The Best Photo Boards For Your Home or Office
If you purchase an independently reviewed product or service through a link on our website, Rolling Stone may receive an affiliate commission.
If your bulletin board looks more fit for a school classroom than a home office or bedroom, it may be time for an upgrade. Classic cork boards are enduring organizational tools, yet offer little when it comes to aesthetically enhancing a space. However, decorative hanging photo boards come in a variety of styles, making it possible to reflect some of the personality that brings your photos and notes to life.
The best photo boards let you do more than just display your pics. They’re also an effective — and attractive — way to organize notes, calendars, business cards and even souvenirs and knick-knacks from your travel. These lightweight photo boards work in a home office, bedroom, and even in the kitchen for reminders and momentos too.
What You Need to Know About Photo Boards
When shopping for a new photo board, it’s important to think about how you would like to attach your photos and other materials. If the idea of sticking a push pin through your prints sounds to you like a way to ruin them, consider a board that allows for more gentle treatment. Fabric boards equipped with intersecting ribbons let you tuck your photos under the ribbons to keep them in place. When it comes time to take down old photos to make room for more, you can add them back into a photo album without ever having been damaged.
Magnetic boards also prevent damage to your photos and offer extra strength than ribbons. Magnets are ideal for layering your materials and supporting mixed mediums such as postcards, cardstock, photos, or concert tickets. Such boards also offer a more modern look thanks to their metal makeup.
Minimalists, on the other hand, will be drawn to wire grid boards. These boards are not meant to be overly cluttered, as the board itself is decorative. Leaving space between your photos and other items maintains the polished look of the board. Wire gird boards are also ideal if you have limited desk space. You can purchase an additional wire shelf and attach it to the board with metal hooks, making room for loose office supplies or even a small succulent plant.
With such a wide variety of models available, there’s no need to settle for an unstylish corkboard again. Here’s what to get.
1. Umbra Trigon Wall-Mounted Message Board
A sleek, geometric design gives this board its modern touch. Its clean lines and metal composition make it perfect for your home office, but if you brought it into your actual office, it wouldn’t be out of place, either.
We love this photo board for its versatility. The geometric metal panel is layered over a foundation of EVA foam, which means that you can attach your materials by using magnets or push pins (and both are included). Plus, depending on the size of your space, you can hang the display board horizontally or vertically.
No matter what you decide, your photos and other materials will be showcased in an elegant way that also prevents damage.
Pros: Choice of magnetic or foam board for affixing pics and notes.
Cons: Some may prefer a less intricate design.
2. Breeze Point Fabric Photo Bulletin Board
If the thought of putting a push pin through your photos has kept you away from traditional bulletin boards, this fabric board is the perfect way for you to start displaying your photos in a collage form. Smooth ribbons fasten your photos to the board’s surface without ruining them, which means you can easily swap them out with the contents of your photo albums.
The fabric gives the board a cozy feel, making it the perfect display to hang over a desk in your bedroom. Or, you can simply lean it against the wall or other solid surface.
The soft fabric board is also gentler against your walls, and you don’t have to worry about chipping or cracking if the board accidentally falls on the floor.
Pros: Ribbons protect your photos, fabric brings a soft touch to your space.
Cons: Some may prefer a less bulky board.
3. BULYZER Grid Wire Photo Board
If you find yourself running out of desk space, this premium wire gird board is the perfect solution. Not only can you attach photos and memos the display by using stylish metal clips, but you can purchase additional wire shelving and attach it to the grid by using metal hooks (which come with the display).
Not only is this minimalist display useful for home offices, but it can also be used as a helpful display in mudrooms, holding keys, leashes, and grocery lists.
Pros: Additional shelves may be attached, minimalist design.
Cons: Some may not want to use clips on their photos.
4. AllTheCuteThings Photo Hanging Display
This metal display’s rose gold coloring will inspire you to showcase your very best photos. Since the display is both functional and a stylish piece of home decor, you’ll want to refrain from cluttering the entire board so that some of the rose gold grid remains visible.
This board comes with clips for attaching your materials, plus four hooks that let you attach shelving should you choose to make the additional purchase. It’s the ideal addition to any space in need of a little glam – and organization.
Pros: Chic, minimalist design.
Cons: Some may not want to use clips on their photos.