Roll Up, Roll Up: 12 Creative Ways With Washi Tape
Here's how to make the most of your washi tape collection
“What would you need decorative sticky tape for?” My sister asked me this just the other day when I added washi tape to my Christmas wish list. There you go, I thought, something you don’t have to spend loads of money on; plus there’s a smorgasbord of varieties available, so it’s unlikely I’ll already have the ones you pick out for me, which means you can surprise me! She did that dubious eyebrow thing and walked away. I don’t think I’m going to be getting washi tape for Christmas…
I’ve since felt like I need to better explain why this stuff is worthy of any Christmas wish list; and not just for gift wrapping purposes. Washi tape is a Japanese crafting tape, made from a type of paper that is actually more durable than one might think. It comes in an array of styles – neons, pastels, patterns galore, semi-transparent, thick or thin – and is a handy decorative tool because it can easily peel off. With a little bit of imagination, there really are endless possibilities. But rather than tell you, how about I show you. Here’s just a taster. Little sister, this one’s for you.
I’ve since felt like I need to better explain why this stuff is worthy of any Christmas wish list; and not just for gift wrapping purposes. Washi tape is a Japanese crafting tape, made from a type of paper that is actually more durable than one might think. It comes in an array of styles – neons, pastels, patterns galore, semi-transparent, thick or thin – and is a handy decorative tool because it can easily peel off. With a little bit of imagination, there really are endless possibilities. But rather than tell you, how about I show you. Here’s just a taster. Little sister, this one’s for you.
2. Transform a boring door
This door certainly doesn’t lack imagination. The oversized Queen of Hearts playing card transforms a boring old door and adds a fantastical storybook feel to the room. And best of all, you can take it down once you’ve outgrown the theme and start all over again.
Try to think outside the square for patterns and design. Chevron, arrows and colourful door imprints are just some ideas to toy with.
TIP: Before you let loose on washi tape, think carefully about what you want your design to achieve. Do you want to add a touch of luxe, inject some fun or be seasonal and on trend? Treat it like a work of art and draw a sketch on a piece of paper first.
Read more: Simple Ways to Bring Boring Pockets of Your Home to Life
This door certainly doesn’t lack imagination. The oversized Queen of Hearts playing card transforms a boring old door and adds a fantastical storybook feel to the room. And best of all, you can take it down once you’ve outgrown the theme and start all over again.
Try to think outside the square for patterns and design. Chevron, arrows and colourful door imprints are just some ideas to toy with.
TIP: Before you let loose on washi tape, think carefully about what you want your design to achieve. Do you want to add a touch of luxe, inject some fun or be seasonal and on trend? Treat it like a work of art and draw a sketch on a piece of paper first.
Read more: Simple Ways to Bring Boring Pockets of Your Home to Life
3. Decorate your walls
I never would’ve considered washi tape as an alternative to wallpaper until I saw this contemporary playroom. The jumbo size of the washi tape makes for the perfect DIY geometric wall design, and comes without the commitment of wallpaper. It’s particularly ideal if you’re looking to blend in room features, as is shown here with the cupboard doors.
Despite the impromptu feel of the design, I’d imagine some careful consideration went in to the placement of each piece of tape. Notice how the clusters of tape are relatively spread out, too, so as not to overwhelm the room. Simple is key here.
I never would’ve considered washi tape as an alternative to wallpaper until I saw this contemporary playroom. The jumbo size of the washi tape makes for the perfect DIY geometric wall design, and comes without the commitment of wallpaper. It’s particularly ideal if you’re looking to blend in room features, as is shown here with the cupboard doors.
Despite the impromptu feel of the design, I’d imagine some careful consideration went in to the placement of each piece of tape. Notice how the clusters of tape are relatively spread out, too, so as not to overwhelm the room. Simple is key here.
4. Stick on a work of art
Consider swapping your artwork for your very own washi tape design. Here, a simplistic reindeer creates balance in a bare space. The easy peel-off means you can make mistakes, too – or let the kids have a go.
Consider swapping your artwork for your very own washi tape design. Here, a simplistic reindeer creates balance in a bare space. The easy peel-off means you can make mistakes, too – or let the kids have a go.
Don’t be afraid to go large in scale either. This simplistic goodnight message almost works as a bespoke bedhead.
5. Display your photos
If you’re sentimental like me and have boxes full of photo albums (that never get opened again once they’re packed away), why not create a creative photo display. Washi tape can mount the photos to the wall and will add a fun, personal touch.
If you’re sentimental like me and have boxes full of photo albums (that never get opened again once they’re packed away), why not create a creative photo display. Washi tape can mount the photos to the wall and will add a fun, personal touch.
Use one tape pattern and/or colour for a more structured display. If you’re using a variety of photos in shapes and sizes, this will help give it a sense of unison.
Read more: A Dozen Novel Ways To Display Your Favourite Photos
Read more: A Dozen Novel Ways To Display Your Favourite Photos
6. Update prints and frames
Instantly update existing artwork or photographs with a border of bright-coloured washi tape – it might just be the ‘lift’ your wall needed. I quite like the idea of adding washi tape borders to kids artwork too, to give it that finished look.
Don’t have a frame? No problem. Washi tape can substitute one and save you time and money – and you won’t have to peruse the aisles in search of an appropriately sized frame that also works with your decor. It also helps when hanging large-scale pieces, as big frames can be quite costly.
Instantly update existing artwork or photographs with a border of bright-coloured washi tape – it might just be the ‘lift’ your wall needed. I quite like the idea of adding washi tape borders to kids artwork too, to give it that finished look.
Don’t have a frame? No problem. Washi tape can substitute one and save you time and money – and you won’t have to peruse the aisles in search of an appropriately sized frame that also works with your decor. It also helps when hanging large-scale pieces, as big frames can be quite costly.
7. Tape out a work space
Where you don’t have a memo board (that’s boring and generic, anyway), tape out a border big enough to create space for all of your office notes. This is particularly good for people who don’t want to go to the trouble of drilling into or hanging things from walls. Just leave some washi tape within arm’s reach, so people can stick things up.
TIP: Allocate each person in the office their own washi tape colour or design, so each of you know who’s contributed what to the board.
Where you don’t have a memo board (that’s boring and generic, anyway), tape out a border big enough to create space for all of your office notes. This is particularly good for people who don’t want to go to the trouble of drilling into or hanging things from walls. Just leave some washi tape within arm’s reach, so people can stick things up.
TIP: Allocate each person in the office their own washi tape colour or design, so each of you know who’s contributed what to the board.
And don’t think you have run with a stock standard rectangular shape. Here, an inspiration cork board sits inside some colourful washi tape in the shape of an arrow. It adds a little bit more personality to what is otherwise a confined space.
8. Embellish your furniture
A lick of paint isn’t the only way to update tired furnishings around your home. Before you throw them to the curb, consider embellishing them with some washi tape. Not quite like the stickers you stuck on your chest of drawers when you were younger, but rather to highlight framework.
A lick of paint isn’t the only way to update tired furnishings around your home. Before you throw them to the curb, consider embellishing them with some washi tape. Not quite like the stickers you stuck on your chest of drawers when you were younger, but rather to highlight framework.
Where furnishings disappear into the backdrop, as these white shelves do, washi tape can help to create contrast.
It’s also a great way to add temporary colour and design to a room that is in transition. A nursery or teen’s bedroom comes to mind; even that room you’re not quite sure what you’re going to do with yet…
It’s also a great way to add temporary colour and design to a room that is in transition. A nursery or teen’s bedroom comes to mind; even that room you’re not quite sure what you’re going to do with yet…
9. Brighten up a light switch
Interior design blogger Maya of House Nerd added personality to a standard light switch with a cute washi tape design. It just goes to show that even something as ordinary as a light switch can become a talking point with a bit of washi.
Interior design blogger Maya of House Nerd added personality to a standard light switch with a cute washi tape design. It just goes to show that even something as ordinary as a light switch can become a talking point with a bit of washi.
10. Dress up vases
One of the most common uses of washi tape that I’ve seen around are for decorating vases and plant pots. You can layer a variety of washi tapes around the edges or combine it with some ribbon and lace (having said that, you can also get washi tape in lace designs – looks like the real thing, too).
This is also a great gift idea. Upcycle some old mason jars or milk-style bottles and decorate with colours and patterns to match a particular personality for a thoughtful, one-of-a-kind gift for friends and family.
One of the most common uses of washi tape that I’ve seen around are for decorating vases and plant pots. You can layer a variety of washi tapes around the edges or combine it with some ribbon and lace (having said that, you can also get washi tape in lace designs – looks like the real thing, too).
This is also a great gift idea. Upcycle some old mason jars or milk-style bottles and decorate with colours and patterns to match a particular personality for a thoughtful, one-of-a-kind gift for friends and family.
11. Get organised
Washi tape beats white labels in the pantry any day. Categorise foodstuffs in the pantry with different coloured and/or patterned washi tape, and there you have it, a system.
The same goes for stationery. The kids might prefer labelling their schoolbooks with their favourite washi tape and a black marker rather than buying labels and running the risk of having the same as other kids in their class.
Washi tape beats white labels in the pantry any day. Categorise foodstuffs in the pantry with different coloured and/or patterned washi tape, and there you have it, a system.
The same goes for stationery. The kids might prefer labelling their schoolbooks with their favourite washi tape and a black marker rather than buying labels and running the risk of having the same as other kids in their class.
12. Be daring
I wanted to finish off with this Hanukkah celebratory dessert table, because this is exactly the kind of thing I meant when I said ‘endless possibilities’. You can literally stick washi tape anywhere. It just takes a little bit of imagination. This set up by Secre Shop sticks nametags to the wall using Hanukkah-coloured washi tape, which, aside from the practical aspect, ties in the theme and helps add a homespun feel.
TELL US
Do you have a collection of washi tape? How do you use yours? Share with us your ideas and photos in the Comments.
MORE
10 Tiny Things You Can Do to Refresh Your Space
Budget Decorator: 15 Decorating Updates That Won’t Cost a Cent
13 Must-Try Decorating Moves to Put Your Stamp On a Boring Space
How to Decorate With Typography
I wanted to finish off with this Hanukkah celebratory dessert table, because this is exactly the kind of thing I meant when I said ‘endless possibilities’. You can literally stick washi tape anywhere. It just takes a little bit of imagination. This set up by Secre Shop sticks nametags to the wall using Hanukkah-coloured washi tape, which, aside from the practical aspect, ties in the theme and helps add a homespun feel.
TELL US
Do you have a collection of washi tape? How do you use yours? Share with us your ideas and photos in the Comments.
MORE
10 Tiny Things You Can Do to Refresh Your Space
Budget Decorator: 15 Decorating Updates That Won’t Cost a Cent
13 Must-Try Decorating Moves to Put Your Stamp On a Boring Space
How to Decorate With Typography
The proud owner of this makeshift corner shop, fashioned from neon yellow washi tape, no doubt spends hours counting her pretend pennies after a hard day’s work. The three-dimensional design is a great example of how washi tape can be the starting point of something really great.
Wall-mounted shelves and stacked crates, topped with faux fruit and veg, jam jars and crocheted cupcakes, bring this fantasy world to life by enabling interaction. Use adhesive letters to give the store a name – after its owner, of course – and let your little one personalise their storefront with some decorative touches, like the garland used here.
The colour choice also adds a good dose of energy to the room, so fear not bright colours when your design is the main attraction.