Best Bulletin Board Backgrounds and Borders
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As you may know, I make a LOT of bulletin board kits. They are so much fun to create, and I love how easily they can transform the whole look of a classroom in minutes! But I’m asked all the time about the best bulletin board backgrounds and borders to use. There are a zillion options out there, so I want to share my expert tips with you, as well as some of my favorite, tried-and-true recommendations!
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My first, most important tip applies to both background paper and borders. Keep it neutral! You want your bulletin board decor to be the focus. If your backgrounds and borders are too busy, they’ll distract from the decor. Also, by keeping it neutral, you can more easily reuse your backgrounds and borders even when you change your board decor! Saving you time and money. Win-win!
Best Bulletin Board Backgrounds to Use
Let’s start by talking about the best bulletin board backgrounds to use.
One of my all time favorites is this fadeless weathered wood plank paper. You’ll notice that I use it in tons of my bulletin board examples because it goes with almost everything, and it lasts FOREVER. Seriously, it’s not called “fadeless” for nothing!
If you want something other than the traditional wood look, here’s a great white wood plank paper option. It adds a nice texture that you don’t get if you use a flat, solid color of paper. But it’s still neutral enough that you’re decor items will pop on your board.
Best Bulletin Board Borders to Use
As you’ll see, I like to stick primarily with black and white borders. Don’t get me wrong – I love a border with a fun design/pattern! But by sticking with neutral colors for your outer border, it will compliment so many different themes. So less border changes necessary! Let’s look at some of my favorites.
Loop-de-loop Border
This loop-de-loop border is probably the most-asked-about border I use. It’s neutral, but adds just the right amount of whimsy to your decor! It pairs perfectly with my Boho Rainbow and Scandi Mountains classroom decor themes, but goes with so many others too! It frequently sells out, so definitely grab it when you can!
Messy Dots Border
Nothing says versatility like this messy dots border. It goes so well with a variety of decor themes. I paired it with several of my latest back to school bulletin board designs (all different themes) and I love how they turned out! There’s also a messy dots on black border variation that’s a fun twist on the original.
Painted Dots Border
Sticking to the dot theme for a moment, here’s another classic and fun painted dots border that looks amazing on your bulletin board! I love the slightly irregular, painted look of the dots on this border. It has a timeless feel while still being unique. I’ve paired it with several of my classroom decor themes including Plant Life and Boho Rainbow Flowers most recently.
Window Pane Border
Lately, this black and white window pane border has been making its way into tons of my displays! I love the simplicity of the design, and how it adds interest without being distracting. It pairs really well with this Wildflowers Classroom Decor theme, as well as with my Modern Checkered and Modern Plaid themes.
Black and White Stripes Border
Last, but not least, this simple but elegant black and white stripe border is a stylish option to frame your bulletin board. I think it goes perfectly with my Modern Farmhouse decor theme; but truly it could work for so many other themes too!
The Best Bulletin Board Backgrounds and Borders
Now you know my expert tips for choosing the best bulletin board backgrounds and borders. I hope this has given you some exciting ideas to try in your space! For even more ideas, check out these tips for decorating your bulletin board like a pro! Learn my double-border-layering technique to really make your displays pop, using any of the borders we’ve talked about here!
I love to see my creations come to life in your classrooms! Please share your photos with me on Instagram @ashleymckenzietpt. Enjoy!