The Best Wall Calendar Options

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Technology can make our lives much more simple. For example, a digital calendar on a smartphone or tablet is a great way to easily see your schedule and make new appointments and plans—either at home or while you’re out and about. However, there are times when having your hands on a physical calendar can help busy schedules seem less confusing and overwhelming, especially when juggling the plans of several family members all at once. There’s even scientific proof that putting pen to paper can relieve stress and worry and allow for better organization than a digital tool. That’s one reason why bullet journals have gained so much popularity in the last few years.

The best wall calendars not only allow you to manage a complicated or growing schedule by writing it down, but they also come in a wide range of sizes, mediums, and designs. For an item that is likely to be on display, finding a wall calendar that pairs organizational ability with a design that matches your personal style or home decor is a must.

This guide explores a variety of features to consider when choosing a wall calendar for home use and then reviews some of the best wall calendars on the market to help organize your schedule and reduce stress.

BEST OVERALL: Lemome 2021-2022 Wall Calendar with Julian Date
RUNNER-UP: Maalbok 2021 Calendar – 12 Months Wall Calendar
BEST BANG FOR THE BUCK: Coboll 2021-2022 Wall Calendar – 18 Months Hanging
BEST DRY-ERASE: U Brands Magnetic Monthly Calendar Dry Erase Board
BEST CHALKBOARD: DesignOvation Beatrice Framed Magnetic Chalkboard
BEST ART: Journaltastic 2021-2022 Wall Calendar – Art Paintings
BEST NATURE: Maalbok 2021-2022 Wall Calendar – National Parks
BEST PHOTOGRAPHY: Ansel Adams 2021 Wall Calendar
BEST FOR FAMILIES: STYLIO Dry Erase Calendar Whiteboard, Set of 3
BEST FOR STUDENTS: Cabbrix 2021 Year Monthly Desk Calendar

What to Consider When Choosing the Best Wall Calendar

There are many options from which to choose when searching for the best wall calendar, from items that focus on organization to products that emphasize art, photography, or graphic style. Additionally, paper wall calendars aren’t the only option—whiteboards and chalkboards can be versatile selections for families with constantly changing schedules.

Read on to learn about the important features to consider as you shop, from the intended use and the size of the wall calendar to durability and themes to suit just about any personality.

Intended Use

Wall calendars are different from planners because they don’t drill down to separate pages for daily and weekly schedules. Instead, they offer a full view of the month and provide an excellent space for large-scale planning. Unlike planners, they are also too large to be portable, so they are intended for home use.

Many wall calendars are designed to be general, with open spaces for the user to write down any upcoming plans. If the wall calendar is for one individual, such as a student keeping track of school events or a remote employee scheduling weekly meetings, then a simple paper wall calendar will likely be suitable.

However, for a family juggling multiple schedules that revolve around ever-changing school, work, extracurricular activities, travel sports schedules, meal plans, and other family events, a wall calendar in the form of a whiteboard or a chalkboard that can be frequently updated and wiped clean will likely offer better organization and reduce confusion.

Size

Whether the wall calendar will actually be hanging on a wall or lying on a desk, ensuring it will fit in or on the intended location is vital to a successful purchase. Measure the space in which you plan to put the wall calendar and adhere to it while shopping. Paper, chalkboard, and whiteboard calendars all vary in size, as do the individual day blocks in which users can jot down events and appointments. Many wall calendars also often dedicate part of each page (or a section of the chalkboard or whiteboard) as a freeform area to write notes and reminders.

Medium

The medium of the wall calendar refers to whether it’s made of paper, chalkboard, or whiteboard material. Each medium has its pros and cons, depending on the intended use. Paper wall calendars are a more affordable option and are easy to write on with any pen or pencil. However, this type of calendar only offers a one-time use, is difficult or impossible to erase plans or notes that are written in pen, and is not an environmentally friendly option.

Chalkboard wall calendars are aesthetically pleasing and have the benefit of repeated use, but they are usually more expensive, especially if erasers and chalk aren’t included with the purchase. Whiteboard wall calendars are similar to their chalkboard cousins since they are intended for repeated use, but they often cost more and are not as aesthetically pleasing as artistically styled paper wall calendars.

Durability

The durability of the material with which a wall calendar is made is also an important feature to consider. When it comes to long-lasting use, a paper wall calendar by its very nature will not outlast a chalkboard or a whiteboard wall calendar. Although it’s possible that the latter type could crack or break if it falls to the floor, users can typically prevent this from happening by ensuring the calendar is securely hung to the wall.

Paper wall calendars can also vary in their durability. Aspects such as paper thickness or waterproof qualities can save a wall calendar from ruin before the year is up, especially if it’s kept on a desk. For desk use, consider purchasing an option made with water-resistant paper in case that morning cup of coffee spills.

Theme

The best wall calendar for a home will be the one that suits the individual’s or family’s needs and design preferences. Consider the type of design or theme that best shows off the users’ tastes or interests. From pets and flowers to sports and famous art, there are many unique, fun, and beautiful subjects depicted in wall calendars.

Our Top Picks

A wall calendar displays an entire month’s worth of plans and events to be viewed in an easy-to-read fashion. The following top picks feature some of the best wall calendars on the market and showcase the range of types, designs, and functions that are available.

Best Overall

Lemome 2021-2022 Wall Calendar with Julian Date

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This paper wall calendar by Lemome features thick paper, so ink won’t bleed through to the next month. The twin wire binding makes it easy to flip the pages around and allows users to easily hang the calendar on a wall. Each individual day block measures 2 inches by 1.7 inches and is individually lined to create four separate spaces for optimal organization. This is an 18-month wall calendar that begins in January 2021 and ends in June 2022, and each page features a comprehensive annual view to quickly check a date at a glance. The full dimensions are approximately 14.6 inches by 11.5 inches.

Runner-Up

Maalbok 2021 Calendar – 12 Months Wall Calendar

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This paper wall calendar by Maalbok features a cactus design around the edges and pink detailing in the month and day headers to add a touch of color to event planning. Available in two sizes, this 12-month hanging wall calendar runs from January 2021 to December 2021. The larger calendar is 15 inches by 11.5 inches with day blocks measuring 1.57 inches by 2 inches, while a small version is 11 inches by 8.5 inches with day blocks measuring 1.2 inches by 1.5 inches. The bottom of each monthly page provides a yearly overview to ensure effortless date checking and future planning.

The golden wire that binds the calendar is sturdy and provides a loop in the middle to make securely hanging it on the wall a breeze. The paper is acid-free to prevent light and air damage over time, and it’s resistant to ink feathering and seepage.

Best Bang for the Buck

Coboll 2021-2022 Wall Calendar – 18 Months Hanging

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Plan each month in style and do it affordably with this floral-patterned wall calendar from Coboll. The calendar extends for 18 months from January 2021 to June 2022. The overall dimensions are 14.75 inches by 11.5 inches, with each day’s lined blocks measuring a large 2 inches by 1.75 inches, making it easy to jot down events and record different schedules.

Not only does this paper wall calendar offer ample space for listing appointments and events, but it also features six distinct patterns that alternate from month to month to spice up the aesthetic throughout the year. The extra-thick, acid-free paper used to craft this calendar is durable and resistant to ink seepage and feathering.

Best Dry-Erase

U Brands Magnetic Monthly Calendar Dry Erase Board

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To cut down on waste, this whiteboard wall calendar from U Brands can be used over and over again. While this option is more costly than a traditional paper wall calendar, users will save money in the long run since it doesn’t need to be replaced every year. The calendar measures 20 inches by 16 inches, making it larger than most paper wall calendars, and it features a gold finish aluminum frame to blend with almost any decor. A silver finish is also available.

The calendar includes a dry-erase marker with a built-in eraser and a non-rolling cap to prevent it from tumbling off a flat surface. The surface is magnetic, and the included magnet conveniently secures notes, appointment reminders, and photos to the board. Mounting hardware is included with purchase for hassle-free wall installation.

Best Chalkboard

DesignOvation Beatrice Framed Magnetic Chalkboard

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For those with a more rustic taste in home decor, this chalkboard wall calendar from DesignOvation might fit the bill. It features a light brown wooden frame but is also available in four other finishes: black, gray, walnut brown, and white. The magnetic surface makes it easy to secure memos, photos, and notes with the four round magnets included with purchase. The back includes two hooks for quick and easy wall installation.

Choose from two sizes for extra versatility and room; the smaller size measures 23 inches by 29 inches and the larger size measures 27 inches by 33 inches. While this wall calendar is quite a bit more of an investment than a paper option, it’s a money-saving choice since there’s no need to purchase a calendar every year—and the calendar provides a unique addition to rustic and farmhouse decor. Plan to spend a few extra dollars on chalk, which is not included with purchase.

Best Art

Journaltastic 2021-2022 Wall Calendar – Art Paintings

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Add a bit of classic art to the home with this paper wall calendar that features famous paintings. Journaltastic’s wall calendar runs from January 2021 to June 2022 and offers a colorful and unique way to organize and visualize monthly appointments and events. Each month provides a replication of a well-known masterpiece to offer artistic inspiration throughout the year.

The calendar measures 12 inches by 24 inches when fully open and hanging on a wall via a nail or a sturdy push pin inserted through the hole on each page. The unlined daily blocks measure 1.6 inches by 2 inches to easily pencil in appointments and events, and the previous and upcoming monthly thumbnails offer a convenient look ahead and look back on each page. The thick paper is durable and leakproof, so ink won’t bleed through to the next month.

Best Nature

Maalbok 2021-2022 Wall Calendar – National Parks

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Enjoy some of the most beautiful views the North American National Parks have to offer with this paper wall calendar by Maalbok. With a convenient view of the previous and next month on each page, users can review past events and begin to plan upcoming appointments. The calendar spans from January 2021 to June 2022 and it measures 12 inches by 24 inches when open. It provides day blocks measuring an ample 2 inches by 1.57 inches.

The paper is high-quality and both bleed- and feather-resistant which ensures ink is easy to read without seeping onto the next page. Place a nail or a push pin through the hole on each page to securely hang the calendar to the wall.

Best Photography

Ansel Adams 2021 Wall Calendar

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One of the most iconic photographers of all time, Ansel Adams specialized in landscape photography for the majority of his career. This 2021 paper wall calendar displays some of his most famous black and white photography with a month-to-month view. The “Authorized Edition” calendar has been consecutively released for over 35 years. Each month features a replication of an original Adams photograph of a stunning U.S. location, including Yosemite National Park, White Sands National Park, Canyon de Chelly National Monument, and more—all of which reflect the changing seasons.

The calendar is constructed with rich duotone paper stock, making each page suitable for framing after the month is complete. It measures 25.6 inches by 15.6 inches when open, and the day blocks are unlined. Insert a nail or a push pin for simple wall hanging.

Best for Families

STYLIO Dry Erase Calendar Whiteboard, Set of 3

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This three-piece set by Stylio includes two whiteboard wall calendars to make weekly and monthly plans, along with a freeform whiteboard for daily notes or other general reminders for the family. All three calendars are magnetic and feature a coating that allows users to easily wipe them clean without leaving behind stubborn stains. The brightly colored lines are kid-friendly to not only enhance organization but also make it fun.

The weekly and monthly calendars measure 13 inches by 18 inches, and the smaller freeform whiteboard measures 5 inches by 10 inches. Four dry-erase markers and one eraser are included with this purchase.

Best for Students

Cabbrix 2021 Year Monthly Desk Calendar

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Students can either hang this 18-month calendar by Cabbrix on the wall using the two top border holes or simply lay it flat on a desk. Either way, this 17-inch by 12-inch calendar that runs from January 2021 to June 2022 can keep students on track with its sidebar “To Do” and “Notes” sections. Date checking is also made easy with the previous and upcoming months displayed on each page. Each day block is ruled for optimal organization and measures 1.67 inches by 1.88 inches.

Made with high-quality recycled paper, this calendar makes it easy to arrange schedules, events, and plans without the ink bleeding through to the next page. The simple black and white design is ideal for students who don’t like loud patterns or want to pair the calendar with a minimalistic bedroom or study space.

FAQs About Wall Calendars

Even though this guide covers a lot of information about some of the best wall calendars, you might still have some questions. Check out some of the most frequently asked questions and their corresponding answers to ensure you purchase a wall calendar that suits your home organization needs.

Q. What is the difference between a calendar and a planner?

A calendar offers a page for each month with individual day blocks to write appointment and event times or special remembrances. It usually has limited space for additional notes and either hangs on a wall or sits on a desk. A planner typically fits inside of a backpack, a briefcase, or a purse and includes a monthly calendar, weekly and daily blocks to record appointments, and plenty of pages for notes.