A collection of brown-and-cream
transferware pottery inspired the
motif decorating this armoire.

Decorating Ideas

Painted furniture is fashionable and fun. A piece or two adds charm and personality to any setting, and a room brimming with painted pieces is a classic design statement that has become fresh and new again.

Paint, preparation, and practice are all it takes to accomplish these wonders. Best of all, projects can be as quick and easy or as intricate and creative as you want. You can accomplish chic projects with variations of one color or the simplest decorative painting techniques such as sponging or ragging. You can employ fashionable color blocks -- painting a piece or several pieces in different colors -- for a no-fail update. Proper surface preparation is imperative for success. Before beginning any of the featured projects, carefully read all of the instructions and gather the supplies listed.

Although our featured projects start with either vintage (painted or stained) or unfinished pieces, most projects will work as well for either. When you use vintage pieces, make sure they are in good repair. If the piece has been previously painted, you can sand and repaint in most cases without stripping off old paint. You can also clean up and freshen previously antiqued furniture without having to strip it and start over. In general, furniture requires sanding, wiping with tack cloths or clean damp cloths to remove the dust, and priming to seal the finish. These simple steps ensure clean, paint-ready surfaces for the base coats and top coats.

Some projects, however, incorporate the charm of the natural wood or previously stained wood for variations of the popular aged or antiqued effect. In those cases, directions may omit the primer. Each project lists the paint name, type, finish, and special supplies to make it easy for you to emulate the artist-tested projects.

You may prefer to have your paint custom-mixed at your favorite paint store or to use brands with which you are more familiar to create the color schemes of your choice. The type of paint and the finish, such as satin-finish interior latex or artist's acrylic, are important. Exterior latex paint is used for some of the porch projects, for example, because of durability. Paint formulation and finish will affect the appearance and longevity of your projects. Note that several projects are finished with a recommended sealant, such as non-yellowing, water-based polyurethane. Use the artist-tested sealer for satisfactory results.

Whether you use primer, sealant, or paint only, it's extremely important to allow complete drying between coats. For best results, paint in thin coats and never rush drying times. All materials in the supply lists, such as recommended brushes and masking tape, affect the quality of your work. When using spray paints or sealants, always work in a well-ventilated area with lots of fresh air.