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FROM LEFT: Adonis by Studio Atkinson. Broderie Border by Cole & Son. Ernie by Studio Atkinson. Scroll by Parker & Jules. Zig Zag Stripe Border by Salvesen Graham. Scallop Wallpaper Border by Flockhart Fabrics. Reggie by Studio Atkinson.

STYLED BY OLGA NAIMAN. PHOTOGRAPHED BY KEVIN KERR.

See How Designers Are Putting a Fresh Spin on Wallpaper Borders

From historic motifs to bold graphics, they're thoroughly of-the-moment.

October 8, 2024

There are certain relics of 1980s decorating—swagged curtains, saccharine pastels, bedroom-in-a-box suites—better left in the past. Wallpaper borders, however, aren’t among them. In the 18th century, they became popular as both embellishment and problem-solver, used to disguise tacks, gaps, or the cut ends of larger wallpaper panels.

HORIZONTAL BORDERS, FROM TOP: Egg and Dart Border by Adelphi Paper Hangings. Thessaloniki by Långelid/von Brömssen. Otis Federal Chain Border by Adelphi Paper Hangings. VERTICAL BORDERS, FROM LEFT: Berrien House Dentil Border by Adelphi Paper Hangings. Lola Montez Border by Madeleine Castaing for Edmond Petit, available through Brunschwig & Fils. Pearl Border by Adelphi Paper Hangings. Svedjan by Lim & Handtryck.

STYLED BY OLGA NAIMAN. PHOTOGRAPHED BY KEVIN KERR.

Today, designers are rediscovering borders’ ability to instantly change a room’s mood, highlight architecture, or even create it from scratch. From new takes on historic patterns to boldly graphic motifs from modern-day makers, our favorites prove that a bit of extra embellishment needn’t be, well, extra.

Check out our gallery below to see how a roster of buzz-worthy decorators are making wallpaper borders feel fabulously fresh!

  • Designer Susie Atkinson is among the new guard of wallpaper border enthusiasts proving that, when used judiciously, these pretty papers can have a delightfully invigorating effect. In a London bedroom, she used her own grass-green Reggie Stripe (available at studio-atkinson.com) to punch up pale pink walls.

    COURTESY OF STUDIO ATKINSON
  • “Affectionately referred to as the ‘Gucci room’ because of the wallpaper border’s interlocking design, this powder bath was pulled together by the trim!” says London-based Rachel Chudley, who used Otis Federal Chain Border by Adelphi Paper Hangings. “It’s hand-blocked, and the imperfections give it so much personality.”

    Simon Upton
  • Design duo Salvesen Graham make a case for pattern matching in this charming bedroom, where the blooming tendrils of their own Floral Trail Fabric—inspired by a 19th-century French document—are carried all the way up to the ceiling with a coordinating wallpaper border.

    Jonathan Bond for Salvesen Graham
  • When a bold statement is in order, try pairing a graphic border with a patterned wallpaper for a one-of-a-kind result. In this powder room by Stockholm-based Covet Interior Architecture and Design, Långelid/Von Brömssen’s geometric Thessaloniki trim adds structure to fanciful Edelweiss wallpaper.

    Marcus Stork / @marcusstorkstudio

    Designer Susie Atkinson is among the new guard of wallpaper border enthusiasts proving that, when used judiciously, these pretty papers can have a delightfully invigorating effect. In a London bedroom, she used her own grass-green Reggie Stripe (available at studio-atkinson.com) to punch up pale pink walls.

    COURTESY OF STUDIO ATKINSON

    “Affectionately referred to as the ‘Gucci room’ because of the wallpaper border’s interlocking design, this powder bath was pulled together by the trim!” says London-based Rachel Chudley, who used Otis Federal Chain Border by Adelphi Paper Hangings. “It’s hand-blocked, and the imperfections give it so much personality.”

    Simon Upton

    Design duo Salvesen Graham make a case for pattern matching in this charming bedroom, where the blooming tendrils of their own Floral Trail Fabric—inspired by a 19th-century French document—are carried all the way up to the ceiling with a coordinating wallpaper border.

    Jonathan Bond for Salvesen Graham

    When a bold statement is in order, try pairing a graphic border with a patterned wallpaper for a one-of-a-kind result. In this powder room by Stockholm-based Covet Interior Architecture and Design, Långelid/Von Brömssen’s geometric Thessaloniki trim adds structure to fanciful Edelweiss wallpaper.

    Marcus Stork / @marcusstorkstudio

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THIS ARTICLE ORIGINALLY APPEARED IN VOLUME 14 OF FREDERIC MAGAZINE. CLICK HERE TO SUBSCRIBE!