I know how exciting it is to decorate the classroom and make it feel like a cozy, vibrant space for our little learners. But let’s be real—printing out all those gorgeous posters, banners, and bulletin boards can sometimes be a test of your patience! 

Between paper jams, sizing mishaps, and colors not quite popping the way I imagined, it’s been a bit of an adventure. That’s why I’ve gathered all my best printing tips (trust me, I’ve learned the hard way!) to help you get your classroom looking fabulous without frustration. Let’s get printing-savvy together!

Choosing the right paper and materials

First things first: what kind of paper should you use for your prints? Paper thickness and quality are game-changers for keeping your decor looking fresh and fab all year long.

For classroom decor items that will get a lot of hands-on attention (specifically hands of the small and fidgety variety), such as student name plates, you’ll want to use heavier paper, like 200gsm cardstock. That’s more than double the thickness of standard paper, which is usually around the 80gsm mark. The cardstock will be strong enough to keep your decor looking sharp but light enough for easy printing at home.

Not everything needs to be printed using heavy-duty paper, though! For English posters, Math posters and other wall art that won’t be touched frequently, regular copy paper or lighter cardstock will do just fine. This will save both money and effort without sacrificing your classroom’s aesthetic impact.

For my Aussie teachers, I like to print using the Officeworks J.Burrows Premium 200gsm A4 Digital Copy Paper.

To laminate, or not to laminate?

Laminating is a great way to ensure your classroom decor stays in tip-top shape, especially for materials students handle regularly. Flashcards, student schedules or classroom task charts will definitely benefit from a protective plastic coat – but not everything necessarily needs it.

For example, are posters hanging up high and out of reach? Skip the lamination there. A good cardstock will hold up perfectly well without the extra expense and effort involved in lamination. Save it for decor that’s at eye level, or things they’ll be interacting with on a regular basis.

 

Psst… Being selective with your laminating not only saves time, but also keeps costs down, meaning you can invest in even more fabulous decor!

Optimize for cost efficiency

Trust me, I know how pricey printing can get – especially when you’re trying to deck out an entire classroom! But don’t worry, there are a few simple ways to keep costs low while still making sure your decor packs a visual punch.

Print in bulk at school

Sometimes, the best printer for teachers is the one you’ll find at school! If your school has access to a bulk printer, make the most of it. Printing large batches of decor is going to be much more affordable than printing at home. 

Only print what you need

Sometimes, classroom decor bundles come with multiple design options that cater to different preferences or requirements. Instead of printing absolutely everything, pick and choose the designs that fit your space and suit your little learners’ needs. You can easily select specific pages in your printer settings to avoid wasting ink and paper.

Go green

Keep things eco-friendly by using recycled paper for pieces that won’t necessarily be (or stay) on display, like planning sheets or classroom checklists. That way, you’re saving both money and the planet!

Use the correct printer settings

Want your prints to look crisp and vibrant? Get familiar with your printer settings! 

DPI

Start by checking your DPI (dots per inch). Higher DPI settings (300 or more) will give you a clear, colorful output that really makes your posters pop. For bigger, bolder items like bunting and lettering, higher DPI is especially important to ensure the details come out just right. But for smaller items like classroom labels, you can reduce the print quality slightly to save on ink.

Print in batches

If you’re printing a lot of decor at once, break it down into smaller batches. This helps prevent printer errors and ensures everything prints to plan.

Adjust ink settings

For less important or back-end documents (like notes or checklists), switch to “draft” mode to save ink without compromising too much on quality.

Check alignment

Especially important for larger prints like posters or banners, make sure your printer is aligned properly so you don’t end up with uneven edges or cut-off text.

Classroom decor that lasts

With the right printing strategies, your classroom decor will last all year (and longer!). Pick the right paper, laminate when needed and adjust your printer settings to ensure your decor pieces are vibrant and durable, so your classroom space is organized without any extra hassle. Now go forth and print like a pro!