I think the fraying could actually turn out pretty cool, especially if you're aiming for that fantasy vibe. A little wear and tear might make it feel more authentic, like an old wizard's den or something. I've never tried cheesecloth specifically, but I did something similar with burlap once for a rustic-themed room. Dust was definitely an issue, but honestly, a quick shake or vacuum every now and then wasn't too much hassle.
Not sure about protective sprays though... I'd worry it might stiffen the fabric or give it a weird sheen. Maybe test it on a small scrap first? Either way, sounds like a fun project—hope you share some pics once it's done.
Totally agree about the fraying adding authenticity—sometimes imperfections really sell the vibe. Cheesecloth could look amazing, but I'd definitely recommend sourcing organic or untreated fabric if possible. Regular cheesecloth can have chemical residues from processing, and you probably don't want that hanging overhead in an enclosed space. As for protective sprays, yeah, they can be tricky... maybe a natural beeswax-based spray could work without stiffening things up too much? Just a thought, though—testing first is always smart. Sounds like it'll turn out great either way.
"Cheesecloth could look amazing, but I'd definitely recommend sourcing organic or untreated fabric if possible."
Definitely second this point about untreated fabrics—chemical residue isn't something most folks consider until it's already installed. One alternative I've seen work beautifully for fantasy-themed spaces is muslin. It's breathable, comes in various weaves, and takes dyes or natural staining methods really well. Might even be more durable than cheesecloth in the long run. Curious if anyone's experimented with tea-staining fabrics for ceilings...could add another layer of depth and subtle color variation.
Definitely second this point about untreated fabrics—chemical residue isn't something most folks consider until it's already installed. One alternative I've seen work beautifully for fantasy-th...
Muslin's definitely a solid choice—I used it for my attic reno, and it took tea-staining beautifully. Just a heads-up though: test your staining on scraps first, because different teas can give surprisingly different shades... learned that the hard way, haha.
Muslin is great, but one thing I'd suggest considering is burlap—especially if you're going for that rustic, fantasy vibe. I did a basement ceiling last year with burlap panels, and it gave a really authentic medieval-tavern feel. Quick tip though: air it out thoroughly first, because burlap can have a pretty strong smell initially. Also, it's a bit trickier to stain evenly compared to muslin, so definitely experiment on scraps before committing to the full ceiling.
