Washi Tape Picks: Your Supply Review for Clutter-Free Spreads

Have you ever stared at a blank weekly spread, a pristine canvas begging for personality, only to hesitate because you don't want it to become a chaotic mess? I know I have! After filling over 20 bullet journals, I've learned that a little bit of decorative flair can make a huge difference in how motivating and enjoyable your planning system feels. But here's the kicker: it doesn't require a mountain of supplies or hours of intricate drawing. My secret weapon? Washi tape. Not just any washi tape, though. The wrong kind can actually add to the visual noise. I've spent countless hours testing different patterns, widths, and adhesion levels to find the absolute best for adding that perfect pop of color and structure without turning your carefully planned week into a jumbled scrapbook page. Today, I'm sharing my top three washi tape picks that have consistently delivered beautiful, functional spreads in my own journal, and I’ll show you exactly how I use them. Get ready to add some effortless charm to your planning!

10 min read

My Journey to Washi Tape Mastery

When I first started bullet journaling back in 2017, my spreads were… let's just say, utilitarian. Lots of black ink, neat lines, and not much else. I’d see these gorgeous, vibrant spreads on Pinterest and feel a pang of inadequacy. I’m not an artist, and the idea of drawing elaborate borders or doodles felt overwhelming. I dabbled with stickers, but they often looked too bulky or peeled up at the edges, especially on thicker paper like my favorite 160gsm dotted journal. Then, I discovered washi tape. My initial attempts were a disaster. I bought a massive, cheap pack from an online marketplace, and the tapes were either too sheer, ripping easily, or the adhesive was so weak they’d curl up by lunchtime. One particularly memorable attempt involved a bright floral tape that bled through my pages and made my notes unreadable – a lesson learned the hard way!

The turning point came when I invested in a few higher-quality tapes. Suddenly, the possibilities opened up. I realized that washi tape wasn't just for decoration; it could be functional. It could define sections, create borders, or even act as a subtle header. I started experimenting with different widths, from delicate 5mm tapes to bolder 20mm ones. I learned that matte finishes often looked more sophisticated than glossy ones, and that tapes with a stronger, yet still repositionable, adhesive were key. My spreads started to feel more ‘me' – organized, yes, but also cheerful and visually appealing. I’ve found that using just one or two well-chosen tapes per spread is far more effective than going overboard.

I’ve found that using just one or two well-chosen tapes per spread is far more effective than going overboard.

Pick #1: The Subtle Stripe – Midori Brassi Tape (approx. 15mm width)

This is my absolute go-to for adding a clean, modern stripe of color. Midori is known for its quality stationery, and their Brassi tape line is no exception. I typically reach for the 15mm width because it’s versatile – wide enough to be noticeable, but not so wide that it dominates the page. The patterns are usually simple, often featuring thin stripes in muted, sophisticated color palettes like dusty blues, soft greys, and muted greens. For instance, I have a roll with thin navy blue stripes on an off-white background that I use constantly. The tape itself has a lovely matte texture, feels durable, and the adhesive is fantastic. It sticks well without being permanent, meaning you can reposition it a couple of times if you mess up, which is a lifesaver for me!

In my weekly spreads, I often use this tape in a few key ways. First, I’ll run a strip along the bottom edge of my weekly layout to anchor it visually. This typically measures about 21cm (the standard width of my A5 journal page). I then might use a shorter strip, about 7cm long, to act as a header for my ‘To-Do' list section. This creates a clear visual hierarchy without needing to draw a box. Another favorite trick is to create subtle dividers between days. If I have a 7-day spread across two pages, I might use a 1cm strip of this tape vertically to separate Saturday and Sunday, especially if they’re often busier days. The key here is restraint; using just one or two colors from the same roll keeps it cohesive.

I’ve found that this tape pairs beautifully with fine-liner pens like the Sakura Pigma Micron 05. The crisp black ink stands out against the subtle stripes without looking busy. For color accents, I’ll use my Tombow Dual Brush Pens (like the 845 – Rhodamine Red or 451 – Sky Blue) to color-code tasks or appointments. The matte finish of the Midori tape doesn't bleed or smudge when these pens are used over it, which is a huge plus. I typically spend about 10-15 minutes applying this tape to a new weekly spread, and it instantly makes it look more polished. A roll of Midori Brassi tape usually costs around $6-$8 USD and contains approximately 10 meters of tape, lasting me several months of regular use.

A roll of Midori Brassi tape usually costs around $6-$8 USD and contains approximately 10 meters of tape, lasting me several months of regular use.

Pick #2: The Delicate Dot – MT Ex Washi Tape (approx. 10mm width)

If the Midori stripes are about clean lines, then MT Ex tapes are about subtle texture and playful detail. MT (Kamoi Kakoshi) is the pioneer of washi tape, and their quality is consistently excellent. I particularly love their ‘Ex' line, which often features more artistic or intricate patterns. For this category, I’m focusing on their smaller dot patterns, usually around 10mm in width. Think tiny, perfectly spaced dots in a single color, like a soft sage green or a warm terracotta. I have a roll with a very fine, almost stippled effect in a deep indigo that is simply divine. The tape is slightly translucent, which allows the paper color underneath to peek through, creating a softer effect than opaque tapes.

This tape is perfect for adding a touch of understated elegance. In my weekly spreads, I often use it as a border along the edge of a specific section, like my ‘Gratitude Log' or ‘Notes' section. A 3cm strip of this dot tape can frame a small box beautifully. I also love using it to create subtle visual dividers. Instead of a solid line, I’ll run a thin strip of this dot tape horizontally between my ‘Morning' and ‘Afternoon' schedule blocks. It breaks up the space without feeling heavy. When I first started using it, I tried to cover entire sections with it, but it quickly became too busy. Now, I use it sparingly for accents, like a tiny 1cm square in the corner of each day’s box to signify ‘important tasks'.

I’ve found that the delicate nature of this tape looks best with finer pens. My trusty Micron 05 is ideal for writing over it, as the dots don't interfere with legibility. For color, I’ll use my Tombow Dual Brush Pens, but I tend to stick to lighter shades like 991 (Light Ochre) or 725 (Rhodamine Pink) so they don’t clash with the tape's pattern. The slightly translucent quality means that if you layer it over writing, it can be a little harder to read, so I prefer to use it for borders or headers. I made the mistake once of using it to cover my entire habit tracker grid, and it made checking off boxes incredibly difficult. A 10mm roll of MT Ex tape typically costs $4-$6 USD and contains around 10 meters. It’s a small price for such a refined look, and it lasts ages because you only need small pieces.

It’s a small price for such a refined look, and it lasts ages because you only need small pieces.

Pick #3: The Bold Block – Traveler's Company Washi Tape (approx. 20-25mm width)

For those weeks when you want a stronger visual statement or need to clearly delineate larger sections, the wider tapes from Traveler's Company (formerly Traveler's Notebook) are fantastic. They often come in solid colors or very simple, geometric patterns. I have a roll in a beautiful, deep forest green and another in a rich, burnt orange that I adore. The width, typically around 20-25mm, means a single strip can make a significant impact. The texture is usually smooth, and the adhesive is reliably good – strong enough to stay put but still manageable. These tapes feel substantial and give your spread a more structured, almost architectural feel.

This tape is perfect for creating clear visual boundaries. I frequently use a 20mm strip along the left-hand side of my two-page weekly spread to create a dedicated sidebar for my ‘Goals for the Week' or ‘Appointments'. This instantly gives the spread a defined structure. Another way I use it is to create a ‘block' for my most important tasks or a daily gratitude entry. For example, I might take a 6cm strip and place it vertically next to my ‘Friday' entry, creating a distinct space for notes or a special task. This visually separates it from the rest of the day’s entries, making it stand out. I’ve also used a 2cm strip horizontally to divide my weekly spread into ‘Work' and ‘Personal' sections if I have a particularly busy week where that distinction is crucial.

When using these bolder, wider tapes, it’s essential to balance them. I find they work best when paired with a more minimalist approach elsewhere on the page. My Micron 05 pen is perfect for writing the main content, as the solid color of the tape provides a clean background. For color coding, I’ll use my Tombow Dual Brush Pens, but I’ll often choose colors that complement or contrast sharply with the tape. For the forest green tape, I might use Tombow 885 (Deimos Red) or 055 (Process Yellow) for accents. With the burnt orange, I’ll pair it with Tombow 451 (Sky Blue) or 533 (Orchid). A roll of Traveler's Company tape is typically around $7-$9 USD for about 7 meters. While pricier per meter than the others, the impact of a single strip means one roll lasts a very long time, and the quality is undeniable. I once tried a cheap, wide craft store tape that was far too stiff and tore my paper when I tried to reposition it – a costly mistake in the long run!

Putting It All Together: Your Action Plan

Adding washi tape to your weekly spreads doesn't have to be complicated or cluttery. It's about intentionality and choosing the right tools for the job. These three picks – the subtle stripe, the delicate dot, and the bold block – offer a range of possibilities for enhancing your planning without overwhelming your pages. They’ve been my reliable companions in creating journals that are both functional and beautiful, and I’m confident they can do the same for you.

Here’s your actionable plan:

1. Assess Your Needs: Before buying, think about your current spreads. Do you need more defined sections? A pop of color? A way to highlight important information? This will guide your choice.
2. Start Small: If you're new to washi tape, pick just one roll from my recommendations (or a similar quality tape) and experiment. Try using it just for a header or a simple border. See how it feels.
3. Embrace Imperfection: Washi tape is forgiving! It can be repositioned (within reason), and a slight overlap or uneven edge adds character. Don't strive for machine-like precision; aim for a look that feels personal and handmade.

My specific recommendation? Start with the Midori Brassi Tape (approx. 15mm). It’s the most versatile and forgiving for beginners, offering a clean look that’s hard to get wrong. Grab a roll in a color palette that speaks to you, pair it with your favorite Micron 05 pen, and watch your weekly spreads transform!

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the difference between washi tape and regular tape?

Washi tape is made from natural fibers, typically derived from the bark of the mulberry tree, which gives it a unique texture and translucency. Regular tape, like Scotch tape or packing tape, is usually made from plastic or paper pulp and is often opaque, shiny, and much more adhesive, making it difficult to remove without damaging the paper. Washi tape is generally repositionable and doesn't leave a sticky residue, making it ideal for journaling and crafts.

Can I write directly over washi tape?

Yes, you generally can! Most good quality washi tapes, especially those with a matte finish like the ones I've recommended, provide a surface you can write on with pens. Fine-liners like the Micron 05, ballpoint pens, and even some gel pens work well. However, very glossy or heavily textured tapes might be more challenging. It's always a good idea to test a small piece on scrap paper first to see how your preferred pens perform.

How do I prevent washi tape from peeling or curling?

Ensure you're using good quality tape with strong, reliable adhesive. Press down firmly along the entire length of the tape, paying special attention to the edges. For extra security, especially on frequently touched areas like the edge of a page, you can apply a tiny dot of archival glue stick or a clear sealant pen (like a Mod Podge pen) just along the very edge after applying the tape. However, for most journaling purposes, high-quality tape should stay put on its own.

Are there budget-friendly alternatives to these specific brands?

Absolutely! While Midori, MT, and Traveler's Company are top-tier, you can find excellent quality washi tape from brands like Archer & Olive, Scribble & Dot, or even some of the more curated selections on Etsy. Look for descriptions that mention “matte finish,” “good adhesion,” and “repositionable.” Avoid bulk packs from discount retailers, as the quality is often inconsistent. Sometimes, even a single roll from a reputable craft brand can be a great budget-friendly option that performs much better than a large, cheap set.