Filed under: Your Home, Design, etc
It fastens sneakers and can attach just about anything, but what else can this super tape do?Velcro, also known as hook-and-loop tape, is well known for its popularity with everyone from NASA (where it's used to anchor equipment in zero gravity) to dorm rooms (where it takes the place of nails in the wall). But who knew there was an inherent beauty to the material?
Artist Luis Eslava used Velcro to create lacey lampshades. Photo: Luis Eslava StudioArtist Luis Eslava's stylish lampshades (above) prove that Velcro can make some pretty cool decor -- and that's only one of the many why-didn't-I-think-of-that? uses for Velcro. While you might not be up for re-creating Eslava's chic light fixture, I can promise you this: After reading this story, you'll have a whole new appreciation for the spikey-sticky stuff.
1. Make stress-free window treatments
Hanging window treatments is no picnic, but Velcro can make the job easier. Cindy Cummins of DIY Style blog uses Velcro to attach lightweight window treatments to high or odd-shaped windows. "Our design workshop, Creative Chicks, is in an older building with dormer windows and a window above the door," she says. "Velcro makes it easier to tack up a square panel of fabric or put up temporary valances for privacy."
2. Attach interior trim easily
Derrick Slowikowski, product manager at Velcro USA, said some homeowners use Velcro to attach decorative interior trim rather than nailing it in. You don't want your trim to stick out too far, so the best product to use is Ultra-Mate: A strong, low-profile hook-and-loop tape made especially for smooth surfaces. It should keep the trim flush with the wall.
3. Affix house numbers, potted plants and statues
Slowikowski says that Velcro's Extreme is especially made for attaching items to brick and concrete outdoors so the weather doesn't move anything around. He also says you can attach house numbers to the front of your house with this material, which has a special adhesion for rough and porous surfaces. However, Slowikowski warns against submerging Velcro products in water. "The Industrial Strength line is good for outdoor use, it can be splashed with water, but should not be used underwater," he says.
Forget the nails. You can attach house numbers with Velcro Extreme. Photo: Stewf, Flickr
4. Easy on, easy off lattice panels
In my yard, we have a high deck that leads out to the pool and we've attached a panel of lattice beneath it. Thing is, we still need to get under the deck for things like laying gravel and pulling weeds. The perfect solution: We nail up almost all lattice panels around the deck, but leave one Velcro'ed on the top and bottom of the panel so we can quickly remove it to gain access to the area.
5. Create vertical storage in a closet
Try this clever idea from Organization Makes Sense: Get a roll of hook-and-loop tape -- one that does not have a sticky back. Cut a piece that's a few inches long and separate the hook part from the loop part. Attach the hook part of the tape to the back of the closet wall either with a staple gun or with nails (you'll want to position it about halfway up the wall). This storage trick comes in handy for stashing, say, rolls of gift wrap upright. Simply use the loop part of the tape to strap the rolls to the wall. You can use this also for umbrellas or loose table leaves.
6. Hang framed photos on tile backsplash
If your tiled kitchen backsplash needs a lift (or a cover-up), try a creative route and use hook-and-loop tape to display some lightweight framed photos? They'll look fresh and pretty and will be easy to remove for a quick wipe down.
7. Give your fridge a new look
Thrifty Decor Chick perked up the look of her fridge by attaching beadboard to the side it -- (before and after pics below!). The best part? She did it with Velcro. Let's say you simply want to hang things like report cards, photos or to-do lists on your refrigerator door and wait -- stainless steel doors aren't magnetic? Nope. Laura, from the blog, I'm An Organizing Junkie, attached a calendar to a refrigerator with 3M Command Hooks. You can do the same!
Here's an idea for Velcro: Use it to improve the look of your fridge. Photo: Thrifty Decor Chick
I wish I'd used Velcro to install the tent-like canopy in my daughter's room like Centsational Girl did. If we were to do it again, I'd put a short strip of sticky backed Velcro on the ceiling and wrap a strip of Velcro around the fabric loop on the canopy, then attach above the bed.
9. Organize small items
Teachers often add pieces of adhesive hook-and-loop tape to a desk and to a writing instrument -- follow this school room trick in your own home office or kids' homework areas so no one ever has to search for a pen or pencil again. Use the same trick if you want to keep your television remotes handy, too.
10. Keep carpets and mats in place
A clever solution to a common problem: Velcro can keep a rug or runner in a high-traffic area its place. Light-duty Velcro that is especially made with removable adhesive is ideal for attaching to wood.
11. Key holder
The Metropolitan Museum of Art used to sell this item, the Clote Velcro Key Holder, which we uncovered on Uncrate, but no longer does. But, take a look at how you can turn this in to a DIY project. Velcro's Display Boards are ideal for this project. Make looped Velcro keychains for keys, and Voila! You have a stylish key holder.
Never lose those keys again with Velcro. Photo: Uncrate
Create affordable, 3-D art by hanging a lightweight toy on the wall in a child's room. Take any piece of fabric, basket, stuffed animal or toy and attach it to the wall with Velcro.
Ever wonder what you could do with baking soda? Check out our story on unusual uses for baking soda.