9 of the Best Ways to Decorate with Chalkboard PaintEugene Chrinian

9 of the Best Ways to Decorate with Chalkboard PaintIf you are looking to give your home a design upgrade, you may choose to pursue avenues such as incorporating colorful wallpaper or decorating with exciting new furnishings. However, more individuals have begun to depart from these traditional interior design techniques and opt for decorative elements such as chalkboard paint. Although they are typically associated with schools, chalkboard surfaces are simple to apply and available in a plethora of different colors. With such variety, they can make a big impact in any room of your house.

Here are nine of the best ways that you can decorate your home with chalkboard paint:

1. Dining room wall menu

No dining room would be complete without its own menu board. While you can easily create a small version with chalkboard paint, you should try to think outside the box. You can use a few coats of this special paint to embellish the entire upper portion of your dining room wall. Simply fill in the empty wall space to create a canvas on which you can write dinner menus during parties. Even better, the dark shade of your new chalkboard wall will add a bit of dramatic flair to the entire room.

Background image courtesy ohsohappytogether | Flickr

2. Measuring cup storage

Don’t neglect the inside of your kitchen cabinets when looking to add a bit of style to your home. By coating the inside of your cabinet doors with chalkboard paint, you can create a clean-looking space to store your various measuring utensils. Simply affix a few hooks to the door, and use each cup and spoon to trace a decorative outline in the background. Alternatively, you can use small strips of molding to mount your measuring utensils for an extra decorative element.

3. Framed board

One of the simplest ways to decorate with chalkboard paint is to create a small framed board. Begin by finding a decorative frame in whatever design and shape you think will best fit your home. Take a piece of particle board, cut it to fit the frame, and cover it with the chalkboard paint. After adhering it to the underside of the frame, you can then hang it as a stylish decoration and use it to write down everything from to-do lists to inspiring messages.

4. Bedroom headboard

Chalkboard paint can also help to enhance the look of your bedroom. One space in particular that can benefit from this type of paint is your headboard. With a simple cut of wood and a few coats of chalkboard paint, you can create a unique and interesting headboard that can be embellished with chalk. Adding extra decorative elements such as a thick border or an elegant silhouette design can create a more cohesive look.

5. Chalkboard clock

With a few coats of chalkboard paint, you can add new character to a standard wall clock. These mini canvases present the perfect opportunity for you to customize the style of numbering on the face or to forego numbers altogether and leave a drawing behind instead. You can use any clock shape or chalkboard paint color to help your timepiece complement the look of any space in your home.

Background image courtesy Anders Ruff Custom Designs | Flickr

6. Wall calendar

If you have empty wall space in your office, you can add a stylish chalkboard wall calendar in its place. You may want to opt for a plain black design or take advantage of the many colors of chalkboard paint available to create a truly one-of-a-kind decoration. Start by painting a clean square in a neutral shade. While this dries, take your desired color of chalkboard paint and add lighter paint to create an ombre effect. Paint a square for each day in a different gradient for a dynamic effect, and complete the look by filling in the months and days with a chalkboard pen.

Background image courtesy Dean Shareski | Flickr

7. Bedroom accent wall

One of the simplest ways to use chalkboard paint in your home is with an accent wall. When used in a bedroom, any paint hue can help complement the entire color scheme of the space. For example, pink chalkboard paint can add brightness to a baby’s nursery while black can offset colorful accents in your own room. You do not have to adorn your chalkboard accent wall with a bunch of drawings and quotes. Instead, you can hang empty picture frames to house your chalk additions and to create a cleaner aesthetic. Background image courtesy sharyn morrow |

Flickr

8. Dining room table

You can easily update an old dining room table by using a few coats of chalkboard paint. By painting the entire piece or simply covering the top, you can create a table that fits seamlessly into the design of any dining room. With its new chalkboard surface, your dining table will be ready for any decorative elements you wish to add. You can also draw place settings for family members or cleverly label the various dishes that you set out at meal time. If you do not want to commit to a table top full of chalkboard paint, you can use chalkboard paint to create a thick table “border” that will serve as a customizable placemat for your dinner guests. Background image courtesy zannaland | Flickr

9. Personalized vanity

Chalkboard paint can also make an unexpected addition to any small vanity or medicine cabinet. Begin by carefully removing the mirror so you can apply a few coats of paint to it. Once it dries, you can easily place it back into the vanity and use the new chalkboard surface for daily to-do lists. You can make your vanity fit into the theme of any room by painting the outside frame in a bright accent hue and complementing that color with matching chalk.