Magnet or Button: Displaying Art on Your Wall or Bag
By Holly Bones Art & Design | Published: 2026-10-31
Category: Comparisons
Deciding between a magnet and a button pin for your art souvenir? Compare the practical trade-offs of each backing to find the best fit for your display needs.
Quick answer
Choose a magnet if you want to display the art on a magnetic surface like a fridge or file cabinet. Choose a pin-back button if you want to attach it to fabric or textiles such as a jacket, bag, or hat.
Why the backing choice matters for display
Both the magnet and the pin-back button use the same hand-pressed artwork and measure about 40x60mm. The difference is entirely in how you attach it to your world. A magnet sticks to any ferromagnetic surface and leaves no holes, while a pin-back button secures through fabric and stays put even with movement.
If you rotate your displays often or want to avoid damaging surfaces, the magnet is the gentler option. If you prefer a permanent-looking attachment on clothing or bags, the pin-back button is more reliable.
Trade-offs at a glance
- Magnet backing: Ideal for refrigerators, magnetic boards, lockers, and any steel surface. Leaves no marks and can be moved easily. Best for surfaces you don't want to puncture or that are magnetic.
- Pin-back button: Designed for fabrics and textiles such as jackets, bags, hats, and denim. The pin holds securely through the material. Best for wearable or textile displays where a magnet would fall off.
- 40x60mm size: Both backings share the same compact oval shape. The artwork is visible from a few feet away without overwhelming a small bag or fridge door. Size is not a deciding factor; the backing alone determines the best use.
Product facts
- "Poe" Magnet or Button: This durable button or magnet features the “Poe” artwork and is hand-pressed in Ypsilanti. It measures approximately 40x60mm and is available with a pin-back or magnet backing. You can choose the same design in two backings, so your decision focuses on where and how you want to display it rather than on the art itself.
"Poe" Magnet or Button - "Light Bulb No. 2" Magnet or Button: This durable button or magnet features the “Light Bulb No. 2” artwork and is hand-pressed in Ypsilanti. It measures approximately 40x60mm and is available with a pin-back or magnet backing. The same compact size works equally well on a refrigerator, a metal locker, or a denim jacket, giving you flexibility in placement.
"Light Bulb No. 2" Magnet or Button
Which one fits your display?
Choose a magnet if
- you want to display art on a fridge, metal cabinet, or magnetic board
- you like to swap out pieces often without leaving holes or residue
Choose a pin-back button if
- you want to attach the art to fabric or textiles like a jacket or bag
- you need a secure hold that won't slip off with movement
