I love chalkboard paint so much. It evokes such strong memories of childhood creativity, but it’s also classic and chic. After all, it’s basically liquid slate. Obviously it’s a great paint to use for kid’s rooms (after all, they’re going to draw on the wall, anyway), but here are three ways you can use chalkboard paint in a more sophisticated way.

1. Paint it black.

You can always select a wall or tape out a square to paint as a chalkboard, but when you’re dealing with paint, why stop there? I love how the chalkboard extends to the door and its frame here. Not only does it make a dramatic statement, it unifies the room.

2. Paint your furniture.

If you can paint it, you can make it a chalkboard. What a great way to reclaim a piece of furniture. You could take an old desk and paint the surface (or the whole thing) in chalkboard paint or do the same for a table, as shown above.

3. Don’t paint at all.

I may be a designer, but that doesn’t mean I don’t love easy shortcuts, especially when they’re as cute as these. You can find dozens of chalkboard stickers online, many in whimsical cutouts of planes, houses or trees. They’re vinyl underneath which means that they remove easily as well. It’s a great way to try out a chalkboard with little commitment.

What’s your experience with chalkboard paint? I’d love to hear your stories and tips.