When it comes to decorating and redecorating, choosing the right paint color for furniture can really make or break the overall look and feel of a room. The paint color you choose for your furniture serves as an anchor point for the rest of your design scheme – it establishes a mood and aesthetic that you then build upon with accent colors and decor. As such, you want to be intentional and thoughtful when selecting a paint color for any furniture pieces.
But with so many paint options available these days, how do you even begin to choose? It can be downright overwhelming, especially if you don’t have a clear vision in mind for what you’re wanting to accomplish. Understanding what the most popular paint colors are for furniture is a great place to start narrowing down the options. From there, you can decide if you want to go with a popular tried-and-true shade or do something more unique to your personal style.
So what are the most popular paint colors for furniture right now? Let’s take a look at what’s trending and why these particular shades are resonating with so many people for furniture projects.
Most Popular Neutral Paint Colors
Neutrals continue to reign supreme when it comes to furniture paint colors. Easy to match with other colors and decor, neutral paint colors are versatile and unlikely to feel dated after a few years. Here are some of today’s most popular neutral paint colors for furniture:
White
A bright white acts as a blank slate and lends furniture a light, airy feel. It pairs well with any color scheme and gives you flexibility to swap out accent colors seasonally. White painted furniture feels clean, crisp, and timeless. Benjamin Moore Simply White is one popular go-to white paint color for furniture.
Light gray
Slightly warmer than stark white, light grays provide a softer but still neutral foundation. Depending on the undertones, some light grays can read as barely there lavender, green, or taupe. Light gray makes furniture feel refined and is fitting for farmhouse, vintage, or romantic aesthetics. Try Valspar Seagull Gray or Sherwin-Williams Repose Gray.
Navy
As far as dark neutrals go, navy is a top choice for furniture. Its richness adds striking visual contrast but still pairs well with a wide color palette. Navy makes a bold statement on larger furniture pieces like cabinets or dining tables. Benjamin Moore Hale Navy is one accent-worthy navy paint color.
Charcoal gray
For a moodier neutral, charcoal gray is sophisticated and stylish. It feels glamorous on furniture yet still versatile enough for variety of looks from modern to boho. Pratt & Lambert Grizzle Gray is one deep charcoal paint color option.
Greige
A blend between gray and beige, greige gives off warm, cozy neutral vibes. But it’s complex enough to serve as an interesting backdrop. Greige works well for furniture in living rooms, bedrooms and other areas meant for relaxation. Try Valspar Latte or Sherwin-Williams Accessible Beige.
Most Popular Color Paint Colors
In addition to neutral paint colors, vibrant shades are also popular choices for adding personality to furniture. Here are some top trending color paint colors for furniture:
Navy blue
As mentioned above, navy is a top neutral. But it still packs enough color to make a statement, especially in gloss finishes. Navy blue looks sharp on cabinets, dressers, sideboards and more.
Sage green
Earthy with just a hint of gray, sage green is peaceful and pleasant on furniture. It brings the serenity of nature indoors. A great example of a tranquil sage green paint color is Behr Silver Drop.
Robin’s egg blue
For furniture with a soft, playful vibe, robin’s egg blue is a charming choice. It feels sweet without being too saccharine. Especially fitting for kids’ rooms, try Benjamin Moore Wickham Gray for a popular robin’s egg blue.
Coral
Vibrant coral instantly infuses furniture with energy. It’s an unexpected pop of color that suits tropical, beachy, or bohemian styles. One bright coral paint color to try is Behr Jamaican Me Happy.
Sunny yellow
Yellow makes furniture feel cheerful and welcoming. A shade like Behr Lemon Zest is vibrant without feeling overpowering on furniture. Sunny yellow is perfect for kitchen tables, cabinets and other high-use spaces.
Forest green
Deep and earthy forest greens feel pleasantly rustic on furniture, yet sophisticated at the same time. Especially fitting for traditional and farmhouse styles, try Farrow & Ball Studio Green for a rich forest green paint color.
Most Popular Paint Finishes
In addition to choosing a paint color, the finish you select also impacts the look and feel of painted furniture. Here are some of the most popular paint finishes for furniture:
Matte
With no sheen, a matte finish has a flat, velvety appearance. Matte is popular for furniture because it hides imperfections well and resists showing scuffs. It has a soft, subtle look.
Eggshell
Slightly more sheen than matte, eggshell finishes have a smooth, low-luster appearance. The subtle sheen adds depth while still hiding flaws. It’s a versatile, durable finish.
Satin
With medium reflectiveness, satin finishes have a smooth silky shine. They enhance wood grain while still masking imperfections pretty well. Satin works on variety of furniture styles.
Semi-gloss
Semi-gloss finishes have high reflectiveness for a sleek, radiant sheen. They showcase wood grain beautifully. Best for smooth, perfect surfaces as they show flaws. Adds bold drama!
High-gloss
The most light reflective, high-gloss finishes are ultra shiny and slick. They create mirror-like dimension to maximize wood grain and texture. Use to make a bold statement with flawless furniture.
Chalk paint
Known for an ultra matte, velvety finish, chalk paint finishes are lightly distressed and absorbent for an antique feel. Great for shabby chic furniture.
Most Durable Paints for Furniture
Since furniture gets more wear and tear than wall paint, it’s also important to choose a highly durable paint formula that will resist fading, chipping, scratching and yellowing over time. Here are some of the most durable paint options for furniture:
- Latex enamel paint – Provides a rock-hard, glossy finish that resists staining and scuffing. Cleans up easily with soap and water.
- Epoxy paint – Extremely tough with industrial-grade durability. Water- and chemical-resistant.
- Milk paint – Non-toxic, eco-friendly option derived from milk proteins and lime. Natural antibacterial properties.
- Chalk paint – Specifically formulated for furniture painting. Bonds tightly to surfaces and won’t chip easily.
- Oil-based paint – Seals surfaces from within for excellent protection. Long-lasting through wear and weathering.
- Marine paint – Made to withstand sun, water and extreme conditions on boats. Excellent for outdoor furniture.
- UV-resistant paint – Contains absorbers to resist sun damage and prevent fading.
Always read the manufacturer’s description to confirm durability for furniture use. And apply a clear sealer for added protection.
How to Choose Paint for Furniture
Here are some tips for choosing the best paint for your furniture makeover:
- Consider the style of your furniture and decor – Match paint color and finish to your overall aesthetic.
- Select latex or oil-based paint – Latex is easier to apply but oil-based is usually more durable.
- Check reviews and recommendations – See what paints others have had success with for furniture projects.
- Get swatches or samples – Test paint colors on wood to see true undertones.
- Choose indoor vs. outdoor formulas – Outdoor paints have extra UV blockers to prevent sun damage.
- Look for “furniture paint” – Paints made specifically for furniture will be more durable.
- Verify prep and topcoat needs – Some paints require more extensive prep or a certain topcoat.
- Ensure proper ventilation – Work in a well-ventilated area and allow full dry times.
Taking the time to evaluate your options will ensure you get the perfect paint for a long-lasting furniture update.
Preparing Furniture for Painting
Proper prep work before painting furniture is crucial for getting great results. Here are some tips:
- Fill any holes/imperfections with wood filler and sand smooth.
- Sand to roughen the surface so paint adheres better.
- Wipe away all dust with tack cloth.
- Apply primer and/or paint prep solutions.
- Use painter’s tape to mask off edges and hardware.
- Work in a dust-free space with adequate ventilation.
- Follow all manufacturer’s preparation instructions.
Rushing through prep work can ruin the paint job, so take the time to do it right.
Furniture Painting Techniques
Applying paint to furniture involves some unique techniques for the best looking finish. Here are some top tips:
- Always lay down a smooth base coat first and let it fully dry.
- Use high quality synthetic bristle brushes made for fine finish work.
- Maintain a wet edge and move your brush in the same direction for an even coat.
- Work methodically section-by-section to prevent drips or uneven color.
- Apply multiple thin coats rather than one thick coat.
- Lightly sand between coats to smooth away any brush marks or debris.
- Work in a dust-free space and allow ample drying time between coats.
- Finish with a sealer or topcoat for added protection.
Take your time with each step in the process for results to be proud of.
Protecting Painted Furniture
To help your painted furniture retain its freshly updated look, be sure to:
- Allow the paint to cure fully before use – Usually at least 72 hours.
- Handle pieces gently at first to prevent scratching soft paint.
- Use coasters under plates and cups to prevent water rings.
- Wipe spills immediately to prevent stains.
- Clean painted surfaces gently with soft microfiber cloths.
- Avoid abrasive cleaners or scrubbing.
- Reapply protective sealer coats annually or as needed.
- Touch up any nicks as soon as possible to prevent more damage.
With proper care and maintenance, your painted furniture can stay looking freshly updated for years!
Trendy Painted Furniture Ideas
Paint breathes new life into worn, outdated furniture. Here are some on-trend ways to transform tired pieces with paint:
Wicker
– Vibrant shades like navy, emerald or orange make dated wicker pieces exciting again!
Oak cabinets
– Off-whites, grays and blues feel fresh and current on oak cabinets.
Flea market finds
– A coat of trendy rose gold, brass or gunmetal paint modernizes secondhand scores.
Kids’ furniture
– Have fun with bright, playful hues like lemon, seafoam and lavender on kids’ furnishings.
Dated wood furniture
– Glossy white paint erases any unwanted oak, mahogany or cherry tones.
Outdoor patio sets
– Extend patio season with weatherproof paint in relaxing shades like light sage.
Most Popular Paint Colors for Kitchen Cabinets
The cabinets set the foundation for an entire kitchen’s decor. Neutrals, especially white and gray, continue to top the list of popular cabinet paint colors, as they mix well with various countertop and wall colors. But navy blue cabinets are on the rise, adding a sophisticated splash of color. Here are today’s most popular kitchen cabinet paint colors:
| Paint Color | Specific Shades |
|---|---|
| White | Benjamin Moore Simply White, Sherwin-Williams Alabaster |
| Light gray | Benjamin Moore Pale Oak, Sherwin-Williams Repose Gray |
| Medium gray | Benjamin Moore Gray Owl, Sherwin-Williams Peppercorn |
| Dark gray | Benjamin Moore Chelsea Gray, Sherwin-Williams Tricorn Black |
| Navy blue | Benjamin Moore Hale Navy, Sherwin-Williams Naval |
Most Popular Paint Colors for Bedroom Furniture
In bedrooms, popular paint colors for furniture are often more muted and relaxing shades that promote restfulness. Here are some of the current favorites:
| Paint Color | Specific Shades | ||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Light blue | Benjamin Moore Healing Aloe, Sherwin-Williams Oceanside | ||||||||||
| Warm gray | Benjamin Moore Gray Cashmere, Sherwin-Williams Agreeable Gray | ||||||||||
| Linen white | Benjamin Moore White Dove, Sherwin-Williams Pure White | ||||||||||
| Soft green | Benjamin Moore Quiet Moments, Sherwin-Williams 使用 HTML 的表格语法来创建一个两列的表格,显示卧室家具最流行的油漆颜色及其具体的色调名称示例。
ConclusionWhen painting furniture, neutral colors like white and gray remain popular staples given their versatility. But don’t be afraid to consider bolder colors like navy, green, yellow or coral to really make your furniture pop. The most important thing is choosing a color and finish that fits your personal style and the existing decor of the space. With proper prep and application, painted furniture offers an easy DIY route to give worn pieces new life. Use these popular paint color suggestions to inspire your next furniture refresh! |
