How to Make a Magnetic Poster Holder

Hannah Bruneman
·2 min read

We love decorating our homes with pretty large-scale art prints and photographs. However, even affordable artwork can get costly when you start to calculate the price of a custom frame. To save on displaying prints, build your own magnetic poster holder. This hanging frame is made from four low-cost boards, magnets, and a stylish leather strap. The poster holder makes it easy to swap the art out for something new as you please and hangs from a single nail on the wall. Use our steps below to make your own DIY poster holder for printed artwork.

Brie Passano

How to Make a Magnetic Poster Holder

Supplies Needed

  • 4 pine boards, 2-foot x 2-inch x 3/8-inch

  • Tape measure

  • Pencil

  • Drill

  • 3/4-inch Forstner bit

  • 3/4-inch disc magnets

  • Thick adhesive, such as silicone

  • Screw eyes

  • Leather, string, or twine

Step-by-Step Directions

These simple instructions will show you how to measure and drill holes for the magnets for your poster holder. When you’re done, you will have two set of boards that magnetically connect to hold your art. Expect to complete this project in an hour.

Step 1: Mark Boards

Line boards up and make marks for magnets, spacing them evenly and making sure they match on all boards. On our 2-foot boards, we made five lines. Start with one line at the center of the boards and work out. Also mark the center of each line for magnet position.

Step 2: Drill Holes

Use a Forstner bit to drill holes for magnets (don't drill all the way through boards). Drill slowly and shallowly. Set a magnet in each hole and check for depth. Continue drilling and checking until the face of the magnet sits even with the face of the board.

Related: How to Use a Drill

Step 3: Secure Magnets

Dab adhesive on the backs of magnets and place in the holes of one board. Press the magnets level and into place. Repeat on all boards, being sure to check magnets as you position them so the poles are oriented to attract (not repel) one another.

Step 4: Attach String

Attach two screw eyes in the top of one of the boards, positioning them several inches in from either end. Tie a length of leather, string, or twine through the screw eyes to make a hanger. To display your art, simply separate the boards, place your artwork, and return the magnetic boards back together.