It’s Tuesday the 30th, which means it’s time to share this season’s (completely unofficial) Pinterest Challenge project — a fun prompt dreamed up by Katie to get us off the endless pinning cycle and actually making things. This round John and I tackled a large, chunky-framed leaning mirror — except instead of glass we turned it into a giant chalkboard. Chalkboard paint: quintessential Pinterest material.
Designing it like a leaning mirror means it can be moved from room to room, used for lists, sweet notes and Clara’s inevitable scribbles. We secured it to the wall with leaning-mirror hardware so it’s safe around kids.
For inspiration I pulled together elements from several projects I’d pinned previously and put my own spin on them. The result keeps the look of a large leaning mirror but functions as a magnetic chalkboard that can double as art or message center.
We were able to use a leftover sheet of plywood from a past project (68″ tall by 21″ wide) so material costs were low. Before applying chalkboard paint we rolled on four coats of magnetic paint to give the board magnet-friendly capability. Once that cured we applied two coats of chalkboard paint to the front.
We intentionally designed the build so it wouldn’t require specialty saws at home. Home Depot will cut plywood and 1x6s to size, so you can often avoid doing any cutting yourself. For our 68″ x 21″ plywood panel we used two 29.5″ 1x6s for the top and bottom and two 63″ pieces for the sides. This gives a slight overlap so the panel looks like it sits inside the frame but actually rests behind it. The finished project measures approximately 29.5″ wide by 74″ tall.
We stained the frame pieces before assembly using Minwax Dark Walnut — a go-to color we had leftover from prior projects. Staining before assembly keeps the chalkboard surface mess-free.
To assemble the frame we used a Kreg Jig to create strong pocket-screw joinery. If you don’t have a jig, you can use metal brackets on the back or screw the corners together from behind. The approach we used avoids miter cuts and complicated angle work.
With the frame complete, we attached the chalkboard panel from behind. John decided to paint the back in a surprise pop of Citron from a leftover can — a secret flourish that brightens the inside face when we carry the piece around. It’s a small, joyful detail you’ll only see occasionally, but I love it.
To attach the panel, we screwed around the edge from behind where the plywood overlaps the frame. Choose screw length that passes through the plywood and bites into the frame without coming through the front — we used about 1-1/4″ screws.
After assembly we let paint and stain fully cure (both can be smelly until dry). Then we placed the chalkboard in the living room and secured it to prevent tipping using standard leaning-mirror safety hardware. Safety first when kids are around.
Before use we conditioned the surface by rubbing the side of a piece of chalk across the entire board and wiping it off. This primes the chalkboard for easier erasing and cleaner writing.
The finished piece fits nicely in the room. The stain ties into our console and balances the grays in the space, so visually it acts as a bridge between wood tones and softer elements. For now I wrote one of my favorite quotes at the top: “The happiest people don’t have the best of everything, they just make the best of everything.”
Clara woke from her nap, cautiously approached the new chalkboard, and then lit up when we handed her a box of chalk. Her scribbles are the best kind of art, and she dove right in.
Budget breakdown:
- $0 – leftover plywood, stain and magnetic paint (buying these new might total around $45)
- $10 – chalkboard paint
- $16 – four 1×6 boards for the frame
- Total: $26 (If you buy all materials new, expect the project to cost closer to $70.)
If you tackled a Pinterest Challenge project this week, share it — we’d love to see your versions and swaps. You can add a link to your project post, or share photos in the comments if you don’t have a blog. Happy making!