One of the current trends still making its way around the home décor field is the use of chalkboards and chalkboard paint. Although this is not a new trend, there is still a proliferation of chalkboard ideas floating around the Internet. Just search Pinterest with the keyword “chalkboard” and you’ll have inspiration for days!
Once only used for the typical school classroom, chalkboards can now be seen in everything from magazines to department stores and restaurants.
As a renter, how can you capitalize on this fun idea within the confines of your rental agreement?
Home Décor
Many department stores and retailers, as well as online vendors, carry the latest in home décor products. You can easily find baskets with wooden chalkboard labels, chalkboard doors to lean against the wall for a shabby chic look and tabletop wall calendars for an easy vignette.
I have a framed chalkboard I hang in my kitchen to write inspirational quotes on or birthday and seasonal greetings. For this specific project, I simply spray painted a discarded mirror from a bathroom remodel. Cute, easy and inexpensive!
Painted Furniture
If your walls are off limits for redecorating, you might want to look at your furniture. Spend a few minutes perusing the Internet and you might find a table, filing cabinet, dresser, shutters, doors or even a refrigerator painted and ready to go!
If you don’t want to experiment with furniture, grab an old window off the street (or from a construction site like my husband did) and paint the panes. This favorite DIY project of mine is the art in my craft room. By using both patterned scrapbook paper and chalkboard-painted panes, I have a one-of-a-kind piece that echoes the creativity in my studio.
Organization
You can order labels already cut out and ready for your personal categories, or you can even DIY your own with a bit of scrapbook paper and a paper punch or die cut machine. When I reorganized my craft room, I labeled practically everything, including baskets, tubs, drawers and boxes.
Need a creative way to keep track of your grocery list? Write it on a chalkboard or use a shabby chic frame to answer the kids’ question of what’s for dinner.
Parties and Seasonal Displays
If you don’t want to go to all the work of chalkboard paint, you can simply buy some chalkboard scrapbook paper and cut it to fit a dollar store or yard sale frame.
I have a banner I made by cutting scrapbook paper into pennants and adding burlap and canvas triangles for variety. The paper itself is erasable, and I have used the banner for a Baby Gender Reveal party, baby shower and the Big Game party. The banner is the best accessory to have on hand for celebrations!
Products
Chalkboard paint comes in a multitude of colors and can be sprayed on or brushed on — you can even draw it on with chalkboard markers found at craft stores or with regular white or colored chalk.
Have I given you enough ideas to persuade you to jump on the chalkboard bandwagon?