Looking to add some personality and a pop of color to your furniture at home? One cost-effective and creative solution is DIY painted furniture. With so many colors and techniques available, painting furniture has become a popular DIY project for many homeowners. In this blog post, we’ll explore some painted furniture ideas to help you get inspired.

At A Ray of Sunlight we’ve been painting and selling furniture since 2014. We’ve seen trends come and go, and come back again. But the one constant through that time is that certain styles will spark joy in some people, and the opposite in others. Use the ideas in this post to find what sparks joy in you, and then recreate the look in your own home.

collage of painted furniture ideas

Are you tired of your home decor looking dull and uninspiring? Painted furniture can add exciting pops of color, unique patterns, and a statement piece in any room.

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Whether it’s a shabby-chic look or a modern approach, the possibilities for painted furniture are endless.

From colors to patterns, to techniques, and styles, these painted furniture ideas will give you all the tips and inspiration you need to breathe new life into your furniture.

Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced DIY-er, get ready to take your home decor to the next level with these painted furniture ideas.

Painted Furniture Colors

When it comes to choosing painted furniture colors, the possibilities are endless. From muted pastels to bold primary colors, the choice is yours.

collage of painted furniture ideas

Depending on your personal style, you can choose a bright color to create a statement piece or a softer, more subtle color to complement your existing decor.

For example, bright yellow can add a cheerful touch to a child’s room, while a deep blue can anchor a contemporary space.

When it comes to colors, it’s important to choose something that reflects your taste and complements the style of your home.

Here are our painted furniture color ideas for you to gather inspiration!

Painted Furniture Ideas By The Type of Paint

With so many types of paint available for painted furniture, it can be hard to decide which one to use. Each type of paint has its unique benefits, and each paint can create a different look on your furniture. So, selecting the right type of paint can make or break your project.

Let’s explore painted furniture ideas by the type of paint so then you can see what look you can expect to get with each type of paint.

Learn more about the types of paint for furniture and their pros and cons to help you decide which paint to use on your furniture.

Painted Furniture Ideas By Type of Furniture

Each piece of furniture has its unique qualities, and different types of furniture look better with different painting techniques, colors, or finishes.

In this section, we’ll explore painted furniture ideas by type of furniture, including desks, buffets, dressers, china cabinets and more.

Whether you’re looking to create a vintage feel with a painted antique desk or add a modern edge to a plain dresser, we’ve got you covered.

These ideas will help you transform your furniture into a unique and beautiful piece that reflects your personal style while complementing your home decor.

Other Painted Furniture Ideas

While painting furniture in solid colors is popular, there are many other painted furniture ideas that can add a wow factor to your space.

collage of painted furniture ideas

In this section, we’ll explore other painted furniture ideas beyond colors and types of furniture, including floral painted furniture, whitewashed furniture, stenciled furniture, and many others.

These ideas will help you get creative and add a special touch to your pieces.

Should I put a top coat on painted furniture?

While it is true that most paint types require a topcoat to be truly durable, there are some types of paint, such as alkyd, oil, and enamel paint, that do not need a topcoat. In fact, if you topcoat these specific paints, you might end up with a mess on your hands (ie. crackling paint or crackling topcoat.)

Applying a top coat or sealant to furniture painted with chalk paint, mineral paint, latex paint, milk paint, or acrylic paint is highly recommended to help protect it from wear and tear, moisture, and stains.

Learn more about the Best Paint for Furniture here.

The topcoat acts as a protective layer, ensuring that the painted furniture lasts longer and maintains its fresh and vibrant look.

Best topcoat for painted furniture

The type of topcoat you choose will depend on the type of paint you used, the desired finish, and the level of protection needed.

Some popular options include waterbased polyurethane (also known as polycrylic) or wax.

If you are looking for the best topcoat for painted furniture, waterbased polyurethane is the best. It dries clear, create a very durable finish that you can easily clean, and you don’t have to reapply it every 6 months.

For more information about topcoats, check out our Polycrylic Vs Polyurethane or Wax For Chalk Paint.

Applying a topcoat is usually the last step in the painting process and can be easily done with a brush, foam sponge, or sprayer.

Here is how to apply polycrylic to painted furniture by hand. And here is how to spray polyurethane for a perfect looking finish.

How to distress painted furniture

Distressing painted furniture is a popular technique that can give a vintage or rustic look to any piece of furniture. By intentionally distressing the paint, you can create a unique and customized look that adds character to your furniture. Plus, if you have kids or dogs, you know they are going to do it for you overtime.

If you are unsure of how to distress painted furniture or want to learn more about the various methods available, check out our blog post distressing furniture.

This post covers different techniques, including sandpaper distressing, wet distressing, and using a dry brush.

With our step-by-step guide, you’ll be able to easily and confidently create the perfect distressed finish on your painted furniture.

How to remove brush strokes from painted furniture

Nothing can be more frustrating than seeing obvious brush strokes on your freshly painted furniture.

If you’re struggling to achieve a smooth, brush stroke-free finish, our blog post on How to Paint Furniture Without Brush Marks will provide you with helpful tips and techniques for a perfect finish.

Our guide explains how to choose the right paint, the appropriate tools for painting furniture, and proper techniques to avoid brushstrokes.

By following our step-by-step guide, you can easily achieve a smooth, professional-looking finish on your painted furniture.

What is the Best Finish for Painted Furniture?

When it comes to finishing painted furniture, the type of finish you choose can make all the difference in the final look and practicality of the piece.

A satin or semi-gloss finish is often the best choice for painted furniture as it has a low sheen that’s not too dull, but not too shiny, giving a subtle luster that complements the colors well.

This finish is also relatively easy to clean and maintain, making it an ideal choice for furniture pieces that will see regular use.

However, glossy finishes can also be a great choice for painted furniture, offering an attractive high sheen finish that can really make colors pop.

On the other hand, a matte finish can cause furniture to look dull and dirty, due to fingerprints and dust that aren’t easy to wipe clean. Matte finishes are also not as durable as the other finishes.

Ultimately, the best finish for your painted furniture depends on your personal preference and the intended use of the furniture piece.

Painted furniture is a great way to update any room and give it an entirely new look. With the right colors, paint types, and techniques, you can create something truly unique that expresses your personal style.

So don’t be afraid of getting creative with your next DIY project!

More Painting Furniture Ideas

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