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21 Amazing Ideas for Kitchen Cabinet Paint Colors

The kitchen is the most busy place in a home. Even with all the cooking, hosting, and even eating in the kitchen, an all-white kitchen is still the most preferred choice for many people. Kitchen remodeling ideas have somehow centered around or involved the color white. This is mostly due to its soothing effect on people. However, designers are moving toward bringing some colors into the kitchen now. And what better place to start with than the kitchen cabinets?

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What Are Some Beautiful Kitchen Cabinet Color Ideas?

Color ideas for kitchen cabinets are many. But only some of them can make a real difference in your place. So, if you are on the same page with us, here are a few kitchen cabinet paint color ideas that’ll add some awesomeness to your kitchen. 

1. Dual Colors

Using two different colors that complement each other for upper and lower cabinets is a beautiful way to bring drama and attention to your kitchen. This has been a trend for a long time, and it is here to stay. 

A fundamental White and Black combination of mixing traditional wood with colored cabinets works amazingly well in any kitchen.

2. Grayish Tones

Grayish tones are in every minimalist’s palette. Painting your kitchen cabinets with gray gives them the aesthetic look they deserve. In addition, grayish tones have this soothing effect on people, thus elevating your everyday cooking experience.

You can go with dark gray for cabinets and light colors for walls to get that contrast in your kitchen. However, bringing some wood elements into your design will do the job if you think of going with a lighter gray. Not just that, gray cabinets are much easier to clean as compared to white.

3. Matte Black

Want to go entirely against the age-old all-white kitchen cabinet paint colors? How about choosing the polar opposite? Painting your kitchen cabinets in matte black will make your kitchen stand out.  

If you are going with a white backsplash, then black cabinets will add the perfect contrast drawing immediate attention to them. Perfect contrast can make any kitchen of any size look amazing. What better contrast than black and white to bring that wow factor into your kitchen!

4. Mountain Pine

Mountain Pine is a beautiful color that can go well with your lower kitchen cabinets. Combining this with white-painted upper kitchen cabinets works wonders in any kitchen.

Pro tip: Bring some plants into your kitchen. Plants bring color, contrast, and a natural element to your painted kitchen cabinets and your walls.

5. Pink

Pink is a bold color to choose for your kitchen cabinets. But if you are ok with making that choice, it would add a different kind of beauty to your kitchen. Why? Rosy hues are here to stay.

Millennial pink is known to be feminine, and also, considering the amount of vibrancy it brings into your design, going with pink is never the wrong choice.

Suppose you are not comfortable with millennial pink. In that case, you have various other forms of pink, like blush pink or even dusky rosy kind of pink, which are not extraordinarily feminine and bring the same type of effects to the project.

6. Green

Green is one other color to choose from that brings an aesthetic sense into your kitchen. Not just that, green is also associated with nature. For this reason, painting your kitchen cabinets green will have that calming effect on you.

When you are going green for your kitchen cabinets, choosing contrasting colors for your kitchen walls and backsplash takes your kitchen’s beauty to another dimension.

7. Pastel Kitchen Cabinet Paint Colors

Pastel colors are known for being soothing, especially if you are considering a kitchen remodel. What better place than a kitchen to have that relaxing feeling? Baby blue, lavender or even peach are all amazing colors for your kitchen cabinets.

You can also paint your walls and backsplash white, thus adding to the space’s full calming effect. On top of that, white goes amazingly well with all the pastel colors. You can’t beat that!

8. Darker Hues

To add contrast to your whole design, choose lighter colors, predominantly white, for your walls and the backsplash. Your cabinets will pop out and attract immediate attention if they are of a darker shade.

9. Wood Finish

If painting your kitchen cabinets with colors is not your thing, then giving them a wood finish would give you all the vintage vibes you need. Wood-finished cabinets are returning in most homes these days, and they’ll never go out of fashion.

You can choose to paint the upper cabinets with any lighter colors and give the lower cabinets a wood finish. This way, you are bringing modernity into your kitchen while keeping the vintage vibes intact.

Wood-finished kitchens also make the place cozy and make cooking and hosting a good experience. Not only that, but they are also easy to maintain as dirt is not generally visible on the cabinets.

10. Multiple Color Choices

Want to go all experimental with your kitchen and add some individuality to it by expressing yourself? Then choosing multiple colors for your cabinets is one way to do all of that.

You can choose colors complementing each other and paint each cabinet differently. You can also choose to paint different colors on different cabinets based on what you will store in them. It becomes a visual representation of everything and also adds to the whole visual appeal of the place. 

Choosing to go with multiple colors for your kitchen cabinets will make your kitchen stand out from the rest, and it’ll definitely tell a story of your individuality.

11. White or Anything Close to White

No matter how much we talk about all the colors you can go with for your kitchen cabinets, the all-white design will always be something you cannot ignore. This is because white has a very straightforward look, and will not give you any headaches other than maintaining it.

If not white, then at least colors closer to white, or you can also consider a shade of ivory for your kitchen cabinet paint colors.

12. Saga Green and White

You can perfectly combine sage green cabinets with white or black colors. But, since the countertops are usually white or in other light colors, better go with white only. Never underestimate the importance of a glamorous look. A shiny white countertop and gold hardware will help a lot with that. You can even add a colorful traditional rug to add a more vibrant look. 

13. Mint

Mint is relaxing and has a coastal feel. It is one of the most common kitchen cabinet color ideas frequently used by designers. No excessiveness, or gleaming gloss finish, but pure simplicity and freshness. You can combine it best with white elements around like countertops, appliances, or even white cabinets.

14. Emerald Green

Green is a bolder color compared to most other kitchen cabinet color ideas. However, nothing can compare to the desire to reflect one’s own style in your kitchen. Going bolder is the key to creating stunning places, and emerald green is perfect with white upper cabinets, glass accents, and brass hardware. 

15. Gray and Navy

Navy is one of the most popular kitchen color ideas for those seeking a cold but calm ambiance in their kitchens. Very few cabinet color ideas can pair better with navy than gray.

16. Powder Blue

Seeking cabinet color ideas that are more of a designer choice? Then, consider powder blue. The color itself is soft and relaxing. It works well with other cabinet color ideas like white or cream.

17. Turquoise

The feel of the coast is now in your kitchen. If you have a modern and open kitchen, you can try turquoise as your kitchen cabinet colors in two shades – darker at the bottom and lighter at the upper part, or simply combine it with white.

18. Deep Purple

Open and bright kitchens can make the most of purple, especially with a large glass wall at one side of the kitchen. If you have such a kitchen but not purple cabinets, you can consider painting them. There are great ideas for painting kitchen cabinets this color.

19. Light Gray

Almost any kitchen style is possible with the right shade of gray, which is why it is one of the most trending kitchen cabinet color ideas. It can give a beautifully classic look by itself or it can complement a colorful scheme. Light gray is a perfect choice for those looking for an alternative to white dominance in the kitchen.

20. Sky Blue & White

Using darker base and lighter upper cabinets is among the smartest cabinet color ideas advised by many professional designers. The advice is even stronger when it comes to smaller kitchens. If you are fortunate to have a glass door in your small kitchen, try a sky blue and white combination to make your place more beautiful and feel more spacious.

21. Cream & Gray

Looking for kitchen cabinet colors that are timeless and warm? Then, you can never ignore cream and gray. Both are neutral colors, and you will not get bored with your cabinet colors for a long time if you love them from the beginning. Plus, these kitchen cabinets’ paint colors can help you minimize the kitchen remodel cost in the future.   

Conclusion

Are you overwhelmed by too many cabinet color ideas? Just relax and contact us. KBR is a leading contractor in Virginia, Maryland, and Washington DC. You can visit one of our stores and ask anything about your kitchen cabinet colors. Moreover, you can discuss kitchen remodeling or renovation plans (if you have any) and get your free estimate.

11 Best Kitchen Cabinet Paint Colors of 2023

by Andre Kazimierski | Jan 30, 2023

Painting your kitchen cabinets but struggling with colors? Choosing the best kitchen cabinet color is difficult for homeowners. Especially with all of the white, green, navy blue, and dark gray color trends that are in right now.

No question, it’s common to feel overwhelmed with hundreds of kitchen design ideas. Given that, we’ve created a guide to finding the perfect kitchen cabinet paint colors to create a look you’ll love. Not to mention, our 11 best cabinet colors are classic shades that will stand the test of time. As opposed to the typical fly-by-night interior design trends.

To help you pick the best colors for cabinets we asked our painting experts here at Improovy for the latest and greatest hues. From classic white cabinets, painting kitchen islands, to darker colors, our trend-worthy list covers it all. Likewise, we’ll showcase before and after pictures of cabinet painting projects to inspire your next kitchen makeover.

After selecting a few of the most popular kitchen cabinet paint colors, try placing swatches next to your countertops and backsplash. That way, you’ll get a better idea of how a new cabinet color coordinates with your current kitchen’s look.

Whether you prefer a neutral white kitchen color or two-toned cabinetry style, the photos in our top 11 cabinet paint colors will make deciding easy.

  1. White Dove By Benjamin Moore

Kitchen trends come and go, but Benjamin Moore’s White Dove (OC-17) remains a popular cabinet paint color year after year. It is a creamy, soft white cabinet shade with warm undertones. No doubt, White Dove looks amazing in your kitchen when paired with a black granite countertop. This is evident in the awesome before and after painted kitchen cabinets below!

Moreover, White Dove is a warm neutral kitchen color that is quite versatile. Specifically, it does have hints of yellow and gray which pulls it back from being too stark. For this reason, we wouldn’t recommend pairing it with white quartz or granite kitchen countertops as it may look too yellow in contrast.

For your reference, this is brighter white with a higher LRV of 85. As a result, it may take a few extra coats to cover. All in all, this classic shade sets a welcoming and balanced tone for any farmhouse or open concept kitchen home interior.

Thinking about painting your cabinets? Find out the average cost to paint your kitchen cabinets in this helpful guide.

  1. Pure White By Sherwin-Williams

Pure White by Sherwin Williams is another favorite white cabinet paint color among homeowners. This super popular white tone for cabinetry strikes that rare balance between warm and cool. As shown in the kitchen cabinet before and after photos below, it works well as a sleek upper color for a two-tone configuration. It also balances well with stainless steel appliances like refrigerators, ovens, and microwaves.

Now, Pure White (SW 7005) is more of a brighter white versus a softer tone like White Dove. As a result, it actually pairs very nicely with white countertops like veined quartz or marble. Indeed, we love using this trendy white kitchen cabinet color for contemporary or modern cabinet door styles.

Accordingly, it contrasts beautifully with textured backsplashes for a picture-perfect kitchen design option. With the pandemic, we all could use a little brightening up in our kitchen and main living spaces.

Learn about how to choose between satin and matte paint finishes in our latest guide.

Trend Alert: Two-Toned Kitchen Cabinets

One of the hottest design trends many homeowners are opting for is two-toned cabinets. This unique kitchen cabinet design is where you have two different colors on the upper and lower sections of your cabinets. Typically you’d want a lighter color for upper cabinets and a neutral or deeper color for the bottom drawer faces below countertops.

You can also coordinate a two-tone color combination between the main cabinets and kitchen island drawers and boxes. This works best with a lighter color for the main drawers and an accent cabinet color for the island.

Need a cabinet painter to transform your kitchen? Improovy is one of the nation’s highest-rated painting contractors. Get your free cabinet painting quote online in minutes today!

  1. Dovetail SW 7018 (Drawers or Lowers)

We’ve covered some classic white cabinet colors so let’s dive into the neutral gray family to mix things up. Sherwin-Williams’ Dovetail is a medium-toned gray kitchen cabinet color that certainly works well as a lower drawer contrasting color in white kitchens. Likewise, it’s a top choice for a kitchen island to add a pop of color to any modern kitchen. However, this trendy gray cabinet tone can stand on its own, especially in open kitchens that get plenty of natural light.

Not only is it one of the world’s most popular gray-painted cabinet colors, but Dovetail has enough warmth to create an inviting space where dinner guests will want to hang out at. Ultimately versatile, it plays nicely with starker shades like Pure White or warmer neutrals like White Dove.

What we like most is that Dovetail (SW 7018) has an LRV of 26. This means it has excellent coverage when painting. Not to mention, it has enough depth to pair with most countertops and kitchen flooring combinations.

Wondering what a painter costs in cities like Denver, CO? To compare, find out how much Denver painting contractors charge in our latest post!

  1. Benjamin Moore’s Simply White

Many design experts swear that Simply White by Benjamin Moore is their go-to paint color for kitchen cabinetry. And we don’t disagree, as this warm white can cozy up even the most sterile, cold kitchen layouts. As with most white paint colors, this shade works best with plenty of natural light. Moreover, it has very soft yellow undertones so we recommend it in kitchens with plenty of northern or cooler lighting.

Since the kitchen is often the busiest room in the house, Simply White (OC-117) allows for an inviting atmosphere where friends and family can gather while waiting on dinner to be served. This color works best with natural wood butcher block countertops or dark granite with a kitchen island. Also worth mentioning is that it’s a warmer-leaning white without any gray undertones. This makes it a wonderfully crisp white color for kitchens or trim, doors, ceilings, and even exteriors.

No doubt, popcorn ceilings are out. But what is the best way to remove this hideous ceiling texture often found in older homes? Get the answers you need to make the best decision by checking out our guide to removing popcorn ceilings for homeowners.

  1. Sherwin Williams’ Naval SW 6244

Blue cabinet colors for kitchens are ever more popular these days and Naval (SW 6244) by Sherwin Williams stands out as one of the best. No question, dark navy tones in a kitchen are trendy. However, the key to finding a timeless blue cabinet paint color that won’t go out of style is to choose a more neutral hue. Along those lines, Naval does not disappoint.

It’s a deeper blue tone that works as the main cabinet color or as a contrasting kitchen island color. In particular, we love pairing Naval with stark white sinks or grayish countertops. In like fashion, this lovely blue hue works great with brass-colored cabinet pulls, handles, knobs, and faucets. And since Sherwin-Williams deemed Naval as its 2020 color of the year, we’re guessing it’ll be some time before it goes out of style, if ever.

  1. Rookwood Dark Green (Sherwin Williams)

One of the top kitchen trends this year is green cabinet paint colors. That’s why we had to add Rookwood Dark Green (SW 2816) by Sherwin Williams to our list. Indeed, this wonderfully natural green kitchen cabinet color has been flying under the radar for years.

As a dark forest green, it’s perfect for a natural contrasting kitchen island paint color as shown below. Surprisingly, this is Sherwin’s darkest green paint color which is perfect if you want to go bold in a two-tone cabinet design setup in your kitchen.

This deep green kitchen paint color pairs nicely with brass light fixtures and natural wood floors or butcherblock style countertops. Likewise, Rookwood Dark Green works well with natural straw or farmhouse elements. These are often found in modern or new kitchen feels that lean into the nature theme. This is one of those shades of green for cabinets that can act as a focal point for any contemporary kitchen remodel straight off of Houzz or HGTV.

  1. Mysterious, Benjamin Moore

Looking for a deeper navy blue paint color for your kitchen cabinets? Benjamin Moore’s Mysterious AF-565 may be the perfect hue for your cabinet boxes and doors. First, this is a deep, rich denim blue that can register as black in some lights. Given that black paint colors are all the rage for interiors and exteriors this year, we see Mysterious as an extension of that trend.

As kitchen cabinet color trends continue to adopt sophisticated shades of black, we’ll see more of these hues pop up in modern color schemes. No question, darker shades will continue to be used as an accent color on a kitchen island and as a two-tone option.

This cabinet color is almost charcoal with hints of navy as an undertone. Nonetheless, it’s categorized as a classic neutral that works well in both contemporary and traditional kitchens or home designs. Lastly, pair this deep blue with white countertops and subway tile kitchen backsplashes for a sophisticated aesthetic.

  1. Summer White By Sherwin-Williams

Warmth and natural environments are big in today’s kitchen design trends. Cue Sherwin-Williams off-white cabinet paint color, Summer White (SW 7557). Indeed, this is a warm pastel cabinet hue that evokes the feel of a warm summer day. Use it on wood cabinets paired with a rustic range hood for a country kitchen feel.

While beige pastels have been out of style since the mid-2000s, Summer White is more of a warm white when painted on cabinets. It works especially well paired with darker countertop materials like granite, pictured above in a recently completed kitchen renovation.

As a warm color choice for kitchens, this airy pastel can brighten up any small space with a hint of sunshine. Plus, its way easier to clean an off-white cabinet surface versus a stark white like Chantilly Lace. If you like to cook, that is a major consideration when picking cabinet paint color palettes.

Modern Kitchen Cabinet Styles:

  1. Chantilly Lace (OC-65)

While we all can’t live in a picture-perfect world, we can channel those vibes with nice delicate white cabinetry. Indeed Chantilly Lace by Benjamin Moore (OC-65) fits that bill. This very popular neutral crisp white paint color is great if you want to open up a smaller kitchen. Accordingly, its clean sharpness makes it great for kitchen cabinets.

One key consideration is that Chantilly Lace has an (LVR) Light Reflectance Value of 92.2. In other words, it’s extremely light and clean. Keep in mind, higher LRVs mean more prime and paint coats are needed to cover cabinet surfaces properly. Whether you’re DIY painting walls, trim, or cabinets, its notoriously difficult to cover in one or two coats. As long as you budget for at least 2 or 3 EXTRA coats, you’ll be fine using this as a kitchen color.

Be that as it may, this shade is great for kitchen cabinets with rustic home decors. Benjamin Moore says this shade creates an illusion of soft silk and linen. We largely agree. Since this is a bright white cabinet paint color perfect for breezy kitchens that open into a living room or great room.

  1. Studio Green By Farrow and Ball

A yummy color for cabinets worth trying is Studio Green (No.93) by Farrow and Ball. This is the boutique paint company’s darkest green color. However, it lightens beautifully without losing its rich color. A dark hue like Studio Green may come off as intimidating, but it makes a smaller room look large.

With that said, Studio Green goes well with shaker-style cabinetry for a bold statement. Nevertheless, you can still paint your flat-surfaced cabinets, but it just really makes your shaker cabinets stand out.

  1. Antique White, PPG Paints

At first glance, Antique White by PPG (PPG1024-2) adds an elegant statement to any kitchen cabinet. It’s a pale, caramel white with bronze undertones. Indeed, this color works well with wood flooring and white walls, giving your kitchen cabinets a timeless classic look.

Likewise, this shade will brighten up your kitchen with little to no light. Overall, Antique white is the best PPG paint color for kitchen cabinets. Considering how popular the farmhouse kitchen look has been, this is a great shade to remain on-trend. Use this paint color only in cooler-leaning kitchens to offset stark white tiles or fixtures. If paired with other creamy, warm surfaces like travertine tile flooring or tan walls, it may look too yellow.

The Best Paint For Cabinets

You need special paint and primer when painting kitchen cabinets. Likewise, there are multiple steps in the prep process you cannot overlook including sanding the surface and even skim coating rougher cabinet face textures. Given the amount of time and skill it takes to properly paint cabinets, we recommend skipping this as a DIY project for homeowners.

The best finish for cabinets is achieved using a specialized sprayer versus rolling or brushing. While you can rent a sprayer as a homeowner, the skill needed to apply cabinet paint properly is very high. You can visit Home Depot’s paint sprayer rental page for more information.

In any case, some home painting jobs are just best left to professionals. Cabinet painting is definitely one of those projects. However, using the right kind of paint matters. Here are our recommendations for the best Sherwin Williams cabinet paint as well as Benjamin Moore.

Top-Rated Cabinetry Paint From Sherwin

First, you’ll need a solid bonding primer after prepping your cabinets for painting. An excellent choice is Sherwin Williams Extreme Bond Primer. Whether you are looking to transition your traditional wood paints to white this primer is a must-have.

Our painting experts use this base for durability and easy coverage. It ensures secure bonding on tricky kitchen cabinet surfaces for a high-quality smooth finish. Furthermore, this primer offers scratch resistance and water sensitivity.

Which Sherwin Williams paint is good for cabinets?

First impressions matter, that’s why Emerald Urethane Trim Enamel is best for a smooth luxurious cabinet finish. This line of paint is stain and scratch-resistant, two of the best characteristics to have in your kitchen cabinet paint selection.

Sherwin Williams’ Emerald dries hard making it durable. Not to mention, it has great color retention with is important for white cabinetry. Moreover, color retention is key to changing cabinet colors to darker shades like Hale Navy, pictured below.

Benjamin Moore Advance Cabinet Paint

Benjamin Moore Advance has been a popular paint base for many years now. Many contractors use this as a go-to because of the excellent quality and cost per gallon compared to Sherwin Williams Emerald. Lastly, this paint is self-leveling which ensures a smooth finish when spraying cabinets.

Advance is a waterborne alkyd that dries like oil-based paint. With that said, only soap and water are needed to clean and sustain your cabinet from wear and tear.

While Behr, Valspar, and Glidden all have cabinet paint products, we recommend sticking with Sherwin or Ben Moore if possible.

More Expert Painting Advice

Finding this cabinet paint color guide useful? Get more tips from the experts at Improovy by selecting our most recent articles below:

Cabinet Paint Color FAQs

Here are a few of the most frequently asked questions we get from homeowners that are painting their cabinets a different color. From the best sheens to trend-worthy recommendations for colors, we hope these help you make the right decision as a homeowner.

Furniture painting, how to do it yourself and what you need for work

A good way to decorate, update or give the elements of the decor a certain style is furniture painting. From any, even the oldest interior items, you can create a unique work of art. Everything is limited only by imagination and patience.

Contents

  1. Best furniture to use
  2. Popular painting options
  3. Tools and materials needed
  4. Painting for covering
  5. Family paints
  6. Lac
  7. Brushes and painting roller
  8. CAN for drawing, pencil, paper and line
  10. Tool for preparing surface
  11. How to create a design and embody the idea
    12. ,
  12. photo
  13. Video

Which furniture is better to use

Of course, there are no restrictions on the choice of items. The main factor determining suitability is the material. For the implementation of the plan, old furniture made of wood is better suited. This is precisely its value relative to modern products made from chipboard and fiberboard. “Sawdust furniture” is definitely not suitable.

Wood surface is easier to work with. Old paint or varnish can be easily removed, various defects (chips, cracks) can be removed or left to give the effect of "aging". In addition, most of the ways of applying drawings are designed specifically for wood. Any pattern or ornament looks good under varnish on a wood texture. Suitable furniture, covered with natural veneer. An example of this is an old wardrobe or chest of drawers made of multilayer veneered plywood. After removing the old varnish or paint, the surface is primed, painted in the desired color and a pattern is applied.

But furniture made from modern materials should not be crossed off the list. Acrylic-coated MDF facades can be painted in any style after some preparation. Acrylic coating is a layer of paint that is polished after drying. This type of coating is often used in the manufacture of facades of kitchen sets.

Modern paints and varnishes allow them to be applied over various coatings. There are also paints designed for painting glass without special preparation.

Popular painting options

The most common option is a simple decorative painting of furniture. Basically, this is the application of small elements, ornaments or repeating patterns. For a simple drawing, paint of the same color is used, and to simplify the process, templates or stencils are used for painting. This type of decoration is suitable for modern furniture. Gilding is widespread. This type of painting is typical for interiors in classical styles. Figured elements of furniture decoration are decorated under gold.

Artistic painting is a more complex option. This is a rather painstaking work, all stages of the kora are performed manually, including the smallest details. Painting on furniture can be in the form of a pattern or a small fragment, as well as a complex three-dimensional pattern. Author's works are especially appreciated.

A separate place is occupied by the production of semi-antique interior items. This also includes the restoration of old furniture. Various painting techniques and styles are used in the work. Surfaces and trim elements are subjected to "aging" in various ways. Antiques are very popular among wealthy people and collectors. Usually this type of decoration is made to order.

Tools and materials required The basis for the coating is a primer. It must be designed for woodworking. Acrylic-based primer does a good job.

Any latex or acrylic paint will work for the top coat. The surface is better to make matte. Gloss doesn't always look good. A good option would be paint in an aerosol can. This will allow you to apply it in an even layer.

Art paints

Acrylic paints are often used for furniture painting. They are well suited for drawing various patterns. You can also use oil mixtures. Their traditional purpose is painting.

Lacquer

It acts as a protective coating. It is possible to use alkyd or acrylic varnish for furniture. Also, like paint, it can be matte or glossy. Applying a layer of varnish over the drawing is the final stage of work.

Paint brushes and roller

A roller may be needed to apply primer and paint over a large area. With curly elements, a wide brush will help to cope.

Drawing brushes, pencil, paper and ruler

Draw fine patterns and lines with fine art brushes. For acrylic paint, it is better to use brushes with synthetic bristles. It won't stick. Oil paint will require a brush with natural bristles.

A simple pencil, paper and ruler are useful for sketching and marking the surface for drawing. In addition, you may need to make templates or stencils for painting.

Surface preparation tool

Remove old varnish or paint from furniture by sanding it with sandpaper. You will need "sandpaper" of different grain sizes for a more thorough surface treatment. In some places, the old coating will have to be removed with a spatula.

Some types of varnish or paint can be removed from old furniture with special chemicals. You can find them at any hardware store.

Use a cloth to remove dust. A brush with a long and hard bristle will help to sweep dirt out of cracks and other hard-to-reach places.

How to create a design and implement an idea

Do-it-yourself furniture painting is a long and painstaking work. The process may take a long time. Sometimes it takes more than one day or even a week. It is especially difficult if there is no experience in such a matter, it does not matter if we paint old furniture or give a new look to modern objects.

For beginners, a few tips will not be superfluous:

  • Any work begins with a sketch or sketch. You can develop a design yourself or borrow the idea of ​​​​painting furniture from a photo on the Internet. In any case, transferring a drawing from paper will be easier than inventing everything on the go;
  • In the absence of experience, you should not immediately take on a large amount of work. First, paint a small object;
  • If you can dismantle the furniture, do it. The individual parts are much easier to work with;
  • Free space. There should be enough space to work. It is possible that the furniture will have to be rotated, tilted or moved;
  • Do not neglect the quality of surface preparation. Polishing defects can spoil the look of even a very talented painting. Dust and small particles lead to the same result;
  • Primer is a must for painting or painting. It is easier to work on a surface covered with soil;
  • Each coat of primer, paint or painting must be thoroughly dried. Minimum - a day for each layer.

The process of implementing an idea consists of several stages. The first one is preparation for priming and painting. The classic version with old wooden furniture involves the removal of the paintwork. To do this, you will need coarse and medium grit sandpaper or a special chemical agent - a wash and a spatula.

  1. After removing varnish and paint, sand the surface with fine sandpaper. This will get rid of excessive roughness and small scratches. If there are large chips and cracks on the furniture, they are puttied and sanded;
  2. The next step is to apply the primer. This is done with a brush or roller. Drops and streaks should be avoided. In extreme cases, you can get rid of them using a sponge, or wait for the layer to dry and sand it with sandpaper;
  3. Next comes the painting. The paint is applied in two or three thin layers. The result should be a smooth and even surface. After drying, you can proceed to the most interesting, but no less time-consuming stage - drawing;
  4. Furniture with paintings - not necessarily an old wardrobe or chest of drawers, covered with patterns on all sides. More often it is a small pattern or a repeating pattern. To apply the same patterns, use a stencil or template. These can be simple butterfly stencils, small patterns, or large patterns with complex patterns.

There is more than one way to paint furniture. Hand painting is especially appreciated. Painting can be considered the pinnacle of skill. Combining various ways and techniques of painting, it is possible to create truly unique things:

  1. Those who do not use a brush can use the decoupage technique. This method is usually used on small pieces of furniture, but large surfaces can also be decorated;
  2. The final stage of work is the coating of the painting with a transparent varnish. It is advisable to apply several layers. This will save the drawing from accidental damage and make it possible to wipe or wash the furniture.

The art of painting makes any object unique. You can paint furniture using any traditional or modern direction. Furniture painting in the Russian style is very popular: Khokhloma, Zhostovo, Mezen. Each of them is unique in its own way. And of course, nothing prevents you from creating your own, no less unique style.

Yulia Balabanova

Universal journalist, loves art and sees it in everything


Painted antique wooden furniture is by no means something that should be kept only in museums. Wardrobes, cupboards, sideboards, chests, supplies instantly give a modern interior a cheerful folk flavor.

The simple surface of the cabinet in the hands of the old masters turned into a true masterpiece of naive art, popular print and even high art. And the motives of the painting were so diverse - intricate ornaments, plants, flowers, images of people, animals and fairy-tale characters - that they can be considered endlessly. Depicting pictures of the Garden of Eden on everyday objects, a person, as it were, touched the feeling of paradise on earth and filled his house with it.

Let's show in the selection what a modern interior looks like when original objects of decorative art appear in it.

An 18th-century Swedish buffet with expressive architectural elements and contrasting paintings in a modern interior. pinterest The country house of Leonid Parfyonov has a rich collection of Vologda furniture and utensils from the late 19th - early 20th century. The owner sought to fill the space with things made by the peasants of the North and reminiscent of his small homeland. Photo: Vika Bogorodskaya Eastern European folk style with pastoral scenes and flower inserts is a frequent subject in applied art and, in particular, cabinet painting, starting from the 16th-18th centuries. Transferred to a modern interior, such furniture will give it a unique character. pinterest Bright herbal patterns in the painting of a 17th century Russian candle cabinet can inspire the decoration of modern wooden furniture like a chest of drawers and a chest. pinterest Fragment of a wedding chest from 19th century Transylvania. Painting with flowers and flowerpots symbolizes the wish for marital happiness. pinterest Not only cabinets and sideboards, but also painted tables look elegant and festive in the interior. Coffee table in the living room of Leonid Parfenov's country house. Photo: Vika Bogorodskaya The image of a lion is one of the most popular motifs in folk arts and crafts around the world. It is especially surprising how often the image of a lion is found in the Russian North, where it came from the East. Permgorod painting. pinterest Symbolizing power and protection, in naive folk art, the lion could acquire the most unexpected features - dogs, cats and humans. pinterest Richly decorated with flower-painted Spanish wardrobe from the Antonio Laura Reina collection, which contains striking examples of decorative Central European furniture.

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