Creative Ways to Decorate with Block Printed Fabric

At Roopantaran, we believe that hand block printed fabric is more than just a textile, it's a piece of art woven with history, tradition, and the love of an artisan. While our beautiful bedspreads and curtains certainly do the heavy lifting in transforming a room, limiting these vibrant prints to standard uses means you’re missing out on a world of creative possibilities!

Ready to inject some playful pattern and unique character into your home? Let's explore some innovative, and surprisingly simple, ways to use block printed fabrics to decorate every corner of your space.

1. The Instant Art Gallery: Framed Fabric Swatches

• Choose Your Piece: Pick a swatch with a particularly intricate motif or a pattern repeat you love. Even a generously sized napkin or placemat can work perfectly.
• The Power of Repetition: Buy three or four identical (or coordinating) small, inexpensive frames. Cut the fabric to fit each frame and hang them in a grid. This creates a high-end, gallery-style look that adds texture and visual weight to an empty wall.
• Bonus Tip: This is a fantastic way to utilize leftover scraps from other projects!

The Method: Forget expensive prints! A beautiful piece of block printed fabric can be a stunning, budget-friendly focal point for your walls.

2. Rethink the Runner: Upgrading Basic Furniture

Table runners are classic, but why stop there? Block prints can be used to instantly elevate basic or hand-me-down furniture pieces.

The Method:

• The Chest of Drawers Makeover: Apply fabric directly to the faces of dresser drawers. Measure the front surface of each drawer, cut the fabric (leaving a slight margin), and adhere it using strong fabric glue or Mod Podge. Once dried, use a utility knife to carefully trim the edges and cut out the holes for the handles. You've just created a one-of-a-kind statement piece!
• Lining Open Shelves: If you have open bookshelves or a china cabinet, cut a strip of block printed fabric and line the back wall of the shelf. It adds a pop of color and makes your collected items stand out dramatically.

3. Curtains with Character: The Fabric Valance Hack

Curtains can be costly, especially for large windows. Instead of a full curtain replacement, use a strip of fabric to create a decorative valance (the horizontal top treatment).

The Method:

• Simple Sew: Hem the top and bottom edge of a long strip of fabric (a lightweight dupatta or a narrow piece of yardage works great). Use curtain clips or a simple loop-and-tie method to hang the fabric across the top of your window.
• No-Sew Solution: Use a tension rod and drape the fabric over it, letting the sides hang down slightly. This frames your window beautifully, adds a hint of pattern, and allows maximum natural light to flow in.

4. Pillow Talk: Customized Comfort

Throw pillows are the easiest way to change the mood of a room, but getting the right size and pattern can be tricky. Customizing your own pillow covers is simpler than you think!

The Method:

• Mix, Don't Match: Purchase coordinating fabrics from our collection—perhaps a large floral for the main body and a geometric print for the piping or a contrasting back panel.
• The Hidden Detail: Use block printed fabric to cover a simple, cylindrical bolster pillow. These offer great lumbar support and their unique shape really showcases the repeating pattern.

5. The Dinner Party Designer: Elevated Entertaining

Our prints aren't just for daily living; they add a layer of sophistication and warmth to your hosting game.

The Method:

• Fabric Place Cards: Instead of paper place cards, use small squares of fabric. Fray the edges slightly for a rustic look, then use a fabric marker or embroidery to write the guest's name on it. Your guests get a lovely keepsake!
• Water Bottle Wraps: Hosting a casual gathering? Dress up simple glass water bottles by wrapping them in strips of coordinating fabric and securing with twine. It’s a small detail that makes a huge impact on your tablescape.

Ready to Start Your Transformation?

Decorating with hand block prints is all about embracing creativity and letting the rich texture and storytelling patterns guide you. By moving beyond traditional uses, you can truly personalize your space and weave a unique narrative throughout your home. We invite you to explore the endless possibilities! Shop our newest fabric yardage and ready-to-use home furnishings at roopantaran.com and start your next creative project today!