14 Not-Tacky Ways to Use Contact Paper
Updated: Feb. 03, 2023You want to change the look of your space and add a bit of personality to your home, but you're unsure about what you want. Or, maybe you rent and are limited in what you can change. Enter, contact paper. From pretty patterns to nature designs, wood grains and even paper that looks like tile, there are a lot of options to choose from. Here are 14 ways to use contact paper in your home. Note: Always be sure you choose removable contact paper on walls, cabinets, etc., if your landlord hasn't approved your project.
Create a Feature Wall
If you’re looking to create a feature wall, contact paper is a good option if you’re not sure about how long you’ll like the design. Let one of these 15 stunning accent wall designs help you get inspired to try something different.
Weekly Menu Planner
Put light, solid-color contact paper inside an empty frame. When you’re finished, hang it in your kitchen. Use a washable marker to write on the frame to create a weekly meal planner, or use the board to make a grocery list.
Chalkboard Table Runner
Having a potluck? Use chalkboard contact paper to make a table runner and then label all the dishes.
Fake an Expensive Countertop
With contact paper, you can fake a pricey kitchen countertop. Like the idea of marble but can’t afford to upgrade? Find a tile contact paper that looks like marble and cover your kitchen counters.
Give Stairs a New Look
Give your stairs a new look with patterned contact paper. Just cut the paper to fit the stair risers for a fresh design.
Have squeaky stairs? You can fix them, even if you have carpeting.
Make a Pet Placemat
Here’s a quick project to show your pet some love. Take a piece of cardboard and cover it with contact paper to make a pet placemat that’s super easy to wipe clean.
Fake a Tile Backsplash
It can be difficult to keep up with kitchen trends. If you’re unsure that trendy design will look good in your kitchen, give it a try first with tile contact paper. From subway tile to mosaics, tile contact paper comes in patterns that mimic the look of tile.
Create Some Privacy
Need a little more privacy in the bathroom? Contact paper comes in a opaque film variety that when placed on windows makes it look like frosted glass.
Need privacy elsewhere in your home? Here’s a privacy screen you can make from salvaged doors.
Personalize Flower Pots and Vases
Cut some shapes out of contact paper and use them to decorate flower pots and vases. This is a lot less messy than paint, so it’s a great project to do with small children. (Keep them away from the scissors, of course.)
If you have old pots that are cracked or broken, try using them in a fairy garden.
Make Spice Labels
Never mix up your chili powder with smoked paprika again. Use contact paper to create spice jar labels and then make a DIY spice rack for your kitchen.
Make a Magnetic Message Board
Try covering a metal baking sheet with patterned contact paper, add some magnets and then use it to organize reminders. Use the board as part of your home’s message center.
Line Drawers and Shelves
Use contact paper to line your kitchen drawers and cabinet shelves. You can also use a fun pattern on the back of bookshelves.
