Original ways to use a chalkboard at home

I love finding new materials to work with, and chalkboards are a great one. Whether you choose to make a bold statement with an entire wall or highlight a small section of your space, you can customise your chalkboard to fit any size and style.

Below, discover how you can use a chalkboard in your kitchen, kids’ bedroom, office and more. These creative chalkboard wall ideas will inspire you to bring a fun and functional DIY project to life.

 

1. Create a chalkboard wall

Creating a chalkboard wall is so easy (and cheap) and it means you can use the wall in whatever way you choose, from writing shopping lists or letting the kids create their own drawings.

Chalkboard walls can be seen in restaurants and cafes, where it’s the ideal material for creating menus that can easily be changed when needed, as well as home offices, kitchens and children’s rooms. The chalkboard hasn’t been used in classrooms for many years, taken over by more advanced technology, but this doesn’t mean you can’t embrace it.

How to create a chalkboard wall

First, you will need:

• A good chalkboard paint. I recommend Blackfrier* or Rust-Oleum*
• Primer (optional)
• Painter’s tape
• Sandpaper
• A paint roller and tray
• A small paintbrush for the edges
• Chalk (to season the board)

Step 1: Choose the wall
Select a smooth, flat surface for your chalkboard wall. Avoid highly textured walls, as they can make writing difficult and affect how well the chalk adheres. A clean, even surface will provide the best results.

Step 2: Prepare the surface
Clean the wall thoroughly to remove dust, grease, and dirt. If there are any holes, dents, or imperfections, fill them with filler and sand the area smooth. A properly prepped surface ensures better paint adhesion and a sleek finish.

Step 3: Apply painter’s tape
Use painter’s tape to outline the area where you want the chalkboard to be. This helps create clean, sharp edges and prevents paint from getting on surrounding walls, trim, or skirting boards.

Step 4: Prime the wall (if needed)
If the wall is glossy or porous, apply a primer before painting. This helps the chalkboard paint stick better and last longer. Allow the primer to dry completely before moving to the next step.

Step 5: Apply the chalkboard paint
Stir the chalkboard paint well before use. Use a roller to apply an even coat, and use a small brush for edges and corners. Apply at least two coats, letting each coat dry completely before adding another.

Step 6: Let the paint cure
Once the final coat is applied, allow the paint to cure for at least 24 to 72 hours. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for the best results. Letting the paint fully cure ensures a durable, long-lasting surface.

Step 7: Season the chalkboard surface
Before using your chalkboard, rub the entire surface with the side of a piece of chalk. Then, wipe it off with a dry or damp cloth. This prevents permanent ghosting marks and creates a smoother writing surface.

And that’s it! Super simply and all for a good price.

 

2. Get more organised at home

What I love about chalkboards is the ability to erase whatever is written on them. This makes them the ideal material for shopping lists, recipes, personalised notes and more.

Hang a small chalkboard in the kitchen to keep track of the items and products you’ve run out of. It’ll stop you forgetting milk on your next supermarket shop. You could also use the same board to write down recipes or culinary inspiration so you can cook without having to hold a book open or by checking your phone.

Another use is for writing little notes around the house. This could be a message to the kids, reminding them to take their PE kit to school, or it could be little positive motivational quotes that will keep you going throughout the day. Change the notes regularly by rubbing out what was there and replacing it. If you don’t want to use chalk all the time, you can invest in liquid chalk pens that may be easier to write with.

 

3. Create chalk artwork

If you get bored of the artwork that’s currently in your home, get creative and create some chalk artwork that can be changed whenever you get fed up. Create whatever you like to suit the space, using chalk pens to create something that’s colourful and beautiful.

 

4. Encourage your children’s learning and creative play

Children love making a mess, creating art and practising their drawing. Chalkboards are the best way for them to do all of this, especially as anything they write can be undone.

There are many ways children can use a chalkboard, including:

• Drawing: young children love to draw, and a chalkboard is the perfect space for them to do this. Plus it means you can relax, knowing that your walls and furniture won’t be damaged.
• Learning through play: chalk surfaces are excellent for educational activities, such as practising letters, numbers, or solving simple maths problems. Learning through play is an engaging method for every child.
• Organising tasks and schedules: for older children, a chalkboard can be used to note important dates and plan individual activities, fostering independence and organisation skills.

 

5. Get organised at work

When you work from home, you need to stay motivated and organised, and chalkboards are the ideal thing to help with this. From using a chalkboard as a task planner, to inspiring your creative space, there are tons of uses for one.

A chalkboard can serve as a planner where you can note daily tasks, weekly goals, or motivational quotes. It is a guaranteed way to stay motivated! Alternatively, you can use the surface for creating diagrams or initial sketches or writing down important data when working on projects. It is a practical tool that supports creativity and organisation.

Magnetic chalkboards allow you to attach photos, postcards, certificates, or essential documents with colourful, decorative magnets. This is a great way to keep your workspace tidy while adding a personal touch.

 

As you can see, chalkboards are clearly versatile and there are tons of uses for one in your home, from kitchens and children’s rooms to home offices. How would you choose to use a chalkboard in your home?