Skip to content

Top Navigation

Better Homes & Gardens
Better Homes & Gardens
  • Gardening
  • Home Improvement Ideas
  • Cleaning and Organizing
  • Recipes and Cooking
  • Decorating
  • Holidays
  • Rooms
  • News
  • Beauty & Style

Profile Menu

Join Now

Account

  • Join Now
  • My Profile
  • Email Preferences
  • Newsletter
  • Manage Your Subscription this link opens in a new tab
  • Help
  • Logout

More

  • Give a Gift Subscription
  • BH&G Books this link opens in a new tab
My Account

Account

  • Join Now
  • My Profile
  • Email Preferences
  • Newsletter
  • Manage Your Subscription this link opens in a new tab
  • Help
  • Logout

More

  • Give a Gift Subscription
  • BH&G Books this link opens in a new tab
Login
Subscribe
Pin

Explore Better Homes & Gardens

Better Homes & Gardens
Better Homes & Gardens
  • Explore

    Explore

    • The Only Weed Identification Guide You'll Ever Need: 33 Common Weedy Plants to Watch For

      The Only Weed Identification Guide You'll Ever Need: 33 Common Weedy Plants to Watch For

      Don't let these pesky plants crash your garden party! The first step is to know your enemy. Then you'll know the best way to deal with your weed problem. Read More
    • 6 Small Steps You Can Take Today to Get Organized for Good

      6 Small Steps You Can Take Today to Get Organized for Good

      A professional organizer offers advice on how to tidy up your home without feeling overwhelmed. Read More
    • 5 Anti-Inflammatory Ingredients to Add to Your Smoothie for a Healthy Boost

      5 Anti-Inflammatory Ingredients to Add to Your Smoothie for a Healthy Boost

      Anti-inflammatory smoothies do exist! Instead of blending in boatloads of sugar and artificial ingredients, try these smoothies for inflammation that are stoked with ingredients that may help lower your risk for chronic diseases including cancer, heart disease, depression, and more. Read More
  • Gardening

    Gardening

    See All Gardening
    4 DIY Seed-Starting Pots You Can Make With Items You Already Have

    4 DIY Seed-Starting Pots You Can Make With Items You Already Have

    Upcycle old newspapers, junk mail, and other waste paper to make these easy, eco-friendly containers you can use to sprout new plants for your garden.
    • Flowers
    • Houseplants
    • Plant Encyclopedia
    • Garden Pests
    • Trees, Shrubs & Vines
    • Caring for Your Yard
    • Edible Gardening
    • Garden Design
    • Gardening By Region
    • Landscaping
  • Home Improvement Ideas

    Home Improvement Ideas

    See All Home Improvement Ideas
    What Style Is Your House? The 10 Most Popular House Styles Explained

    What Style Is Your House? The 10 Most Popular House Styles Explained

    With so many types of house styles, narrowing the list down to your favorite can be overwhelming. We'll show you the top 10 most popular house styles, including Cape Cod, country French, Colonial, Victorian, Tudor, Craftsman, cottage, Mediterranean, ranch, and contemporary. Here's how to tell the differences between each architectural style.
    • Home Exteriors
    • DIY Home Electrical Tips & Guides
    • Outdoor Structures
    • Home Remodeling
    • Plumbing Installations & Repairs
    • Remodeling Advice & Planning
    • Flooring
    • Lighting
    • Decks
    • Porches
  • Cleaning and Organizing

    Cleaning and Organizing

    See All Cleaning and Organizing
    A Whole-House Cleaning Schedule You'll Actually Stick To

    A Whole-House Cleaning Schedule You'll Actually Stick To

    Cleaning your home doesn't have to be a daunting, time-consuming chore. The key to managing household duties quickly and efficiently is to design an easy-to-follow routine that includes all the most important tasks. Follow these step-by-step instructions for creating a customized whole-home cleaning schedule.
    • House Cleaning
    • Laundry & Linens
    • Cleaning Tips
    • Closet Organization
    • Organization Tips
    • Kitchen Storage Organization
  • Recipes and Cooking

    Recipes and Cooking

    See All Recipes and Cooking
    21 Essential Baking Tools Every Home Cook Needs (Plus 16 That Are Nice to Have)

    21 Essential Baking Tools Every Home Cook Needs (Plus 16 That Are Nice to Have)

    If you're a beginner baker who's just starting out (or a master chef looking to declutter), start with this list of baking tool must-haves. We'll help you set up a baking essentials kit for beginners with 21 pastry tools. For those who already own these handy tools, this list may finally provide the motivation you need to toss that never-been-used soufflé dish. Building your essential baking tools and equipment inventory starts here.
    • How to Cook
    • Chicken Recipes
    • Desserts & Baking
    • Fish Recipes
    • Beef Recipes
    • Healthy Recipes
    • Breakfast and Brunch Recipes
    • Lunch
    • Dinner Recipes & Meal Ideas
    • Ethnic Food
  • Decorating

    Decorating

    See All Decorating
    7 Interior Design Trends Everyone Will Be Trying in 2021, According to Experts

    7 Interior Design Trends Everyone Will Be Trying in 2021, According to Experts

    Designers weigh in on the most popular decorating styles, colors, and materials you can look forward to in the coming year.
    • Choosing Color
    • Expert Decorating Advice
    • Fireplace Design Ideas
    • Do It Yourself Magazine
    • Window Treatments
    • Styles & Decor
    • Interior Painting
    • Home Makeovers
    • Small-Space Decorating
    • Traditional Home
  • Holidays

    Holidays

    See All Holidays
    International Women's Day: The Powerful Story Behind This 111-Year-Old Tradition

    International Women's Day: The Powerful Story Behind This 111-Year-Old Tradition

    What began as a small movement, has grown into a global holiday dedicated to celebrating the strong women in our communities.
    • Valentine's Day
    • Mother's Day
    • Easter
    • Father's Day
    • Fourth of July/Memorial Day
    • Halloween
    • Thanksgiving
    • Christmas
    • New Year's
    • Juneteenth
    • Hanukkah
  • Rooms

    Rooms

    See All Rooms
    Living Room Furniture Arrangement Ideas

    Living Room Furniture Arrangement Ideas

    Get tips for arranging living room furniture in a way that creates a comfortable and welcoming environment and makes the most of your space.
    • Bedroom Decorating and Design Ideas
    • Bathroom Decorating and Design Ideas
    • Kitchen Decorating and Design Ideas
    • Living Room Decorating and Design
    • Dining Room
    • Home Office
    • Kid's Rooms
    • Baby Nursery
  • News
  • Beauty & Style

    Beauty & Style

    See All Beauty & Style
    Here's Exactly How to Find Your Perfect Nude Nail Color

    Here's Exactly How to Find Your Perfect Nude Nail Color

    Truth be told, there's no such thing as a universal nude.
    • Anti-Aging
    • Hair
    • Skin Care
    • Makeup
    • Style
    • Nails

Profile Menu

Subscribe this link opens in a new tab
Join Now

Account

  • Join Now
  • My Profile
  • Email Preferences
  • Newsletter
  • Manage Your Subscription this link opens in a new tab
  • Help
  • Logout

More

  • Give a Gift Subscription
  • BH&G Books this link opens in a new tab
My Account

Account

  • Join Now
  • My Profile
  • Email Preferences
  • Newsletter
  • Manage Your Subscription this link opens in a new tab
  • Help
  • Logout

More

  • Give a Gift Subscription
  • BH&G Books this link opens in a new tab
Login
Sweepstakes

Follow Us

  1. BHG.com
  2. Decorating
  3. Do It Yourself Magazine
  4. 17 Crush-Worthy Ideas for Chalkboard Paint

17 Crush-Worthy Ideas for Chalkboard Paint

Caitlin Sole headshot
By Caitlin Sole
Skip gallery slides
Save Pin FB
Recipe for DIY chalkboard paint
Why should teachers have all the fun? Liven up your living quarters with these sophisticated yet simple chalkboard paint projects, including ideas for chalkboard calendars, magnet memory boards, and more!
Start Slideshow

1 of 17

Save Pin FB
Tweet Email Send Text Message

Style on the Side

Chalkboard in kitchen
What's Your Design Style?

Can't find a pen and paper? Jot down your grocery list on the exterior wall of a kitchen cabinet or island. Black chalkboard paint transforms the underutilized area into a message board for ingredients or menu items. Simply prime, paint, and let dry!

1 of 17

Advertisement
Advertisement

2 of 17

Save Pin FB
Tweet Email Send Text Message

Measure Up

Chalkboard Cabinet

Never misplace a cooking utensil again. Coat the inside of a kitchen cabinet with chalkboard paint before applying small hooks to hang measuring cups and spoons. Trace each utensil with chalk, then label the underside with the appropriate size so each cup is always in the right spot.

2 of 17

3 of 17

Save Pin FB
Tweet Email Send Text Message

Writing on the Walls

Chalkboard wall

Make mornings a little more fun with a bright chalkboard accent wall. The punchy chartreuse space complements colorful benches that pull up to a miniature breakfast bar. Kids can use the writing surface for a quick game of tic-tac-toe, while adults will love the go-to area for recording daily schedules.

3 of 17

Advertisement

4 of 17

Save Pin FB
Tweet Email Send Text Message

Food for Thought

Chalkboard paint

Bon appetit! Treat dinner guests to an easy-to-read menu with an oversize chalkboard panel that displays the dish du jour. Even when left blank, the dark paint adds drama to upper dining room walls.

4 of 17

5 of 17

Save Pin FB
Tweet Email Send Text Message

Faux Fireplace

mantel decorations

Chalkboard paint makes it easy to fake a fireplace. Simply apply it to a square of wall space, then frame with trim pieces for the look of a mantel. Make the surface stand out with pretty silhouettes drawn with chalk marker.

  • Creative Fireplace Filler Ideas

5 of 17

6 of 17

Save Pin FB
Tweet Email Send Text Message

Daily Ombre

Chalkboard calendar

Get organized with a gorgeous chalkboard calendar. First, paint a neutral base coat for the wall calendar. After it is dry, use a pencil to map out each section. Color each day with a different shade by gradually mixing a lighter hue into your base color. Finish by using chalkboard markers to designate the days and month.

6 of 17

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

7 of 17

Save Pin FB
Tweet Email Send Text Message

Beauty Display

beauty storage

Clear vanity clutter with this fresh idea for a decorative frame. Prep a piece of plywood with magnetic primer before covering with black chalkboard paint and gluing into a wooden picture frame. The result is a handy hub for makeup and accessories that is both magnetic and chalk-friendly.

7 of 17

8 of 17

Save Pin FB
Tweet Email Send Text Message

Laundry Labels

dryer sheets

Make your hardworking laundry room work even harder with chalkboard labels. This simple wood frame adds fashion to dryer sheets, while a casual label made with chalkboard paint designates its function.

8 of 17

9 of 17

Save Pin FB
Tweet Email Send Text Message

Memorable Memos

blue and purple decor

Not ready to commit to color? Try removable decals made of erasable chalkboard. The pretty and purposeful stickers come in a rainbow of colors and can be cut to size. Use liquid chalk pens to write messages and mantras in the funky bubbles.

9 of 17

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

10 of 17

Save Pin FB
Tweet Email Send Text Message

Petite Planters

chalkboard paint

Avoid confusion about plant identities with a few simple hardware supples. Coat wooden plant markers with a custom chalkboard paint color made by mixing 1/4 cup outdoor paint with 1 tablespoon unsanded tile-grout powder. Once dry, use a china marker to write labels that won't wash off in the rain.

10 of 17

11 of 17

Save Pin FB
Tweet Email Send Text Message

Chalk Magnet Board

Magnetic chalkboard memo board

Vintage mirrors with great shapes abound at flea markets. Score one for a few dollars, then transform it into a sophisticated message center. Remove the mirror from its frame, or use painter's tape to cover the frame. Spray several coats of magnetic spray paint on the mirror. Let dry between each coat. Then apply a layer of chalkboard paint and let dry.

  • Learn more about chalkboard paint.

11 of 17

12 of 17

Save Pin FB
Tweet Email Send Text Message

Name Frame

Chalkboard photo frame

Upcycle a plain wooden photo frame with chalkboard paint. Prime the frame, then paint on a coat of chalkboard paint (Krylon and Rust-Oleum both have great color options). Let dry. Use chalk to update the caption as you change the photo.

12 of 17

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

13 of 17

Save Pin FB
Tweet Email Send Text Message

On Tray

Chalkboard china menu

Up the elegance factor at your dinner party or wedding table by converting a vintage platter into a beautiful menu display. Trace the oval base of your platter onto a thick piece of paper. Cut out the oval and center it on top of the platter, then trace an oval guide for the paint. Use a small brush to stroke chalkboard paint inside the edges of the guideline. Roll the center with chalkboard paint using a small smooth-surface foam roller.

13 of 17

14 of 17

Save Pin FB
Tweet Email Send Text Message

Vanity Lesson

Chalkboard vanity cabinet makeover

Turn an old medicine cabinet into a sweet spot for lists and notes. First, remove the mirror or inner panel. If you can't remove the mirror or panel, cut a piece of chipboard to fit. Paint the mirror or chipboard piece with two coats of chalkboard paint, allowing each coat to dry between applications. Pop the mirror back in, or use super glue to secure the chipboard cutout in place. Use chalk to spell out the day's duties.

Chalkboard Paint Tip: If you use a mirror, prime the surface first.

14 of 17

15 of 17

Save Pin FB
Tweet Email Send Text Message

Scheduling Panes

Chalkboard window pane weekday task board

Transform a six-panel window into a home office calendar to ease your planning pains. Each day of the workweek is assigned a frame, and the sixth makes room for extra notes or magnets. Tape off the wooden frame with painter's tape. To make your calendar magnetic, spray several coats of magnetic spray paint on the front of the glass, allowing each coat to dry between applications. Then paint each pane with chalkboard paint using a paintbrush to edge and a small foam roller for smooth surfaces.

15 of 17

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

16 of 17

Save Pin FB
Tweet Email Send Text Message

Clever Containers

Chalkboard container decals

Add a little erasable oomph to your kitchen canisters with repositionable vinyl stickers that accept chalk marks (check dickblick.com and wallies.com for colorful options). Use a punch to cut out the labels. Remove the paper backing, and position the label on the glass or wooden canister. The labels are easy to rechalk as you change their contents.

16 of 17

17 of 17

Save Pin FB
Tweet Email Send Text Message

Mix It Up

Recipe for DIY chalkboard paint

You can find chalkboard paint at almost any crafts or art-supply store or home center. But if you're longing for a hue that's not available on store shelves, concoct your own. To create a custom color of chalk-ready paint, simply combine 1 cup latex paint in your desired shade with 2 tablespoons of unsanded tile grout. Use a paint stirrer to mix. During application, gently sand the dry layers of paint between coats with 150-grit sandpaper. Apply several coats for the best color.

17 of 17

Replay gallery

Share the Gallery

Pinterest Facebook

Up Next

By Caitlin Sole

    Share the Gallery

    Pinterest Facebook
    Trending Videos
    Advertisement
    Skip slide summaries

    Everything in This Slideshow

    Advertisement

    View All

    1 of 17 Style on the Side
    2 of 17 Measure Up
    3 of 17 Writing on the Walls
    4 of 17 Food for Thought
    5 of 17 Faux Fireplace
    6 of 17 Daily Ombre
    7 of 17 Beauty Display
    8 of 17 Laundry Labels
    9 of 17 Memorable Memos
    10 of 17 Petite Planters
    11 of 17 Chalk Magnet Board
    12 of 17 Name Frame
    13 of 17 On Tray
    14 of 17 Vanity Lesson
    15 of 17 Scheduling Panes
    16 of 17 Clever Containers
    17 of 17 Mix It Up

    Share & More

    Tweet Email Send Text Message
    • Better Homes & Gardens BHG Logo Products at Walmart
    • Better Homes & Gardens BHG Real Estate Real Estate Services
    Better Homes & Gardens

    Magazines & More

    Learn More

    • About Us
    • Subscribe this link opens in a new tab
    • Books from Better Homes & Gardens
    • Help
    • Advertise
    • Content Licensing
    • Accolades this link opens in a new tab

    Connect

    Follow Us
    Subscribe to Our Newsletter
    Sign Up
    MeredithBH&G is part of the Meredith Home Group. © Copyright 2022 Meredith Corporation. All Rights Reserved. Privacy Policythis link opens in a new tab Terms of Servicethis link opens in a new tab Ad Choicesthis link opens in a new tab California Do Not Sellthis link opens a modal window Web Accessibilitythis link opens in a new tab
    © Copyright Better Homes & Gardens. All rights reserved. Printed from https://www.bhg.com

    Sign in

    View image

    17 Crush-Worthy Ideas for Chalkboard Paint
    this link is to an external site that may or may not meet accessibility guidelines.