I searched everywhere on the web to find a solution for the ugly drop ceiling panels on my ceiling when I decided to move our bedroom to the basement. Replacement panels in metal and wood are beautiful, but very costly. I tried standard wallpaper which was beautiful, but realized it wasn't long enough for all the panels and would require commercial grade to get the lengths I needed which is costly. I tried painting them. YUCK!. To spray texture would have also been expensive.
So, I purchased flannel backed, vinyl fabric that is extra wide from the long bolts at Hobby Lobby with my 40% off coupon. They sold me what they had and ordered the rest to make 21 yards, which is what I figured I needed for a 12 X 18 room. The fabric I chose has a white on white damask floral print. I removed the panels and painted the gray metal supports to match the fabric. I cut the fabric into the standard squares using the same pattern, since most of the squares in the middle were the same size. The ones around the edges had to be premeasured and fitted.
I used spray adhesive to secure the fabric to the panels. I ironed each panel using the low acrylic setting and a double sheet to protect it from burning and got beautiful results. The total cost of my endeavors was $50 for the fabric on sale, $8 for 2 cans of spray adhesive. I have Rheumatoid Arthritis and did it by myself. The only negative is that it is very messy, but it's also a good time to check the wiring and spray for spiders and other bugs that like getting into your basement ceiling.
By Cherith from Concord, NC
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