Good morning! Please post additional views of the kitchen/dining area so we can see the rest of the space. I am certain that changing the black chalk wall can brighten the space. But unlike so many who do chalk walls, it looks like you actually use it for messages and teaching... are you certain that you want to give up that function?

Have you considered just changing the color of the chalk wall to something lighter? You can choose any color to be your chalkboard now.

@suzyandchris we currently use it for messages so that it's not just a blank black wall, but we find the large area of chalkboard to be a bit overwhelming. I'd post the rest of the kitchen but it's a wreck right now... you know, 2 under 2 #parentlife.

We'd really rather not continue to have a chalk wall..or at least not the entire half of a wall haha! So changing the color doesn't seem like much of a fix @denita :-/

Have you thought about wallpaper, paneling or wall coverings

@clairelarece I have not but I love that paneling!!! I wonder what the cost difference would between between shiplap and paneling... or is shiplap too trendy?

We're planning on selling within 2 years anyways.

I love the shiplap look. And I have heard about wallpaper that looks like shiplap. Likely easier to install and less expensive!

It would be cheaper to use shiplap than using paneling but it all depends on your budget and the aesthetic look you're trying to go for. There's real shiplap and faux shiplap.

it would take a fraction of the time to sand and prime and paint then it would to put up shiplap and prime and paint. and a fraction of the cost.

@truey I'm nervous about sanding in an area that we eat in and is right off of the living area. That sounds like a dust explosion! I'd rather cover it up somehow... maybe I'm just being difficult :-?

What do you think about wallpaper over the chalkboard and wainscoting the bottom?

I like that idea.

I reckon the real question I should be asking is which option would be best for re-sale since we plan on selling within the next 2 years. I know not everyone likes shiplap... or maybe I'm over thinking the sanding situation.

You can also live with it for that time and wait and see what is trending then.

I would live with it but we need this black hole gone. It's frustratingly dark in this house (renovations are coming) and this may be one of the first things to change.

I would hire a pro but our budget is more on the do it yourself scale.

This will take what, five or ten minutes of sanding? It needs a light sanding. It wont stir up as much dust as all that chalk makes. Wipe it all down with a rag - five minutes. $20 at the most for two or three coats of primer - which can all go on the same evening - probably less than 2 hours including drying between coats. Throw paint on it. If you are painting the shiplap it will also require priming and sanding.

To me in order to sell I would do either the wallpaper with the wainscoting or just paneling it would be more appealing aesthetically so let's just say I would do wallpaper

Here's a few suggestions in wallpaper...do you like geometric, florals, scenic, traditional etc.

We had a chalkboard wall about that size, floor to ceiling, in our kitchen. I used a palm sander (one with those dust collection holes in the paper) and knocked down the texture pretty quickly. It took maybe 6 minutes to go over the entire wall. Wiped it down with a damp paper towel. Then a coat of primer and 2 coats of paint. Done, easy peasy. It really won't be as messy as you're thinking.

Hmmm... That does sound easy @KathrynP, thanks for sharing!! Sounds like no matter what we do, the wall will need some sanding haha. Guess we'll give it a try! :)

@claire the hubby ruled out wallpaper- boo. Thanks for your input though!! Love that Bloomsbury print!

No problem....have fun sanding good luck

Dont wipe it down with a paper towel - they break up and leave paper residue. Use an old towel that is done shedding lint, or an old t shirt. Run a hand over it once its dry and you will be able to feel any remaining dust. Also - primer dries faster, allowing for a second or even third coat faster. Plus better coverage over black.

Maybe I can talk him into those easy install type wallpapers. They've come a long way since the 90's, right?? He's concerned about not installing it correctly.

You can always find a professional wallpaper installer...Does your husband like wall paneling?

I bet you just have to scuff sand. Not sand it totally off.

The whole job probably would just take 2-3 hours or so. Well, with drying time added in between coats.

compare this to the dilemmas "my husband just removed this (odds are load bearing) wall in the kitchen for me, does anyone have an idea where to put the fridge now?" with a photo of a fridge standing in the dining room.

you are def. underestimating the dusty mess required for a shiplap wall to be installed. perhaps at issue is that you know you'd hire someone to do that, whereas you will be the one to do the sand and paint on this.... i'm hoping you are encouraged to try to do this sand and paint and see 'its not so bad'. its good to own home improvement projects, you'll become fearless one project at a time.

best of luck.

If it's mainly resale in a few years you are concerned about, and getting more light now, I say sand and paint and put a large mirror on the wall to reflect the light from that window. Cost effective and not too much work.

I guess I'm stuck between I want to get rid of it asap but I also want something pretty and that brings character to the space at the same time.

Y'all have given us a LOT of good ideas and encouragement to just sand the darn thing lol.

*baby steps, right? :) :)

Hey If the sand and paint doesn't work, then cover it up.