Decorating: How a Simple Lick of Paint Can Transform Your Furniture
Whether to add colour to your scheme or charm to your furniture, it’s time to raid the paint charts and give tired pieces a fresh new look
Paint remains one of the simplest decorating tools if you want to transform a chair, a mirror, a table – in fact, any well-loved, well-worn piece crying out for a facelift. There are no set rules here: you might just want to overhaul an old cabinet with your favourite shade, or you could be keen to try your hand at distressing for an authentic, vintage look. You could paint pieces so they blend in, or aim create a startling focal point with a vivid hue – the choice is yours. Preparation is key, say the experts, so make sure your furniture is sanded and primed before you get busy with your paintbrush. With the vast range of inspiring paint shades now available, the only problem will be how to pick a colour!
Create a stunning contrast
This vibrant, cobalt blue dresser sums up what a simple pot of paint can do for your interior. If left cream, like the rest of the room, it would still be a pleasing piece, but painted in a vivid, contrasting hue, it becomes the star player.
This vibrant, cobalt blue dresser sums up what a simple pot of paint can do for your interior. If left cream, like the rest of the room, it would still be a pleasing piece, but painted in a vivid, contrasting hue, it becomes the star player.
Play with unexpected colour
The owners of this beautifully eclectic living room could easily have left these retro chairs plain and unadorned. But by painting them in pretty, coconut-ice pinks, the effect is instantly uplifting.
Explore ways to introduce pastels
The owners of this beautifully eclectic living room could easily have left these retro chairs plain and unadorned. But by painting them in pretty, coconut-ice pinks, the effect is instantly uplifting.
Explore ways to introduce pastels
Try an all-white scheme
Painting your furniture white will magically bring an air of French charm to any room. Here, pale green walls highlight the white pieces, while the diffused light and twinkly glass of the chandelier add to the ethereal mood.
Painting your furniture white will magically bring an air of French charm to any room. Here, pale green walls highlight the white pieces, while the diffused light and twinkly glass of the chandelier add to the ethereal mood.
Know your paint effects
Create an authentic, aged look by layering two paint colours then gently rubbing back the top one to reveal patches of the shade underneath. I love the combination of pale rose and old gold on this revamped chest, but any two old-fashioned shades would work just as well.
Create an authentic, aged look by layering two paint colours then gently rubbing back the top one to reveal patches of the shade underneath. I love the combination of pale rose and old gold on this revamped chest, but any two old-fashioned shades would work just as well.
Mix and match colours and finishes
This antique butcher’s cabinet forms an eye-catching pause in the run of black kitchen cabinets and adds just the right modern rustic note. The delicious contrast of distressed green paint against the flat ebony doors is enough to get me reaching for the nearest paintbrush in seconds.
This antique butcher’s cabinet forms an eye-catching pause in the run of black kitchen cabinets and adds just the right modern rustic note. The delicious contrast of distressed green paint against the flat ebony doors is enough to get me reaching for the nearest paintbrush in seconds.
Prettify a dull piece
A pot of paint is the upcycler’s best friend, as this modest bathroom cabinet demonstrates. Just a quick lick of eau de nil paint and a plain cupboard is given the prettiest makeover – and you end up with something you couldn’t buy in the shops.
A pot of paint is the upcycler’s best friend, as this modest bathroom cabinet demonstrates. Just a quick lick of eau de nil paint and a plain cupboard is given the prettiest makeover – and you end up with something you couldn’t buy in the shops.
Go for the subtle look
Paint effects don’t need to be dramatic to have an impact, as this kitchen shows. The subtle distressed grey paintwork on the island unit adds just the right hint of character without looking overly traditional.
Paint effects don’t need to be dramatic to have an impact, as this kitchen shows. The subtle distressed grey paintwork on the island unit adds just the right hint of character without looking overly traditional.
Instil a calming vibe
Washed-out greys and chalky whites are an effortlessly chic way to capture the coastal look for the 21st century. These painted old shutters make a stylish headboard set against the white walls – look out for similar pieces that can be repurposed at reclamation yards.
Read how to get the coastal look
Washed-out greys and chalky whites are an effortlessly chic way to capture the coastal look for the 21st century. These painted old shutters make a stylish headboard set against the white walls – look out for similar pieces that can be repurposed at reclamation yards.
Read how to get the coastal look
Consider more elaborate pieces
Don’t just keep the paint pot for overhauling obvious furniture, such as chairs and tables, as anything can be given a facelift with a little thought. This tall, Swedish-style clock painted in the palest sage hue is sweet, stylish and really simple to pull off.
Have you refreshed or upcycled a piece of furniture recently? Share your stories and photos in the comments below.
Don’t just keep the paint pot for overhauling obvious furniture, such as chairs and tables, as anything can be given a facelift with a little thought. This tall, Swedish-style clock painted in the palest sage hue is sweet, stylish and really simple to pull off.
Have you refreshed or upcycled a piece of furniture recently? Share your stories and photos in the comments below.
One of the real advantages of overhauling your furniture with a quick lick of paint is that it doesn’t need to look too perfect. In fact, a distressed paint job will instil masses of character and personality into something that started out as quite uninspiring.