A minimalist and stylish magnetic board, inspired by ZARA Home, to display your mood boards, lists, or current inspirations.
A simple, functional, and ultra-clean piece—easy to make yourself with just a few materials.
Zara website picture
🛠️ Materials (recommended size: 50×70 cm)
50×70 cm wooden frame (with removable glass) — light pine, oak, or walnut.
Where to find: Leroy Merlin / Castorama / Ikea (“Lomviken”, “Hovsta”).
Galvanized steel sheet 0.6–0.8 mm (magnetic), cut to the inner size of the frame.
👉 Be careful not to choose aluminum or stainless steel — they are not magnetic.
Where to find: hardware stores / DIY shops / metal-cutting websites.
Useful search: galvanized steel sheet 0.6 mm 50x70.
Matte adhesive vinyl film (warm grey, taupe, greige, ecru) or matte acrylic paint
For a smooth, uniform surface.
Strong double-sided tape (mirror-grade) or neutral adhesive putty.
Foam board / thin MDF for backing support.
Hanging kit (hooks + metal wire, or a French cleat for perfect alignment).
Flat neodymium magnets 10–12 mm (strong pull force).
Search: flat neodymium magnets N52.
🧰 Tools
Cutter + metal ruler, thin gloves, microfiber cloth, isopropyl alcohol, scissors, squeegee.
(Painting option: gloves + mask + protective cardboard.)
💰 Budget & time
€55–95 depending on the finish / 60 to 90 minutes (excluding paint drying time).
✨ Step by step
1. Prepare your frame
Remove the glass and the mat board (you won’t need them again).
Clean the frame and keep the backing cardboard for later.
2. Cut or order your metal sheet
Ideally, have it cut to the inner dimensions of the frame
(e.g., 49×69 cm for a 50×70 frame).
If it’s slightly too large, gently sand the edges
(240-grit sandpaper).
💡 Safety tip: steel edges can be sharp — wear thin gloves.
3. Surface finish
Vinyl option (ultra clean): degrease the sheet (isopropyl alcohol),
apply the vinyl from the center outward using a squeegee,
trim the excess with a cutter.
Matte paint option: apply 2–3 light crossed coats from 20 cm away,
let dry, then add one final mist coat.
Recommended colors: warm grey, greige, light taupe, stone.
4. Install the sheet inside the frame
Place the sheet visible side forward, centered.
Add the backing cardboard + foam board if needed for a snug fit.
Secure with strong double-sided tape or staples depending on your frame.
5. Hanging
Light setup: hooks + metal wire.
Perfectly straight: French cleat system (inverted V-shaped rails).
6. Magnets
Use neodymium magnets — they stick perfectly to galvanized steel.
Classic “fridge magnets” are too weak on vinyl or painted surfaces.
🌿 Variations & style
- Light oak frame + warm grey surface → minimalist editorial look.
- Walnut frame + dark taupe surface → warm vintage aesthetic.
- Cork strip at the bottom to combine push pins + magnets.
- Clean finish: a thin transparent seal between the sheet and the frame.
🧼 Care
- Gentle cleaning (damp microfiber cloth).
- No strong solvents on vinyl or paint.
- If scratched: a light mist coat of paint or replace the vinyl film.
⚡ The VO. Tip
The secret to a real magnetic board is galvanized steel.
Aluminum and stainless steel are not magnetic — this detail changes everything.
That’s what allows your polaroids, notes, and magazine clippings to stay in place without falling.
🧾 Copy-ready shopping list
- Wood frame 50×70 → “50x70 oak wood frame slim profile”
- Steel sheet → “galvanized steel sheet 0.6 mm 50x70”
- Vinyl → “matte warm grey vinyl adhesive 70 cm”
- Magnets → “flat neodymium magnets N52 10 mm”
- Hanging system → “french cleat 30 cm”
💬 Why it’s better than a classic magnetic board
“Magnetic” decorative paints have very weak attraction — the surface barely holds anything.
With a real steel sheet, your board becomes functional, elegant, and durable.
A DIY that truly makes a difference.
