Learn how to cover a corkboard with fabric and ribbon! This DIY cork board makeover transformed a plain bulletin board into a pretty spot to organize papers and display kids’ artwork. DIY your own in just four easy steps with this tutorial!
One of the best ways to make a bulletin board that matches your home’s decor is to cover it with pretty fabric. The best part? It’s a really simple DIY project you can make in an afternoon.
With two kids in elementary school, I’m constantly looking for ways to organize school papers and artwork, and one thing that really helps is to display my kids’ favorite pieces where everyone can see them: on a cork board on our pantry door.
It started out plain, but why have a boring bulletin board when it’s easy to make it pretty?
While I could have stenciled the cork board with paint as I’ve done before, this fabric version really pops in our kitchen.
Now, my DIY cork board boasts faux nailhead trim and Greek key burlap fabric, and it didn’t take me long at all to jazz it up.
Are you ready for an easy cork board makeover that will add a pop of pretty to your craft room, home office, or family command center?
Let’s get straight to the tutorial so you can learn how to cover a cork board with fabric and ribbon to make it a perfect spot to hang kids’ artwork and more.
What kind of fabric should you use to cover a corkboard?
Covering a corkboard with fabric is quite simple and it’s a great way to customize any basic bulletin board – even an ugly one you can score for cheap at a thrift store. But, not every fabric will be a good fit.
Burlap is easy to work with because it’s so stiff, and an upholstery or drapery fabric will work well, too.
I’d avoid using quilting fabric since it’s thin and more likely to wrinkle when you apply it to the cork board.
Cork Board Makeover Supplies
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Here’s everything you need to cover your cork board with fabric:
- Basic framed cork board
- Fabric (the fabric I used isn’t available anymore, but Walmart has a nice selection of burlap fabric by the yard)
- Scissors
- Painter’s tape
- Ruler
- Flat-head tacks
- Spray adhesive
- Craft paint
- Ribbon or twill tape
- Fabric glue
- Craft knife or rotary cutter
How to Cover a Cork Board with Fabric and Ribbon in 4 Simple Steps
Step 1: Prepare the Cork Board
Cover the cork board’s frame in painter’s tape to protect it from the spray adhesive. Then, lay your fabric over the whole board, and cut it so that it hangs about an inch over the frame.
I used burlap with a Greek key print, which is very easy to work with because it’s so stiff.
Step 2: Add fabric to the corkboard
Now, if you were wondering how to attach the fabric to a cork board, it really couldn’t be easier.
First, head outside with your board and spray adhesive because this glue gets on everything.
Then, spray the board, then lay your fabric down, and carefully smooth it over the whole board with your hands. You may want to use a credit card to remove bubbles and press the fabric into the corners.
Use your craft knife or rotary cutter to trim the fabric as close to the frame as possible, but don’t worry if the edges are a little uneven because you will cover the gaps with ribbon or trim tape.
Step 3: Paint the Cork Board Frame
Get out your painter’s tape again, and this time apply it to the inside edge of the frame to protect the fabric while you paint the frame.
Step 4: Add Ribbon Trim to Your Cork Board
After the paint dries, run a line of fabric glue along the inside edge of the frame and apply your ribbon or twill tape (as you can see, I chose twill tape).
Below is a close-up of how I handled the corners. The top part is folded over the bottom part on the diagonal.
Use a dab of glue to keep the fold in place and add a flat-head thumbtack for extra security.
Flat-head brass thumbtacks are your “faux nailhead trim” and are incredibly easy to apply. They just stick right into the cork! Use a ruler to space them evenly, and add as many as you wish.
An Easy DIY Fabric Covered Cork Board
Now you’re done and ready to hang your DIY fabric-covered cork board.
Our cork board is attached to our pantry door with Command picture hanging strips and has held up beautifully through regular use.
I hope you enjoyed this DIY cork board makeover tutorial! It’s really so easy to cover a corkboard with fabric that will match your decor or add a pop of color to a boring wall.