While cleaning my workshop, I found a lovely timber panel from an old piano I’d turned into a bar. It was too pretty to toss. I turned it into a DIY kitchen sign. It’s a reclaimed-wood wall organiser with a chalkboard message board, tea-towel hooks, a key rack and a small clock. It keeps everyday bits in one place and adds warm, upcycled character to the kitchen.

I used a repurposed panel from an old piano, but you don’t need one to make this project—any sturdy piece of recycled timber will do. A cupboard door, shelf off-cut or pallet board works the same; I just happened to have the piano panel on hand. I love décor that works hard. This one panel now holds keys, towels and notes, and tells the time. The rich timber, clean graphics and matte chalkboard finish suit most styles—from farmhouse to modern.

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DIY Multifunctional kitchen sign

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Materials & tools

• Reclaimed timber panel (mine came from a repurposed piano)
• Paint stripper and cling film
• 0000 steel wool, bucket with warm soapy water, rags
• Sandpaper (120–220 grit), orbital sander (optional)
• Wood stain (dark mahogany) and water-based polyurethane
• Cricut or similar vinyl cutter (optional), craft knife and ruler
• Permanent adhesive vinyl (Oracal 651 or M7), transfer tape, felt/silicone scraper
• Chalkboard vinyl roll and white vinyl strip (for the border)
• Coat/tea-towel hooks, small cup hooks for keys
• Old drawer pull (for a chalk holder)
• Screws, drill/driver, countersink bit
• Keyhole hangers/D-rings for mounting, wall screws/anchors
• Battery wall clock (peel-and-stick foam style or movement kit)
• Safety gear: gloves, dust mask, eye protection

Prep the timber

Start by assessing the surface. My varnish was cracked and flaking. An orbital sander lifted loose veneer at the edges, so I switched tactics.

Brush on paint stripper in a generous coat. Cover it with cling film to stop it drying out and let it work for a few hours.

Scrape the softened finish with an old plastic card. Wash down with warm, soapy water and 0000 steel wool. Wipe dry and let the wood air dry fully.

Lightly sand to smooth raised fibres. Apply dark mahogany stain for warmth and depth. Seal with two to three thin coats of water-based polyurethane, sanding lightly between coats.

Design and cut the graphics

I designed simple kitchen icons and words in Cricut Design Space. If you don’t own a cutter, pre-made decals work perfectly.

Cut the design from permanent vinyl (Oracal 651/M7). Weed away the excess so only the graphics remain on the backing.

Transfer the vinyl to the wood

Lay transfer tape over the weeded vinyl and burnish with a scraper. Mark placement on the wood with low-tack tape for easy alignment.

Press the taped graphic onto the panel and burnish again. Peel the transfer tape back slowly at a low angle, leaving the vinyl behind. Repeat for each element until your layout is complete.

Add a chalkboard the clean way

Skip the paint mess and use chalkboard vinyl. Measure, cut and apply it like contact paper. Burnish to remove bubbles.
Frame it with a slim white vinyl border for a crisp finish. Wipe with a damp cloth to refresh—it looks new every time.

Hardware that makes it useful

Along the bottom, install sturdy hooks for tea towels or light jackets.

Pre-drill and countersink from the back so the panel sits flush on the wall.

Flip an old drawer pull upside-down for a chalk tray and screw it in place.

Add small cup hooks near one edge to hold keys or a dog lead.

For the clock, use a peel-and-stick foam clock or a clock movement kit. Centre it, press it in firmly, and check the hands spin freely.

Hanging the sign securely

Install two keyhole hangers on the back, level and in from the ends. Use wall anchors suitable for your wall type. This piece will hold everyday items, so mount it solidly.

Style and care

Chalk the week’s menu, hang your tea towels, stash spare keys, and you’re done. Dust with a soft cloth and refresh the chalkboard with a damp wipe. The water-based poly keeps fingerprints at bay and is easy to maintain.

Here are some close-up images of the completed multi-functional kitchen sign.

More projects for you

Here is another option for a kitchen sign that can also be used for the kids to draw on.

This DIY welcome sign is made from a recycled cheese board and finished with a vinyl decal—an easy upcycle for the front porch.

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