Asked on Dec 24, 2014

Looking for tips/guidance for replacing the fabric on cubicles

Marcy
by Marcy
Hi Hometalkers! I have faith that you all will be able to guide me through this!
I took on a huge project! It's huge because there are in fact many cubicles but really huge because I am the most uncrafty, unhandy, unskilled DIY'er)! I will be replacing the fabric on the cubicles at my office. I'm not so worried about selecting the fabric and I know I need to get exact measurements of what I need before going to the fabric store. But I do have 2 main questions that I need your help with:
Question 1: Fabric Color & texture
I would like your suggestions on colors. I was thinking something bold and bright like turquoise - but I'm not sure what would go with that- as you can see there are three panels on each cubicle, so I'd like to use three colors. The flooring (see picture below) is a natural color laminate. Walls of the office are cream/white and it's a very bright space with lots of windows. In addition, should I get the same kind of textured fabric?
Question 2: How to re-upholster
This is my big question. As you can see from the picture below, they fabric was originally glued on- not sewn. How do I do that? Fabric glue? Glue gun? Some other kind of glue? This is my real fear!
Thank you in advance for your help. I am so excited about this and I know it's going to look great. Can't wait to share after pictures with you.
This is the current cubicle. The fabric is old and warn and the colors sad and dull. Note: This is not the flooring. We are putting down laminate- see next picture.
The laminate flooring. What color fabric would look well with this kind of flooring?
This is the back of the cubicle panel. If you look closely, you can see that the fabric is glued on.
A better close up
  7 answers
  • Milknhoneycreations Milknhoneycreations on Dec 24, 2014
    Neat project Marcy. Good Luck!!
  • Darla Darla on Dec 24, 2014
    You can go with practically anything, as long as it's not too lightweight. Probably go with something that has some texture and is not completely smooth. As far as colors go, pick out a print or picture that you like the colors of, and choose the 3 main colors in that. You could use one patterned fabric and 2 coordinated colors if you want. You will have to clamp or staple the fabric to hold it in place while the glue dries.
  • Trish Davenport Trish Davenport on Dec 24, 2014
    I agree with Darla, you need something with substance. Turquoise would be great and you could use a lite tan print as an alternate color. Good Luck, because the panels are flat it should not take long. I love stuff like this wish I lived closer to you, I'd be there in a minute. Well you could always bring them to Florida and we could do the project together. LOL Merry Christmas to yo. ♥
  • Angela Winters Angela Winters on Dec 24, 2014
    You could go with wallpaper_______________just a thought
  • Marcy Marcy on Dec 24, 2014
    Thank you all so much for great advice! @trish you are too sweet :)
  • Sherry Fram Sherry Fram on Dec 24, 2014
    I agree with Darla and Trish that the fabric needs to be heavier with texture. Check out the clearance section in the upholstery department of a fabric store as they usually have the wider fabric and looking at the panels it wouldn't take a lot of yardage for the upper two pieces. I would put a heavy burlap/canvas on the bottom one and then a patterned piece in the middle and the lighter solid on top. From the looks of the photo a little duck tape would hold the fabric in place if you don't want to mess with the glue. Good luck and Merry Christmas!
  • Marcy Marcy on Dec 26, 2014
    @Sherry Fram duct tape = genius idea!! thanks!