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Looking for a chalkboard that fits your kitchen, classroom, office or café? You’ve come to the right place. Chalkboards are making a stylish comeback — they’re tactile, low-tech and endlessly re-writable. Whether you want a sleek Scandinavian piece from Nordic Nest, a playful Kay Bojesen hippo design, or a practical wall-mounted board for presentations, this guide walks you through the best UK shops, the types of boards available, how to choose the right size in inches and feet, and pro tips to keep your board looking fresh. Think of this as your one-stop manual to buy smarter and decorate bolder.
There’s something satisfying about chalk on board that a marker simply can’t match. Chalkboards give a softer, vintage look that works well in homes and creative workplaces — they age with character and don’t shout “corporate.” Chalk is affordable and easy to swap out; you can sketch, shade and hand-letter with far more nuance than with most whiteboard markers. Also, if you want a display with texture — think café menus, kitchen reminder walls or rustic event signage — a chalkboard feels warmer, like a handwritten note from a friend. That said, whiteboards still win for ultra-fast erasing and marker longevity, so it’s a matter of taste and intended use.
If you’re hunting for quality and variety, a few UK retailers consistently stand out. Nordic Nest is perfect if you like Scandinavian style and designer collaborations. John Lewis carries reliable, well-made boards from trusted makers and often offers framed options that fit modern homes. IKEA and Dunelm are go-to spots for affordable functional boards that work in classrooms and kitchens. Hobbycraft and The Range supply craft-style boards and easels for creative projects, while Wilko offers budget-friendly options for quick needs. Don’t forget online marketplaces like Amazon UK for fast delivery and a huge selection, and speciality stores such as Ryman for office presentation boards. Each retailer brings different strengths — budget, design, durability or specialist accessories — so match the shop to the job.
Nordic Nest specialises in clean, modern pieces that double as decor. If you love minimalist frames and simple lines, this is a top pick. The site lists designer items like the Bloomingville Higma chalkboard, which measures approximately 20 inches by 31.5 inches and comes in a sleek black finish — ideal for a hallway memo station or a framed kitchen board. Nordic Nest also stocks playful designs like the Kay Bojesen Hippo chalk board in black, which takes a more whimsical approach that looks great on a desk or shelf. These boards often lean towards the decorative end of the spectrum, so they’re perfect if style matters as much as function.
John Lewis is a reliable place to shop if you want a solid mid-range board with good customer support and occasional in-store previews. Their selection spans framed chalkboards, combination boards (chalk on one side, cork on the other) and larger wall-mounted options suitable for a home office or classroom. Expect good build quality, neat finishes and a range of sizes from small memo boards to larger presentation boards that measure a few feet across. Prices tend to be fair for the quality, and seasonal designs often appear for kitchens and children’s rooms.
IKEA and Dunelm are practical stops when you need a straightforward board that does the job without fuss. IKEA’s boards are typically simple, easy to hang and built for durability; they’re great for students and home offices. Dunelm offers a mix of framed and unframed chalkboards in sizes suitable for kitchens and craft rooms, often at bargain prices. If you want to experiment with chalkboard paint on a budget or try out a new layout without spending a lot, these stores are sensible first choices.
For DIY lovers and event planners, Hobbycraft and The Range are treasure troves. You can find easels, freestanding A-frame chalkboards for markets and weddings, and a wide assortment of accessories such as specialist chalks, chalk markers and stencils. These shops are especially useful if you plan to hand-letter signs or create seasonal displays — they stock tools that help you get crisp lines and consistent typography, and they often sell display-ready stands so your chalkboard becomes a visual focal point.
Chalkboards come in many forms, and choosing the right type depends on where and how you’ll use it. Wall-mounted boards are great for permanent setups — classrooms, offices and kitchen command centers. Freestanding or easel boards are versatile for markets and events. Framed boards add a decorative touch and protect edges, while magnetic chalkboards double as a pinboard for notes and photos. Think about mobility: do you want a board that can move room-to-room, or a permanent wall solution? Knowing this up front will narrow your choices and keep your purchase practical.
Wall-mounted chalkboards create an obvious focal point and save floor space. Size your board in feet and inches according to the wall: a breakfast nook might take a 2-foot by 3-foot board, while a home office could use something in the 3-foot by 4-foot range. Remember to leave clearance for doors and windows and consider mounting height so everyone can write comfortably. Wall-mounted options often come with extra fixing kits, so you won’t be left guessing how to hang them straight.
Freestanding boards are the way to go if you need portability. They come in A-frame sidewalk styles for shops and markets, tall freestanding presentation boards for offices, and small tabletop easels for restaurants and reception desks. For shopfront displays, a 3-foot tall A-frame is a good compromise between visibility and storage; for tabletop promos, a 12-inch by 18-inch board will do the trick. Portability means you can change your display with the seasons or move the board between indoor and outdoor use.
The material of the chalkboard affects feel, longevity and cleaning. Traditional slate gives a satisfying matte finish and stands up to heavy use, while porcelain enamel on steel is tough, easy to clean and often magnetic. MDF covered in chalkboard paint is a budget-friendly choice and allows custom sizes, while glass chalkboards bring a contemporary, wipe-clean option (use liquid chalk or markers on those). Choose the finish that matches your wear-and-tear expectations and aesthetic needs.
Slate feels traditional and provides excellent contrast with chalk, but it can be heavy and needs a sturdy frame. Porcelain enamel is one of the most durable surfaces — it resists staining and ghosting and often supports magnets, which adds functionality. Both are excellent for classrooms and commercial use where the board sees daily action. If longevity matters, spend a little more for enamel or authentic slate.
MDF coated with chalkboard paint is super flexible for custom projects. Want a chalkboard wall or a cut-to-size insert for a cabinet door? This method lets you tailor size and shape without breaking the bank. Bear in mind the surface won’t be as hard-wearing as porcelain, and frequent heavy erasing can leave marks over time. Regular re-seasoning with chalk and careful cleaning will keep it fresh for years.
Good accessories turn a good board into a great one. Buy a mix of soft white chalk for classic writing and coloured chalks for accents. Consider dustless chalk if you’re sensitive to chalk dust. Chalk markers give pop and fine lines for modern lettering but require different cleaning — usually a wet cloth — and aren’t suitable for all surfaces. A quality felt eraser, microfibre cloths and a small bottle of board cleaner will keep your surface crisp. If mounting, get wall anchors that fit the weight and surface — heavy boards need proper fixings.
Choosing the right size is like choosing the right pair of shoes — it needs to fit. Measure the intended wall area in feet and inches and think about usable space around it. For a kitchen memo board, something around 18 inches by 24 inches is usually enough for grocery lists and notes. In a home office, aim for 3 feet by 4 feet if you need to sketch projects or calendar weeks. For classroom or presentation settings, larger boards in the range of 4 feet by 6 feet or bigger give more writing surface. Always leave at least a few inches of wall space around the board to avoid a cramped look.
Prices vary based on size, material and brand. Small decorative boards start around £10 to £30, practical mid-range boards and framed pieces typically go for £30 to £80, while designer or heavy-duty porcelain and slate boards can cost well over £100. If you want a branded design from a store like Nordic Nest or specialized designer pieces, expect to pay a premium for aesthetics and craftsmanship. For basic functionality, IKEA, Dunelm or Wilko provide solid budget options. Keep in mind that accessories like markers, mounts and cleaning kits add to the initial outlay, but they pay off in convenience.
Keeping your board in tip-top shape is easy with a few simple habits. Season a new board by rubbing the entire surface with the side of a chalk stick, then erase — this prevents ghosting. For daily cleaning, use a dry felt eraser or microfibre cloth. For deeper cleans, a damp cloth or a mixture of warm water and a little vinegar will remove residue; avoid abrasive cleaners that scratch the surface. Porcelain boards can handle stronger cleaners if needed, but always wipe dry to prevent streaks. Regular maintenance keeps even budget boards looking like new for years.
If sustainability matters, look for frames made from reclaimed wood or FSC-certified timber and finishes that use low-VOC paints. Stores with Scandinavian design roots, like Nordic Nest, often prioritise sustainable sourcing and minimalist aesthetics that last, reducing the impulse to replace pieces. You can also upcycle old frames and treat plywood with chalkboard paint for a DIY, low-waste option that’s both economical and environmentally friendly. Design-conscious buyers can mix materials — a reclaimed-wood frame with a porcelain enamel insert makes a board that’s both durable and beautiful.
Whenever possible, check boards in person so you can test surface texture, weight and frame finish. Department stores like John Lewis and larger chains sometimes display sample boards. If buying online, read product descriptions carefully, check return policies before ordering and look at customer images for a realistic view of size and finish. Measure your wall and note the hanging hardware required — some sellers include fixings, while others don’t. Reviews often mention ghosting, ease of cleaning and build quality, so they’re worth reading before you decide.
Choosing the right chalkboard is part practicality, part personal style. Think about the main purpose — display menus, kids’ doodles, project sketches or a focal point in your hallway — and let that guide material, size and retailer choice. If you want designer flair and unique pieces, Nordic Nest and specialty shops offer standout options like the Bloomingville Higma chalkboard and the Kay Bojesen Hippo chalk board. If budget or function leads your list, IKEA, Dunelm and Hobbycraft deliver dependable, affordable alternatives. With the right size, the proper surface and a few quality accessories, your new chalkboard can become both a useful tool and a charming addition to your space.
Conclusion: Chalkboards are versatile, economical and full of character. Whether you opt for a stylish designer piece, a hard-wearing enamel board for daily use or a DIY chalk-painted wall, there are plenty of UK stores and online options to suit every taste and budget. Use inches and feet to measure carefully, pick materials that match your use case, and invest in the right accessories to keep your board looking great. Ready to make your space speak with chalk? Go ahead — your wall is your canvas.
| Chalkboards | Price | |
|---|---|---|
| Bloomingville Higma Chalkboard 50x80 Cm Black | £ 62,99 | |
| Kay Bojesen Denmark Kay Bojesen Hippo Chalk Board Color Black | £ 69,10 |
