Using stencils in the home

Interior design stencils in history

Stencil patterns first became popular for use in interior design during the first half of the 19th century, where stencilling techniques were often used to mimic wallpaper designs, and decorate ceilings and floors. Examples of the technique can be seen in many historic and iconic buildings today. The All Saints Church in Maidstone is a lovely example of the intricacy that can be achieved with the use of layered stencils. Repetitive stencils were also extensively used to decorate Turkish Baths, for example the Harrogate Turkish Baths.

Whilst the mediums and materials have changed throughout the years, the principle technique has remained the same. Extensively used today in the restoration of historic interiors, to recreate damaged or worn decorative detail. Stencils can be precisely designed to restore sections to allow for seamless restoration.

Decorating

While restoration is still a popular use for stencils, stencilling for interior design has become back in fashion for the first time since Laurence Llewelyn-bowen showcased this on changing rooms back in the 1990's.

There a few reasons why this technique is making a comeback, first and foremost, cost. Decorating your home to your taste can be expensive. From wallpaper, tiles and floors, to the special shade of paint from Farrow & Ball, materials alone don’t come cheap. This is where stencils are a DIY’ers slice of heaven.

Stencils are versatile and resuable

tencils have many uses in the home and one stencil can be reused indefinitely as long as its cleaned and cared for properly. They can be used on walls, floors & tiles as long as they are applied correctly.

Stencils for the home are usually used in two different formats – a repeated pattern or a design or logo.

Walls

In the grand staircase example above two different designs were used for a repeated pattern, which gives the illusion to look like wallpaper. While this method is certainly time consuming it allows for an unlimited design to be created, freedom of where and how the pattern is repeated and indeed personalisation of the design itself, when you directly buy from a producer like ourselves.

This Manchester United logo featured in a fans bedroom, is an example of a stencilled design used on a wall. Easy to apply, this method has more style and longevity than a poster.

Floors and Tiles

Stencilling old wooden or concrete floors can be a great way of giving new life to a slightly worn surface. A faux tile pattern is a very popular choice for a bathroom or kitchen, and these tile patterns can also be used on actual tiles for a more authentic look.

In this grand example two different designs were used for a repeated pattern, which gives the illusion to look like wallpaper. While this method is certainly time consuming it allows for an unlimited design to be created, freedom of where and how the pattern is repeated and indeed personalisation of the design itself, when you directly buy from a producer like ourselves. With both stencilling walls & floors, the key to your design lasting the distance is preparation.

Prepare your surface

Wood – floorboards must be sanded thoroughly and vacuumed to create a smooth clean surface. Paint a coat of primer, following the grain. The base colour coat should then follow, sanding between 2-3 coats.
Concrete – repair any cracks or uneven patches before you start with concrete filler. Sand down bulges and clean off dust, grease and dirt by washing with detergent.
Tiles – clean the grout by spraying grout cleaner across the grout and scrub using a toothbrush. As you clean, check for any cracks you may want to repair prior to stencilling your tiles. Next clean the tiles, dust, moisture or grease as this will stop paint from adhering to the tiles properly. Decide whether you will be having a base layer paint or stencilling directly on the tiles themselves.
Walls – Clean, smooth walls are a must, while a base paint should be allowed to dry at least 24 hours before stencilling. We don’t recommend stencilling textured walls.

Stencilling

Choose a paint specifically for the surface you are using
Measure where the stencil will be placed with tape measure/spirit level
Secure the stencil in place using painter’s tape or repositioning glue
Remove excess paint from your brush or roller prior to painting
Apply repeated thin coats of paint to reduce the chance of a bleed - less is always more here
Remove your stencil before the paint dries completely

For a more comprehensive guide to stencilling see our blog on the 10 steps of essentials!

We hope we have inspired you to give stencilling a try in your home!