Create a Large Custom Bulletin Board for Cheap

We’re finishing up our kitchen, and I wanted to create a space with a cork board where we could post all the papers and riff raff that normally clutters our fridge. I wanted a large bulletin board, but most of the ones I found were poor quality or too clunky, and they weren’t exactly cheap either. That’s why I decided to just make my own custom bulletin board using inexpensive Dollar Tree foam board and fabric.

This post contains affiliate links. Check our terms and conditions for more info.

I had some really beautiful fabric that I decided to use for this project. It reminded me of all of the things that my son and I see when we go on walks in our neighborhood. Plus it has a very whimsical, earthy quality to it that I just fell in love with. Honestly though, once I saw the finished product, I think the pattern may be a little too busy on the large board. Eh, you live and you learn. I still love the fabric so I’m going to keep the design for a while, and then I may switch it out for a new, simpler pattern. That’s kind of the beauty of a project like this. It’s not difficult or expensive to change up the look if you’re so inclined.

This bulletin board project really couldn’t be easier, and there is so much potential to customize it to your style and needs. Plus, it is a very budget-friendly option at less than $5 a board. All you need is a cotton fabric of your choice and foam core sheets from the Dollar Tree. Then you just use a glue gun to attach the fabric to the board. Simple as that.

I like to cut the fabric to overhang the board by about an 1.5 inches. Then I fold the fabric over and glue on the sides first, making sure to keep the fabric taut. (If you want, you can use tape to secure one side of the fabric in place while you are gluing the other side.) Then I trim the corners and glue the top and bottom edges. You don’t have to be perfect with this process because no one will see the back, but you should make sure the fabric is stretched evenly across the front of the board.

Once your board is done, you can use Command Strips or mounting squares to stick it to the wall. It is so lightweight that it doesn’t take much. I just used six of the mounting squares linked above. I used three at the top of the board and three at the bottom.

This custom bulletin board is so functional and quite pretty too. And again, you could customize it in so many ways. Here are just some ideas:

• Glue 2 sheets of foam core together to make it thicker.
• Cut the foam core into different shapes like hexagons, circles, or even a monogram.
• Add ribbon or jute cord draped across the board with tiny clothespins.
• Make a cheap frame with pieces of pine molding.
• Cut the board to fit in an existing frame.
• Add a pom pom or tassle trim.
• Use brads and ribbon to create a criss-cross pattern like you would see on a French bulletin board.
• Create special boards for the holidays, like a Christmas card board with Christmas fabric.

It’s really fun to think of ways to mix up this idea. The possibilities are endless. So, if you decide to make your own DIY bulletin board, have fun with all the creative options, and please share your results with me. I’d love to see what you create.