Art

Temporary Wallpaper Alternative

Love the look of wallpaper but can’t take the plunge because you live in fear of your landlord dropping by? Renters unite!! In December, Amy posted this image from Southern Living. I fell in love with the large scale harlequin patterned wallpaper. The wheels started to turn and I began formulating a plan for “wallpapering”…

Love the look of wallpaper but can’t take the plunge because you live in fear of your landlord dropping by?

Renters unite!!

In December, Amy posted this image from Southern Living. I fell in love with the large scale harlequin patterned wallpaper. The wheels started to turn and I began formulating a plan for “wallpapering” my entry.


Then Caitlin posted this picture of her home. She used floral tape and a little dab o’ glue to “wallpaper” her entry and it encouraged me to get my rear into gear!


I placed a $20 order for four rolls of 1/2″ aqua Japanese masking tape from happytape (use the code “odds10” for 10% off).


I played with the tape on the wall until I found the right proportion for the diamond and then I measured. {My diamonds are 9″ wide and 16″ long}


Then I made some tiny registration marks with a pencil and a ruled level.



After I put up all the tape lines, I used an Xact-o knife to clean up the edges and I was done!


I finished my entry and long hallway in less than two hours. And I think it is pretty cute.

I like how the aqua lines add some subtle color and pattern. And the great part about the Japanese masking tape is that it looks more like vellum than masking tape. It’s almost transparent and creates a more understated look.

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118 thoughts on “Temporary Wallpaper Alternative

  1. Jenny–I cannot believe you posted this today– I've been contemplating the exact same thing for our hallway! I love the inspiration pic (by the way, that's painted on! It's from Kitty White's home in Atlanta, first published in Cottage Living–she did the walls herself!) and I've been really wanting to recreate it in our hall– but the painting process seemed like SO much work. Your way seems a little easier– GREAT job!!!!

  2. I'm with Tarheel: how in the world do you do all of this with such a full plate? Time for a post on time and energy management! PLEASE!

  3. love it! gotta save this post – we might be moving, find out in two months. but if we stay put, I'm so doing this in my entry!

    I love projects that I can be finished before my husband comes home! :)

  4. It looks super. But am I the only one thinking that duct tape on walls isn't really impermanent? I can imagine that it's going to pull some wall down when it's time for it to come down. Just thinking…

  5. Prepare to be copied, many many times! This is so innovative and simple! Well, I'm sure my diamonds wouldn't have turned out shaped like diamonds, but I can admire yours. Love the color!

  6. I'm so in awe of you! All of your projects are simply amazing!! This one has to be my favorite, though. Who knew $20 of masking tape could look so chic? I've been searching for temporary wallpaper since I'm a renter, but this is definitely what I'm going to do!!

  7. Whoa! How creative! And here I was all ready to stencil, but this might be better yet! I ordered some happytape for Christmas wrapping, but may have to go check out their selection again. Hmm… You're got me thinkin'!

  8. this is AWESOME! i don't know if i could do this really :-/ the color is so great too. i'm gonna ask again…could you show us how to do that ikat table?! it rocks!

  9. Such a fun idea and I love that you ordered blue Japanese making tape to make it a tad bit different than the others. The pattern and color are just subtle enough to make it look outstanding!

  10. Oooooo…I remember seeing happy tape in Martha Stewart Living a couple months ago. I'm wanting to redo my entry and this inspires me. I posted your entry on my blog.

  11. It looks great! I just hope the little kiddies don't discover it and start peeling away on it. lol

  12. Wonderful! I have been contemplating a similar diamond design for my outdated dresser. Now I know how I might do it – with some tape! By the way, thanks so much for your blog! I am always amazed by your choice of colors and classic shapes.

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