Wallpaper

• The most common type of wall border is a wallpaper border. Like full-size wallpaper, borders are available in a wide range of colors, patterns and textures so you can find the ideal match for the rest of your decor. However, borders are much narrower than full-size wallpaper, so they fit perfectly at the top or bottom of a wall. They are often self-adhesive, so you simply wet the back to activate the glue. Hanging wallpaper borders so they are straight and the seams match up can be tricky, but if you take your time, you'll wind up with a neat border.
  
  

Paint

• If the idea of hanging -- and someday removing -- a wallpaper border doesn't appeal to you, paint is an ideal alternative for creating a simple but elegant wall border. Choose a paint color that complements or contrasts with your main wall shade, and determine how wide you want the border to be. Use a ruler to mark the top of the wall at the desired width with a pencil, and follow with painter's tape to provide a clean edge of the border. Press firmly on the tape to ensure that no paint will seep underneath when you apply the paint. With a brush, carefully paint on your border shade. You'll have an attractive, colorful border, but it will be much easier to change than a wallpaper border when the mood strikes.
  
  

Stencils

• Stencils can help make a painted wall border more decorative. They are available in a range of shapes and designs so you can create a truly customized look for your border. Choose one or several stencils to create a pattern for your border. Consider the scale of the room when selecting a stencil so the border doesn't overwhelm a small space or disappear on taller walls. Measure the wall so you know exactly where to place your stencil when painting and how many times you need to place the stencil to create the pattern. Spray the back with a thin coat of repositionable mounting spray, and place in against the wall in the corner of the room where you plan to start. Smooth out any bubbles or gaps to prevent paint from seeping beneath the stencil's edge, and use a brush to apply paint to the open areas. When you are satisfied, carefully peel the stencil away and continue along the wall until the border is complete.
  
  

Peel-and-Stick Wall Decals

• One of the easiest ways to add a border to your walls is to add a series of peel-and-stick wall decals. These decals are usually made from vinyl and are self-adhesive. However, unlike wallpaper borders, wall decals can simply be peeled off when you want to change your décor. They come in a variety of themes, patterns and designs so you can customize your border to fit your room's look to a tee.