IKEA pinboard hack for a home office

I’ve been searching for ages for the perfect pinboard for my home office, but I couldn’t find the style and size I wanted. They were either too plain-looking or too expensive. Just when I was about to give up, IKEA released a new pinboard, the Svensas. And it was the perfect size (23.5” by 23.5”) and price ($19.99 CAD, $14.99 USD). And I loved that the board was covered in a pretty linen-look material. However, it didn’t have a frame to give it that finished and polished look. That’s where the IKEA hack comes into play. I decided to make a simple frame and hang it above my desk in my home office. In this post, IKEA pinboard hack for a home office, I share the supply list and instructions for how to make this useful and pretty pinboard. This project can be completed for under $30.

*This post contains affiliate links.

Frame Colour

Up until a few months ago, I would have painted the frame in a shade of white, however, I felt like I wanted something a little different. I decided on a gold colour and used Fusion Mineral Paint Metallic Vintage Gold. It’s a beautiful elegant gold that is muted and warm. You could paint the frame another neutral like black or grey, or you could go vibrant with an aqua colour or deep forest green.

Materials for the IKEA Pinboard Hack

• IKEA Svensas pinboard (23.5” by 23.5”)
• 1 by 2 MDF trim pieces: Sides 23¾” long (cut 2); Top and Bottom 25” long (cut 2)
• Dishtowel and a small amount of dish soap
• Fusion Mineral Paint colour of your choice (I used Metallic Vintage Gold), sample size
• 1” to 1.5” paintbrush
• Something to protect your work surface (kraft paper, old cardboard box)
• Brad nailer, brad nails, and air compressor (alternatively use a hammer and finishing nails)

Instructions for the IKEA Pinboard Hack

• Have your trim pieces cut in-store to the lengths listed in the materials list.

• Wipe the wood pieces clean with a damp dishtowel and a small amount of dish soap to remove sawdust and any dirt.
• Protect your work surface.
• Apply paint to three sides of all four MDF pieces. One of the narrow sides can remain unpainted as it will be at the back of the pinboard. Make sure to paint the ends of the MDF pieces too. Allow the paint to dry for two hours.
• Apply a second coat of paint and allow it to dry overnight before attaching to the pinboard.

• Attach the sides of the pinboard first by laying out all the pieces together on a flat work table or floor (no carpet, must be flat concrete, wood, or linoleum). Using brad nailer and brad nails, attach MDF sides to the pinboard at three points, one at each end and one in the middle. Repeat this process for the other side.
• Attach the top of the pinboard using five brad nails, two at each end (one into the side piece wood and one into the end of the pinboard) and one in the middle. Attach the bottom of the pinboard in the same manner.

• Hang the pinboard according to the directions in the IKEA Svensas package.

Summary

So, you can see how easy and inexpensive this IKEA pinboard hack for a home office is. Where would you use yours? Mine now resides above my desk in my home office. I think that every home office and child’s desk can use one of these. They are perfect for staying organized and inspired. You could also display one in the kitchen or mudroom. My desk also has an IKEA Moppe organizer (the hack can be found here) and a vase of pretty flowers. My computer comes and goes depending on what I’m working on.

Here’s what I plan to keep on my pinboard

• A calendar
• Important notes relevant to my business
• Fabric and wallpaper samples
• Samples of my work, currently that is my handmade macrame feathers
• Details for any current collaborations

For now, I plan to keep my pinboard strictly for work, but a pinboard is also a great place to keep personal mementoes and inspiring items. Here are some ideas for your pinboard:

• Postcards
• Meaningful letters
• Concert tickets or a plane ticket
• Photographs
• An inspiration photo for décor or fashion
• An inspiring quote
• A recipe you want to try
• A list of movies or books you want to experience
• Your bucket list (seasonal or lifelong)
• Anything that makes you happy!

My favourite idea is to have a pinboard dedicated to something extra special, like a planned dream vacation. Family members could add their own bits of inspiration and the adults could keep track of travel plans and details.

If you liked this post, you might also like my other IKEA hacks:

DIY Painted Doormat IKEA Hack

DIY Mudroom Cubby IKEA Hack

Farmhouse Christmas Bedroom and an IKEA Hack

Top 12 IKEA Hacks to Try Now