The 5 Best Bulletin Board Paper Options – with Photo Examples from Classrooms 

Let’s talk bulletin board paper for a second. 

It seems like such a small detail, but the right background paper can make your bulletin boards look amazing—and the wrong choice can make even the cutest decor fall flat. 

I’ve tested (and seen teachers use) tons of different bulletin board papers over the years, and these 5 options are my absolute favorites. 

They work with multiple classroom themes, they’re easy to find, and they look great in real classrooms. Keep reading to see photo examples!

And be sure to check out the last option in this list, because it’s my VERY favorite 😍 

(This post contains affiliate links for Amazon. This means that Amazon sends me a small commission, at no cost to you, if you purchase through one of these links.) 

A Quick Note about These Suggestions 🗒️

Another note about these suggestions- this paper will tear MUCH less frequently than the colored butcher paper from the teacher’s lounge. Especially if you have a long walk back to your classroom. 😉

The reason I love these 5 background designs is that they go with any decor theme you could possibly have. So, once you’ve decked out your bulletin board once, you can re-use it year after year, even if your decor changes. 🙌

White Vinyl Background

If you’re looking for something super simple, but more durable than butcher paper, check out this white vinyl background from Better Than Paper. 

Happy Hues Amazing Work Coming Soon Display

It’s nothing fancy, but it works great against bright colors. 

If your walls are a cream or tan color and you don’t want to mess with gray, brown, or a tan shade, this white option might be perfect to help your design stand out.

🛒 Add this white vinyl bulletin board paper to your cart today!

Another great store to check for this item is Lakeshore Learning. 

Black & White Spots

If you’re looking for something to add an extra pop to your bulletin board displays, look no further than this option! 

Retro Rodeo Bulletin Board Displays

This bulletin board paper is fantastic for any color scheme and adds a bit more flavor than a plain white background. 

The exact background I used I found at Hobby Lobby last summer, and I’m not sure it’s there anymore. 

👌 Here is a VERY similar option on Amazon. 

If you love this design, it might be worth a quick trip to your local Hobby Lobby to see if you can find this exact print! 

Gray Shiplap Bulletin Board Paper

There is nothing more neutral than a gray background. 

It allows the other colors to pop without being quite as harsh as stark white.

Retro Rodeo Birthday Display

The brand Fadeless is my preferred version of this background. 

It’s a little stronger & more durable than other brands I’ve found & worked with. 

Again, one of the reasons why I love this design is that it goes with any color scheme and simply adds to the theme design. 

👉 Snag this bulletin board paper on Amazon here. 

Other great stores to check for this item are: Office Depot, Staples, & Lakeshore Learning

Grey Shiplap Take 2 

Like I said at the beginning of this post, the grey shiplap is a common background for classroom displays.

If the Better Than Paper brand is the one you love, they have a great grey shiplap option! 

Modern Calm Colors Decor

I love how seamlessly this grey shiplap bulletin board paper blends with the colors of the classroom decor without dragging attention away from the pieces. 

🌟 Decorate your bulletin boards with this paper today. 

Another great store to check for this item is Lakeshore Learning. 

My Favorite Bulletin Board Paper 😍

You’ve made it to my absolute favorite: the wood grain from the brand Fadeless. 

Simply Neutral Decor, Tropical Vibes Decor, Modern Calm Colors Decor 

If you’ve been following me on social media for any length of time, the fact that the wood grain is my preferred background should not surprise you. 

Whenever I set up decor, I find myself using the wood grain option over and over again. 

I think it offers the perfect breakup from your painted walls, but goes perfectly with literally any color scheme or decor theme. Add some black and white polka dot borders, and you’ve got a beautiful bulletin board display. 🙌

🤩 Make this wood grain bulletin board paper your favorite, too! 

Other great stores to check for this item are: Office Depot, Lakeshore Learning, and it’s sometimes available at Michaels or Hobby Lobby. 

Adding bulletin board paper to the background of your displays makes everything pop! 

Surround your entire display with some fun & cute borders, and you’ve created one incredible display. 

And if this sounds amazing, but the thought of putting a bulletin board together fills you with sudden dread, follow my 5 hacks to make the process a piece of cake!