Shabby Chic Painted Furniture
If you’re planning to revamp your old furniture or if you’re looking for inspiration for your next DIY project, shabby chic painted furniture may be your next go-to style.
However, with so many styles and techniques available for this style of painted furniture, it can be overwhelming to choose one. To help you get started, we’ve compiled a list of best painted furniture ideas in shabby chic style that you can easily incorporate into your home decor. Let’s dive in!
Shabby chic furniture is all about embracing imperfections for a cozy, welcoming vibe. It’s about nailing that effortless look with a bit of rustic elegance thrown in. This style is perfect for those who love vintage pieces and a touch of whimsy in their space.
Whether you prefer pastel hues and distressed finishes or vibrant colors with floral motifs, shabby chic painted furniture allows you to unleash your creativity in any space. You can incorporate decorative techniques like crackling, stenciling, or decoupage to make your pieces not only get that vintage look, but also make them unique and personalized.
So we’ll answer some frequently asked questions about shabby chic painted furniture, and then we’ll get to all of the great ideas you can recreate with your own old furniture. Keep reading and get inspired!
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Best shabby chic furniture Paint
There are all sorts of paints that you can use on furniture, but there are specific types of paint that are best suited for shabby chic furniture.
Chalk paint, mineral paint, or acrylic type paints are the best for shabby chic furniture because they distress easily, and distressing is a very important part of the shabby chic look. Other paints like latex paint that you use on walls will ball up and gum up your sandpaper when you sand it off.
These paints also stick better to furniture than latex paint does, and they are so versatile. You can apply a furniture transfer over them, glaze over chalk paint with them, or create a layered or blended look with them. Here’s how to apply furniture transfers and how to glaze over chalk paint to learn about these processes.
Now, there are a lot of chalk paint brands, mineral paint brands, and acrylic paint brands that are great for furniture. Check out these top chalk paint brands, the best mineral paint for furniture, and the best acrylic paint for furniture to see our top picks for each type of paint.
You can also check out this post to know what paint to use on a dresser if you’re updating your old dresser.
Shabby Chic Furniture Painting Techniques
The shabby chic style is characterized by distressed furniture, soft colors, and delicate details that give a room an air of romance and nostalgia.
How to Paint Shabby Chic Furniture
To create this look, you can use a variety of techniques such as painting with chalk paint or mineral paint, distressing the surface with 220 grit sandpaper, applying waxes or glazes for an aged effect, and adding decorative details like stenciling furniture or adding furniture transfers.
To distress your painted furniture, let the paint dry completely. Then rub 220 grit sandpaper over the edges and details of your furniture. You can even sand the flat surfaces to create a few spots here and there that show some wood and make it look like the paint rubbed off.
Learn more about distressing with sandpaper and other ways to distress painted furniture in our distressing furniture blog post.
More Painted Furniture Ideas
If you get through this list of shabby chic painted furniture ideas and realize that shabby chic furniture isn’t what you want or you need more inspiration, here are some more painted furniture ideas that you might like.
- Rustic Painted Furniture
- Antique Painted Furniture
- Gold Painted Furniture
- Whimsical Painted Furniture Ideas
- Kids Dresser Ideas
Without further ado, here is our list of amazing shabby chic furniture ideas!
Shabby Chic Painted Furniture
Transform your existing furniture into something beautiful with this list of inspiring shabby chic painted furniture ideas. So, unleash your creativity and explore these amazing possibilities!
Shabby Chic End Tables with Raised Stenciling
Who knew a few coats of paint and some creative stenciling could transform two old end tables into something so beautiful? Check this out!
Shabby Chic Chair Makeover
Is your furniture looking a little boring or outdated? Give it an instant transformation with this romantic shabby chic makeover!
How to Upcycle a Desk into a Pair of Nightstands
Check out this tutorial to learn how to upcycle a desk into a pair of shabby chic nightstands.
Pretty In Pink Farmhouse Chic
Redecorate your room with a bold splash of color and get ready to turn heads. Click now to find out more about this jaw-dropping piece!
How to Stencil Painted Furniture
Get all the tips and tricks you need to know to stencil painted furniture here. Take your furniture makeover project up a notch and create a gorgeous statement piece!
A Lace Dresser
This before and after of the lace dresser is sure to inspire you. Start on your own transformation and give your furniture a royal upgrade that you'll love!
Chippy Blue Painted Hutch Makeover
Transform ordinary furniture into something unique with this simple and easy chippy blue painted makeover. Get a rustic farmhouse piece in no time!
Antique Sideboard
Get the dreamy interior you've been searching for! Bring out the beauty of your outdated furniture with this shabby chic look.
How to Decoupage Furniture with Rice Paper
Follow along with our easy steps to learn how to decoupage furniture with rice paper - so much fun!
Distressed Chalk Paint Desk Makeover
Learn the steps here for getting this gorgeous look - show off your finished makeover!
The Chippy Gray Milk Paint Dresser
Dive into this complete dresser makeover and create your own shabby chic masterpiece today.
Distressed Side Table
Get ready for vintage vibes—Click over to find out more about this amazing distressed side table!
Cane Back Chair Makeover
Transform old, thrifted furniture into beautiful shabby chic pieces! Follow this step-by-step makeover to recreate this stunning chair transformation.
Antique Wash Stand Makeover
Give antique furniture a painted makeover and transform it into an eye-catching piece of décor!
How to Repurpose Desks into Tall Skinny Nightstands
Let us show you how to repurpose desks into tall skinny nightstands! Time to get creative and give your old furniture a fresh makeover!
Chalky Finish Mint and Floral Buffet
The before and after pics of this furniture reveal the transformation from drab to fab - the perfect addition to your shabby chic décor.
DIY Raised Stencil on Furniture
Learn how to use stencils for an eye-catching raised design with our easy DIY tutorial.
How to Paint Shabby Chic Furniture
Transform your furniture into shabby chic masterpieces! Follow this tutorial to paint your furniture and give it a vintage, luxurious look.
Painted Display Cabinet
Do you have an old display cabinet that needs some love? Transform it with a shabby chic painted look and add personal flair to your home décor.
How To Use Transfers For Furniture
Adding floral designs is an easy way to give furniture pieces a unique charm and create an inviting atmosphere.
Chest of Drawers Makeover and Tutorial
Get creative and give your old chest of drawers an amazing shabby chic makeover with this tutorial.
French Provincial Nightstands Makeover
Bring life to your tired furniture with this gorgeous nightstands makeover! Check out the full tutorial!
Coffee Table Makeover: Whitewashed & Distressed
Add character and charm to your living space with this shabby chic coffee table makeover!
What colors go with shabby chic painted furniture ideas?
Aside from painting furniture techniques, color choice plays a significant role in creating the shabby chic vibe. Popular colors for shabby chic furniture include pastels like soft pinks, blues, greens, and yellows. These gentle shades give off the light and airy feel that’s typical of the shabby chic style.
If you want to stick with neutral tones, white is always a classic choice for shabby chic furniture. It gives off a clean and elegant aesthetic when paired with distressed or weathered finishes. You can also consider using shades of gray, beige, or cream for a more subtle look.
For a statement, you can incorporate bright and bold colors like red, navy blue, or even black into your shabby chic furniture. Give them that worn out look by distressing to balance the boldness with a touch of vintage charm.
Remember, the beauty of this style is in its imperfections, so have fun experimenting with different painting techniques and colors to create your own unique shabby chic piece. Whether you’re updating an old dresser or transforming a thrift store find, painting furniture shabby chic style adds charm and character to your home.
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