10 Handy Ways To Use Electrical Tape Around The House

Choosing the right tape for your project can be a sticky proposition. Most of us know to grab Scotch tape for wrapping gifts, a roll of the blue stuff when it's time to paint, clear shipping tape when it's time to seal a box, and of course, duct tape for a wide range of home improvement projects. Many homes also have a roll or two of electrical tape laying around — a stretchy, sticky, vinyl tape that's typically used to cover exposed wires or to temporarily repair damaged insulation. Along with picking the right product based on its temperature rating and thickness, professional installers use various colors of electrical tape to identify different wires and voltage levels. Although there are many electrical projects you shouldn't attempt unless you're a professional, there are 10 handy ways to use electrical tape around the house you probably haven't considered, from creating renter-friendly window grids to one-of-a-kind wall art.

Before getting started you'll need to purchase the right type of electrical tape for the best results. Avoid friction or PVC tapes, which are more difficult to use because of their texture, lack of adhesive, and tendency to crack and break. Instead, opt for a premium vinyl material with high adhesion, like this LYLTECH Electrical Tape Matte Rainbow 11 Colors Pack from Amazon. For the cleanest results, you'll also want to have a sharp pair of scissors nearby.

The cost of picture frames can quickly add up, especially when you're trying to create the perfect gallery wall. Instead of investing a fortune into frames, use electrical tape to create boxes around each of the images you want to hang on your wall. Use a double-sided tape on the back to adhere each picture in place before cutting precise lengths of electrical tape to frame them. You can use thick or thin tape, long or short pieces, or even create frames around frames depending on the look you want.

Electrical tape is relatively heat resistant, making it a fun way to decorate lampshades or sconces. The patterns you create are entirely up to you. With a steady hand and a small pair of craft scissors like the Beaditive Detail Craft Scissors from Amazon, you can cut out small circles to create a polka dot effect or triangles for a more bohemian look. Or, try using pinking shears or scrapbooking scissors to create unique edges along one or both sides of your electrical tape before carefully wrapping it around the rim of your shade.

Quickly and easily make a bouquet of colorful faux flowers to use as an eye-catching centerpiece or mantle garland with colorful electrical tape. Using a wider roll for larger flowers, fold an 18" length of tape nearly in half, leaving a small amount of the sticky adhesive side exposed. Start wrapping your strip of tape around a pen to serve as a stalk. Add little crinkles every so often, pressing them into place with the exposed adhesive, and continue spiraling the strip around the pen until you're done. Finally, secure your flower in place with additional electrical tape.

All you need is a lot of tape and a little imagination to turn a blank wall into a work of art. It's an excellent way to recreate the look of striped wallpaper on a budget. Start by cleaning your wall thoroughly, as dust or grease may prevent the tape from sticking. Depending on the complexity of your design, consider using a level and light pencil to mark where you'll need to affix your strips of electrical tape. Cut pieces to the appropriate lengths, using craft scissors or an X-Acto Precision Knife to trim the edges. 

If you're a renter who longs for the look of leaded glass but can't make major changes to your place, creating window grids with black electrical tape is a great hack. Start by measuring your windows and creating a detailed plan for your grid. Clean your windows thoroughly so the tape will stick. Use a measuring tape to mark where you plan to apply your strips. Apply each directly from the roll so it creates one smooth piece, and use a level to make sure the tape is straight before pressing it firmly to the glass.

Whether your kids have toys with lots of little parts or you're a crafter with dozens of colorful tools, designated storage pouches can make your life easier. Ziploc bags are great, but over time they can become stretched or damaged by what's inside. For added durability, use strips of electrical tape to reinforce a simple storage bag. Lay a bag of any size on a flat surface and carefully apply electrical tape to cover it, and consider using colorful tape to create a design. For a heavier-duty pouch, use a combination of duct tape and electrical tape.

Is there anything more irritating than reaching for your phone charger only to realize the coating has cracked? When your battery is almost dead but it's going to be a minute before you can buy a replacement, electrical tape is the answer. The process is extremely simple. Starting at the top of the plastic housing, carefully wrap electrical tape down the cord until you've completely covered the broken area. Be careful not to stretch the tape. This temporary technique also works for extension cords or other simple electronics that have exposed wires.

White or black electrical tape can help you elevate a basic builder grade bathroom mirror in a matter of minutes. Start by cleaning your mirror thoroughly to remove any fingerprints, toothpaste, or other toiletry gunk. Then, carefully apply either thick or thin strips of electrical tape around the edges of your entire mirror. Work slowly to create the straightest lines you can to achieve the best results. If you ever decide to remove the tape, you can use liquid dish soap, rubbing alcohol or WD-40 to remove any leftover residue.

When you're serious about getting organized, nothing beats a label maker like the NIIMBOT D110 from Amazon. But if a portable thermal printer isn't in your budget, cheap electrical tape can come to the rescue. All you need is a piece of electrical tape and a permanent marker to create labels for any item you can imagine. Electrical tape sticks to almost anything, from sports equipment to storage containers. Use a roll of white electrical tape to create a clean look in a pantry, or use a color-coded system for various rooms (or kids!) in your house.

Jim Lambie, a Glasgow-based contemporary artist, has been pushing the boundaries of what's possible with vinyl tape for decades. He's best known for covering gallery floors, staircases, and other surfaces with striped patterns that he describes as a "dreamscape" — a look you can recreate in your own home. Go bold by using long strips of colorful electrical tape in lines that respect the existing architecture in your favorite rooms or on specific features. You might also incorporate other vinyl adhesives like the highly-rated Amazon VViViD Gloss Air-Release Tape Rolls, which come in a variety of colors and widths.