DIY Bulletin Board for Home, Dorm, or Office Decor
DIY Bulletin Board for Home, Dorm, or Office Decor
Why make a DIY bulletin board?
A bulletin board is one of the easiest ways to keep notes, reminders, photos, and school papers organized, but plain cork boards don’t always match your decor.
This easy DIY bulletin board project lets you customize an inexpensive framed bulletin board with your favorite fabric or a sublimated felt design. Whether you’re decorating a home office, organizing a dorm room, or creating a stylish study space, you can finish this project in less than an hour.
We made a floral bulletin board for my daughter’s bedroom, and it turned out so cute that I can already picture making another version for her dorm room someday!
Why You’ll Love This DIY Bulletin Board
- Budget-friendly
- Beginner-friendly
- Takes less than an hour
- Completely customizable
- Great for home offices, dorm rooms, bedrooms, and craft rooms
Materials Needed
- Framed bulletin board – this 16″ x 12″ framed bulletin board was perfect for our project!
- Polyester felt (for sublimation) or your favorite decorative fabric
- Scissors
- Ruler or Tape Measure
- Adhesive – this has been my favorite for years!
Step-by-step tutorial
Step 1: Measure and Cut the Felt
Remove the accessories from the bulletin board and measure the inside area. Cut your felt or fabric to fit the inside dimensions, then place it inside the frame to make sure everything fits before moving on.
Step 2: Sublimate the Felt (Optional)
If you’re creating a custom design with sublimation, print your transfer first. Secure the felt to the transfer with heat-resistant tape to prevent shifting while pressing.
Press using medium pressure at 400Ā°F for 60 seconds (or according to your felt manufacturer’s recommendations).
Step 3: Attach the Fabric
Apply a thin bead of adhesive around the edges of the bulletin board, then add a few small dots throughout the center for extra hold. There’s no need to cover the entire surface with glue.
I originally tested Gorilla Clear Glue, but it was too thin for this project. My favorite adhesive continues to be Fabri-Tac because it grabs quickly and dries securely without soaking through the felt.
After placing the felt onto the bulletin board, I set a few lightweight items on top while the glue dried to help create even pressure.
(Awhile back I was looking for the best adhesive for felt fresheners and Fabri-Tac was my favorite.)
The Finished DIY Bulletin Board
Here’s the finished project! Since we started with a ready-made framed bulletin board, this customization came together quickly while still looking completely custom.
We even had enough room left on the sublimation transfer to make a matching felt air freshener, so nothing went to waste.
Want a Larger Bulletin Board?
If you need something larger for a homework station, family command center, or office wall, you can easily build your own custom bulletin board using rigid insulation foam instead of a store-bought frame.
I made these larger, wall sized DIY bulletin boards using thick insulation foam like I used for our birthday backdrop project. Instead of gluing the fabric on the front of the foam, I wrapped the fabric around the edges and secured it in the back with tacks, similar to the method I used in my large wall art project.
Best Fabric for a DIY Bulletin Board
The best fabric depends on how you plan to use your bulletin board.
For sublimation: Premium polyester felt or fabric gives vibrant colors and sharp detail.
For everyday use: Upholstery-weight fabric is durable and holds up well to repeated pinning.
For decorative boards: Cotton quilting fabric works beautifully in bedrooms, dorm rooms, and craft rooms, especially if the board won’t be used heavily.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you cover a cork bulletin board with fabric?
Absolutely! You can use fabric, felt, burlap, linen, or upholstery fabric depending on the look you’re going for. You could even use scrapbook paper.
What is the best glue for a DIY bulletin board?
Fabri-Tac is my favorite because it dries quickly, bonds well to fabric and felt, and doesn’t soak through the material like thinner adhesives.
Can I use cotton fabric instead of felt?
Yes! Polyester felt works well for sublimation projects, while cotton and upholstery fabrics are excellent choices for traditional fabric-covered bulletin boards.
Can you make a custom-size bulletin board?
Yes. Use insulation foam, plywood, or cork board as the base, then wrap it with fabric and secure it to the back.
