Walls with Plastic Tablecloths Decorating: 10 Fixes That Fill It Without Chaos

Introduction

I once walked into a client’s temporary rental apartment and was immediately struck by the walls. They were covered in a textured, botanical print that looked like high-end vinyl wallpaper, but upon closer inspection, I realized it was actually heavy-duty plastic tablecloths. It was a brilliant, budget-friendly move that completely transformed the sterile white box into a warm home, but it walked a very fine line between “chic” and “cheap.”

Using non-traditional materials like plastic tablecloths for wall coverings is a polarizing topic in the design world. As an architect, I usually advocate for permanent materials, but I also understand the transient nature of renting and the need for immediate, affordable impact. The key to making this look intentional rather than chaotic lies entirely in the application method and the surrounding elements. If you are looking for inspiration on how to execute this look, you will find a curated Picture Gallery at the end of this blog post.

In this guide, we are going to look at how to use this material without it looking like a party decoration that was left up too long. We will cover the specific adhesives that prevent sagging, how to manage the sheen that often comes with plastic, and crucial safety considerations for households with pets. We will turn a “party supply” into a legitimate design element.

1. The Liquid Starch Method: Converting Plastic to Wallpaper

The biggest mistake people make when decorating walls with plastic tablecloths is using tape or thumbtacks. Taping the corners creates sagging, wrinkles, and visible gaps that immediately signal “temporary fix.” To avoid chaos, you must treat the tablecloth exactly like un-pasted wallpaper.

The professional workaround for this is using liquid starch. This is an old renter’s trick usually used for fabric, but it works surprisingly well for thinner, vinyl-backed tablecloths. You roll the liquid starch onto the wall with a paint roller, smooth the tablecloth over it, and use a squeegee to push out air bubbles. When it dries, it stiffens and bonds to the wall, but it peels off effortlessly with water when you move out.

This method eliminates the “drape” of the plastic. By adhering it fully to the surface, you remove the shadows and ripples that make the wall look messy. It creates a taut, flat surface that mimics actual vinyl wallcovering.

Designer’s Note: Managing Transparency

In my experience, cheap plastic tablecloths are often semi-transparent. If you have dark scuffs or paint colors on the wall underneath, they will show through and create a muddy appearance. always wipe down the walls and, if necessary, prime them with a neutral white before applying the plastic. This ensures the colors of the pattern pop correctly.

2. Framing and Zoning: The Faux Panel Technique

If covering an entire wall feels too overwhelming or risks looking like a messy mural, the best evidence-based design strategy is “zoning.” Our eyes crave order and containment. Instead of wrapping the whole room, use wood trim or molding to create large frames, and apply the plastic tablecloth only inside those frames.

This technique mimics high-end upholstered walls or wallpaper panels. You can buy simple pine lattice strips or pre-primed molding from the hardware store. Install the molding in rectangular boxes—I recommend leaving at least 4 to 6 inches of wall space between the frames to let the design breathe.

Cut the tablecloth to fit inside these frames. You can adhere it directly to the wall, or for a more luxurious look, wrap the plastic around a piece of foam board and mount the board inside the frame. This adds physical depth and acoustic dampening, which is great for echoing rooms.

Measurements for Wall Paneling

Rail Height: If doing a chair rail, place it at 32 to 36 inches from the floor.
Frame Spacing: Maintain a consistent 4-inch gap between panels and adjacent walls.

Visual Weight: Place larger panels on the top portion of the wall to draw the eye upward.

3. Controlling Glare and Lighting

One inherent issue with plastic tablecloths is the sheen. Unlike matte paper or fabric, plastic reflects light aggressively. In evidence-based design, we know that high glare can cause visual fatigue and headaches. If your lighting hits the plastic directly, you will see every wrinkle and imperfection, creating visual chaos.

To fix this, you must adjust your lighting plan. Avoid directing track lights or recessed cans directly at the plastic wall. Instead, rely on diffuse, ambient lighting. Floor lamps with linen shades or uplighting that bounces off a matte ceiling will soften the room.

If the room receives intense direct sunlight, the plastic may fade or degrade over time. In sunny rooms, consider using a matte finish spray (tested on a scrap piece first) to knock down the shine. This helps the material look more like paper and less like vinyl.

4. Pet-Friendly Design: The Scratch and Chew Factor

As a designer specializing in pet-friendly spaces, I have to raise a red flag regarding plastic walls and cats. Many cats are attracted to the texture and smell of soft plastics (a condition sometimes related to Pica). A wall covered in plastic tablecloths can basically become a giant scratching post or, worse, an ingestion hazard.

If you have cats, I strongly recommend avoiding floor-to-ceiling application. The “wainscoting approach” is your best fix here. Install a hard material like beadboard or painted drywall on the lower 36 inches of the wall, and reserve the plastic tablecloth decor for the upper section.

For dog owners, the concern is less about scratching and more about durability. A swinging tail or a wet nose can smudge or tear thin plastic. Ensure any application near the floor is secured firmly so there are no loose flaps to chew on.

Common Mistakes + Fixes

Mistake: Leaving loose edges at the bottom near the baseboard.
Fix: Use a sharp utility knife and a straight edge to trim the plastic perfectly flush with the baseboard, then seal the edge with a tiny bead of clear, matte caulk to prevent peeling.

5. Pattern Scale and Visual Overload

Plastic tablecloths often come in festive, high-contrast patterns like gingham, polka dots, or tropical prints. While fun for a party, these high-energy patterns can induce anxiety when plastered permanently on four walls. To avoid chaos, you must respect the rules of scale.

If the room is small (under 120 square feet), avoid large, sprawling prints. They will make the walls feel like they are closing in. Opt for a subtle texture or a small-scale repeat. Conversely, in a large room, a tiny pattern can read as “noise” from a distance.

Apply the 60-30-10 rule to balance the room. Let the wall covering be the 60% (background), but ensure your furniture (30%) and accents (10%) are solid colors that pull from the wall’s palette. Do not mix a plaid plastic wall with a floral rug; that is a recipe for a headache.

6. The “Upholstered” Wall Hack

To truly elevate this look and remove the “plastic” feel, you can use the tablecloth as a moisture barrier for a padded wall. This is a technique I often use in nurseries or sound studios, usually with fabric, but it works with high-quality vinyl tablecloths too.

Staple quilt batting to the wall first. Then, stretch the plastic tablecloth over the batting and staple it neatly along the perimeter of the wall. Cover the staples with ribbon or decorative upholstery tacks.

The batting provides tension, pushing the plastic out and smoothing wrinkles. It also changes the tactile experience; if you bump into the wall, it feels soft and substantial rather than cold and crinkly. This instantly moves the design from “cheap DIY” to “intentional installation.”

7. Temperature and Humidity Considerations

Plastic expands and contracts with temperature changes much more than paper does. If you install the tablecloths on a hot day and stretch them too tight, they might snap or pull away from the wall when the temperature drops.

If you are decorating a bathroom or kitchen, this material is actually quite practical because it is water-resistant. However, humidity can compromise the adhesive if you are using tape or starch.

For humid zones like bathrooms, use a heavy-duty spray adhesive rather than starch. Be sure to ventilate the room properly during installation. Avoid placing plastic wall coverings directly behind a stove or oven due to fire risk and heat deformation.

8. Creating a Focal Point vs. Wrapping the Room

Sometimes the best way to fill a wall without chaos is to not fill every wall. An accent wall behind the bed or the sofa anchors the room. Using a plastic tablecloth with a bold design here works because it is contained.

When doing an accent wall, the edges are critical. You cannot just stop the plastic in the middle of a flat wall; it must terminate at a corner or an architectural feature. If you stop mid-wall, it looks unfinished.

Paint the remaining three walls a color that matches the background color of the tablecloth. This blends the plastic wall into the rest of the room, making it feel like a cohesive design choice rather than an afterthought.

9. Maintenance and Cleaning

One of the major benefits of this material is cleanability. Unlike wallpaper which absorbs stains, plastic can be wiped down. This makes it excellent for dining rooms or kids’ playrooms.

However, you must be gentle. Using abrasive scrubbers will scratch the print off. Use a microfiber cloth and warm water with a drop of mild dish soap.

Because plastic generates static electricity, these walls will attract dust and pet hair faster than paint. You will need to wipe them down weekly to keep the colors bright. If you skip this, the walls will develop a gray haze that looks dingy.

10. Removal and Surface Safety

Eventually, you will want to take this down. The “chaos” can come during removal if you used the wrong adhesive. Duct tape or super glue will rip the drywall paper, leading to expensive repairs.

If you used the liquid starch method, simply sponge the wall with warm water until the plastic peels away. Wash the remaining starch off with water.

If you used staples, use a proper staple remover tool, not a screwdriver, to minimize damage to the plaster. Fill the tiny holes with spackle. The goal is to leave no trace that the plastic was ever there.

What I’d Do in a Real Project: Mini-Checklist

If a client insisted on this budget-friendly approach, here is exactly how I would execute it:

Material Selection: I would source a “flannel-backed” vinyl tablecloth. The flannel backing adds weight and helps the adhesive grip better than slick plastic.
Prep: I would sand any bumps on the wall. Plastic highlights texture imperfections.
Adhesive: I would use Liquid Starch for easy removal.
Finish: I would install wood trim over the top and bottom edges to hide the cuts.

Styling: I would hang a large mirror over the plastic to break up the pattern and bounce light.

Finish & Styling Checklist

Before you call the project done, run through this final styling list to ensure the room feels polished:

Trim Inspection: Are all edges hidden by molding, furniture, or clean cuts?

Air Bubbles: Use a pin to pop any trapped air bubbles and smooth them flat.
Outlet Covers: Did you cover the outlet plates with the same pattern? Matching the pattern ensures visual continuity.
Scent Check: New plastic off-gasses. Ventilate the room for 48 hours before spending time in it.

Color Anchor: Add throw pillows that match the boldest color in the tablecloth to tie the room together.

FAQs

Can I paint over a plastic tablecloth wall?

Generally, no. Paint does not bond well to flexible plastic and will crack or peel when the plastic shifts. If you want to change the look, it is better to remove the tablecloth entirely.

Is this safe for a nursery?

You must be careful. Ensure the tablecloth is phthalate-free and low-VOC. Cheap plastics can off-gas harmful chemicals. Also, ensure it is adhered strictly so a toddler cannot peel it off and risk entanglement.

How long does the liquid starch method last?

In a climate-controlled room, it can last for years. However, in high humidity, the starch may re-liquefy and the corners may peel. It is best for living rooms and bedrooms, less so for steamy bathrooms.

Will this damage my security deposit?

If done with liquid starch or small staples, damage is minimal to non-existent. Avoid double-sided foam tape, which is notorious for ripping paint off the walls.

Conclusion

Decorating walls with plastic tablecloths is an exercise in creativity and restraint. It bridges the gap between the desire for a high-impact, patterned environment and the reality of a strict budget or rental lease. The difference between a chaotic room and a designed space lies in the details: the crispness of the edges, the quality of the installation, and the balance of the surrounding decor.

By treating the material with the same respect you would give to expensive wallpaper—measuring twice, prepping the walls, and considering the lighting—you can create a space that feels intentional and personal. It is not just about covering a wall; it is about creating an atmosphere that makes you happy to come home, regardless of the materials used.