Blue paint adds a splash of color to this metal side table. Adding a hand-drawn pattern makes it even more special. We used a white oil-base Sharpie marker ($6, The Home Depot) to draw on the stylish fishnet pattern.
11 Clever and Unexpected Ways to Decorate With Paint
Erica Finamore is Real Simple‘s home director, sharing her knowledge on decorating, organizing, cleaning and DIYing. She has over 10 years’ experience and favors statement sofas, gallery walls and organizing books in rainbow order.
Updated on September 6, 2023
Whether you’re going for a mini makeover or a total overhaul, the easiest way to make a bold change in a space is by painting it. And we don’t even mean painting the entire room. There are tons of cool ways to decorate with paint that don’t involve using gallon upon gallon of the stuff.
Paint is a pretty inexpensive tool to upgrade your home. Wallpapering a whole room can cost you a pretty penny, but paint and brushes will come in at a fraction of that amount. Paint can even be a good option for renters who are restricted from doing bigger renovations, because it’s easy enough to just repaint the space white before you move out (no security deposit losses here!).
So, if you’ve got a can or two of paint, we’ve rounded up some great ideas that will allow you to transform your space in as little as a few hours for simpler projects, like painting your tub, or a few days for more intense ones, like painting on your own wallpaper. No matter your particularl style, the below ideas from designers and bloggers will have you feeling inspired.
Paint a Mural
Painter Racheal Jackson could write a book on paint decorating ideas (and actually, we hope she does!). Her mod murals have the ability to transform any space, but we love the way this simple linear design makes this split-level room feel connected. And best of all? It’s doable! You don’t need to be a pro to add some statement art to your wall, just measure, tape off your design, and paint. It’s the perfect antidote to blank white walls.
Paint Your Ceiling
Lately, the fifth wall (the ceiling) has finally been getting the attention it deserves from designers and homeowners—and for good reason. Adding color or pattern to the ceiling is an expected way to add visual interest and warmth to a room. Here, designer Laquita Tate, refreshed her own room by painting the tray ceiling in two tones to emphasize its architectural features. The top is coated in Sherwin Williams’ Dark Knight, while the border is Sherwin Williams’ Woven Wicker.
Painted Cabinet
When painting furniture with intricate details, like this midcentury cabinet, reach for a paint sprayer instead of a brush to achieve a drip-free finish. Thin, even coats of blue paint help play up the paneled door design. A new cement tile top adds a punch of pattern.
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Vintage-Look Painted Furniture
Applying a brown glaze on newly painted furniture can mimic an antique look. This technique works best on pieces with architectural details such as columns, scrollwork, and grooved designs the glaze can catch and emphasize.
After painting your piece, brush a brown stain or glaze onto the surface using a horsehair brush, then wipe off using a lint-free cotton cloth ($7, Lowe’s). Use a soft dry brush to feather in the coloring and spray with a clear, low-sheen lacquer ($48 for two, Amazon) to finish.
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Painted Dresser Makeover
Add a new dimension to an old dresser with square wood dowels and a fresh paint color. After cutting the pieces to size and sanding the edges, use a pin nailer to attach the dowels at evenly spaced intervals to the drawer fronts. Coral paint highlights the grooved design. When painting wood furniture, clean, sand, wipe down, and prime all surfaces before painting for best results.
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