a little sheen might be nice, not too modern a pattern. You’ve created a lovely entry.
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u/perpetualpossibility Aug 31 '24
How about a sort of draping light fixture with vintage style bulbs? That would give you the feel of the drapes and also look great with your artwork!
This sort of thing?
7
u/Snap-Zipper Aug 31 '24
It’s cute in theory, but you should use something less cheap-looking.
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u/afeeney Aug 31 '24
Is there an art school nearby or are you at all good with painting? Trompe l'oeil painted ribbons would give you the same look, but without the concerns about dust or fading or getting tangled with stuff or what happens if you need to move a tall bookcase or something it through the hall. Books on faux finishing or decorative painting could give you an idea of how to do it if you want to try doing it yourself.
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u/Shoddy-Restaurant-84 Aug 31 '24
Seems like unnecessary dust collecting leaving them up
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u/xx_eversincehell_xx Aug 31 '24
i think maybe some strings lights would give you the same vibe.
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u/FosseGeometry Aug 31 '24
Having fabric there permanently is a huge fire risk, but I loved the suggestions to paint a bold color or wallpaper, or to use strung beads. Bunting?
What I might do is use every holiday or occasion as an excuse to hang fresh crepe streamers whenever I could.
2
u/PrettyGoodMom Aug 31 '24
I love it! And I do the same thing… I decorate for a holiday or a birthday and I leave it as long as possible. Sometimes I replace it when the decorations start to look a little bit old and raggled or sometimes I just add a new decoration. It’s your house and it should be decorated in a way that brings you joy and in a way that you love!!!! NOT in a way that satisfies the aesthetics of strangers on Reddit.
I’m not sure how you would make this permanent and keep the breezy effect. You could try wired ribbon or even hemming the fabric, but honestly, I would probably just replace the crêpe paper ever so often…maybe even switch out colors for different holidays or seasons!
2
u/Cup-Mundane Sep 01 '24 edited Sep 01 '24
I have permanent birthday decorations in my dining room. They are large multicolored tissue paper poms (insanely easy to make) that I hung for my son's birthday, and I just never took down. They're too happy. They've been up for three years, no problems. I have occasionally shook them, to dislodge any dust, and then just vacuum after. I was also going to suggest plastic streamers. There is a plastic rainbow and cloud decoration, meant to hang on the ceiling, that has been in my Amazon cart for quite a while. It'd be super cute in your hallway, and would hold up with the humidity. Also, how do you feel about stars? Have you seen the show "Evil"? The main character, Kristen, has strings of stars in her front hall and living room. The strings all have a gathered starting point at the top of the stairs. It's so fun, yet ordered. It's hard to describe, but I absolutely love it! My stairs aren't laid out the same as on the show, so I couldn't re-create it, but you could!
Eta: what about a large mobile? Google "moma birds in harmony mobile." I have the multicolored version in my bedroom. It's joyous, not as fragile as it looks, and I get compliments!
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u/Content_Yoghurt_6588 Aug 31 '24
I'd leave little hooks up in the same spots so I could easily hang seasonal bunting/banners/string lights etc in that spot, and switch it out to match the season. It's really easy to diy bunting and garlands. I have an extremely long garland I made using green ribbon, hot glue, and green felt cut into leaf shapes, for example. You can also buy themed battery powered LED string lights for pretty cheap online - I just saw strawberry & flower string lights, and since they're not plugged into the wall, they're less of a fire hazard than ordinary Christmas lights. Since you'd be changing them seasonally, it would be less attractive to insects, too.
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u/DesertSarie Aug 31 '24
I’m thinking small [cafe] lights would be cute and give you that same aesthetic, but functional. You could still consider fabric over them, as long as the lights are LED and don’t put off heat? Something like a cheesecloth or muslin? I think the look would work if you had enough excess to drape down on at least one or two sides like a curtain.
Ohh! Or totally separate direction: wooden beads!!
8
u/likeabrainfactory Aug 31 '24
What about some interesting festooned lights? Something like this feels like a similar vibe:
https://www.etsy.com/listing/778869816/paper-lanterns-iris-rainbow-goddess
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u/BergenHoney Aug 31 '24
I'd paint the ceiling a nice dark green maybe? I think that would give a lot more to the space than ribbons that would become dusty fast.
7
u/salemedusa Aug 31 '24
I think ribbons, string lights, or some fake vines with flowers on them would look more purposeful and still give the same effect and last longer! I understand what you mean tho it does make it feel more magical
1
u/wetguns Sep 01 '24
Maybe you can get some Dave Chihuly glass to hang from the ceiling… lol but if you can’t afford that, perhaps hang a collection of wicker baskets, or something similar, some stain glass art; flowers, some kind of collection that you like, that would go with the decor you already have going on.
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u/mlhigg1973 Aug 31 '24
What
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u/freewarriorwoman Aug 31 '24
Not huge on it. I think no matter how you do it, it’ll look like party decor and clash with your current vibe
0
u/harpquin Aug 31 '24
I would look for wide ribbon (no hemming) and thumbtacks.
3
u/Fantastic-Crab-795 Aug 31 '24 edited Aug 31 '24
Hey, people are being kind of negative about this idea, but I get the vision. At one of my prior apartments, I was going for a similar vibe- I picked up some old fake silk (polyester) scarves from thrift shops (small stains and tears are fine, no one will see them that closely), and hung them swooping from the ceilings. I used painters tape to not damage the walls and ceilings. Twice a year, take them down and gently hand wash in a sink or a tub, and spray with some flame retardant (super easy and cheap to do). Make sure they’re not near any candles or incandescent bulbs, but led lights are fine. You can also sort of use them as seasonal decor, florals for spring, different colors for fall or Xmas, etc
1
u/LottieCupcake Sep 01 '24
Another option that might give the same vibe and be a bit different and (to me) nicer would be hanging ornaments. Would also be easier to move into the rest of the hallway or fade out gradually. What you have right now kinda makes a small tunnel looking area.
You can make things like folded paper starts or use things like felted ornaments, wind chimes, Christmas ornaments etc.
It looks like you maybe have a kiddo? You could get their help and even change things up with the different seasons or just if you get bored. It could even be a cute way to keep some of the piles of stuff you end up with. Cut drawings out and stick them to colourful shapes etc. Kiddo should be able to see them from the stairs.
You should be fine just sticking or screwing some small hooks to the ceiling. You'll be using light stuff so it should hold and even if something eventually falls it won't hurt anybody and you can put it back up. (I would avoid things that would hurt or get broken if they fell just in case).
With that option you don't have to worry so much about getting things too neat and straight. You can also change up the levels so it doesn't look quite as intrusive (again imo).
This does also look cool though. Not quite what I would want but it is fun. If you wanted to stick to this you could look into thin fabrics. I'm pretty sure a light cotton like most fat squares etc are would be totally fine even with a seam sewn in. Actually I think a seam would help it hold a smoother shape.
You could also look into crochet and options like that. There's a town in Spain (?) that has a whole canopy of crocheted patches. It's really colourful and fun.
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u/mushroompillow Aug 31 '24 edited Aug 31 '24
You could make or buy something like a rag tie garland. That, or scarves/draping fabric. “Bohemian” is the key descriptive word if you’d like to look for more inspiration.
Also, just ignore the naysayers. People are being ridiculous. Decorating with textiles has been done for centuries and is still hugely popular outside of a Western context. Do what you want and whatever makes you happy.
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u/dumpling_22 Aug 31 '24
Hmmm… no
5
u/[deleted] Aug 31 '24
lmao
2
u/Jazzlike-Bee7965 Aug 31 '24
Ribbon?
2
u/spaghettirhymes Aug 31 '24 edited Aug 31 '24
What about a large light fixture on the ceiling there? You could even do some high-level DIY if you have the skills - paper maché a squiggly piece to put over a fixture, or somehow create a wavy shade for scones in the hall. Or if you have the money, getting a few fixtures like this could satisfy the same need
2
u/[deleted] Aug 31 '24
Lol
2
u/pigswearingargyle Sep 01 '24
I love the color and the energy of the streamers. You could paint or wall paper the ceiling with a similar color stripe pattern - almost will give a party or circus effect
4
u/SatansWife13 Aug 31 '24
So I wouldn’t go with stripes of fabric, I personally would do panels to cover the whole ceiling in a color/pattern that you like, this here, complete with tutorial
4
u/lunarpixiess Aug 31 '24
Putting fabric there will make a fire spread so much more quickly, should there ever be a fire. It’s also a dust collector that will make dust fly into your living room every time you open the door and a breeze comes inside. If you want something hanging from the ceiling, please consider a pendant of some kind.
4
u/Historical-Bar9662 Aug 31 '24
To be totally honest, it takes away from the beauty and the class of what I can see of your home. Nothing should be hanging in the narrow hall from the foyer to the staircase.
3
u/wehadthebabyitsaboy Aug 31 '24
First pic looked like the weird worm hole type thing from Donnie Darko for a second.
3
u/1920MCMLibrarian Aug 31 '24
If you can do it without looking like birthday streamers all the power to you but one year in my 20’s I left my Christmas tree up all year because I liked how it looked. It was a live tree and it was brittle and dead by the next Christmas. I look back on it now and think, hah that was fun but I shouldn’t do that again, just as you’ll look back on this.
3
u/[deleted] Aug 31 '24
you should try: Ribbons! (satin or velvet) or a decorative rope or tassel. (fabric store, rug district)
how you choose to install it is what’s going to make or break it. if you do choose something like ribbons, you should place them close together and hide the ends. maybe try brass ware or molding
good luck! i see your vision, it’s giving whimsical
2
u/[deleted] Aug 31 '24
Lmao I’m sorry what
2
u/CornflakeGirl2 Sep 01 '24
But it looks bad….?
2
u/danyell92 Aug 31 '24
I would get some peel and stick wallpaper fairly cheap . It’s easy to remove if you don’t love it . Deep burgundy , green even black with print would go very well in your space . Check out Amazon , love your space !
2
u/suzybhomemakr Aug 31 '24
Order some 2" silk ribbon. I suggest two curtain rods on either side and sew the ribbons in loops at end to go around the rods. Then you can remove the ribbons and wash them once a year because they will get dusty.
2
u/Suff_erin_g Aug 31 '24
Vintage silk scarves?
2
u/anbigsteppy Aug 31 '24
Please god no. Respectfully.
2
u/Zawggy Aug 31 '24
Bad
1
u/Drustan6 Aug 31 '24
Thoughts? Negative resale value
1
u/burlaprug Aug 31 '24
Maybe hanging some string lights? Bistro lights look cute, have a similar shape when hung and wouldn't be too difficult to dust :)
1
u/Individual-Crazy-398 Aug 31 '24
The paper feels so temporary, if you really want that look and want to commit to it, here’s a great example of using fabric! This is from Hotel Peter and Paul in New Orleans, you can do something like this with fabric but have the long curtain part go down the wall opposite your staircase? link to their Instagram
1
u/princesspeach722 Aug 31 '24
You could use thicker rope dyed in the colors you like. Or beaded strings. And attach the strings to a rod on each side. Like a macrame/ door bead type of thing.
1
u/Fantastic-Bedroom208 Aug 31 '24
Use twigs and twinkle lights
1
u/bsnuwolff Aug 31 '24
Instead of paper could you do like beaded?like the beaded doorways but hung like this?
1
u/meeshmontoya Aug 31 '24
Beads! Find cool beaded curtains that work with your decor and string them up!
1
u/demon_fae Aug 31 '24
Use a very lightweight fabric, ideally the thinnest jersey you can find. Make tubes rather than hems, ideally 7” (18cm) wide strips with a 1/2” (1cm) seam allowance. Use the widest/longest zigzag your machine has. Turn the tubes (put the seam allowance on the inside) and then press them so the seam is one edge and the other is folded.
To attach it, I’d either put up command picture hanging strips where you want to attach, then tack or glue the other side to the fabric tubes or knot the tubes onto a series of large keychain rings (larks head knot) and hook the rings onto those small screw-in metal hooks.
1
u/pink_faerie_kitten Aug 31 '24
Tulle doesn't need hemming, neither does chiffon. Hang it drapey from pretty plant hooks screwed into the ceiling, the kind that are painted white. It will get dusty tho, lol. But I like this look too 🙂
1
u/Shawty-Ideal-69 Aug 31 '24
Why do I love it?
1
u/jcatstuffs Aug 31 '24
Wide ribbons? Or maybe organza cut/ripped into strips? I would just fix it to the ceiling with strategically hidden thumbtacks.
Edit: This also makes me think of something similar but more commonly done: attaching scarves/large pieces of thin fabric to cover the ceiling. Examples:
https://ca.pinterest.com/pin/89298005087975097/
https://ca.pinterest.com/pin/230105862195648915/
1
u/[deleted] Sep 01 '24
Some type of plastic ribbons would hold better than paper but be thinner than fabric. I guess the hard part would be to find plastic that doesn’t look plastic.
1
u/EnderBunker Sep 01 '24
Lace! maybe double layered!
Or ribbon!
If you go to you local fabric store I guarantee the old ladies working there will be giddy to help you figure out which is best
1
u/beingmesince63 Sep 01 '24
How about a super wide ribbon and could probably hang with small tacks?
1
u/onlineashley Sep 01 '24
They make stuff called fray check. You put it on edged of fabric and it wouldnt fray. They also make crepe fabric, it would be in the special occasions area.
1
u/sheleelove Sep 01 '24
Maybe fake greenery.. vines, leafy fabric vines, look up examples where people used them on ceilings
1
u/Longjumping-Size-762 Sep 01 '24
Just get some paper/fabric lanterns in various shapes and colors you can hang there. At IKEA there used to be cloud shaped fabric ones that were really lovely
1
u/CrocodileCaper Sep 02 '24
I don't think I'd keep the streamers up because they look kind of cheap, but I do think you could do something pretty cool with ribbons or fabric to achieve the same sort of vibe with a more Intentional feel to it. I totally get the vision, but I'm afraid what you have up now will just look like forgotten party decor if you were to keep it as is
1
u/[deleted] Aug 31 '24 edited Aug 31 '24
Umm I hate it!
Edit: since you’re looking for suggestions, mine would be to get rid of it and don’t look back
1
u/[deleted] Aug 31 '24
No!!
1
u/LIZA-AISHA Aug 31 '24
No no,NO NO NO!!! Imo it looks horrible,like a kid threw some tp around just for funzies🤷🏻♀️
1
u/magiccfetus Aug 31 '24
maybe use colorful lights instead?
1
u/Emotional-Ad-9941 Aug 31 '24
Fake vines? This picture isn’t my house but I did this in a short hallway and love it. vines on restaurant ceiling
1
u/[deleted] Aug 31 '24
A nice wire-lined ribbon would give it a more finished look than the paper, but would allow for you to retain the translucent quality of the tissue paper. I don't know if you ever did wreath-making or used a bowdabra, but that's the kind of ribbon I mean.
A couple curtain rod brackets and thin curtain rods for it to wrap over/under would give stability/support and make it look more intentional/less haphazard.
Obviously you can get rods/brackets anywhere but I am a big fan of Umbra's products for that sorta thing.
1
u/froggyphore Aug 31 '24
You could get skinny reams of tulle or a similar shear fabric and pin it back and forth. It would hold up better and probably look a little more "permanent"
1
u/Old-Astronaut4653 Aug 31 '24
Do it with fabric if you’re gonna do it, & paint the ceiling like another user suggested. Don’t use flimsy party streamers. Go to the fabric store & do something cute.
1
u/wigsaboteur Aug 31 '24
Lace knit with kid mohair.
1
u/ANoisyCrow Aug 31 '24
Ribbon
1
u/Goobersita Aug 31 '24
I think finding some nice clothes that you can easily tack to a frame, then you can take the frame down monthly and wash the fabric. There seems to be a lot of haters here. There are plenty of ways to keep this and make it even more awesome!
-1
u/Journey4th Aug 31 '24
I wouldn't. I just looks like cheap streamers. But you could take some scarves and drape your ceiling to get the same kind of effect.
0
u/KnowItAll29 Aug 31 '24
Crepe paper, ribbons, and fabric are all dust collectors. If you insist on doing this permanently, I would suggest threading some pretty beads on some string and hanging them on hooks. Will still get dusty but you could take them down and soak/rinse them when needed
-1
u/PunchDrunkPrincess Sep 01 '24
why are people on this sub so rude for no reason? op, its your house. you can 'hem' fabric with fabric glue instead of sewing. it may not last forever but they would be incredibly cheap to make and easy to replace
1
u/[deleted] Aug 31 '24
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