School of Decorating

Decorate with Confidence and Create a Home You Love

  • Free Class
  • Videos
  • Blog
    • How to Decorate
    • Simple DIY Projects
    • Life Tips
    • Success Stories
    • Our Home Tour
  • Classes
  • About
  • Contact

Easy Chalkboard Door

Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. I may receive a small commission, at no cost to you, on purchases made after following an affiliate link. See my full disclosure here.

July 5, 2011 By Jackie

I have been craving a chalkboard door for a long time.  They just look so fun.  I was convinced our pantry door would look incredible with a coat of chalkboard paint.  My husband was not so sure.  I agreed an entire door with chalkboard paint seemed like, a) a lot of work, and b) too permanent.  Instead, I opted for a cheap, quick, easily removable alternative.

This post contains affiliate links. I may receive a small commission on purchases made after following an affiliate link. See my full disclosure here.

I used a roll of chalkboard vinyl on the top raised panel of my pantry door.  I measured and cut a piece to fit the top half of the door.  I peeled back the first few inches of the backing and carefully lined up the top of the vinyl with the top edge of the raised panel.  After securing the top few inches, I simply pulled the backing off slowly and applied the rest of the vinyl.  I used a credit card to gently smooth out any bubbles.  I think I prefer the raised panel chalkboard look over the full door version.  It seems a bit cleaner…chalk over an entire door could get pretty messy.

Chalkboard vinyl would work on most door styles.  If you don’t have inset or raised panels to “frame” your chalkboard, then consider cutting the vinyl into a cool shape before applying to the door.  For a classic look cut the vinyl into a large oval and apply to the flat door.  For a little more interest, try cutting an ornate border or a shape like a star or animal.

We use our chalkboard to jot notes to each other, to keep a running list of things to pick up at the store, and occasionally the kids like to doodle on it.  I have been toying with the idea of doing the bottom half of the door just for them.

Most recently I drew a sign on the chalkboard to welcome out out of town guests.  I had a little fun with the sign, highlighting the crazy Minnesota government shutdown, which almost jeopardized our planned trip to the Minnesota zoo.

More recently, I’m using the chalkboard panel to display inspirational quotes related to my guiding word for my home.

My guiding word of the year is SIMPLIFY. This is one of my favorite quotes on the subject.

Previous Post
DIY Wood Veneer Monogram
Next Post
Eat-In Kitchen Mood Board

Comments

  1. Courtney says

    September 10, 2011 at 5:44 pm

    That is a really cute idea! I might try it.

  2. Carrie says

    August 18, 2012 at 6:45 am

    I’ve seen this before but worry about the vinyl over time. Have you had peeling? Does it continue to erase?

    • Jackie says

      August 18, 2012 at 10:05 am

      Hi Carrie,

      We have had the vinyl up for over a year now and no issues with peeling. It also erases like a dream. The vinyl erases perfectly clean unlike chalk paint which gets chalky over time. I just use a damp paper towel to wipe the vinyl down.

  3. Erica { EricaDHouse.com } says

    August 22, 2012 at 10:32 am

    Soo I kind of want to do this to every door in my house now!

  4. F-Rose says

    August 23, 2012 at 2:37 pm

    J’adore c’est trop sympa

  5. Tracy says

    August 26, 2012 at 12:32 pm

    Love love love this idea. Can I use those bright dry erase markers on this vinyl? And would this work in a Cricut cutter?

  6. katie hodgkins says

    September 17, 2012 at 8:00 am

    Do you think this would work on a fridge?

    • Jackie says

      September 17, 2012 at 10:56 am

      Katie, I definitely think it would work and it is a great idea. It is removable vinyl, so you can put it pretty much anywhere. I think it would work best on a smooth surface, like the front of the fridge doors vs. the sides which usually have a textured surface.

  7. Kim says

    October 15, 2012 at 1:50 pm

    Exactly what I have been looking for! Thanks for sharing.

  8. Melissa says

    October 17, 2012 at 2:28 pm

    Jackie–do you remember which section of Michaels you found this chalkboard vinyl? I was there the other day and the lady that works there told me they only carry chalkboard paint…?

    • Jackie says

      October 17, 2012 at 3:49 pm

      Hi Melissa. In my Michael’s it was in the same aisle as the dollar/discount bins, across from those. It was on the bottom shelf under a bunch of kids stuff along with whiteboard vinyl rolls. I just saw them there recently. Hope that helps.

      If you are open to buying online, here is a link to similar chalkboard vinyl – Chalkboard Contact Paper, 18″ x 6′

      • Melissa says

        October 18, 2012 at 7:32 am

        Thanks Jackie and thanks for sharing the online link.

  9. Cathy says

    November 10, 2012 at 9:08 am

    I think I am going to try a piece of this on one of my fridge doors. It’s removable so much nicer than the paint.

    • Jackie says

      November 10, 2012 at 10:34 am

      It would be great for that Cathy. The vinyl is super thin too, so it will almost look painted on. My favorite is how it wipes completely clean with a damp cloth…no chalky mess.

  10. Allison says

    November 27, 2012 at 10:44 am

    I love this and want to do it!!! Is it easily removable? We have an apartment and I don’t want something that can not be removed easily or will ruin what it’s stuck to?

    • Jackie says

      November 27, 2012 at 4:20 pm

      Allison, This vinyl is easily removable. I have only tried it on the pantry door and not a wall, so I can’t vouch for peeling it off the wall.

  11. stacy O says

    December 5, 2012 at 10:24 pm

    So My Michaels stores stink! I went to 3 stores AND Lowe’s and finally ended up in Target. I didn’t find that exact thing, but I found chalkboard flower pedals. They came 3 in a box. Cute but not what I wanted.I’ll keep looking

    • Melissa says

      December 6, 2012 at 7:18 am

      Stacy, I couldn’t find it in Michaels either and even asked someone and they told me they didn’t have that. But went to a different Michaels and asked someone again and they knew exactly what I was looking for. It was in the aisle of crayons/kids craft stuff if that helps?

      • Stacy says

        December 6, 2012 at 8:07 pm

        Thanks girls. There is one huge one that I haven’t checked yet. Then im just sticking to my flowers.

        • michael says

          May 16, 2013 at 6:11 pm

          http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_ss_i_0_12?url=search-alias%3Daps&field-keywords=chalkboard+vinyl&sprefix=chalkboard+v%2Caps%2C356

    • Allison says

      December 6, 2012 at 12:52 pm

      Stacy, I looked for about 15 minutes! I know all Michaels are different but I found mine on the BOTTOM shelf in the crayon and chalk isle just like Melissa said also!

  12. Cate says

    January 25, 2013 at 9:45 pm

    love the vinyl but I am TOTALLY in love with the color of your door and trim! do you know the name of the paint

    • Jackie says

      January 25, 2013 at 11:10 pm

      Thank you Cate! All of the trim and doors in our home are Divine White by Sherwin Williams.

  13. Angela says

    January 31, 2013 at 4:47 pm

    What are your ideas as to where to keep the chalk and eraser?

  14. colleen says

    March 9, 2013 at 12:42 am

    another idea would buy your favorite picture frame and put the chalkboard vinyl to the glass then you could hang it (just a idea)

  15. Crystal says

    March 16, 2013 at 5:32 pm

    Have you ever used the chalkboard markers on the vinyl? I was wondering how that compared to just using regular chalk. Thanks!

  16. Britany says

    July 16, 2013 at 3:46 pm

    Great idea! I just did this on my pantry door and I love the way it looks. What kind of chalk do you use, anything special? I just used what I had on hand, I think it was crayola brand, and it won’t even write on the surface. It is very faint and you can’t even see the writing. Yours looks so vibrant!

  17. Olu says

    August 31, 2013 at 4:57 pm

    This is really cool. I wonder if anyone knows how easy it will be to remove if used on dry wall.

  18. Sarah says

    May 4, 2014 at 9:01 pm

    Hi! I love this idea but am having trouble finding the width I need. I need one that is 24″ x 6 feet. Has anyone had any luck sourcing different sizes? The widest I can find online is 18″ and I don’t want a seam :)

    • Jackie says

      May 5, 2014 at 9:40 am

      Sarah, I have not seen it any wider than 18″ unfortunately. Your only alternative might be the paint, of course that is a more permanent solution.

  19. Betty819 says

    May 24, 2014 at 3:17 pm

    I’m going to look in my Michael’s in the aisle where you mentioned. I have asked before and they claim they don’t carry it. I get confused about which you can use on this chalkboard..wet erase or dry erase chalk pens. I’d love to have the neon chalk pens but they appear to be a big pricy, so I might as well stick to white..but wet or dry erase?

    • Jackie says

      May 26, 2014 at 3:35 pm

      Betty, Both wet and dry-erase chalk works on the vinyl.

Trackbacks

  1. Mini Kitchen Makeover – Cute Baking Related Decor Ideas says:
    September 9, 2011 at 8:33 pm

    […] Love the idea of some chalkboard paint, or chalkboard paper, on the pantry door from Teal & Lime […]

Hi, I'm Jackie. I believe you are the best person to decorate your home and I'm here to help.

I teach online decorating classes to help you create your dream home. Click on the images below to learn more about each class.

Take an Online Decorating Class

Best for beginners!

12 Class Bundle!

Get a free copy of my book
Free Decorating


Start reading now...

Follow Me Here

Categories

  • How to Decorate
  • Simple DIY Projects
  • Life Tips
  • Success Stories
  • Our Home Tour
I believe you are the best person to decorate your home. You just need a dash of courage and a dose of decorating know-how. That's why I created School of Decorating.

I know how frustrating it is to feel like failure at home. I also know how amazing it feels when decorating finally makes sense and your home reflects you. I want to share what I've learned so you can create a home you love without years of trial and error.

Get a free copy of my best-selling book Free Decorating

  • How to Decorate
  • Simple DIY Projects
  • Life Tips
  • Success Stories
  • Our Home Tour

© 2018 School of Decorating
 · Terms of Use 
· Privacy Policy
 · Disclaimer




This website uses cookies to improve your experience. We'll assume you're ok with this, but you can opt-out if you wish. Cookie settingsACCEPT
Privacy & Cookies Policy

Privacy Overview

This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Out of these cookies, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. But opting out of some of these cookies may have an effect on your browsing experience.
Privacy Overview

This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Out of these cookies, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. But opting out of some of these cookies may have an effect on your browsing experience.

Necessary Always Enabled

Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. These cookies do not store any personal information.

Non-necessary

Any cookies that may not be particularly necessary for the website to function and is used specifically to collect user personal data via analytics, ads, other embedded contents are termed as non-necessary cookies. It is mandatory to procure user consent prior to running these cookies on your website.