Consider where you’re placing the border. For high-traffic areas like hallways or kids’ rooms, you want something durable and easy to clean. Vinyl-coated or strippable options are best here. If you’re aiming for a more temporary accent, perhaps in a rental or for a specific event, peel and stick borders are a fantastic choice.
Choosing the right animal print pattern
Animal prints range from realistic and subtle to stylized and bold. Leopard print is a classic, often appearing in golden-brown hues with black spots. Zebra print offers a striking contrast with black and white stripes. Cheetah print is similar to leopard but with more solid, tear-drop shaped spots. For a more exotic feel, consider snake or tiger prints. Think about the scale of the print relative to your room and existing decor. A large, busy print might overwhelm a small space, while a subtle pattern could get lost in a large room.
Scale and color considerations
The scale of the animal print is crucial. A tiny, repeating pattern might look chic and understated, perfect for a powder room or as a delicate accent. Larger, more dramatic prints, like bold zebra stripes, command attention and can be the focal point of a room. Color is another significant factor. While traditional animal prints stick to natural tones (browns, blacks, whites, grays), you can find them in vibrant, unexpected colors like pink, blue, or green. This allows for more creative integration into your color scheme. If your room already has a lot of color, a neutral-toned animal print might be best. Conversely, a brightly colored animal print can liven up a more subdued space.
Types of wallpaper borders
Wallpaper borders come in various materials, each with its pros and cons. Understanding these differences will help you select the best option for your project.
Traditional wallpaper borders
These are often made of paper or vinyl-coated paper. They typically require a separate wallpaper paste for application. They offer a wide range of designs and finishes, from matte to high-gloss. Traditional borders can be quite durable, especially the vinyl-coated types, making them suitable for most rooms. However, they can be more challenging to install, especially for beginners, and removal can sometimes damage drywall if not done carefully.
Peel and stick wallpaper borders
These are a modern and user-friendly alternative. They have an adhesive backing, meaning no paste is required. You simply peel off the backing and stick the border directly to your wall. This makes them incredibly easy to install and reposition if you make a mistake. They are also ideal for renters because they are generally easy to remove without damaging the wall surface. The adhesive is strong enough for most applications but less permanent than traditional paste. For a guide on peel and stick, check out our easy peel and stick wallpaper guide.
Vinyl and washable borders
Vinyl borders are excellent for areas prone to moisture or dirt, such as kitchens and bathrooms. They are highly durable and can be wiped clean with a damp cloth, making them practical for high-traffic areas or rooms where kids are present. Many traditional and peel and stick borders are now made with vinyl or have a vinyl coating, offering both design flexibility and washability. When choosing, look for terms like ‘washable,’ ‘scrubbable,’ or ‘vinyl’ in the product description.
Installation tips for animal print borders
Proper installation is key to achieving a professional look. Mistakes can be costly and time-consuming to fix.
Preparation is crucial
Before you start, ensure your walls are clean, dry, and smooth. Remove any old wallpaper, grease, or dust. Fill any holes or cracks and sand them smooth. For traditional borders, you’ll need to apply wallpaper primer to ensure good adhesion and easier removal later. For peel and stick, ensure the wall surface is clean and free of dust or grease, as this can compromise the adhesive. Test the adhesive on an inconspicuous area if you’re concerned about wall damage, especially on delicate paint finishes.
Measuring and cutting
Measure the wall space where you want to apply the border. Always buy a little extra to account for mistakes and pattern matching. When cutting the border, use a sharp utility knife or a rotary cutter and a metal ruler for clean, straight edges. If your pattern needs to align at corners or seams, take extra care to match it up before cutting.
Applying the border
For traditional paste-applied borders, follow the paste manufacturer’s instructions carefully regarding application and ‘booking’ time (allowing the pasted paper to relax). For peel and stick, start at one end and carefully align the border. Smooth it onto the wall as you go, using a smoother tool (like a plastic putty knife or a wallpaper smoother) to eliminate air bubbles. Work from the center outwards. If you get a bubble, gently peel back the border to that point and reapply, smoothing as you go.
Dealing with corners and obstacles
Corners can be tricky. For inside corners, you can often wrap the border around. For outside corners, you may need to make a relief cut or overlap slightly. Carefully navigate around windows, doors, and electrical outlets. You’ll likely need to cut slits to fit the border snugly around these features. Trim excess material with your sharp knife once the border is smoothed into place.
Where to use animal print borders
Animal print borders offer versatility. They can be used in various rooms and for different decorative effects.
Accent walls and features
A border can define the top of a wall, creating a distinct visual line. It can also be used to frame a specific feature, like a fireplace or a doorway. Consider using it to break up a large expanse of plain paint or to add interest to a ceiling line. If you love animal prints but aren’t ready for a full accent wall, a border is a perfect compromise. For more ideas on bold patterns, explore stunning animal print wallpaper options.
Kids’ rooms and nurseries
Animal prints are a natural fit for children’s spaces. They add a playful and adventurous touch. A zebra stripe border can add a graphic element to a nursery, while a more subtle leopard print might be perfect for a teen’s room. Washable borders are especially recommended here due to potential messes.
Powder rooms and bathrooms
These smaller spaces are ideal for making a statement with a bold pattern like an animal print border. It can add a touch of glamour and personality without overwhelming the room. Ensure you choose a vinyl or washable option if the border will be near a sink or shower.
Hallways and entryways
Use a border to guide guests through your home and create an immediate impression. A striking animal print border in a hallway can set a sophisticated or fun tone right from the entrance.
Combining with other decor
Animal print borders can be surprisingly adaptable. They pair well with a variety of styles and colors.
Neutrals and solids
Pairing an animal print border with solid neutral colors like beige, cream, gray, or white is a foolproof way to make the print stand out without clashing. This allows the animal pattern to be the star of the show.
Complementary colors
Depending on the colors within your chosen animal print, you can coordinate with complementary hues. For example, a cheetah print with warm brown tones could work well with deep greens or blues. A black and white zebra border can be surprisingly versatile and pairs well with almost any color, especially bolder tones.
Mixing patterns (with caution)
While it can be done, mixing animal prints with other patterns requires a careful hand. If you want to introduce another pattern, opt for something with a much smaller scale or a very different texture. For instance, a subtle floral pattern might work with a bold animal print, especially if they share a color. If you’re interested in floral designs, see our beautiful flowers on wallpaper post. For curated designer looks, consider Rifle Paper Co. wallpaper, which often features elegant floral and animal-inspired motifs.
The ‘wild’ side
For a truly adventurous look, consider pairing your animal print border with other elements that evoke nature or a sense of the wild. This could include natural wood furniture, lush houseplants, or even thematic accents. Consider the Yellowstone wallpaper designs for inspiration on nature-inspired themes.