Last week I decided to take this wall in-between my dining room and kitchen and make it a magnetic chalkboard wall. I have been seeing this all over magazines and blogs for the last few years and loved the way it looked. I wish I had a before picture of that wall but it seems to be the one wall that somehow got left out of all my pictures!
First I used the Rust-Oleum magnetic paint. This stuff is very pricey, I think it cost me $19.99 from Home Depot. A little tip for ya in case you are thinking about using it, get it shaken in the paint shaker before you leave the store. I failed to do that simply because the thought did not even cross my mind. It is a small can and comes in a box so I really thought I could just shake it in my hand and that would do the trick… Instead, when I opened the can it was like a ball of metal in a jar of paint thinner. I mixed it with a paint stirrer, which took forever. Long story short, be ready for a mess when you use this stuff, you need to put on several coats for anything to actually magnetize to it. Though it is fairly neat sticking a magnet on the wall.
The chalk paint was great and went on nice and smooth. It was also from Rust-Oleum and only $9.99.
Here are some of my inspiration pic.s
(Photo: The New York Condo Loft)
(Photo: Pottery Barn)
How do you feel about chalkboard walls? Do you think they should stay in elementary school or do you like the idea of having a wall you can jot down grocery lists or what have you ?
If we ever move into a house that’s big enough to have a playroom I want to paint one of the walls like that so kids can draw on it when they come over. Glad you liked it!
Very Cute! We love this idea!
I can’t wait to do this when I have a house one day! Yours looks so good!
I want to do this so badly in my new house. Our pantry door is going to be clear glass, and it just seems so impractical to me. Who wants to see inside the pantry all the time! I would love to do a chalk paint over the class so you can’t see the mess inside! Not sure how my boyfriend will react though. He’s such a traditionalist. I could probably get away with it in my art room though…
Love your pic and I love how you framed it!
I love this look for any type home. I write on everything, my hand, post-it notes, inside book covers, my husband’s face (okay, maybe not, but sometimes I’d like to), whatever I can get my hands on, so this project is right up my alley. I especially love the quotes on the closet door. We all need a little motivation before we get dressed to feel our best.
love the idea!
I love it in my home. I have one portion of the dining room wall painted with chalkboard paint which I use mostly for Menu. And painted one of the backing of a photo frame with it too. That i write to-do things and place it on the TV console. Perfect! Love it!
This is a great idea! Much better than having just paper to write a list on. Thanks for the inspiration :)
Ooh, cool idea! I’ve always seen these in TV shows and stuff, and it’s always been like a fun thing to do. Good job on setting up your own! :)
My co-blogger has a chalkboard in her kitchen and I love it! It’s fun for guests to leave notes and it always has a personal message for the guests coming over–so you know this home was thinking of you and welcoming you in.
LOVE the chalkboard wall! Awesome!
Very cool idea! We had a little chalkboard by our back door that we used to welcome guests by name, commemorate occasions and such. Now a whiteboard in our kitchen performs the same function. My husband does cartoon art to illustrate the themes of our Community Dinners each week. But a whole chalkboard wall! So much room to fill up with quotes or whatever else. I really like it!
Thanks for sharing that fun moment about your husband drawing cartoon art ! Sounds like your white board is tons of fun! Did you know that Rust-Oleum now makes whiteboard paint as well.
Thanks for your comment!
Pingback: home decor ideas for the future | sparkplug
I think it’s a lovely idea that really belongs in a cottage. I’d love to have one myself but apartment living doesn’t really lend itself to more permanent wall changes…but really its brilliant!
How about making a semi-permanent chalkboard wall by taking a piece of plywood and priming then painting with chalkboard paint. Frame out the plywood and attach a piece of twine on the top to hang it with. Then just find a stud and hang it on the wall. That way when its time to go you can even take it with you! Sometimes you have to improvise for apartment living. I feel like you can always find a way to make it your own and make it work.
Thanks for your comment!
This is a great idea! I’m already thinking of a place or two in my home where this may come in quite handy.
Thanks for sharing, & congrats on being Freshly Pressed!
Blessings!
Thank you so much Renee! I hope you do try out a chalkboard wall of your own. It is really a lot of fun.
I like the thought of having a place to jot things down, and I like the idea of chalk better than something like dry erase, because of the fumes and expense of the writing instruments! The only thing that seems unattractive (and perhaps not a big deal, since I don’t have a chalk board wall in my house) is the potential for chalk dust. But that’s not a big deal – it’s not like I don’t have other kinds of dust in my house!!
That is really cool, is that the paint?
Yes Adrienne82, that is the chalk board paint. It is latex paint and goes on the wall just like any normal wall paint. Very easy to use.
I am glad that I participate in your website.
Thank you! I am too :)
Thank you for sharing. I the chalkboard wall is a great idea. I have a many grandchildren who I think will really enjoy a wall of their own.
I’ve got them at home and in both of my work art therapy offices! Nice job!
http://www.foundobjectbeachart.wordpress.com
Jen
This post is real informative. I never knew you could buy magnetic and chalkboard paint. I feel like I don’t want to forget this idea so I can use it one day, maybe the day I get a cottage.
Sounds great Rob! Glad you were able to get so much out of this post. Keep checking back for more great tips and DIY projects.
We have a white board in the kitchen as it’s not very big but I really like this idea. We may give this a go after all
I dislike them and I automatically cringe when I see a chalkboard. I always instantly imagine nails on the board and that annoying sound. Even the sound of chalk scratching the board annoys me.
Though, once you get past that, they’re pretty.
I LOVE this look and need to re-create it in my own room soon! I saw this in a bookstore (http://blogfrombookstores.wordpress.com/2011/08/18/blogging-from-winchester-book-gallery/) recently and fell in love with the aesthetic. SO CUTE!
I have had plans for chalkboard paint for years. Now I just need a house to put it in :-)
well that’s pretty. the last picture is my favorite. feels like a home.
I love chalkboard walls ! I have one in my son’s play room and one in the Kitchen. Much better looking than the standard noetpads etc. And don’t have to worry about my kid writing on other walls.
Hi, your post’s so interesting. It inspires me a lot. I love to have one in the living room, or the kitchen. But the light must be appropriate, or the room’d look dull.
Love the idea, we have a hugh one in Uni were we all draw and write our throughs, then every week its cleaned and we start again. It a great way for the 150 of us to get to know each other better without meeting, who needs the internet to communicate.
You just made me want a chalk board wall… and I thought they were only for kids rooms! You rock!
a lovely idea and one I am sure your readers will enjoy putting into practice. Nice blog.
Love it! I am already looking for a blank space….
The chalkboard works well in a cottage. Nice post!
this is really good…!
excellent idea….
So creative! Absolutely love this, you did a great thing here!!!
That is a great idea. My fridge is full of stuff now. A wall is a great alternative. Plus my seven year old can doodle to her heart’s content. You have lovely pictures.
you gave me a great ideea thanks
I think this cute chalk board doesn’t only need the space but also good writing, right :-?
Wow!! It is creative!! I like it !!
Definitely not in classrooms only. I love the idea and it is practical too!
This is a great ideal. I had a big chalk board nailed on a wall for my son but when you wrote on it, it would shake. This sounds like it would work better. Thanks for the ideal. I may have to try it.
Love it!
very interesting. could be a small and sweet classroom at home, lol.
I love the feel of a chalkboard wall, especially in a cottagey setting.
Congrats on being freshly pressed.
love this classic thing…
I feel so sad that such things are a far cry in India :(
Pingback: Chalk Board Wall… (via Cottage Life Living) « Akidwithgreatambition
That is, indeed, a great idea. I may have to make my own, and I just added it to a list of things I want in the house that I’m going to build when I finally decide I’m ready to settle down.
I really like chalk boards, except for that awful nails scratching on it sound. I’ve had white boards in all of my living spaces for the past five years or so, and that’s nice, but the markers smell and the boards inevitably end up looking cheap. Chalkboards seem like more natural home decoration – like it can be part of the house, like your wall – and I like the physical substance. You also know it will come off with just water, instead of having to keep track of dry erase and wet erase and God forbid someone use a sharpie by mistake….
LOVE this!!!!! So much so I want to make it all my own! Yay, project!
Very cool . . . love the idea of putting my thoughts in chalk . . . just not sure I want to know what my children are thinking.
This is an awesome idea – resourceful and green!
i really like the idea of a chalkboard wall i might do this on a wall in my bedroom thanks for the awesome idea.
I love this idea. I totally want one. I may ask my landlord to let me do this to a wall (part of a wall). They’re super nice landlords. :-)
Chalk Board Wall, oh it’s really a good idea, i will get one ^^
Thank you.
The kitchen menu idea is so cool!
This is a fabulous idea, I plan on trying it soon… Creative & functional :)
I would prefer a white board. Chalk gets onto your hands and, inevitably your clothing.
I love it. I have seen this in a shop where they marked the specials on it.
I love the idea of it, and I think the trim around your chalkboard wall gives it great polish. It looks like it belongs there, if that makes any sense. How is the mess, though? I’ve been hesitant about doing something similar around here, because all of our chalk-board easel adventures have resulted in chalk dust EVERYWHERE. Has that been a problem for you?
I’ve always wanted to do this! It looks amazing!
I will be doing this when I get a home!
That looks great! Now if I can just figure out how to put in my apartment…
I agree, the fact that your chalkboard is magnetic is super awesome! I have never seen a magnetic one or even knew they made a metal paint to make things magnetic?!? Who knew? Thanks for sharing!
I would love to have one of these in my kitchen but I have no wall to be able to do that on. What a neat and creative idea. I would use it to post the dinner menu every single night (afterall, how many times does the family ask, “What’s for dinner?”). Thanks for a great post!
I love this! What a great idea. Thank you for sharing. I really want one now. :)
I love chalkboard paint! I used it to create a large 5’x 5’ monthly calendar on my kitchen wall. It has been wonderful. My kids know when practices, birthday parties, ortho appointments and important school events are. My husband can glance at it and see what the weekend will bring! Plus we have space at the bottom for phone numbers, messages, random notes and the grocery list items. We also enjoy highlighting birthdays and holidays!
I’m all into keeping them in classrooms. Then there is a common fixpoint for the entire class – and something to sound off on when the children misbehave. ]:)
Oh, and I do like the idea of covering a wall like that in one’s home. :)
Definitely should be used more outside of the school classrooms!
Great idea!
I love this idea! Not sure where we would put one, but I can think of a million uses for it.
We had a chalkboard wall in our cafe. People who came from all over left messages and signatures. It became quite a historic piece, it told a hundred stories. When we moved, we took photos of the wall, framed them and sold them. People really wanted those photos.
I’m waiting for the next place so that we can have the chalkboard wall again. This one will definitely be magnetic.
Well done on the fp!
I’ve always loved this idea, especially for a kitchen so you can write menu ideas and stuff. They look super cute, too!
I’ve seen them around too and I have made one on the tall bookshelf / cabinet door for my 7 year old step-daughter! She has her own pretend cafe in that corner and now she writes up menus on the board. She loves it so much than even when the cafe is ‘closed’ she has taken to writing out times tables on the board! Who would have thought!
Great work on your board!
I have never seen someone do this with magnetic paint before, but admittedly I wasn’t looking either. Thanks for the idea, and the pottery barn picture (the slots and movable rods is a neat trick). I now have a new weekend project
I LOVE chalkboard walls. Not a huge fan of the paint though… Maybe I’ve only used the poor quality stuff, but I haven’t been impressed…
I love the chalkboard wall! Looks great and so practical for the kitchen :) I didn’t even know magnetic paint existed… that’s magic
Looks beautiful and rustic :) I am moving soon and will definitely think about doing something like this in my new place
I had no idea chalkboard paint was a thing. I’ve seen some pictures of adorable breakfast nooks with chalkboards, and once I move somewhere where I can repaint things, it’s on my list. Thanks for the how-to!
I really like the chalkboard idea, especially magnetized. I want to put one in my kitchen, maybe even on a cabinet door. I have also considered the idea of making a chalkboard floor area in my basement (I have kids and lots of side walk chalk). Thanks for posting this idea. I haven’t seem too many finished products.
love chalkboard walls! had planned to put an entire wall in my sons room, but decided that it needed to wait until he’s old enough to not eat the chalk. and the molding included looks amazing. great idea, and thanks for sharing!
http://www.icouldntmakethisshitup.wordpress.com
Thank you! I’m sure when your son gets a little bit older he will love a chalkboard wall!
Cool idea. Don’t think I’d want it in my home, personally, but the idea is definitely amusing.
I just did the SAME THING! And it’s the wall between my kitchen and dining room, too! i didn’t make it magnetic, however, that woulda been cool :)
here’s mine: http://the20spot.wordpress.com/2011/08/17/chalk-wall-diy/
thanks for sharing!
Love this idea. I actually like using a whiteboard better, but that’s not as cute!
They actually make the white dry erase board paint as well! Maybe try that and see how it turns out.
Every home should have one of these! It looks beautiful here and would go with almost any decor. I didn’t know you could just paint one on.
It’s super easy to use the chalkboard paint! Thank you for your comment :)
I really really like the idea of the chalkboard wall, so much so that I painted one in my NYC apartment. Unfortunately, we put up a bike rack that particially blocks the wall so I haven’t gotten much use out of it since! I hope you are able to update yours!
As a word AND list lover, I have to say: I WANT ONE!!! Very cool!
Thanks for the comment!
That’s awesome, next month I’ll be moving to Minneapolis and this chalk board wall idea will definitely be incorporated into my loft.
Good luck with your move and have fun painting!!
LOVE LOVE LOVE this. I have some eraseable marker boards in various spots in the house, but the chalkboard is definitely more fun. And, having it as an entire ceiling to floor fixture, as in your first picture, is SO awesome. Very cute!
Thank you! I knew right away that wall was the right spot for the chalkboard paint and I am soo happy with it! Thanks for your comment!
Way to go on the Chalkboard Wall! Looks fabulous! I found you on Freshly Pressed – great job! What an honor to be mentioned!
L-blogger
tellerallaboutit.wordpress.com
Thank you! I am very honored that they picked me to freshly press! Thanks for the sweet comment! Hope you check back later for more inspiration.
I absolutely LOVE the Chalkboard wall and I want to get one in my new place. :) How do you paint over them though if you ever need to?
The chalkboard paint is actually latex paint so it is very easy to paint over. Just get some good primer and get to town. A coat of primer and then your regular paint should do it nicely should you decide the look is not for you! Have fun!
For many years, I’ve had a large, framed chalkboard in my kitchen above my desk. Our family hasn’t gone a day without using it! My kids love it for Math practice, drawing sketches and sticking artwork on it with magnets. I use it for menus as well as chore charts. Chalkboards rock! Maybe unless you’re a teacher?
Great feedback! Thanks for sharing that info, it’s nice to know it was worked for you soo long!
I can think a 1000 uses for a chalk wall in my own house. Thanks for sharing. Hmmmm, I wonder if we can get this for the dashboards of cars???
Congrats on being Freshly Erased…opps, I mean Freshly Pressed.
Mr. Bricks
Lol, Thanks for your comment it made me laugh!
I love this idea. I actually purchased a can of the chalkboard paint about two years ago because I have seen this idea before and love it but never got to do it. My plan was to repaint my scrapbook/craft room and frame out a spot above my desk to keep thoughts and ideas for my crafts. You’ve now just inspired me to get in gear and do it. Great job, it looks great.
I’m so happy I could get you some motivation for your project! I actually had thought about that same idea so you are on the right track! Give it a shot, I’m sure you will love it!
LOVE this – so cool – except when I think of chalkboards I think of that awful sound – eeeek!
great post!
That’s funny you said that about the sound. I almost made the title of this post “Nail’s on a Chalkboard” then thought against it. Thank you for the comment!
Love the Menu board. Keep going!!!
Thank you!
Have you had any trouble erasing the chalk since it’s more or less a painted surface as opposed to a “real” chalkboard? I guess it’d be okay to erase with a damp cloth if you’re OCD about chalk dust and things not completely erasing (there’s a personal confession built into this question, in other words). I love the look, though — and I do want to try this soon. I think I’d love playing with the different chalk colors and building a fancy menu — not to mention all of the DON’T FORGET lists that wind up on post-its and are immediately lost/forgotten! :-D
When you erase it with an eraser it does look all cloudy but all you have to do is take a damp paper towel and wipe it down and its nice and black again. It is a great place to write those “Don’t Forget” lists :) Thank you for the comment!
Absolutely fab idea! We have done this in our cottage too. It’s made a quirky feature and a talking point whenever people come over as we leave cryptic messages on it for each other. Really pleased to have found your blog, love your style!
Thank you so much for that sweet comment! I happy you found my blog as well!
This is a darling idea, I love the menu idea for the kitchen. Great job and congratulations on being freshly pressed:) xoxo
Thank you so much Bailey! I appreciate the love!
I have to be honest, here, I LOVE the look of it but I’m not sure I could actually do it in my own house. You see, I have terrible handwriting (seriously, it assaults the eyes) and the idea of having to look at my own handwriting would drive me insane. I’m a bit of a neat-freak, and when things look messy, well, I just gotta clean ‘em up! Haha. I would erase everything that I had written on the chalkboard wall just so it would look neat and tidy…which kind of defeats the purpose, no? Haha.
I do think it’s a very cool idea, though! Congrats on being Freshly Pressed! :)
Lol, Thank you so much for the congrats! You could always try painting it on a large board and framing it and then hanging that on a wall, that way if you decided you did not like it you could just take it down. You would be surprised how easy it is to write on… practice makes perfect :) I understand about the neat freak issue… I like for everything to be very organized as well. Thanks for your comment! Keep coming back I will have many more posts full of DIY decor inspiration!
Well, that does seem to be a better idea! Haha. Maybe I’ll try the board first just in case I don’t like it…it appears as though my commitment issues have spilled over even into my home decor ideas. ;)
Ooo I love it!!! I’m a designer and I’ve used chalkboard paint to make individual chalkboards, but never to paint an actual wall. It looks amazing! Thanks for the inspiration!
Thank you so much! I am glad you were able to take some inspiration from my page! I have much more to come so definitely keep checking back!
Looks good. I’ve always wanted a wall where I can just draw and scribble without getting in trouble. Looks like I’ve found the solution ^_^
Also is there such thing as colored chalk paint? (since I’ve only seen black chalkboards and not colored ones).
There is chalk paint that you can color. It comes in the same little can and you just have them put the color in it. It says on the box that it is the color chalkboard paint. I know they sell it at Home Depot so just ask the sales associate to help you find it!
A chalkboard wall definitely does the trick! Have fun with it, you could always do a wall with the dry erase paint that Rust-Oleum has put out as well. I have yet to use that though so I can not tell you first hand how it works. Let me know if you decide to actually paint a chalkboard wall in your house and send me a picture!
Thanks for stopping by and leaving your comment!
I love its functionality. This might also be great on kitchen walls or rooms for children or even on my study area. The list goes on. Haha. Nice :)
You are very right about putting it in a child’s room! Think about how many kids want to write on the wall. But give them a chalkboard wall and some chalk and they would be busy for hours!
I would love a chalkboard wall! My mind is always full of ideas and whatnot, and this would be a convenient and fun way to write them down.
Yes, it would be great for that!
This looks great! Now I want to make one for my kitchen!
Thank you!
It is definitely fun to have on your wall in the kitchen. Give it a try and let me know how it turns out!
I love the idea! For one, it gives me an excuse to write on the wall without getting yelled at. ;)
But seriously, I think it opens doors to so many creative ideas, and spontaneity, and fun. It looks great in your house too!
I love love LOVE the idea … except I also think I would need to take handwriting lessons, so that my menus and notes and scribbles could look as cool as those portrayed here. I don’t perform well under pressure … and having my words displayed for all to see would mean too much pressure! ;)
Thank you!
It just takes practice also the awesome thing about the chalkboard is you can erase it if your writing doesn’t look that great on the first try!
I like it! Everyone loves writing on a chalkboard :)
Okay I relent! It looks really good : -) Looks like it has a frame around it too …. I LOVE the fact that it is magnetized !! How cool !!
I would have so much fun leaving messages on that wall !
Thank you.
I put molding around the chalkboard for that very reason. I’m glad you like it.
Seriously that molding looks wonderful. I knew about painting chalkboards onto walls, but I was never a fan until this post shed the light on the molding possibility. Great job.