Should I paint this chest of drawers?

7 years ago

I recently decorated my bedroom with a soft chalky blue colour. I had bought 5 ltrs of a very light grey blue and 5 ltrs of a darker blue and neither were suitable. I didn't want to waste all that paint (and money! ) so I mixed bought colours and added a bit of grey - the result was a lovely colour similar to Farrow & Ball's Lulworth Blue.
Now I'm thinking I should paint my bedroom furniture to give it a more up to date look. Any suggestions please?

Featured Answer

stabmonkey

7 years ago

I wouldn't paint the chest of drawers as it matches your other furniture, and it looks good quality and a nice colour wood.

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Comments (15)

PRO
Create Perfect
7 years ago
Marisol, great to hear you had a successful experiment and managed to save some money!

I would suggest a really rich white paint which will give it a really light and fresh feeling and go with other areas of the space.

If this is a little too much for you, then a light grey would also be great and work well with the space they are also great colours to match bed linen too and not to clash too much if other colours are added in accessories or bedding at a later date.

Remember if your painting a tester on the furniture to use the back of the piece or the undersides that are not seen from the front of the unit should there be any problems and to keep consistency in the coverage where you can see. All the best, Gina
Marisol Garces
Original Author
7 years ago
Thank you CreatePerfect! I was thinking of using either a white or a grey so your advice confirms that.
Thank you also for the advice to test colours on the back of the furniture. It's a good reminder not to commit myself with 10 litres of paint until I'm sure!
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sarahstar
7 years ago
I personally wouldn't paint all the furniture - I'd especially leave the chest of drawers. Have you thought about adding artwork, changing the bedding, lampshades, curtains, accessories etc first? You'll have an updated look without committing to a complete change to the most expensive pieces. If you have room, adding seating will also make a difference. Hope that helps.
Marisol Garces
Original Author
7 years ago
Thanks Sarahstar. I'm planning to change the bedding and the lamps. Art work on the walls is difficult because of the two windows above the bed. One of the other walls has balcony doors so very little wall left there, and the other has a built in wardrobe with large doors and a large radiator ☹️
A B
7 years ago
To me it would have a very coastal feel if you painted the drawers off white. I
minnie101
7 years ago
Hi Marisol. The colour has turned out well, I don't think the chest is dated and the wood is adding warmth ATM but it depends what look you're going for. It could look nice all painted in a chalky white (or just the bed). Go for plain white bedding, add an embroidered white bedspread/throw and then dark/cobalt blue and white patterned cushions ( I think Zara home has some from memory) with some textured ones. Then add rattan or similar table lamps for more texture. Or introduce an accent colour like apricot/orange. You could add art or a mirror over the chest of drawers with maybe some good quality faux flowers on top?
Marisol Garces
Original Author
7 years ago
Thanks Minnie, those are wonderful suggestions. I love white bedding, but unfortunately my husband doesn't. I'll have to persuade him.
Denise Roberts
7 years ago
Those walls look amazing. I'd go with a soft white. Farrow and Ball do a lovey one called pointing ( I think ) but id leave the tops of the units in their natural state. If Hubby doesn't like white bed linen then compromise with soft grey or go bold with mustard/yellow. With dark grey throws and cushions.
PRO
Create Perfect
7 years ago
Hi, How did you get on in the end?
PRO
User
7 years ago
Hi Marisol.

Another suggestion to add to the mix.

The drawers are set into a full frame.

Leave the drawers as they are, the wood grain is beautiful...... Look at taking the drawers out, painting the unit in a cool grey (Farrow & Ball or Little Green) then put the drawers back. The natural wood fronts surrounded by the paint finish will look faaaab.

Bigger lamps a must......

Bedding in cool grey with pure white pillows....mmmmmm

Try white plantation shutters into the narrow windows above the bed.

The headboard needs a focal point, add some artwork, oak frame with a cool grey mount board and white inner bevel..

Hope that helps,

Martin: www.angel-martin.com
Marisol Garces
Original Author
7 years ago
Hi Angel-Martin Interiors, i just saw your comment about my bedroom dilemma. I love your suggestions but am not sure what you mean about the focal point for the bed? Do you have a picture of something similar? Thank you!
craftycountess
7 years ago
Hi, I love the wall colour - well done. I like painting furniture and change mine all the time using chalk paint but rather than waxing it to seal I use Polyvine flat wax finish which is a sealant that doesn't need buffing!
I would first decide on your planned colour scheme and then just paint the drawer fronts in an assortment of about three different colours, leaving the oak to frame them. You could also do the bedside tables in a similar way. It would add a quirky and up to date look.
trasimeno
7 years ago
Painting this type of furniture can be a disappointment unless you first use a stain blocking primer. For example take a look at http://www.zinsseruk.com/ Chalk paints sound so easy to use but the colour of the original wood can seep through and it can so easily end in tears!
Kyle Barrett
7 years ago
Just wanted to say, if you want a compromise between painting your furniture or not, you could always look at replacing the fittings yourself!

You might find some nice ceramic handles in a similar blue on eBay. But, really the world is your oyster in that sense.

Go have a look!

Should I paint this chest of drawers?

stabmonkey

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