Creating a beautiful design on your walls is not just for interior designers! Whether it’s an accent wall or the whole room, creating a paint design with tape is actually an easy process that will allow you to create a unique look and feel for your home. All you need is painter's tape, a design, and creativity to get started.
Painter’s tape, the unsung hero of DIY projects! But it isn’t just for protecting trim and baseboards during painting. This versatile tool opens up a world of possibilities for creating a unique and stunning focal point in your home. Yes, I’m talking about making a design on your wall with tape!
Whenever we are working on various projects, painter’s tape wins every time. It’s the easiest way those beautiful clean lines!
This walls with tape article contains affiliate links, but nothing that I wouldn’t wholeheartedly recommend anyway! Read my full disclosure here.
There’s a lot to learn about painting rooms in general. Things like what paint sheen to use, the order to paint a room, and a list of the right painting tools! But one of the secrets to a beautifully finished job is the wall-safe tape! Just like with other projects, it’s important you choose the right option for your project.
Believe it or not, there are several different painter’s tape options to choose from. Definitely check out our painter’s tape tips and tricks with a whole list of the different kinds of tape options and more!
In this blog post, we’ll explore different ways to use painter’s tape that go beyond a basic accent wall, inspiring you to unleash your creativity.
Choosing a Wall with Tape Design
When it comes to paint designs with tape, there are so many different options to elevate your everyday living spaces!
If you are not an experienced painter, I would recommend sticking to simple wall designs for your first attempt at a project like this. Horizontal lines or vertical stripes are a great way to break into creating your own unique look for an accent wall before tackling the entire room.
More advanced options include faux DIY wainscoting and so much more! This two toned wall we did in our master bedroom is the perfect choice for a beginner-friendly project!
If you are more experienced, you can try creating hexagons, squares, chevron patterns, diamond pattern, or another geometric design. You could also try your hand and go completely freeform if you are feeling brave!
How to Paint Wall Designs with Tape
Follow these basic step-by-step instructions to create unique patterns and designs with painter’s tape.
#1: Base color
After you have your design in mind, choose your base color for your entire wall. This will be the color that shows through when your painter’s tape is removed. It’s your main color. This is also a good time to patch up any nail holes or make wall repairs as needed.
You will also want to take this time to choose your other paint colors if necessary. Experiment with darker shades, bright colors, and different tones.
Of course, this should be done before taping any sections off on your wall. Then, allow the paint to completely cure before adding any tape, or an additional coat of paint.
#2: Tape your pattern
Now this is the tricky part. After you have a design in mind, and your wall has been painted and cured, it’s time to tape off your design. This can be a time-consuming process, but remember to take your time for the best result.
What type of painter’s tape should you use?
If having crisp paint edges to your design is important, my favorite this one from FrogTape. It has a paint block technology that seals the edges really well.
If your surfaces are a little more delicate (like wallpaper or faux finish) or have recently been painted with your base color, I’d go with this kind from FrogTape.
#3: Seal tape edges
To prevent the 2nd color of paint from bleeding under the edges of the tape, we recommended sealing them by applying the base color over the edges of the tape. This will seal them up so that the 2nd color can’t get under the edges of the tape.
This hack will save you SO MUCH time touching up later – trust us on this one. We’ve been there.
#4: Apply second color
Now, after you are satisfied with your pattern on the wall, your next step paint over your tape design using a second color. Your second color will be filling in the design that is not covered by the painter’s tape.
If you are using more than two colors of paint, make sure each coat of paint dries before you apply the next.
This is a great time to get creative! Try out an ombre effect or even use multiple paint colors to create a unique look.
#5: Remove tape for the big reveal
Now for the big reveal! I always recommend removing your painter’s tape immediately after you finish each coat of paint. When you pull the painter’s tape back, pull it at a 45-degree angle to your line.
If you allow the paint to dry with the painter’s tape intact, removing the tape could pull up the paint around the edges…and that’s not a good look.
As always, allow the paint to cure completely for about 24 hours before returning wall art or furniture to the room.
Easy Wall Paint Design Ideas
More ideas for walls with tape for each of these designs is shared below!
Stripes and Patterns
The classic use of painter’s tape is to create clean, crisp stripes on your walls. Whether horizontal, vertical or even diagonal, stripes can add depth and interest to any room.
Experiment with varying widths and colors to achieve different effects. For a twist, try creating patterns like herringbone or chevron for a bold statement.
Geometric Designs
Take your design game up a notch by incorporating geometric shapes. Squares, triangles, hexagons – the possibilities are endless.
Use painter’s tape to outline the shapes on your walls and fill them in with contrasting or complementary colors. Geometric designs add a modern and dynamic touch to your space.
Color Blocking
Embrace the trend of color blocking by using painter’s tape to define distinct color sections on your walls.
Create a two-tone wall or go for a more intricate design with multiple colors. This technique is an excellent way to add a burst of energy and personality to any room.
Faux Wainscoting or Paneling
Achieve the look of wainscoting or paneling without commitment by using painter’s tape to create faux panels.
Measure and tape off rectangular or square shapes on your walls, then paint the lower portion in a contrasting color. Adding a bit of trim on the painted part of the wall (painted the same color) will add architectural interest and a touch of sophistication.
Intricate Borders
Use painter’s tape to craft intricate borders around windows, doors, or even along the ceiling. Experiment with different tape widths and angles to create a unique frame for your spaces. This subtle detail can make a big impact on the overall aesthetic of a room.
Custom Headboards
Transform your bedroom by using painter’s tape to outline a custom headboard shape directly on the wall. Paint inside the taped area to create a personalized and budget-friendly alternative to a traditional headboard. This adds a touch of luxury without the need for additional furniture.
Decals and Stencils
Get creative with decals and stencils made from painter’s tape (or even washi tape or electrical tape). Cut out shapes or patterns and apply them to your walls for a custom and removable design. This is a fantastic option for those who want flexibility and the ability to change up their decor easily.
18 Easy Designs for a Wall with Tape
How To Paint Two Tone Walls in Bedroom
Want to learn how to paint straight lines, the expert way? Here's how we achieved two tone walls in our bedroom, and our expert trick for painting straight lines around the whole room.
Diy Painted Geometric Wall
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Plaid Check Accent Wall
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DIY Herringbone Accent Wall Pattern
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Use this step-by-step guide to make your herringbone accent wall with tape this weekend.
Color Blocked Hallway
Click through to see this gorgeous color-blocked hallway in all its glory.
Painted Headboard with Arches
Love the idea of painting your own headboard - like this fun one with colorful arches!
Arch Accent Wall
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Diagonal Painted Accent Wall
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Patterned Painted Wall
She actually used thin washi tape on this wall design - rather than painter's tape and it worked great!
Colorful Square Accent Wall For Kids Room
Learn how to paint a colorful accent wall with this easy step by step tutorial to in under 6 hours. Perfect idea for the kids’ room!
Perfect Stripes on a Textured Wall or Ceiling
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DIY Ombre Hexagon Wall
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I just love how this wall decor idea for their girl’s nursery came out. Learn how to create this painted pattern design for an accent wall idea.
Border on Top of Walls
Love this idea of creating a cute border on the top of the walls with a straight line and a scalloped edge.
DIY Wallpaper with Wall Decals from Cricut
Learn how to make your own wall decals or custom wallpaper to customize any wall with Cricut machines.
Simple DIY Wall Decals
Stick a whole bunch of these heart DIY wall decals onto your living room wall to make a fun accent wall that is totally temporary if you want to take it down later.
Renter Friendly Accent Wall with Electrical Tape
You can even use electrical tape on the wall to create your design!
Rainbow Washi Tape Wall with Stripes
Grab a few colorful rolls of rainbow washi tape and go to town! Love that this is completely removable when you're tired of it.
Washi Tape Wall Decor
This fun wall heart design is made entirely with washi tape!
Painter’s tape is an essential tool that can do so much more than just protect surfaces during painting.
From creating bold geometric patterns to adding subtle textured details, the possibilities are endless for your wall with tape. So, grab your painter’s tape, let your imagination run wild, and transform your living space into a canvas of creativity!
