Letter Boards Explained: Sizes, Letters and Where to Hang Them

Quick answer

Choose a letter board size based on the longest message you plan to display and the wall space you have. Felt letters grip best on a felt surface and should be stored flat. Hang the board at eye level in a spot with soft, even light, away from direct sun and moisture. For a playful twist, add accessory icons like Design Letters Food icons to replace words with symbols.

What size letter board should I choose?

Letter board sizes are usually described by the outer frame dimensions, not the usable letter area. A small board (around 10 x 10 inches or 25 x 25 cm) suits short quotes, menus, or a single word. A medium board (roughly 12 x 16 inches or 30 x 40 cm) handles a sentence or a small list. Large boards (16 x 20 inches or bigger) work for longer announcements, but they need a wall that can carry the weight and a spot where the text remains readable from a distance.

Measure the wall space first, then measure the longest line you expect to write. If your message includes long words, check that the letter area is wide enough. As a rule, allow about 1 inch (2.5 cm) per character for standard felt letters, though letter widths vary by set. If you plan to change the message often, a medium board is the most flexible compromise.

How do felt letter board letters work?

Felt letter board letters are typically made of stiff felt or a felt-backed material that presses into the board's felt surface. The friction holds them in place without adhesive. To keep them gripping well, store unused letters flat in a box or pouch, and avoid touching the back of the letters with oily fingers. If a letter starts to slip, gently brush the back with a soft brush to remove lint.

Most sets include a mix of uppercase letters, numbers, and punctuation. Some also include symbols or icons. If you need special characters, check the set contents before buying. For boards used in kitchens or cafes, keep a small container for spare letters so you can swap them quickly.

Where should I hang a letter board?

The best spot is at eye level in a room where you and your guests naturally pause: an entryway, kitchen, living room, or above a desk. Avoid direct sunlight, which can fade felt and warp some frames, and keep the board away from steamy areas like directly above a kettle or stove. In a bathroom, choose a spot with good ventilation.

For renters or anyone unsure about drilling, consider a shelf, a picture ledge, or a sturdy easel stand. If you hang the board, use appropriate wall anchors for the weight. A board that is too high or too low is hard to read and easy to ignore.

Can I use letter board accessories to add variety?

Yes. Accessory icons can replace or supplement words, which is handy for seasonal messages, menus, or when you want a more graphic look. Design Letters Food icons, for example, include symbols for drinks time, beer time, coffee and tea time, breakfast, bon appetit, dinner is served, barbecue, cake and dessert, fast food, and hangover. They are available in black and white and have a sharp-edged design that gives a graphic appearance on the board.

When mixing icons with letters, keep the message short so the icons stand out. Store icons with your spare letters so you can find them when you want to change the board.

How do I care for a letter board and its letters?

Dust the board with a dry, soft cloth. Avoid wet cleaners, which can damage felt and some finishes. If the board has a wooden frame, keep it away from extreme humidity. For felt letters, pick them up by the edges and place them gently; pressing too hard can flatten the felt and reduce grip over time.

If you live in a dusty environment, store the board with a cloth cover when not in use, or choose a spot that is less prone to dust. Replace worn letters if they no longer hold. Most sets allow you to buy replacement letters separately, but check availability before you need them.

Letter board FAQ checklist

Size

Measure your longest planned message and the wall space. Small boards suit short quotes; medium boards handle sentences; large boards need more room. If unsure, start with a medium board for flexibility.

Letters

Felt letters grip by friction. Store them flat, keep them clean, and avoid pressing too hard when placing them. Check the letter set includes the characters you need.

Placement

Hang at eye level in a well-lit spot away from direct sun and moisture. Use a shelf or easel if you cannot drill. Test the spot with a temporary stand before committing to hardware.

Accessories

Icons like Design Letters Food icons can replace words and add variety. Mix them with letters for a graphic look. Keep icons with spare letters so they are easy to find.

Product facts

• Food icons: Design Letters Food icons are available in black and white and include icons for drinks time, beer time, coffee and tea time, breakfast, bon appetit, dinner is served, barbecue, cake and dessert, fast food, and hangover. These icons let you add a playful, graphic element to your letter board without writing full words, which is useful for quick changes and themed displays.