Furniture Makeovers. One of the best ways to save money when decorating is to repaint old furniture. Never underestimate the power of paint when it comes to transforming things that are outdated or worn out. (If only it worked on clothes and people!
) A bright bold color in a glossy finish gives an instant update to just about anything. While distressed finishes can take the newest piece and make it look like a vintage antique. For your inspiration, I’ve found 10 amazing furniture makeovers done with paint. Each one has a detailed how-to. Just follow the link to see how it was done.
Furniture Makeovers: Before and After
1. Vibrant green paint gave this sad china cabinet a glamorous and sophisticated new look. More photos and details here.
2. The magic of paint transformed this wood armoire and brought attention to all its fine details. More photos and information here.
3. New brass lion pulls and dynamic high-gloss blue paint took this side table from ho-hum to fabulous. More photos and details here.
4. A compass rose and stripes added much needed charm to this dull, dried-out brown dresser. There is the cutest story that goes along with this makeover. You can read it here and see more photos of this project.
5. The look of this boring pine armoire earned it the name “Beastly”. Painting it in just the right blue completely updated it. More photos and details here.
6. This mid-century modern dresser had great lines. All it needed was a little revamping. A bit of paint and a cute stencil helped it become a classy vintage piece. More photos and details here.
7. The grey and white painted harlequin pattern added a touch of whimsy to an old piece of furniture and gave it new life. More photos and details here.
8. Painting a fun pattern of white birch trees on a grey background revitalized this dresser. It can now be repurposed for any room in the house. More photos and details here.
9. Removing dated glass panels and painting it in a sophisticated color changed this cabinet’s entire personality. More photos and details here.
10. The fabulous yellow finish on this desk armoire was done with spray paint and glaze. More photos and details here.
Later this week, I’ll be sharing furniture painting tips from some of the top DIY bloggers. Be sure to look for it!
Which one of these makeovers do you like the best?



















Love each of the pictures! Paint works wonders for furniture! It breathes new life into tired furniture, it is a DIYers best friend!!
You are so right about that, Melanie!
Thanks so much Peggy for highlighting my green china cabinet! I am IN LOVE with that glossy blue nightstand, and Pam’s gray china hutch with the gold accents is one of my favorites! I love a great before and after!
I love a great before and after, too! That’s why I featured your fabulous cabinet!
Can you imagine a world without paint?? There is practically nothing it can’t transform. A few months ago I even saw spray paint for fabric. Think of the possibilities!
I’ve seen that paint too, Doreen. I’ve been wanting to try it on some craigslist chairs I bought. The plan is to reupholster them, so they’d be perfect for testing out the paint.
Hello Peggy,
What a lovely surprise to find my little Gypsy dresser featured on your blog…many thanks! It is my most favorite piece to date.
So many other great transformations also…I love what Chalk Paint® decorative paint by Annie Sloan can do to so totally restyle a piece of tired furniture. You fall in love all over again.
Thanks again and have a wonderful week,
Janet Metzger,Chalk Paint® Stockist
The Empty Nest
92 Main Street #102
Warrenton, Va
540-216-3044
You’re very welcome, Janet! It’s such a cute project and I love the story that goes along with it. Hope you have a wonderful week, too!
What a great round-up of transformations, Peggy! Love the stenciled piece and Jennifer’s green china cabinet is such a great addition to her dining room. The yellow cabinet is so fun and lively! Thanks so much for including my hutch redo!
You’re so welcome, Pam! Your hutch turned out beautifully; just had to include it!
I’m loving the bold colors used on some of these pieces! I also am a huge fan of stenciling on furniture. Lovely collection and very inspiring!! Thank you too for including my armoire. xoxo
You’re very welcome, Janis. The armoire you did is absolutely gorgeous! I love the finished project!
Love these before and afters. Paint is amazing, isn’t it? I’m partial to #3. Just love the transformation from the basic, conservative brown to the vibrant blue.
Paint is magical! I always love a transformation that makes such a marked difference in a piece. Plus, the color is beautiful! Thank you for stopping by Linda!