Wall draping is one of the easiest and most effective ways to transform any plain venue into a stylish and coordinated event space. Whether you’re setting the scene for a wedding, baby shower, or corporate party, using fabric to cover walls can instantly create an elegant and polished backdrop.
But what’s the best fabric to use? And how do you hang it correctly? In this guide, we’ll break down everything you need to know about choosing materials and setting up wall drapes for events that look beautiful and stay in place.
Why Use Wall Draping for Events?
Wall draping does more than just make a space look nice. It can hide unsightly walls, soften harsh lighting, and help define your party area. Whether you need to create a background for a sweetheart table, photo booth, or ceremony arch, fabric draping allows you to shape your environment and customize the vibe.
If you’re planning a backdrop for party photos or video content, drapes also create the perfect blank canvas for added elements like signage, florals, or string lights.
Covering Walls with Curtains: What Fabric Works Best?
When it comes to covering walls with curtains, not all materials are created equal. You’ll want something lightweight enough to hang easily but thick enough to provide good coverage.
Here are a few popular options:
1. Poly Premier Fabric
This is one of the top choices for drapes to cover walls. It’s flame retardant, easy to clean, and offers a matte finish that diffuses light rather than reflecting it. Poly Premier is great for weddings, trade shows, and all formal events.
2. Sheer Voile
If you’re going for a soft, romantic vibe, sheer voile is a great layering option. It’s lightweight and flows beautifully. It won’t completely block the wall behind it, but it adds texture and depth when used with other layers or lighting.
3. Velvet or Heavyweight Drapes
If you need to block out light or cover a wall completely, velvet or heavyweight fabric adds a luxurious feel. These are perfect for stage backdrops or upscale parties.
How to Cover Walls with Fabric for a Party
If you’re wondering how to cover walls with fabric for a party, here’s a basic step-by-step approach:
- Measure your space: Know how tall and wide your walls are so you can purchase the correct amount of fabric.
- Choose your material: Depending on your event style and budget, pick from sheer, polyester, or heavier fabric.
- Hang the drapes: Use pipe and drape systems or adhesive hooks if attaching to existing structures. Tension rods or backdrop stands are also popular and renter-friendly.
- Layer and adjust: For a custom look, combine different colors or textures. Pull the fabric tightly or let it gather loosely depending on the aesthetic you’re going for.
How to Drape Walls for a Party: Styling Tips
You don’t need to be a professional designer to make your party look put together. Here are a few tips for how to drape walls for a party:
- Mix textures: Combine sheer voile with solid poly for dimension.
- Use uplighting: Lights placed behind draping create a glow effect that makes the space feel magical.
- Add greenery or signage: Layer faux greenery or neon signs for added style.
- Secure your setup: Use clips, ties, or weights to keep the drapes in place and prevent tripping.
FAQs About Wall Draping
What is a wall drape?
Wall drape refers to the use of fabric panels to cover, decorate, or soften walls at an event. It’s a common technique for weddings, parties, trade shows, and other gatherings where you want to change or enhance the appearance of the venue.
How to drape fabric on a wall?
To drape fabric on a wall, use tools like pipe and drape systems, backdrop stands, adhesive hooks, or tension rods. Hang the fabric from the top and let it fall naturally to the floor. Secure the sides or bunch the material at intervals for a styled look.
How to drape walls for a party?
Start by choosing the right material and measuring your wall space. Hang the fabric using backdrop stands or hooks, layer colors or textures if desired, and add lighting or decorative elements to finish the look. Focus on consistency across all wall panels for a cohesive effect.
How do you hang drapes on the wall?
You can hang drapes using:
- Pipe and drape hardware
- Command hooks or wall-safe adhesive clips
- Tension rods for smaller spaces
- Ceiling hooks or poles if the wall cannot support hooks
Make sure to use materials that match your drape weight and are safe for your venue’s surfaces.
What is the main purpose of draping?
The main purpose of draping is to transform a space. It hides imperfections, creates ambiance, and acts as a decorative element for focal points like head tables, photo booths, and ceremony arches. Draping also provides a backdrop for lighting effects, signage, and floral designs.
Draping is one of the easiest ways to refresh a space without needing major decorations or permanent changes. Whether you’re covering walls with curtains or styling a full backdrop for party photos, the right fabric makes all the difference.
Look for fire-retardant options, mix textures like voile and poly, and secure everything with proper hardware for a safe and stylish result. If you’re planning a wedding, shower, or company event, choosing the best material for wall drapes can take your decor from basic to memorable.Our Products
