The Ultimate Inspiration Guide For Painted Furniture Makeovers

Get inspired with these painted furniture makeovers and painted furniture ideas!

Painting is the easiest and cheapest way to transform old furniture to fit your style and decor.

If you keep an open mind you can score awesome deals on second-hand furniture. With a fresh coat of paint, you can create a custom piece of furniture without spending hundreds of dollars.

To help you narrow your time looking for painted furniture ideas, I gathered my favorite painted furniture inspiration in every style and color. You'll find everything from painted desks and dressers to unique custom pieces.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

1. Do I need to sand furniture before painting?

Some paint brands claim their paint requires little to no prep work before painting, however, it's a good idea to always prep and sand a piece of furniture before sanding. I recommend scuff sanding with 220-grit sandpaper then thoroughly cleaning before applying paint.

For more in-depth information, read A Beginner's Guide to Painting Furniture.

2. What is the best way to paint furniture?

There are many ways to paint furniture, including using a roller, paintbrush, or paint sprayer. Each paint tool will give a slightly different finish, with a paint sprayer giving the smoothest professional look.

3. How do I prevent brush strokes when painting furniture?

There are a few simple techniques you can use to reduce the look of brush strokes.

1. Use a soft synthetic paintbrush. I prefer painting with a 2 1/2" angled Purdy brush made with soft synthetic fibers.

2. Be sure the paint is thin enough. You can add Mineral Spirits or water to paint if it becomes too thick. Another option is to fill a spray bottle with water and lightly spray furniture before applying paint.

3. Use long horizontal strokes while painting.

4. Lightly sand between coats with fine-grit sandpaper.

4. Is it okay to paint without priming?

The short answer is yes. Not all types of wood furniture require priming before painting, especially if using a dark paint color. If painting over laminate furniture or painting dark-stained furniture a lighter color than priming with a shellac primer is necessary.

For more in-depth information on priming, read A Beginner's Guide to Painting Furniture and The Best Way to Paint Over Dark-Stained Furniture.

5. WHAT ARE YOUR FAVORITE PAINT BRANDS?

My go-to paint brands are General Finishes Milk Paint and Fusion Mineral Paint. General Finishes is a little thinner and goes on smoother than Fusion Mineral Paint, but requires a top coat and more coats to achieve full coverage.

CHALK PAINT: Annie Sloan, Country Chic, Dixie Belle Chalky Finish, Rust-oleum Chalked Paint,

MINERAL PAINT: Fusion Mineral Paint,

MILK PAINT: General Finishes, Shackteau Interiors Milk Paint, Miss Mustard Seed, Melange

HELPFUL RESOURCES TO HELP YOU PAINT FURNITURE LIKE A PRO

1. A Beginner's Guide to Painting Furniture Like a Pro

2. How to Repair Broken Furniture Corners

3. The Best Way to Paint Over Dark-Stained Furniture

4. How to Repair and Replace Old Hardware Holes

5. Furniture Sanding 101: How to Sand Wood Furniture

6. How to Age Furniture With Paint

7. How to Make Inexpensive Furniture Look Expensive

8. The Best Place to Buy Metal Label Holders and Pulls

1. WHITE PAINTED FURNITURE IDEAS

White MCM Dresser

Paint Color: General Finishes Snow White

Source: Little House of Four

White Distressed Antique Dresser

Paint Color: Dixie Bell Mud

Source: My Creative Days

White Wash Stand

Paint Color: Miss Mustard Seed Grain Sack

Source: Miss Mustard Seed

2. TWO-TONE PAINTED FURNITURE IDEAS

White and Wood MCM Dresser

Paint Color: General Finishes Snow White

Source: Little House of Four

Singer Sewing Table Makeover

Paint Color: Dixie Belle Coffee Bean Mineral Paint

Source: Salvaged Inspirations

Two-Tone Gray Antique Dresser Set

Source: Katie Cloud

Pink and Wood Painted MCM Dresser

Paint Color: Sherwin-Williams Redend Point

Source: Mercer Lane

3. GRAY PAINTED FURNITURE IDEAS

Light Gray Chest Of Drawers

Paint Color: Fusion Mineral Paint Hazlewood

Source: Little House of Four

Chalk Finish Gray Dresser

Paint Color: Americana Decor Chalky Paint Finish Relic

Source: The Funky Junk Shop

Light Gray Distressed Numbered Cabinet

Paint Color: Benjamin Moore Gray Owl

Source: Urban Farmgirl

Gray Empire Dresser

Paint Color: Dixie Belle French Linen Chalk Mineral Paint

Source: Salvaged Inspirations

Light Gray MCM Dresser

Source: Style Mutt Spaces

4. BLACK PAINTED FURNITURE IDEAS

Black Dresser

Source: Boxwood and Spruce

Black Painted MCM Dresser

Paint Color: General Finishes Lamp Black

Source: Little House of Four

Distressed Black Dresser

Paint Color: Shackteau Interiors Black Beach

Source: Shackteau Interiors

Black Painted Chest

Paint Color: Shackteau Interiors Black Beach

Source: Green Spruce Designs

Black painted drop leaf side tables

Paint Color: General Finishes Lamp Black

Source: Little House of Four

5. BLUE PAINTED FURNITURE IDEAS

Liberty Blue File Cabinet

Paint Color: Fusion Mineral Paint Liberty Blue

Source: The Driftwood Home

Coastal blue milk painted campaign desk idea

Coastal Blue Campaign Desk

Paint Color: General Finishes Milk Paint Coast Blue

Source: Little House of Four

Dusty Blue Anqitue Dresser

Paint Color: Miss Mustard Seed Aviary

Source: Miss Mustard Seed

6. RED PAINTED FURNITURE IDEAS

Miss Mustard Seed Tricycle Red Empire Dresser

Paint Color: Miss Mustard Seed Tricycle Red

Source: Miss Mustard Seed

Red Side Table

Paint Color: Annie Sloan Chalk Paint Emperor's Sil

Source: Girl in the Garage

7. PINK PAINTED DRESSER IDEAS

Pink Painted Dresser

Paint Color: Custom mix of Melange Paints Mink Brown, Spice of Life, Madura Brown

Source: Mercer Lane

Pink Antique Dresser

Source: Mercer Lane

8. YELLOW PAINTED FURNITURE IDEAS

Yellow Antique Server

Source: Lolly Jane

Pale Yellow Antique Dresser

Paint Color: Fusion Buttermilk Creme

Source: Lost and Found Decor

10. GREEN PAINTED FURNITURE IDEAS

Olive Green Painted Dresser

Paint Color: Fusion Mineral Paint Everett

Source: Shangri-La Lane

Emerald Green Antique Dresser

Paint Color: Real Milk Paint Lily Pad

Source: A Ray of Sunlight

Green Entry Table

Paint Color: Custom Shade using Annie Sloan Florance, Scandinavian Pink, and Honfleur

Source: Green Spruce Designs

Chippy Green Antique Dresser

Source: Katie-Cloud

Olive Green Dresser

Paint Color: Vintage Moss

Source: A Ray of Sunlight

Emerald Green Painted Bed

Paint Color: Annie Sloan Antibes Green

Source: The Heathered Nest

Green Mismatched Nightstands

Paint Color: Real Milk Paint Lily Pad

Source: A Ray of Sunshine

11. TAUPE PAINTED FURNITURE

Stoney Taupe Painted Dresser

Color: Custom Paint Color

Source: Jewel In The Wall Furniture

Greige Painted Dresser

Paint Color: Behr Shitaake

Source: Cypress House Design

12. FURNITURE TECHNIQUES

Take your painted furniture makeovers to the next level and try a custom painting technique. From layering chalk paint to adding decor moulds, these beautifully painted furniture makeovers will impress.

Layered Chalk Paint

Source: Salvaged Inspirations

Layered Chalk Paint with Salt Wash

Source: Green Spruce Designs

Adding Moulds to Furniture

Source: Heartland Vintage Market, Designer Brooke Sobol

Floral Transfer

Source: Redesign With Prima

Did you find these DIY-painted furniture ideas helpful? Are you ready to tackle your next painted furniture makeover? The possibilities are endless regarding furniture makeovers and giving new life to a damaged or old piece!