Washi Tape Journal Ideas: 12 Easy Ways to Decorate Your Pages

Washi tape is one of those journaling supplies that can completely change the feel of a page without requiring much effort.

A small strip can add color beneath a date, frame a photograph, divide a page into sections, or simply fill an empty corner that feels unfinished. And because you can use the same roll in so many different ways, you don’t need a large stationery collection to create interesting journal spreads.

If you’re new to decorative journaling, start with our guide on how to use washi tape in a journal. If you already know the basics, these 12 ideas are a good next step when you want a little more inspiration.

1. Add a Minimal Border Along One Edge

You don’t need to frame the entire page.

Try placing one strip vertically along the outer edge of your journal page, or add a horizontal strip across the bottom.

A single border gives the spread structure while leaving plenty of room for writing.

For a softer layout, choose a botanical or muted pattern and keep the rest of the page simple.

The Floral Scenery Botanical Washi Tape works especially well for this kind of floral edge.

2. Create a Washi Tape Header

A short strip of tape can instantly make a journal title or date feel more intentional.

Place the tape:

• underneath a heading

• just above the date

• beside a short title

• partly behind handwritten text

Try using a lighter pattern behind dark handwriting so the words remain easy to read.

This works especially well for daily journal entries because you can repeat the same layout while changing the tape each day.

3. Make a Simple Photo Frame

Use four short pieces of washi tape around a photograph to create a casual frame.

You don’t need perfectly straight edges.

In fact, slightly uneven or torn pieces can make the page feel more relaxed and handmade.

Another option is to use only two pieces:

one at the upper-left corner
one at the lower-right corner

Then add a handwritten date or caption nearby.

This works well for travel journals, memory keeping, family photos, café visits, or small everyday moments.

4. Layer Washi Tape Behind Stickers

Layering is one of the easiest ways to make a journal spread look more detailed.

Start with a piece of washi tape, then place a sticker partly over it.

Try:

washi tape → sticker → small handwritten note

or:

memo paper → washi tape → sticker

The tape helps connect the different elements visually instead of making each sticker look like it is floating separately on the page.

If you want more options for layering, explore LUMIYEAR’s stickers, PET tapes and washi tapes.

5. Decorate the Corners of the Page

If your page feels a little empty but you don’t want to add another large decoration, focus on the corners.

Place a small strip of washi tape diagonally across one corner, then add a tiny sticker or short handwritten phrase nearby.

You could decorate: