Inside: Awesome and affordable Ikea hack with washi tape DIY perfect for renovating on a budget.

I’ve always loved DIY projects and finding creative ways to spruce up my home on a budget. So when I stumbled upon the idea of using washi tape to transform my IKEA furniture, I was thrilled. It’s amazing what a little tape can do to add a personal touch to your decor.

I am going to walk you through the essentials of what an ikea hack with washi tape is, how to achieve it, and ways that you can make it your own!

Bookshelves with different colors

You can have so much fun with a simple shelf, some tape and creative inspiration! Remember that bookshelves are not the only thing that you can upcycle, you can put it on anything that it’ll stick too! I even put it around my TV, and it’s adorable! So let’s do this.

What is the Ikea Hack with Washi Tape?

The Ikea hack with washi tape involves upcycling bland Ikea furniture with washi tape. Ikea hacks are all about personalizing and customizing Ikea furniture to give it a unique and creative twist, and one of my favorites is the washi tape hack!

Washi tape is a decorative adhesive tape that comes in a wide range of colors and patterns, making it perfect for adding a pop of color and style to your Ikea pieces. To create this hack, I start by selecting an Ikea furniture item that I want to transform, such as a plain white bookshelf or a simple table.

You could even dress up your dresser(check out these ikea dresser makeover ideas).

3 rolls of washi tape

First, I clean and prep the surface to ensure the tape adheres well. Then, I carefully apply the washi tape in a pattern or design of my choice. This can be anything from geometric shapes to stripes, or even intricate patterns.

The beauty of this hack is its versatility; you can go for a minimalist look with a single color or get as creative as you want with a mix of patterns. Washi tape is easily removable, so if I ever want to change the look, it’s a breeze to update.

This Ikea hack with washi tape not only adds a personalized touch to my furniture but also allows me to refresh my home decor whenever I please, making it a fun and practical DIY project. I will walk you through everything you need to know step by step below!

Pink washi tape photo

Ikea Hack With Washi Tape: Affordable DIY

For this particular project, I decided to give my plain IKEA bookshelf a fresh and colorful makeover. I said before how I had previously wrapped the rim of my TV(I chose gold, it’s beautiful), so it made me look at the rest of my house with the thought, “how can I add more color in here?” Here’s how I did it:

Materials Needed:

  • An IKEA bookshelf (I used the Kallax model)
  • Washi tape in various colors and patterns
  • Scissors
  • A ruler or measuring tape
  • A pencil

Prep: Set the Scene

This is not technically a step, but I like to make a point of it. If you want to truly have the time of your life while you are crafting then you HAVE to set the scene. I am serious when I say that it makes such a lovely difference that you will start to wonder why you never took the time to do it before.

Pick out a good podcast or audiobook, and if those things aren’t your cup of tea then choose an album you like. Speaking of tea, make yourself something to drink and sip on throughout your crafting session. Then, and this is my favorite bit, put on a candle!

Make sure you can be comfortable while you work and just ease into the process. The whole thing becomes more like fun mediation than crafting in the end!

building shelf

Step 1: Preparing the Bookshelf

This IKEA hack using washi tape was not only a fun project but also a cost-effective way to revamp my home decor. It’s amazing how a little creativity and a few rolls of tape can go a long way in making your furniture uniquely yours. I haven’t been this excited since my Ikea hack window seat ideas!

To kick things off, I started by assembling my IKEA bookshelf following the instructions provided. Once it was all set up, I wiped it clean to ensure that the tape would adhere properly. The last thing you want is bumpy tape that peels up!

Piles of washi tape

Step 2: Choosing the Washi Tape

This is where the fun begins! I gathered a selection of washi tape in different colors and patterns that matched my room’s decor.

I wanted a mix of pastel shades and geometric designs, but the possibilities are endless. The great thing about washi tape is that it’s easy to find in craft stores and comes in a wide variety of styles.

Step 3: Measuring and Cutting

Before applying the tape, I measured the sections of the bookshelf where I wanted to add the tape. Using a ruler and a pencil, I marked out the areas and cut the tape into the right lengths. Precision is key here to ensure a clean finish.

Step 4: Applying the Washi Tape

Now comes the satisfying part. I carefully applied the strips of washi tape to the bookshelf, following my pencil markings. The tape adhered smoothly, and if I made a mistake, it was easy to peel off and reposition.

Pink washi tape on cube organizer

Step 5: Mix and Match

To create a playful and unique look, I mixed and matched different tape patterns and colors. Some sections I covered entirely, while for others, I created patterns like chevrons or diagonal stripes. It’s all about your personal style and creativity.

Step 6: Finishing Touches

Once I was satisfied with the tape placement, I made sure to press it down firmly to ensure it stuck well. I also trimmed any excess tape with scissors for a neat appearance.

And there you have it! My plain IKEA bookshelf was transformed into a vibrant, custom piece of furniture that added a pop of color and personality to my room. Plus, the best part is that if I ever want to change the look, washi tape is easily removable without damaging the furniture.

Photo of Ikea sign

I am not sure what I love more about how simple this Ikea hack with washi tape is or how affordable. Not to mention how just a little tape truly transforms a piece of furniture like you couldn’t believe.

I hope that you enjoyed this tutorial and that you found the discovery of washi tape upcycling as exciting and fun as I did. Who knows what is going to get taped next, I may just have to line my mirror!

If you are prone to frequenting the isles of Ikea like I am, then I can bet that you are going to love some of my other favorite Ikea hacks, starting with this IKEA curtain hack DIY.