Letter boards have surged in popularity over the past decade, becoming a staple in home and event decor, with social media platforms like Instagram and Pinterest playing a crucial role in their popularity. These versatile and customizable items offer a fun way to convey messages, set the tone for gatherings, and add a personal touch to your space. Whether you want to make a statement at your front door with a quirky quote or add instructions at an event, letter boards are a popular option.
If you’re not sure what I’m going on about, letter boards are those slatted boards (usually covered in felt, but not always) with interchangeable letters or other icons. Originally used in offices and schools for displaying announcements, these vintage-inspired items found a new life in home decor…and on Instagram. With their ability to display messages, from inspirational quotes to witty sayings, letter boards have become a favourite. They’re perfect for people like me with commitment issues since they can be easily updated for the seasons, holidays or your recent witty shower thought.
Let’s hop into why you should add one to your entry decor as well as tips on how to effectively use letter boards and recommendations on our favourites.
Endless Personalization
One of the greatest appeals of letter boards is their incredible customization potential. Whether you’re a fan of inspirational quotes, witty sayings, or practical announcements, letter boards provide a blank canvas for your creativity. You can effortlessly swap out letters to craft the perfect message that resonates with your mood, the occasion, or the season. Have a funny thought in the shower this morning? Put it on the board! Need to remind the family of an upcoming event? Spell it out. The possibilities are endless, and the only limit is your imagination.
Letter boards also shine when it comes to seasonal and event-specific decor. Welcome guests to your home with a cheerful “Happy Holidays!” message during the festive season or a spooky “Boo!” for Halloween. They’re equally perfect for special events. Hosting a baby shower? Use the board to announce “Welcome Baby [Name]!” Planning a wedding? A romantic quote or a simple “Mr. & Mrs.” can set a lovely tone. Birthday parties, anniversaries, graduations – whatever the occasion, a letter board can be tailored to fit the theme and make the event feel even more special.
Another standout feature is the ability to frequently update your decor. Unlike framed prints or other static decorations, letter boards are dynamic and ever-changing. This means you can keep your space fresh and engaging by regularly updating the messages. It keeps things interesting for you and your guests, ensuring that your entryway always feels current. Plus, it’s an excellent way to keep up with trends or reflect your evolving personal style without committing to permanent changes.
Practical Ideas
Letter boards aren’t just for decoration and getting likes on Instagram—they can also be practical. One of their most useful applications is for announcements and directions. Whether you’re hosting an event or just managing the daily hustle and bustle of family life, letter boards can clearly display important information. Imagine greeting guests at a party with a schedule of events or pointing them towards the refreshment table with a friendly “Drinks This Way!” message.
They can also be a fun way to countdown a special event or holiday to delight the kids (big or small), like a countdown to summer vacation or a trip to Disney.
One of my favourite uses? Displaying the guest wi-fi password.
Pick Your Aesthetic
With various sizes, colours, and frame styles available, at a variety of price points, there’s something for everyone. Classic black felt with white letters offers a timeless look, while options like blush pink, navy blue, or natural wood add personality. Frames range from sleek metal for a modern vibe to rustic wood for a vintage feel, ensuring you can match your aesthetic perfectly. Choose a letter board that fits your style and complements your decor.
Our Favourite Felt Letter Boards
Aah, the classic look! There are at least one million different takes on the iconic felt letter board. Here are some of our favourites:
- Black Felt Letter Board Baby Announcement Sign with Rustic Wood White Frame – This is the first one I ever bought. I like it but in hindsight, I prefer the look of the ones with a slab base instead, as the plastic kickstand now lacks tension and sometimes collapses.
- Black & Gray Double Sided Felt Letter Board | 10″x10″ Classy Oak – A similar option with the slab stand
- Pink Felt Letter Board, Message Board Adjustable Stand – An affordable option with a pedestal stand
Our Favourite Wood Letter Boards
If you’ve got a bunch of furry creatures in your home, black felt may not be ideal. While more expensive, I really like the wood letter boards. Not only does pet fur not stick to them, they look and feel substantial and classy. Plus the walnut versions perfectly match my walnut wi-fi porter.
- 8×10 – Black walnut letterboard from KnotKnotOutfitters on Etsy. I have this one and I love it (shown above)
- Madera Modern – Walnut Sapling Letter Board – A similar Canadian option with significantly cheaper shipping for us Canucks.
- Pearhead Classic Wooden Letterboard – A much more affordable wood option. Note that this one is best used sitting on the table rather than hung on a wall as it requires a bit of an angle for the letters to stay in.
- Wooden Letter Board White Letters by Hooraydays on Etsy – A UK option with natural wood tones
Our Favourite Themed Letter Boards
If you’re looking for something for a special event or specific season, try one of these:
- Coffin Letter Board Black With Spooky Emojis – This would be amazing for a Halloween party!
- LED Gradient Felt Letter Board Sign with Lights – This would be cute for a little girl’s party
- Rainbow Felt Letter Board, 10x10in – Perfect for a Pride event
Alternatives
Marquee Lightboxes
If letter boards are feeling a little too low-fi for you, you might instead prefer a marquee lightbox. These would be more suitable for events rather than a permanent decor piece since they can feel a little gimmicky.
One advantage is that it’s very easy to create new characters or icons if you have a Cricut/vinyl cutter. The downside is that they tend to have a lot less space for text, so shorter quotes are necessary.
Have I Convinced You to Get a Letter Board?
Adding a letter board to your entry table decor can be a fun way to add some dynamic decor to your entryway. From witty one-liners to sharing critical info like the guest wi-fi password, they make your space both fun and functional. With endless customization options, you can easily update your board to match the season, holiday, or just your latest dad joke.
Ready to jump on the letter board bandwagon or already have one? We want to see your creativity! Share yours with us on social media: togetherscapes on Instagram.
Leave a Reply