How to Decide What Color to Paint Furniture

Trying to decide what color to paint your furniture can be a daunting task, and with so many options available you may not know where to start.

How to Decide What Color to Paint Furniture

Whether you’re looking for something classic or modern, the perfect shade of paint can make all the difference in transforming a piece of furniture into one that is both stylish and timeless.

With this blog post, we’ll provide you with helpful tips and tricks on how to decide what color to paint furniture and make it look its best.

 9 Best Ways on How to Decide What Color to Paint Furniture

1. Think About the Room’s Color Scheme: 

Before you head to the store and pick out a few cans of paint, consider the existing color scheme of the room that your furniture will be in. Ideally, it should complement or contrast with its surroundings. For example, if you have a muted grey room with an accent wall of red, an off-white paint for the furniture will look great.

2. Consider the Mood You Want to Create: 

Choose Lighter Colors Such as Pastels

Think about what kind of mood you want your room to have and choose a shade accordingly. For example, if you’d like to create a cozy atmosphere in your bedroom, opt for deep blues and greens. On the other hand, if you want a light, airy feel in your living room, choose lighter colors such as whites and pastels.

3. Research Inspiration Pictures: 

One of the best ways to decide on a color for your furniture is to look at inspirational pictures online. This can help you narrow down your color choices, as well as give you ideas of how to style the furniture. It’s also a great way to identify colors that work well together and find combinations that will create an eye-catching look.

4. Consider Your Furniture’s Finish: 

When deciding on a color for your furniture, consider the finish of the furniture. For example, if you have wood furniture, a lighter color may be best as it will bring out the natural beauty of the wood grain. On the other hand, if your furniture is made of metal or plastic, darker colors can provide a sleek look and make them stand out more in your space.

5. Know Your Color Wheel: 

Before you decide on a color, it’s important to know the basics of color theory. The color wheel is a great tool for understanding how colors can work together to create interesting and unique combinations. Knowing the basics of the primary, secondary, and tertiary colors will help you choose a paint that complements your furniture in just the right way.

6. Use Samples to Test Out Colors: 

Some Sample Pots of Paint

Once you’ve narrowed down your color choices, it’s a good idea to buy some sample pots of paint and test them on small pieces of wood or cardboard. This will give you a better idea of how the colors will look once they’re applied to your furniture. Using samples also allows you to make any necessary adjustments before committing to a color.

7. Don’t Be Afraid to Experiment: 

When it comes to choosing a color for your furniture, don’t be afraid to get creative and experiment with different shades and hues. You may be surprised at how much of an impact the right shade can have on transforming a piece of furniture from drab to fab.

8. Consider Your Furniture’s Age: 

If you have vintage furniture, it’s important to keep in mind the age of the piece when choosing a paint color. If it’s an antique, try to match or complement its original hue as much as possible. On the other hand, if it’s a more modern piece, you can go for bolder, brighter colors to give it a contemporary look.

9. Ask for Professional Advice: 

If you’re still not sure what color to paint your furniture, don’t be afraid to ask for help from professionals. Home improvement stores and interior designers can provide useful advice and help you pick out the perfect paint to make your furniture look its best. If you are unable to access the store, many will provide consultations virtually.

Make Your Furniture Look Its Best

By following these tips on how to decide what color to paint furniture, you’ll be able to easily choose a shade that will complement your home’s decor and give your space an extra touch of style. Good luck!

Additional Tips and Tricks to Decide What Color to Paint Furniture

  1. Consider the room’s purpose and theme. You should choose a color that will match your furniture to the overall look and feel. For example, if you are painting furniture for a living room with a modern style, you might want to opt for black or white colors. If it is for a more traditional setting, consider shades of browns and tans.
  2. Look at the other colors present in the room. Consider the wall color, furniture pieces, curtains, and carpets when choosing a paint color for your furniture. You can use the presence of other complementary colors to help guide you in deciding what color would work best with the overall look.
  3. Use color swatches to test the colors you are considering. If a certain color looks good on a swatch, it may not necessarily look as good when painted onto furniture. Utilizing small sample pots of paint can help you determine if the color is truly what you want for your furniture piece and prevent costly mistakes.
  4. Don’t forget about the hardware. Consider how different colors of furniture would match the existing hardware, such as handles and knobs. The paint color you decide on should complement these pieces as well to create a cohesive look throughout the room.
  5. Keep in mind that some colors may require multiple coats of paint. Depending on the hue and intensity of the color, you may need more than one coat to achieve your desired look. Make sure to plan ahead for this step and purchase enough paint before getting started.

By following these simple tips and tricks, you will be able to make the best decision when it comes to choosing a color to paint your furniture. Whether you are going for a bold and vibrant look or a more subtle and neutral palette, selecting the right color can completely transform any room in your home.

How Can You Choose Color to Paint Furniture Virtually?

If you can’t decide what color to paint your furniture in person, then there are some great online tools that can help.

One of the best tools for virtually painting furniture is Benjamin Moore’s Color Capture app. This app allows you to take a picture of an existing piece of furniture and match it with any of Benjamin Moore’s paint colors. This app can also help you visualize how the different colors will look on your furniture and provide helpful tips along the way.

Best Tools for Virtually Painting Furniture

Another option is using online design tools like My Home Paint, which helps you select a color based on photos of the room you’re painting in. This tool gives you an array of options for each wall and allows you to play around with different shades to get the perfect color for your furniture.

If you’re not sure where to start, Pinterest is a great source of inspiration. There are countless images that show how different colors look on furniture and can help guide your decision-making process. You can also search ‘paint color ideas’ or ‘furniture paint colors’ to find the perfect color for your furniture.

No matter what tool you choose, it’s important to remember that the final decision should be based on how you envision the piece of furniture in your home. Ultimately, only you can decide what color will look best in your space. With all of these tools, you’ll be able to brainstorm ideas until you find the perfect shade.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Are the Best Colors to Paint Furniture?

The best colors to paint furniture depend on the style and look you’re trying to achieve. Generally speaking, light colors like white, cream, and pastels can give a room an airy feel and open up the space.

Darker colors like navy blue, black, and deep browns can create a more classic or sophisticated look. Neutral colors like gray and beige are great for adding depth and dimension to any room in the house.

What Paint Should I Use on Furniture?

The type of paint you should use depends on what kind of furniture you’re trying to paint. For wooden furniture, oil-based or latex paints are best. Oil-based paint is generally more durable and long-lasting but takes longer to dry.

Rust Preventative Spray Paint

Latex paint is easier to clean up with water but may not be as durable over time. For metal furniture, rust-preventative spray paint can help keep the surface protected from corrosion.

What Kind of Paint Finish Should I Use?

When painting furniture, the type of paint finish you should use depends on the look you’re trying to achieve. High-gloss paint will give a piece a shiny and reflective look that’s great for adding a bit of glamour to any room.

Semi-gloss paint is slightly less shiny, but still adds a bit of shine to any piece. Satin and eggshell finishes are great for creating a mid-range sheen that won’t be too glossy or too dull. Flat finishes are best for creating a matte look that absorbs light rather than reflecting it, which can be very stylish.

How Do I Prep Furniture Before Painting?

Prepping furniture before painting is an important step in the process. You’ll want to make sure the surface of the furniture is clean and free of dust or dirt. If it’s a wooden piece, you also want to sand down any spots Orions or imperfections.

After sanding, use a damp cloth to wipe away any dust and dirt that may be left behind. If you’re using oil-based paint, make sure to prime the furniture with a coat of sealer before painting so it will last longer.

How Many Coats of Paint Should I Use?

The number of coats of paint you need depends on the type of paint, color, and furniture you’re working with. Generally speaking, two coats are usually enough for good coverage.

Using Oil Based Paint

However, if you’re using oil-based paint or darker colors, more coats may be necessary for complete coverage. If there appears to be any unevenness or streaks in the finish, you may want to add an extra coat for a smoother look.

Conclusion

With the above outlines, we hope you understand how to decide what color to paint furniture. With the right tools and guidance, you can easily find the perfect color for your furniture that will complement your home.

No matter what kind of look you’re going for, make sure to use proper prep techniques and enough coats of paint to get a smooth finish. Good luck!

Photo of author

Adrian Green

Adrian is a woodworking hobbyist and has loved Woodworking since he was 10 years old. Back then in childhood, his father used to have a furniture shop. He used to help his dad and learned a lot from him about how to fix woodworking furniture, basic carpentry knowledge and also about how to work hard and take care of business. He enjoys woodworking as a hobby. He loves the feeling of creating something with his own hands, and the satisfaction that comes from seeing his finished products used by others.

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