Creating a coastal-inspired atmosphere in your home is a dream for many, but achieving the breezy, laid-back vibe of the beach doesn’t always require a complete overhaul of your decor. One simple, cost-effective way to introduce coastal aesthetics is through washi tape.
This versatile and colorful adhesive can transform ordinary items into stunning coastal pieces, all while maintaining the temporary nature of the design. With a few creative tricks, you can easily create temporary coastal vibes using washi tape to bring the charm of the beach into your home.
1. Transform Picture Frames into Beachy Accents
Old or plain picture frames can easily be transformed into beach-inspired accents using washi tape. Choose tapes in shades of ocean blue, sandy beige, or coral to decorate the frame edges. For added depth, try layering different patterns, such as stripes or waves, for a more dynamic look.
This technique works especially well for frames displaying coastal or beach-themed photos, creating a seamless, beachy ambiance. The best part is the flexibility—whenever you want to refresh the look, simply peel off the tape and swap it out for a new style, making it perfect for renters or those who love seasonal changes.
2. Coastal-Inspired Wall Art
Washi tape offers a fun and temporary way to create coastal-inspired wall art without the commitment of permanent changes. You can use the tape to outline ocean waves, create geometric beach scenes, or even frame existing artwork. Try varying the tape thickness and colors to mimic the gradient of the sea or sky.
The beauty of using washi tape is its flexibility—you can rearrange or replace the design as your style evolves. This method allows you to refresh your living room, bedroom, or any other space with a coastal look, all without worrying about removing permanent wall decals or paint.
3. Nautical-Themed Furniture Accents
Add a touch of coastal charm to your furniture with simple washi tape designs. A great option is to apply tape along the edges of dressers, bookshelves, or even on chairs to create subtle nautical patterns, such as stripes or waves. Light colors like seafoam green, soft blue, or sandy tones are ideal for a calm, beach-inspired look.
If you prefer a more striking appearance, opt for bold stripes or chevron patterns in vibrant coastal colors. This temporary update gives your furniture a fresh look and is easily reversible, allowing you to switch up your decor as often as you like.
4. Coastal-Style Lampshades
An easy and affordable way to introduce coastal vibes into your space is by decorating your lampshades with washi tape. For a more subtle effect, use thin strips of tape in pastel blues and whites to create a soft, beachy aesthetic. Alternatively, create a bolder statement by using thicker, contrasting patterns, such as stripes or a gradient effect.
The tape’s adhesive nature allows you to experiment with different designs and switch them out if you decide to update your coastal theme later on. Whether in the living room or bedroom, this is a quick and stylish way to bring beachy warmth to your lighting.
5. DIY Coastal-Themed Planters
Washi tape can be used to transform simple planters into beautiful coastal-inspired pieces. Wrap tape around the base or top edge of a planter in varying coastal colors like aqua, turquoise, or sandy beige. You can even experiment with different patterns, such as stripes or geometric shapes, to evoke a beachy feel.
Not only does this add a fun design element to your plants, but it also helps them blend seamlessly into a coastal-themed room. This is an easy project that adds a personal touch to your indoor garden while keeping the look fresh and temporary.
6. Beachy Mirror Frames
A simple way to create a beachy atmosphere in your home is by decorating mirror frames with washi tape. Choose colors like driftwood brown, soft blues, or whites to replicate the textures and hues of the beach. You can create stripes or opt for a more organic wave pattern along the frame’s edges to enhance the coastal effect.
The beauty of this decor is its temporary nature—when you want to change the look or switch to another theme, you can simply remove the tape and try a new design. This makes it an ideal option for those who love to frequently update their home’s aesthetic.
7. Coastal-Themed Binders and Storage Boxes
If you’re looking to introduce coastal vibes into your office or storage areas, washi tape offers a quick and easy solution. Simply apply colorful tapes with nautical patterns, such as anchors, waves, or stripes, to decorate binders, file boxes, or storage containers. This not only adds a beachy flair to your organizational tools but also helps them stand out in your space.
With washi tape’s variety of colors and patterns, you can mix and match designs to fit your personal style. Plus, as your needs or decor style change, removing the tape is a breeze, giving you endless opportunities to refresh your space.
8. Temporary Coastal Rug Designs
Transform your plain rugs into coastal-themed pieces with washi tape. For a simple yet effective design, create stripes, wave patterns, or ombré effects using the tape on the surface of smaller rugs or mats. This method is great for adding a subtle coastal accent to entryways, kitchens, or bathrooms.
The beauty of using washi tape is that it can be removed without leaving residue, allowing you to change the design as often as you like. This temporary solution gives you a budget-friendly way to experiment with coastal aesthetics in your space without the need for a permanent rug makeover.
9. Coastal Wall Borders
Add a touch of coastal charm to your walls by using washi tape to create a beachy wall border. Apply the tape in a pattern of your choice, such as stripes or waves, around the perimeter of the room or along a single accent wall.
Light, airy colors like blue, white, or sand-colored hues can instantly evoke a beachy vibe, while brighter tones will give a more vibrant, tropical feel. Washi tape allows for easy removal, making it ideal for renters or anyone who wants to periodically update their space without the hassle of repainting or installing permanent wall decals.
10. Seashell and Starfish Patterns on Items
Infuse your decor with beachy details by using washi tape to create seashell, starfish, or other coastal motifs on furniture, vases, or even picture frames. Start with simple outlines or intricate designs, depending on your style. A few well-placed starfish or seashells on a dresser drawer or a vase can completely change the room’s atmosphere.
These playful additions enhance the overall coastal theme of the space without overwhelming the decor. Because washi tape is easy to remove, you can update or change the patterns whenever you feel like refreshing your coastal look.
11. Create Beach-Inspired Party Decorations
Planning a coastal-themed party? Washi tape is an excellent tool for crafting quick and easy beach-inspired decorations. Use it to create paper garlands, flags, or centerpieces with oceanic colors and designs. You can also wrap mason jars with tape to create candle holders or centerpieces that complement the beachy theme.
This budget-friendly decorating technique allows you to infuse your party decor with coastal charm in a matter of minutes. When the event is over, simply remove the tape, and your space is back to normal—no damage, no fuss.
12. Coastal-Inspired Door Accents
Transform the entryway of your home with washi tape accents on your doors. You can apply strips of tape along the edges of the doorframe or create a fun, subtle pattern in the center of the door itself. This design works especially well when using beach-inspired colors like blue, white, or sandy tones to mimic the look of the shore. This temporary coastal decor not only adds a personal touch to your entrance but also sets the tone for the relaxed, beachy atmosphere that awaits inside.
13. Coastal-Themed Kitchenware
Add a coastal touch to your kitchen by applying washi tape to your kitchenware, such as mason jars, storage containers, or utensil holders. Choose designs that feature waves, stripes, or ocean-related symbols like anchors and seashells. This technique adds an instant coastal flair to your kitchen space without needing to invest in expensive, permanent decor.
The tape is also easy to replace, allowing you to refresh your kitchen’s look each season with minimal effort. Whether you’re storing kitchen essentials or serving up food, washi tape can add a functional and decorative element to your everyday kitchenware.
14. Custom Coastal Coasters
Give your coasters a coastal makeover with washi tape. Use different coastal colors, such as ocean blue, sandy beige, or seafoam green, to wrap around the edges of plain coasters. For a more dynamic look, create wave patterns or stripes to enhance the beachy feel.
This is an inexpensive and temporary way to add personality to your dining area or coffee table while protecting surfaces from drink rings. If you want to update your decor later, simply peel off the tape and replace it with a fresh design to match the season.
15. Temporary Coastal Wall Decals
For a temporary and hassle-free way to create beach-inspired murals, washi tape works wonderfully for making your own custom wall decals. Use the tape to form shapes like waves, palm trees, or sunbursts. Create a coastal scene with varying sizes of designs, layering them to add depth and dimension.
This is a great option for those who want a temporary, personalized coastal mural but don’t want to commit to large, expensive decals or wall art. The ease of applying and removing washi tape gives you the freedom to refresh the design whenever you wish.