Bulletin Board Borders

Printable bulletin board borders are decorative paper strips you download, print and trim to frame a classroom bulletin board. Bulletin board borders are those colorful, patterned strips that go around the edges of your classroom bulletin board. They might seem like a small detail, but they make a huge difference!

Decorative borders help tie your whole bulletin board display together, making it look neat, polished, and inviting for students. Think of them as the “frame” for your bulletin board — just like a picture looks better in a frame, your classroom displays instantly pop with a border around them. They’re one of the simplest ways to add personality, color, and excitement to your room decor without having to start from scratch every time you redecorate. Unlike store-bought border rolls, printable borders never run out. Reprint a strip when one tears or print extra for a bigger board.

The best classroom bulletin board border ideas are framing student work, color-coding subject walls, layering scalloped over straight borders, and swapping borders each season. There are so many fun and creative bulletin board border ideas to elevate any learning environment. Teachers love using these versatile designs to:

• Frame Student Work: Create dedicated areas that celebrate student achievements and draw attention to class projects.
• Highlight Subject-Specific Displays: Define clear focus walls for math, reading, science, or daily schedules.
• Layer Multiple Designs: Mix and match two or three complementary banner letter styles to add distinct depth and visual interest to your displays.
• Create Seasonal Themes: Easily swap out printable edges to transition your classroom decor for different holidays, seasons, or lesson units.
• Tie Classroom Themes Together: Match your borders with your overall aesthetic, whether the preference is calming neutrals, soft pastels, or bright and bold prints.

Because these resources are quick to print and easy to put up, classroom looks can be instantly refreshed without spending hours decorating.

You buy once, download the PDF, and print as many border strips as your board needs. Trim along the edge, then staple or pin the strips around your bulletin board.

1. Choose a theme that matches your classroom decor.
2. Download the PDF straight after checkout.
3. Print on heavy cardstock (around 200gsm) so strips hold their shape.
4. Trim along the straight or scalloped edge.
5. Staple, pin or tape the strips around the board, overlapping the ends slightly.

Because these are digital, printable bulletin board borders, you get instant access to the files to print whenever a classroom refresh is needed!

Once the perfect classroom theme is found, simply download the file, choose a favorite edge style—scalloped, straight, or layered—and print out as many border strips as needed to fit the board’s measurements.

For the best durability throughout the school year and to create a flawless look, printing on heavy cardstock (around 200gsm) is highly recommended. Check out my Printing Tips for Teachers for advice on paper weights, ink-saving settings, and durability!

Want a little pro-tip? Pair your borders with matching bulletin board letters to easily build a completely coordinated, professional classroom bulletin board display set.

If you fall in love with a theme (and you will), consider purchasing a decor bundle. Not only will you save money, but you'll have everything you need to create a cohesive and beautifully themed learning space.

To work out how many strips you need, add up the four sides of your board, divide by the length of one strip, and add one extra for corner overlaps. Staple or pin strips to corkboard, or use double-sided tape on painted walls.

Scalloped borders have a wavy edge that softens a display. Straight borders give a clean, modern frame. Layering a scalloped border over a straight one adds depth.

• Scalloped: best for welcome boards, early years and seasonal displays.
• Straight: best for anchor charts, subject walls and minimalist rooms.
• Combined: best for feature boards and door displays, since one strip gives you both edges.

Every set includes straight and scalloped edges, and most newer sets add combined designs too.

To mix and match without making a display look cluttered, the secret is balancing patterns with solids. Start with a neutral background—like kraft paper, a flat white sheet, or woodgrain—so the decor colors truly pop.

Next, pair opposites. If using a busy, patterned printable bulletin board border, anchor it with solid-colored bulletin board letters. If using a solid border, add visual interest by hanging a boldly patterned bunting banner just below the header.

For extra dimension, layer a scalloped border directly over a straight-edged solid border to create a thick, custom frame. (Pro tip: To build this layered look and get everything on the wall during a single prep period, read my 10-minute bulletin board hack for a genius trick to staple trimmers and hang letters perfectly straight.

Sticking to a strict 3-to-4 color palette across all printable elements ensures the whole classroom stays beautifully coordinated without feeling overwhelming.

Exploring the full suite of themed bulletin board displays makes it easy to keep your whole classroom perfectly coordinated.

Teachers love how quick, affordable, and beautiful it is to set up their classrooms with these designs!

"I LOVE the colors, the minimalistic look and the variety that has been provided. It's just as simple as a click and your printing is ready to go! I can decorate my class prettily with your borders. The price is so affordable and also it is forever yours to keep! I would definitely recommend getting her products. Will be buying more from here in the future :D" — F.M. (Who purchased Bulletin Board Borders - Daisy Gingham Pastels Decor)

If you want to recreate this exact look in your own classroom, you can pair these printable borders with our matching bulletin board letters. Together, they make the ultimate, budget-friendly Bulletin Board display that you can print, use, and keep forever!