Oliwia Whyte 
Paint colors help you freshen up furniture pieces without the expense and hassle of buying new furnishings. Whether it’s a nightstand, dresser or decorative accent like a mirror frame, painting furniture adds a refreshing swath of color to your home.
Choosing the right shade is key to a stylish look. Browse these painted furniture ideas for inspiration for subtle or bold hues that lighten up the ambiance.
1. Paint the Frame
Whether you want to add a pop of color to a statement piece like a fireplace surround or simply upgrade hand-me-downs, painting furniture is a manageable DIY project that can make a big impact. Start with an assessment of the piece and where it will live to determine what kind of look you’re going for. Choosing the right shade will help ensure that it looks great in the space.
Remember that lighting plays a major role in color perception, so test out your options throughout the day to ensure you’re happy with the outcome. Once you’ve settled on a color, ask your local independently owned paint retailer to mix it for you.
Distressing and glazing are popular techniques that allow you to create a customized look. Learn more about these furniture paint ideas and how to achieve them here.
2. Paint the Top
Even the most drab furniture can take on a fresh look with a few coats of paint. Choose a bold shade that will make the piece stand out as the room’s focal point, or go with a subtle hue that will meld with other furnishings and accessories.
If you want to add interest, experiment with painting stripes on your furniture. You can paint the stripe pattern freehand, or you can draw it in chalk first and then paint over it. If you’re working with a delicate wood like maple, try sanding or lightly brushing the finish with a light touch before you apply the stripes for a more distressed look.
If you’re planning to use a high-gloss finish, consider using a brand of paint that offers a topcoat as part of its furniture painting line. This will protect your finished piece and ensure a smooth, flawless finish that won’t turn yellow over time. You can also apply a thin coat of wax for an antiqued finish on furniture pieces that will be exposed to sunlight or humidity.
3. Paint the Drawers
Add a fresh pop of color to drawers with a fun paint technique. For example, this repurposed file cabinet from Miss Mustard Seed features square wood dowels painted in coral to match the piece’s new hue and highlight the grooved design. You can also add a patterned effect by painting around the edges of drawer fronts or decorative details with a small brush and enamel semigloss paint.
Yellow hues and oranges are a trendy option in furniture paint colors, as demonstrated by this custom antique sideboard from Brushed by Brandy. Colonel Mustard-inspired hues are eye-catching and brighten up the room without overwhelming other decor elements.
Before renewing a dresser, table or console, test the color on an 8-inch by 10-inch piece of cardboard (recycle leftover delivery boxes for this purpose). Check how the paint looks at different times of day and next to other furnishings in the space before making a final decision. You may also want to apply multiple coats of paint.
4. Paint the Hardware
Painting furniture can be a great way to make an old dresser or table your own. Whether you choose a bold color that makes a statement or a more subtle hue, painted furniture is a design trend that seems to be here to stay.
Before you start a new furniture painting project, always test the paint color on an 8-inch by 10-inch piece of cardboard (that’s where those leftover delivery boxes come in handy). Paint several light coats, and compare to the colors in your room at different times of the day with different lighting.
Those who aren’t fans of the bleached raw wood look can give their furniture a modern edge by adding square wood dowels, which add texture and a hint of geometric flair, to the drawer fronts before painting. Coral paint highlights the grooved pattern for a beautiful transformation. (Check out the tutorial by Cuckoo 4 Design for this DIY). Be sure to clean, sand and wipe down all surfaces before priming and painting.
