Create A Faux Entryway With A Renter-Friendly Wall Defining Update

Raise your hand if your front door swings right into the dining room, living room, or kitchen. This kind of layout is a given in most small homes and apartments. But the good news? You really don't need much to establish a sense of separation between your entrance and living space. All it takes is a washi tape wall to fake the look of a formal entryway if you don't have one. No grandiose furniture or décor necessary.

By washi tape wall, we mean decking a section of the wall near your door with pieces of decorative tape. You could lay them out in a geometric pattern or opt for a striped wall; go colorful or stick with neutrals. Either way, the goal is to mark off where the entry ends and the home begins. And what better way to do so than by using washi tape as décor to create a fun, washi-fied focal point?

Unlike putting up wallpaper, painting, or hanging things, this one's easy to remove, doesn't damage walls, and bonus — it's inexpensive. Exhibit A: Mr. Pen's Washi Tape Set, which costs $6.99 for a pack of 10. At the same time, it can make a bare wall pop with depth and character. The only downside to this project, in our opinion, is how tedious it can be to cut and stick a bunch of washi tape strips on the wall. The end result may be worth it, though.

First on the agenda is picking a design. In the video above, Tiktok user @rachlvalente arranged small pieces of beige tape in twos, spreading them horizontally and vertically across the wall. Some other alternatives include plus or cross signs, V shapes in an arrow design, and diamonds (albeit the latter takes a bit more time to make). Prefer something easier? Try single lines. You can even place your strips diagonally to create a confetti wall that packs a playful punch. There are heaps of pattern ideas to try out, although the beauty of this renter-friendly DIY décor trick is that you can change things up as often as you'd like. Just be sure the color(s) you choose contrasts with the surface you're putting it on.

The second step is to clean the wall. Wipe away loose dirt and dust with a wet sponge or rag, then dry the surface. This ensures the adhesive sticks better. And finally, grab a stepstool, a pair of scissors, and your tape, and get sticking! Anytime you make a mistake, just pull it off and stick it back on as needed.