It didn't take long to round up 19 examples of chalkboard walls (and cabinets...and refrigerators...). What is a simple, humble, utilitarian accessory in so many European restaurants has become a trendy design element in American kitchens. However, just because they're everywhere doesn't mean they aren't cute.
Our number one concern whenever we see chalkboards in the kitchen is: What happens to the dust? Obviously it's no more insidious than flying flour, but somehow it seems ickier. Anyone with a chalkboard like to share the cleanup details?
TOP ROW
1. A farmhouse kitchen - from Apartment Therapy.
2. A full wall in a small kitchen, from Cottage Living.
3. See the chalk sitting on the granite ledge? From Apartment Therapy.
4. Chalk-covered cabinet doors, from Apartment Therapy.
5. A small sliver in a very modern kitchen, from the KItchn (via Dwell).
SECOND ROW
6. Backsplash in a black and white kitchen, from our Small Cool Kitchens contest.
7. Framed chalkboard on a door, from Country Living.
8. Part of a green kitchen renovation, from the Kitchn.
9. Chalkboard and magnetic! From Apartment Therapy.
10. Kid-friendly spot on the side of the fridge, from the Kitchn.
THIRD ROW
11. Chalkboard cabinet fronts, from Re-Nest (via The Selby)
12. Integrated into a pink kitchen, from Design*Sponge.
13. Simple spot for grocery lists, from the Kitchn.
14. A great how-to on creating a chalkboard wall, from Apartment Therapy.
15. A chalkboard refrigerator, from Apartment Therapy.
BOTTOM ROW
16. Cool family message center, from the Kitchn.
17. Subtly matches the cabinets, from the Kitchn (via Elle Decor).
18. One more green fridge how-to, from Apartment Therapy.
19. A true restaurant-inspired recipe wall, from The Kitchn.
Related: Fun Entertaining: Chalkboard Tablecloths
(Images: Ann Manubay, Dabney Frake; Nick Steever; Laura Moss; Jason Loper; Misty Adair; Katie McElwee; Kristen; Keith Scott Morton; Jeremy Levine Design; Alison Gilbert; Tracy/Shutterbean; The Selby; Danielle Deboe; Jill Slater; Audrey; Chichi/My Chalkboard Fridge; Elizabeth F. Clayton; Tara Striano; Danny Seo)
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In France I've not seen a chalkboard WALL, but definitely chalkboards are an essential item for the daily offerings. Usually they are fixed on an easel (spelling? the item an artist would rest their canvas on) and you have to have a look at it yourself, but i've been in some places that have a roving board on wheels that the host/ess will roll over to your table for a better look - though on one memorable occasion the wheels were not rolling well so madam had to haul the board over to every table!