Anyone who reads Susan Said… WHAT?! regularly knows that I’ve been in “French chateau mode” for the last few years. I discovered Escape to the Chateau and Chateau DIY on BBC during the pandemic lockdown, which led me down the rabbit hole of The Chateau Diaries, Escape to Rural France and more on YouTube. But actually decorating in the French chateau style (even modified for suburban living) can be seriously cost prohibitive. So, I am always on the lookout for clever workarounds that will give me the look I love yet won’t break the bank. My latest find? Gorgeous wall stencils from Stencil Revolution!
Stencils… you might ask? Like the faux “country” style border stencils that epitomized the 1990’s? No ma’am. These stencils are anything but!
Stencil Revolution has a huge variety of reusable stencils, including wall stencils which mimic pricey French wallpaper. Spectacular de Gournay wallpapers are priced upon request (clearly out of my budget) and even discount wallpaper from Wayfair or Overstock could run up to $1000 for a 14 ‘ x 14 ‘ room. So, wall stencils offer a perfect solution.
You can use one stencil to cover an accent wall, or an entire room. Go bold (crisp white on navy) or more subtle (buttercup yellow on dove gray). One stencil can be used to create so many different looks! Best of all, the stencils are reusable. So, you can just wash them thoroughly and they will be ready for your next project.
As I was perusing the Stencil Revolution website, I found lots of options that gave me the French chateau look I was craving. The French Bee Trellis was charming, the Kantha Paisley Pattern was elegant, and the Moroccan Outline was timeless. But my top pick? The Damask Floral Wall Stencil, of course! Easily one of the most well-known historical wallpaper patterns, a damask is sophisticated and elegant, without being overly fussy… and very, very “chateau.” Retail: $33.99
Never Stenciled Before? Stencil Revolution Shows You How.
I’ve done plenty of stenciling before, from gift cards, to furniture, to textiles. It’s actually quite straightforward. But, if you’ve never stenciled, Stencil Revolution offers some great tutorials to get you started. These include specialized topics such as How to Stencil Floor Tiles, How to Stencil a Repeat Pattern, and How to Stencil on Fabric, for example.
And with stenciling, practice makes perfect. So, I highly recommend a few practice runs on a piece of poster board so that you get the method down. (Although, one of the great things about stenciling is that if you make a mistake, it’s easy to correct, unlike trying to fix wallpaper bubbles or seams that don’t line up quite right.)
Materials are also important. Some prefer to use a sponge to apply paint. I personally find that I get better control with a flat headed stencil brush (available in your local craft store for just a few dollars). The correct paint (wall paint for walls, fabric safe paint for canvas, etc.) is also essential.
Not Ready To Tackle A Whole Wall? There’s A Stencil For That!
If you’re not ready to take on something as big as a room, there are plenty of smaller projects to get you started. (Plus, you can use some of the larger patterned stencils in pieces for different kinds of projects. Just use the section you like and use painter’s tape to tape off the rest. A wall stencil can be used to create furniture detailing, signs, cards… just about any project you can dream up.)
Or choose from a HUGE array of options (over 1,200 at last count) including everything from Holiday, Halloween and Christmas Stencils, to Spring, Summer, Fall, and Winter, to Animals, Words, Wedding themes, and more. Prices range from $4.49 – $33.99.
Stencil Revolution makes all of their stencils right here in the USA. They are created using a professional co2 laser cutting machine, so the cuts are clean, with no tabs or nicks in the lines of the design.
The stencils are also made of 12 mil Mylar, which is the sturdiest and safest consumer-grade stencil material available. Although these stencils are built to last (and last!) they are very pliable and easy to manipulate, even if a slight bend is required.
Bonus! Mylar is food safe. So, cookie and cake decorating is a snap. Just add colored sugar or sprinkles for crisp, clean and festive designs.
Ready, Set… Stencil
All stencils have a 1 business day processing time and domestic orders generally arrive 2-5 business days using standard shipping. Plus, free shipping is available on all orders over $29.
To see the entire line visit Stencil Revolution.
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DISCLAIMER: No financial compensation was received in exchange for this post. I did, however, receive a sample of the Damask Floral wall stencil to personally test the product and provide honest feedback. Regardless, I only recommend products/services that I believe will be beneficial for my readers.
Susan Said…WHAT?! was named one of the Top 50 Beauty Blogs in the World by RebateZone and – since 2009 – has been your guide to a life filled with style. You’ll find everything from must-have fashion, beauty and accessories, to gorgeous gardens and stunning interiors, plus the latest ideas for parties, weddings, and events. In addition to writing for Susan Said… WHAT?!, Susan Conforte McNeill is an author, entrepreneur, and co-founder of the literacy organization Success Won’t Wait!