The Pottery Barn furniture style is renowned for its rustic and vintage-inspired finishes, characterized by rich, layered textures that exude a cozy, timeless charm. This aesthetic often features natural wood tones, distressed detailing, and a handcrafted feel that adds warmth and sophistication to any space. Recreating this look yourself offers several advantages, from significant cost savings to the immense satisfaction of having complete creative control. Plus, it’s a great way to breathe new life into old or basic furniture, transforming it into stunning, designer-inspired pieces.
This article provides step-by-step instructions on how to get Pottery Barn finish on furniture, guiding you through the essential techniques and materials required to achieve a polished, professional-quality result right at home. Whether you’re a seasoned DIY enthusiast or a beginner, you’ll find these tips invaluable for creating furniture with personality and style.
Choosing the Right Furniture Piece
Best Furniture Types to Refinish
Solid wood furniture is ideal when selecting a furniture piece to refinish with a Pottery Barn-inspired look. Look for items like dressers, nightstands, coffee tables, or bookshelves, as they provide a sturdy and versatile base for refinishing. Solid wood not only holds up well to sanding and painting but also allows the unique grain and texture to shine through, adding character to the final result. While it may be tempting to upcycle particleboard or laminate furniture, these materials require special primers and additional preparation to achieve a durable finish that matches the quality of Pottery Barn finishes.
Inspecting for Damage
Before beginning, thoroughly inspect your chosen furniture piece for any damage that may impact the outcome of your refinishing project. Check for dents, scratches, loose joints, or signs of water damage. These imperfections should be repaired before refinishing to ensure a smooth, professional-quality result. Addressing these issues early on will not only extend the life of your furniture but also enhance the polished look of the final piece.
Preparation Considerations
Decide in advance whether you’d like to preserve the original hardware, such as handles or knobs, or update them with new options that align with the Pottery Barn aesthetic. Simple, elegant hardware in metal finishes like bronze or brushed nickel can elevate the overall look. Taking time to prepare and plan ensures the refinishing process goes smoothly and delivers a stunning end product.
Supplies and Tools You’ll Need
Essential Materials
To achieve a beautiful refinished look that complements the Pottery Barn aesthetic, gather the following materials:
- Chalk, milk, or high-quality latex paint in neutral or earthy tones for a timeless finish.
- Sandpaper in varying grits (80 for coarse sanding, 120 for smoothing, and 220 for final fine sanding).
- Tack cloth to clean off dust and debris after sanding.
- A putty knife is used to apply and smooth the wood filler if needed.
- Wood stain options like dark walnut or weathered oak can enhance the wood’s natural grain.
- Finishing products such as clear wax, antiquing glaze, or a polyurethane sealer to protect and add depth to the final look.
Tools
Ensure you have the following tools handy during your project:
- Paintbrushes (natural bristle brushes are ideal for an even application of most finishes).
- Sponges and rags are useful for applying stain or cleaning.
- Paint tray for easy access to paint or sealers.
- Screwdriver for removing and reattaching hardware.
- Drop cloth to protect surrounding surfaces from spills or paint drips.
- Use painter’s tape to create clean edges and protect areas from unintended paint application.
Optional tools include an electric sander, which can save time and effort during the preparation stage, especially with large or heavily varnished furniture.
Prepping the Furniture
Before starting the refinishing process, proper preparation is critical to ensure a smooth and long-lasting result. Follow these steps to prep your furniture thoroughly:
Step 1: Clean Thoroughly
Clean the furniture with a mild degreaser or dish soap to remove oils, grease, and other residues. A clean surface is essential for proper stain or paint adhesion. After washing, allow the furniture to dry completely before moving on to the next step.
Step 2: Sand the Surface
Use 80 or 120 grit sandpaper to remove the existing finish or glossy layer from the furniture. This helps the paint or stain adhere better. Once the initial sanding is complete, follow with 220-grit sandpaper to create a smooth, paint-ready texture. Sanding evenly is crucial to achieving a professional finish.
Step 3: Fill Imperfections (if needed)
Inspect the furniture for cracks, dents, or scratches. If any are present, use a wood filler to repair these imperfections. Apply the filler according to the product’s instructions, and after it has dried completely, sand the area smooth to ensure an even surface.
Step 4: Remove Dust
After sanding, wipe down the entire piece with a tack cloth or damp rag to remove dust or debris. Dust particles can cause uneven paint or stain application, so this step should not be overlooked. Ensure the surface is completely clean before proceeding.
How to Get Pottery Barn Finish on Furniture: Applying the Base Coat
Choose the Right Color
Selecting the right base color is essential when aiming for a Pottery Barn-inspired finish. Popular choices include hues like white, off-white, beige, or taupe, as these neutral tones create a timeless and versatile foundation. The color you choose should complement the overall aesthetic of your space and align with the final look you desire.
Painting Tips
To achieve the desired finish, apply the paint in thin, even coats using a natural bristle brush. This method ensures smooth coverage and adds a subtle texture that enhances the authenticity of the look. Start by dipping your brush lightly into the paint, removing any excess to prevent drips. Use long, controlled strokes to coat the surface, paying attention to any edges or detailed areas. Allow the paint to dry completely between coats—this step is crucial to avoiding uneven layers or streaks.
Depending on the opacity of the paint, you may need 2–3 coats to achieve solid, even coverage. Take your time and allow every coat to set properly before proceeding to the next.
Optional Layering
Consider incorporating a two-tone finish for added character and a more dynamic appearance. Start with a lighter base coat, such as off-white or beige, and once it’s thoroughly dry, apply a darker glaze or topcoat. Use techniques like dry brushing or lightly distressing the edges to create depth and mimic a weathered or aged effect. This optional step enhances the surface’s texture and adds dimension, making your piece stand out with a sophisticated, unique charm.
Distressing and Aging Techniques
Light Distressing
Light distressing is an effective and simple method for achieving an authentically aged or vintage-inspired look. Using fine-grit sandpaper (220), gently sand the corners, edges, and other high-touch areas of the piece. Focus on places that would naturally show wear and tear over time, such as handles, corners, and around drawers. This technique exposes the base layer or the material underneath, creating a timeworn, lived-in aesthetic.
Dry Brushing for Texture
Dry brushing is another fantastic way to add dimension and character. Start by dipping your brush very lightly into a contrasting paint color and removing most of the paint by wiping the brush on a cloth or paper towel. Then, with minimal pressure, sweep the brush lightly across the surface. This technique leaves subtle paint streaks, creating a weathered and rustic vibe that complements a vintage or farmhouse style. Be sparing with the paint application to maintain a delicate finish.
Optional Crackle or Layered Finish
Consider incorporating a crackle or layered finish for a truly textured, aged appearance. Apply a base coat and allow it to dry. Follow this with a layer of crackle glaze or medium, which helps create the characteristic crackled effect when adding a topcoat. Choose a contrasting color for the topcoat and allow the crackle glaze to work its magic as it dries. Allow each layer to dry thoroughly before proceeding to ensure the final piece has depth and detail without smudging or blending the layers.
Staining and Sealing
Staining for Depth
To achieve a tinted, vintage effect, apply a dark wood stain over the painted surface and immediately wipe off any excess with a clean cloth. This technique enhances the piece’s texture and natural details, bringing a timeless, weathered appeal. Pay special attention to recessed or intricate areas, allowing the stain to settle and darken, creating contrast and depth.
Glazing for a Washed Look
Antiquing glaze is another excellent option for achieving a subtle, washed aesthetic. Brush the glaze onto the painted surface and then wipe it off, leaving a delicate layer that tones down bright colors and adds richness. This process allows control over the intensity of the aged effect, enabling you to customize the finish to match your desired look.
Sealing the Finish
To protect and preserve your work, seal the finish using either clear wax or polyurethane. Clear wax offers a soft, velvety texture, perfect for decorative pieces with minimal wear. For furniture or items subject to frequent use, polyurethane provides robust durability, ensuring the finish remains intact over time, even on tabletops or other high-traffic surfaces. Always allow the sealant to dry completely for lasting results.
Final Touches and Styling
Once your piece is finished and sealed, it’s time to add the final touches to elevate its appearance.
Replace or Refinish Hardware
Upgrade the hardware to complement your piece’s new look. Consider oil-rubbed bronze, antique brass, or matte black finishes to achieve a refined, Pottery Barn-inspired aesthetic. Alternatively, refinish the existing hardware for a cohesive, budget-friendly option.
Add Decorative Details
Infuse personality by lining drawers with decorative paper or stenciling patterns inside cabinet doors. These small touches provide unexpected charm and demonstrate attention to detail.
Style the Furniture
Complete the transformation by styling the furniture with neutral décor. Add woven baskets for texture, layer textiles like linen or cotton throws, and incorporate understated accessories. Position the piece in a space with natural light to highlight the depth and character of the newly finished surface, creating a warm and inviting ambiance.
Conclusion
Achieving a Pottery Barn-inspired finish requires careful attention to each process step. Begin by thoroughly prepping your furniture to ensure a smooth base, then paint with soft, neutral tones. Add character through distressing and enhance depth with a complementary stain. Complete the look by sealing the surface for durability and a polished finish. Remember, experimenting with different color combinations and textures can give your furniture a unique touch that suits your personal space.
Finally, take your time with each step to achieve a result that rivals designer pieces. This guide shows you how to get Pottery Barn finish on furniture effortlessly.