Traditionally used to hide imperfections, wobbly joinery and peeling paint, wallpaper borders have a somewhat old-fashioned reputation. But prepare for that to change: much like many previously outdated design details, this decorating flourish (all the rage in 90s homes) has undergone a modern revival.
‘We’re now seeing borders being used in new ways,’ say Aimee Lagos and Christiana Coop, founders of boutique wallpaper company Hygge & West. ‘In the past, borders were often paired with matching wallpaper and applied on top as an accent stripe. Now, they’re being used to highlight architectural elements such as windows or ceiling beams, more often than not without wallpaper. The sky (or rather, the ceiling) really is the limit when it comes to where you should apply a border – any flat surface is fair game.’
For a low-cost, high-impact update, borders are almost unbeatable. ‘I like to think of them as the highlights you find in paintings: they have the potential to create a real sense of light and shade in a room,’ says Kate Hawkins, founder of wallpaper brand CommonRoom. ‘They also add interest and fun without being a huge investment, financially or emotionally.’
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Ever more fashionable options for borders are now reaching the market. Lick has just introduced a collaboration with interior designer Kelly Hoppen CBE, which features borders patterned with geometric shapes in neutral colours, designed to fit easily into any space.
Interior designer Susie Atkinson, who sells wallpaper borders of her own design through her online shop, agrees: ‘Borders are less of a commitment than wallpaper, can be used in many more ways and add a touch of drama. Try doubling them up and mixing two different designs together. Alternatively, add them to furniture as a fun detail.’ hyggeandwest.com, commonroom.co, susie-atkinson.com, lick.com.
Expert tips - how to use borders now
The key to banishing any overly retro associations lies in the application of your border. Here are some ideas to inspire you…
Along joinery details
Use a patterned border on the cornice of a closet or on the treads of stairs to pick out the architecture of a space and bring previously bland design elements to life.
Define a clash
True maximalists can use a border to divide sections of pattern and colour – think different sections of wallpaper or paint on a wall split by a carefully-placed strip.
Around a doorway
A border surrounding a doorframe makes the entrance more impactful and offers a differentiating aspect between rooms. This works especially well on arched entrances.
