Traditionally a way to mask bad wallpapering technique or messy painted walls, wallpaper borders are having a moment in the interiors spotlight.
The trim, usually relegated to the sidelines, is now centre-stage, used in fresh new ways to highlight details like door frames, feature walls, headboards, mirrors or the unique quirks of your property.
They’re a great way to add a bit of decoration without going to the trouble of papering an entire room, and can add an interesting new dimension to painted walls. Borders of old tied into old-fashioned wallpaper with frumpy floral designs reigning supreme. Thankfully a new wave of designers are giving them fresh appeal with scallop edging, geometric designs and monochrome palettes to name but a few. The icing on the cake, as it were.
The expert take on wallpaper borders, and how to style them now
Sustainable interiors expert Abi Ann Davis is thrilled about the revival in wallpaper borders, telling ES Best: “It’s a perfect solution for anyone whose budget is a bit tight, as they are less of a financial commitment than wallpapering the whole room. Why have a feature wall when you can elevate the whole room for less? They’re a great addition to add around doorways and existing joinery and dado rails in your house.
My one golden rule for decorating with borders? Choose a design or pattern that complements your home, decor style and existing colour scheme - it’s a perfect way to pick out existing accents in your room to really make them POP!”
Meanwhile, interior designer and founder of Luna Spot Design Rochelle Dalphinis adds: “Wallpaper borders make a statement that’s easy for anyone to achieve, especially with new peel-and-stick options available; if you’re renting you can easily remove them without damaging the wall.”
How to style borders 2.0? “Use thin borders in a contrasting colour to your wall colour to frame the room or a feature wall, giving extra depth to large pieces of artwork. Wallpaper mural borders are fantastic way to add to your decor and much cheaper way to mural a wall.”
How to apply wallpaper borders
Just like wallpaper, there are now two main types of borders. One requires paste application (paste a thin layer on the wall, not the paper), while others come with self-adhesive on the back, just peel and stick. Ensure your borders are even using a spirit level - especially useful if you’re veering away from hanging wallpaper borders on ceilings and skirting boards.
Whether you want to satisfy your piqued interest or you’re looking for wallpaper borders to inspire your next DIY project, we’ve rounded up the fun, stylish designs to add panache to any room.
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Oilily Young Animal Print Wallpaper
If you’re looking for a way to liven up nursery walls or your kids bedroom, this croc-themed border offers a snappy take. The beast sits between green scalloped lines, offering a subtle detail that will delight kids. A playful piece of decoration to bring character into any room.
Buy now £47.99, Wayfair
LGVXSRTYU Wallpaper Border self Adhesive
Enjoy flowers whatever the season with this roll of peel-and-stick wallpaper border. The green, beige and white look is full of Art Deco stylings, making it a nice detail to help pick out vintage and retro stylings in your room.
Buy now £16.66, Amazon
Ottoline Scalloped Border in Red
Simultaneously statement and subtle, Ottoline’s scalloped border is one of the easiest ways to add a touch of character without feeling overwhelming. Perfect for hallways, living rooms and bedrooms, this pretty trim began life in a London drawing studio before being digitally printed in the Netherlands.
It looks best on plain painted walls and comes in a matt-effect finish, with options across the colour wheel. As well as this rich red, you can get it in orange, coral, yellow, mint, emerald green, pink, brown, pale blue and dark blue.
Buy now £85.00, Ottoline
Lick Weave 02 Wallpaper Border
Best known for its cool paint and wallpapers, Lick has branched out into wallpaper borders too. Right now, there are just four styles available as part of a collaboration with interior design guru Kelly Hoppen CBE. The geometric-heavy design comes in striking monochrome or a more subtle beige and white tone and is inspired by traditional woven designs.
Buy now £35.00, Lick
Vandod Modern Green Stripe Peel and Stick Wallpaper
This stick-and-peel paper comes in 44.5cm wide strips, making it easy to create a feature wall as well as use as a border to freshen up your edges. Made from hard-wearing vinyl with a matte finish, it’s easy to cut the pieces to size to fit your room to a tee. If you’ve got enough leftover, the pattern can be part of a fun furniture upcycling project.
Buy now £8.99, Amazon
House of Hackney ARTEMIS Wallpaper Border - Blush
Nana’s living room style has been updated by none other than House of Hackey, the cool interiors design store to know. The richly detailed floral pattern is inspired by Diana Vreeland’s imitable style, specifically her Garden of Hell room, and comes in blue, black, and white background as well as this soft peach.
Buy now £145.00, House of Hackney
