Clever ways to use leftover ribbon that actually look chic

I keep a little stash of ribbon because it rescues last-minute gifts, tired vases, and bare lampshades. The trick is using it with restraint—one intentional band of color or texture goes a long way. If you’ve got leftover bits from the holidays, here’s how to make them look purposeful, not like “we had ribbon to use up.”

Edge a lampshade for a custom look

A narrow grosgrain or twill tape glued along the top and bottom rims of a plain shade instantly looks designer. Work slowly, a few inches at a time, so the edge stays straight and clean.

Pick a ribbon that echoes something already in the room—your drapery color or a stripe in the rug. The repeat makes the shade feel like it came that way.

Wrap a vase collar instead of a full bow

A clean band around the neck or belly of a glass vase looks tailored. Secure the ends with double-sided tape so you don’t see a knot and rotate the seam to the back. It reads more like trim than craft time.

If the ribbon is thin, layer two or three widths in the same color family—say, velvet over grosgrain—to add depth. Keep the flowers simple (one variety) so the ribbon stays the star.

Turn baskets into “assigned” storage

Tie a short tab of ribbon through each basket handle and tuck a tiny card behind it as a label. It’s softer than a metal tag and easy to swap when the contents change.

Use one color per person or per category (toys, mail, library returns). The ribbon becomes a visual system that keeps everyone honest without shouting.

Dress cabinet doors for the season

Loop ribbon over the top edge of a cabinet door and hang a small wreath, cookie cutter, or brass bell from it. Close the door to anchor the loop—no hooks required.

Keep it to one door per run so it feels curated, not busy. In spring, swap the bell for a pressed-flower frame and the ribbon earns another season.

Make napkin ties that don’t slide

Fold a napkin, wrap with a short ribbon strip, and secure the ends underneath with a small piece of clear tape or a dot of hot glue. Add a clipped herb sprig or a cinnamon stick for scent.

Because there’s no bow, the tie stays flat when people lift the napkin. It’s a small detail that makes weeknight dinners feel considered.

Create photo “spines” on the wall

Run a vertical ribbon strip on the wall using removable putty at the top and bottom. Clip small photos along the line with mini clothespins or binder clips. One tidy column looks modern and neat.

Make two or three columns side-by-side to build a gallery without frames. When the season changes, pop off the photos and start fresh.

Add pull tabs to bins and boxes

If a fabric cube or a smooth tin lacks a handle, fold a short ribbon into a loop and glue or rivet it as a pull. Functionally it’s helpful; visually it introduces color exactly where you need it.

Match the loop width to the scale of the container. Too skinny looks flimsy; too wide looks bulky. Aim for a loop you can grab with two fingers.