DIY Your Own Pinboard For Functional Wall Decor

We may receive a commission on purchases made from links.

Guess what's better than stylish décor? The kind that does more than look pretty. We believe that every piece of décor in your home should have a designated purpose. And lucky for us, today's pinboard DIY checks both boxes. We're not talking about those standard brown corkboards you'd find in a school hallway. This one brims with subtle beauty — you'll never believe how easy it is to make. Just wrap a canvas board in a drop cloth, and you've got a pinnable surface that doesn't stick out like a sore thumb. The cherry on top? It looks just like Pottery Barn's linen pinboards, yet costs a fraction of the price.

To begin, you'll need a 30-by-40-inch canvas board. Feel free to choose something smaller or larger, depending on your available wall space. Or better yet, scoop up the Skyouths Painting Canvases Pack that has six canvases in three different sizes, all for $21.98. Next, grab a canvas drop cloth, such as the Trimaco Heavyweight Canvas Drop Cloth ($7.42), a staple gun, and a sheet of Styrofoam. You likely already have some tucked away, so be sure to dig through old packaging and delivery boxes before buying new foam.

First things first, prep your drop cloth. Trim it to size, then spend a few minutes ironing or steaming out any creases, so your final piece is as crisp as a high-end find. Once that's done, flip your canvas board and nestle the styrofoam inside the frame snugly. A little cutting may be required here, but this step is key to keeping the pins secure once you actually use the board. With both pieces face down, place the canvas board on top of the fabric. Fold the fabric over the edges, pull it snug, and staple it to the frame, working your way around all four sides.

Psst: Want the same look for even less? Swing by your local second-hand shop and upcycle a used canvas. Then, reuse old curtains to make your bulletin board instead of buying a drop cloth. Piece of cake!

All that's left is to put it to work. Naturally, this pinboard makes a trendy wall art idea for every room in the house. Use it in the living room to display family photos or turn it into a mood board for your office. You could even tack on concert tickets, postcards, and letters to create a little souvenir station. Not to mention, there are so many cute push pins available if you don't want to use basic ones. The LYroo Assorted Decorative Thumb Tack Set is one example. So is the AccEncyc Gold Push Pin Kit if you prefer an elevated feel. Though small, these details can add even more personality to your pinboard.