Many items need to be organized in a family command center (Affiliate Link). From papers to schedules, you do various tasks in this area of the home. Today, I am going to talk to you about board options for organizing a family command center (Affiliate Link). Follow along and see which Command Center (Affiliate Link) Board Options would work best for you and your family.
Jump to:
- Which Family Command Center board should I buy?
- Whiteboards for a Family Command Center
- Pros of Whiteboards
- Cons of Whiteboards
- Glass markerboards for a Family Command Center
- Glass Markerboard Pros
- Glass Markerboard Cons
- Cork board for a Family Command Center
- Cork board Pros
- Cork board Cons
- Preprinted Dry Erase markerboards for a Family Command Center
- Preprinted Boards Pros
- Preprinted Boards Cons:
- Magnetic boards for a Family Command Center
- Magnetic Boards Pros
- Magnetic Boards Cons
Which Family Command Center board should I buy?
So many boards, so many choices! There are many uses for boards in the kitchen. Here are just some things you can do with a board in your family command center (Affiliate Link): write a checklist (Affiliate Link), hang photos, write assignments, show off your artwork, anything you can imagine, you can add to the command center (Affiliate Link) board in your kitchen. But it is important to pick the best one for your family since it will be located in the go-to spot for every member. Let's find out more about the options.
Whiteboards for a Family Command Center
With whiteboards, you can easily write with a dry-erase marker. It can be wiped off when the task or list needs modifying or when they are done. Below are the pros and cons of whiteboards in your command station.
Pros of Whiteboards
They are easy to find in a variety of sizes. Depending on the space you have, you can easily find the right size. Checking the width and height before going on a hunt for the item is important.
Depending on your preference, you can find it with a backing, a frame, or just a self-stick roll.
Whiteboards are usually white and can easily blend in on a white wall.
Cons of Whiteboards
Some whiteboards may smear after you wipe them, making for a messy look in a high-traffic area. It is important to pick a good-quality one.
Full Disclosure: If you click through and purchase an item on Amazon (Affiliate Link).com, I will receive a small commission at no additional charge to you.
Below is one I found on Amazon (Affiliate Link).com (affiliate):
Whiteboard,18"x24" Self Adhesive White Board Sticker
Buy Now →(Affiliate Link)
Another option is the glass markerboard (Affiliate Link).
Glass markerboards for a Family Command Center
Glass markerboards have a sleek look and can easily blend into the wall. My husband bought two and placed them around his desk, and they have held up over the years. Here are the pros and cons of having glass markerboards.
Glass Markerboard Pros
It wipes off nicely.
The glass markerboard (Affiliate Link) is clear and blends into whatever wall you have it on.
It can also be a magnet.
The glass markerboard (Affiliate Link) can also be in tiles with vibrant colors. (see below in the Amazon (Affiliate Link) picks)
You can make your own, like I did here.
Glass Markerboard Cons
There are usually heavy mounting brackets that need proper positioning, or they will not mount correctly.
The size is usually larger. There are very few small glass boards for command centers.
It would be best to have powerful magnets because the magnet is behind the glass. This tip is from my husband's first-hand experience.
Below is one I found on Amazon (Affiliate Link).com(affiliate).
Glass Whiteboard Dry Erase Board by TANKEE
Buy Now →(Affiliate Link)
Cork board for a Family Command Center
Cork has been around for a while and has evolved over time. From adhesive squares to framed cork boards, there is a variety you can choose from. You can also use pins to hold paper, calendars, and other items that will keep your space organized. Below are some pros and cons of having a corkboard in your command station.
Cork board Pros
There are many sizes to choose from.
You can decorate the cork by painting it and customizing it for your kitchen.
There are a variety of shapes you can buy cork boards in and attach them to the wall.
Cork board Cons
You can not write on them.
Over the years, they may break and dry out and will need replacing.
It can get cluttered easily with paper.
You will need to have another place to write, whether it is a separate calendar or a printed calendar pinned to the board.
Below is one I found on Amazon (Affiliate Link).com(affiliate):
Cork Board 17" x 23" Decorative Hanging Pin Board
Buy Now →(Affiliate Link)
Another board option is preprinted dry-erase markerboards.
Preprinted Dry Erase markerboards for a Family Command Center
Preprinted dry-erase markerboards come in a variety of options. You can get a monthly calendar, a to-do section, and a blank area to write whatever you want. They can be found in a variety of home decor stores. I've seen many of them throughout the years at HomeGoods, Michaels, JoAnn Fabrics, Walmart, and Target.
Tip: Determine what you want the preprinted markerboard (Affiliate Link) to include before hunting for these items online or in stores.
Preprinted Boards Pros
Some come in magnets, so you can attach them to the refrigerator.
They can already have the calendar on it, so you can fill it out each month.
Some are self-stick and can be attached to a cabinet door inside or on a wall.
You can get them in a monthly or weekly calendar view.
Preprinted Boards Cons:
The preprinted design may not work for your family.
It may be too big or too small for your family's activities.
Over time, wiping it off may leave streaks that do not come off, resulting in a messy board.
Below is one I found on Amazon (Affiliate Link)(affiliate).
Calendar Whiteboard Set (3-Pack)
Buy Now →(Affiliate Link)
Another option is magnetic boards (Affiliate Link). Read on to find out more about these products.
Magnetic boards for a Family Command Center
Magnetic boards (Affiliate Link) have metal with some other product, like a glass layer on top. Or, it can just be a metal board without these other layers. Below are the pros and cons of having a magnetic board. I particularly like magnetic boards (Affiliate Link). So much so that I created a few for our kitchen. Check them out below.
Magnetic Boards Pros
The magnet boards are great for managing papers without piercing the material like corkboard, resulting in a product that will last longer.
You can find them in a variety of colors.
Since they are flat, you can even cover them with peel-and-stick wallpaper to decorate the surface.
You can clean it off easily.
Magnetic Boards Cons
Some of the cheaper magnetic boards (Affiliate Link) may claim to be a markerboard (Affiliate Link) as well, however, we have found it does not completely remove the marker when you wipe it resulting in a mess of a magnetic board.
Below is one I found on Amazon (Affiliate Link).com (affiliate) for you to check out.
Magnetic Board Whiteboard/Dry Erase 18 X 12 Inches
Buy Now →(Affiliate Link)
As I mentioned above, some of these magnetic boards (Affiliate Link) have the option of having a whiteboard or chalkboard layer on top, so you can use it as a magnet board and a chalkboard/markerboard (Affiliate Link). I created a few on this blog in my DIY tutorial section. Feel free to click the links below to see how I made them.
DIY MAGNETIC CHALKBOARD WEEKLY PAPER SORTER
HOW TO MAKE A DIY COMMAND STATION MAGNET BOARD
Well, there you have it! I hope this helps you decide on the right command center (Affiliate Link) board option for your family. Whichever one you decide on, make sure it suits your family and their needs.
Now, it is your turn! Which one of these boards do you have in your command area? If you do not have one, which one would work best for your family? I would love to hear from you. Please leave a comment below.
Visit our other command center posts for tips:
HOW TO MAKE A WALL MOUNT CURRENT WEEK PAPER SORTER
HOW TO KEEP A FAMILY COMMAND STATION ORGANIZED
DIY ORGANIZING PROJECTS TO KEEP THE KITCHEN RUNNING SMOOTHLY
Below are some command center posts from other bloggers. Feel free to click through if you want more information.
Top 10 Family Command Centers to Get Organized
20 Fabulous Command Centers to Get Your Life Completely Organized
Janet Schiesl says
We used a pre-printed monthly calendar dry erase board and located it on the side of our refrigerator. So we could also post papers using magnets. This worked well for us.
I wonder if anyone uses an app instead of a physical command center for their family.
Melanie Summers says
I love the DIY command station! My favorite elements are magnetic, white board, and cork area. I've had a similar system set up in my kitchen area for years now and I love it!
Julie Bestry says
I really appreciated you laying out the pros and cons of each, though you forgot the biggest con of corkboard – it smells like corkboard! 😉
I don't have a command center because I don't have a family. I like the look of a chalkboard, but can't bear the sound of a fingernail or anything else on a chalkboard, so I can't have them in my space. The magnetic chalkboard paper really offers an interesting solution! The glass boards are the prettiest, but they don't work (as you noted) in many settings, particularly if you rent, as I do. Thanks for all the variety!
Linda Samuels says
You've sourced so many excellent options, Sabrina! I didn't know you could make your own glass/tile markerboard. That's very cool. I also like how you detailed the pros and cons of each type of system. In addition to these, I know that there are modular systems that some families like, which incorporate a markerboard option along with other elements like places to store pens, hang keys, etc...
Seana Turner says
What I love about the wipe-off options is that they are environmentally friendly. You can keep a washable rag nearby and have very little waste. I have to admit the glass ones are so pretty. Ultimately, it comes down to what you like, your budget, and your setting. You might not be able to hang a heavy piece of glass on your apartment wall if you are renting. I like the cork options for spaces where you want to display things, and the wipe-off options where you are sharing communications with others in your space.
Diane N Quintana says
I love the way you reviewed the options and gave specific pros and cons. I have a combo white board/cork board in my office. It works well but I think as time goes on I will replace it because the white board does not completely erase.
Sabrina Quairoli says
Thanks, Diane. I found that the older markerboards are not as effective as, the newer ones. My husband and I have markerboards in our office, and his glass board is so much more effective than the markerboard. You may want to try a glass markerboard instead. They have larger ones that are great for offices.
Ronni Eisenberg says
Sabrina,
You are so creative and handy; a real DIY gal! Sigh, I can only dream.
Those command centers are terrific as they really help to organize household information. I learned about another one recently by IThrive. They make so many different styles.
I don’t know any young family that couldn’t benefit from a command center and you have lots to choose from.
Sabrina Quairoli says
Thanks, Ronnie! It was a fun post to create. I used so many boards over the years and found it hard to find any posts that talked about the pros and cons of each. So, I decided to create a post myself. =)
Kathleen Murphy says
I so appreciated this timely post, as I’m looking for a board to list our weekly menus.
I’m not liking the streaking that comes over time from markers on a white board. I’m leaning towards a magnetized board.
Thanks for sharing, it helped!
Sabrina Quairoli says
Awesome, I'm glad this post helped you, Kathleen! Thanks for stopping by and commenting. =)
Lisa Gessert says
some wonderful ideas here! I am in the process of looking for a countertop menu board, thanks for sparking some creative ideas!
Lisa
Sabrina Quairoli says
I'm glad the post helped, Lisa! Thanks for stopping by and commenting.