A bulletin board is a staple for decorating or organizing the classroom, office or household. Whether it’s to create a collage of photos and keepsakes or post schedules and announcements for your work team, bulletin boards are a great way to visualize your goals and display what’s most important to you.
While bulletin boards can be custom-made, you can find countless bulletin boards that can fit your space, purpose and aesthetic. The Dry-Erase Cork Board Combo with a magnetic whiteboard and a corkboard is a fantastic and functional option no matter how you plan to use it.
What to know before you buy a bulletin board
Size
Size is one of the biggest considerations when choosing a bulletin board. How much room you have on your wall as well as how you are planning to use your board will come into account when picking out which board is the best fit for your space. Bulletin boards range in size, from as small as a piece of printer paper to larger models of 5-7 feet wide.
Dual use
Bulletin boards are typically used by pushing pins into a soft material such as cork or felt, but some boards also come with material that can be used with magnets. The ability to use both magnets and pins multiplies the types of items you can display on your board. While having two materials can take up some of the space that was originally reserved for a traditional material such as cork or felt, the diverse capabilities are worth it.
Material
Bulletin boards can vary in the material they are made of, each with its own distinct advantages. Cork is traditional and a crowd favorite for its classic look and availability of accessories. Felt is another great option specifically for storyboards. Because felt sticks to each other, many educators also use felt boards as a teaching aid. Another material that can be used in a dual-function bulletin board is whiteboard or metal. These surfaces are great for magnets and can be written on with a dry-erase marker for notes or quotes throughout the week.
Bulletin board features
Accessories
Bulletin boards are almost unusable without the proper accessories. Corkboards need push pins to be able to post images and reminders, felt boards work with both push pins and felt and whiteboards use magnets and dry-erase markers. You can use accessories to maximize the board’s efficiency by affixing shelving accessories for added storage.
Color
With so many colors available, the world is your oyster with how you want to customize the overall aesthetic of your space. Frames also can be painted or stained to match the furniture or items in your home or office. Felt boards give you the widest variety of colors, but cork can also be painted and still work with push pins.
Mounting
The best place for a bulletin board is usually on the wall, as most models lend themselves to hanging with nails or screws. Some boards can be used with easels so you can take the board wherever you go. If you don’t want to fix your wall from holes you made mounting a traditional bulletin board, try adhesive hooks or double-sided tape.
Bulletin board cost
High-end bulletin boards come with a variety of accessories and can run you up to $100. Smaller boards won’t give you much space for mounting, but they are great on your wallet for as little as $10.
Bulletin board FAQ
Is mounting hardware included?
A. Some models specifically say that mounting hardware is included. However, if the listing does not mention it, you should assume that you will have to supply your own hardware. Luckily, any hardware you need to buy separately should be easy to find and use in your own toolbox or local hardware store.
Can the frame be removed?
A. If you remove the frame, you’ll just have a roll of felt or cork. While this can be useful, it won’t be as easy to place on the wall or use as a display.
Which bulletin board should I get?
Best of the best bulletin board
Dry-Erase Cork Board Combo: available at Amazon
Our take: With cork on one side and magnetized whiteboard on the other, his bulletin board is perfect for those who want the convenience and usability of both without having to sacrifice the extra space.
What we like: You can use magnets or push pins with this board. Having both materials on this board opens up the world of accessories you can use.
What we dislike: While it’s convenient having both materials, the space is reduced if you prefer one side over the other.
Best bang for your buck bulletin board
Quartet Cork Board Bulletin Board: available at Amazon
Our take: While being the easiest on your wallet, this board does not compromise on material or size.
What we like: You’ll have no problem using this as your go-to board for posting your favorite pictures or announcements. The black frame around this cork board is made of heavy-duty material that can be painted to fit your exact taste.
What we dislike: Though mounting hardware are provided, this board doesn’t come with any extra accessories. You’ll have to budget for push pins, badges and other add-ons separately.
Honorable mention bulletin board
VIZ-PRO Notice Board: available at Amazon
Our take: Felt gives you all the capabilities of a corkboard with the added ability to use felt materials for easy adhesion and display.
What we like: The felt comes in any color you can imagine, so you can customize this board to your space.
What we dislike: As this board is entirely made of felt, you cannot use large pushpins to attach materials as you would with a traditional corkboard. Daisy Kelly is a writer for BestReviews. BestReviews is a product review company with a singular mission: to help simplify your purchasing decisions and save you time and money.
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