A quick guide to choosing furniture paint
Consider your decor and other furniture in the room when choosing furniture paint.
If there’s one item in my workshop that’s overused, it’s the paint chart! I take my trusty swatches everywhere I go. Why? Because choosing paint colours is tricky. Sometimes it can delay a furniture upcycling project for months while a customer chooses the perfect colour for their home. Other times, clients are relaxed and trust my judgment.
2024’s most requested shade was midnight blue. But, if you look at my Instagram grid over the last 12 months, I’ve done a lot of paler neutrals, light greys and whites. There were also some bolder, pinks, greens, blues and yellow thrown in. This year has been a real mix, which is great for me as I get to work with some new combinations.
Pantone of the year for 2025 is mocha mousse, a warm, rich brown. Aside from the brown hue of natural wood, brown isn’t a colour clients ask for. It’s more likely they want to transform a dark brown piece into something lighter and more pleasing to the eye. Perhaps that will come during the cosy autumn months towards the end of the year!
What colour is best for my furniture?
When it comes to paint shades, the world is your oyster. Almost every paint brand manufactures a range suitable for furniture. My preference is Fusion Mineral Paint. It has brilliant coverage and an inbuilt top coat, so it’s durable enough to not have to use a wax or varnish on top. Saying that, I am experimenting with samples from a local maker, so watch this space!
Here are my tips on choosing the right colour for your furniture project.
View samples in different lights: Look at paint samples in different lights and take note of how the light reflects off them. If you don’t want to paint directly on to your furniture, paint a piece of paper and stick it on.
Swatches and paint charts are helpful, but there’s no substitute for seeing how the colour adheres to wood. I carry painted wood samples for the most popular colours, with and without different top coats, so my clients can see exactly what the colour, texture and finish will look like.
Use fabric as your guide: If upholstery is part of your project, you can take a cue from the fabric’s colour palette. Wallpaper works in a similar way. Choosing a paper or fabric you love first can make choosing paint easier.
Consider other furniture in the room: Think about how your colour choice will tone with other pieces in the room. For example, select a paint colour for your sideboard to complement and tone with other pieces in your lounge. Sofas are expensive to replace!
Choose the shade you love: Don’t be swayed by styles and trends, or choose a safe neutral because a friend told you to. It’s you and your family that will live with the colour, so go for something that will make your heart sing every time you see it.
Go for bold: Be brave! If you want your upcycled furniture to pop, choose a paint shade that you wouldn’t normally go for. If you don’t like it, it’s only paint - you can always sand it back and start again. That’s the beauty of upcycling!
Explaining the different types of paint finishes
Matt paint has a flat, non-reflective finish. It’s ideal for achieving a deep and dramatic finish, especially with dark colours.
Eggshell is a popular choice as it’s hardwearing and easy to clean. A mix of matt and satin creates a low-sheen, slightly reflective finish.
Satinwood lies halfway between matt and semi-gloss finish, and more durable than a full matt finish. It has slight, soft sheen and is also easy to wipe down.
Gloss paint is the shiniest finish of all with high reflective properties. Used in the right way it can brighten up a dark corner and create a dramatic statement. Be careful as bold colours can appear childlike in a gloss finish, and the fumes can be overpowering.
You can achieve stunning effects with dark, gloss paint, like this cocktail cabinet.
Chalk paints have a flat, chalky finish and you can apply the paint directly to wood without any preparation. Chalk paints are a good choice if you’re aiming for a distressed look or like shabby chic style.
Mineral paints like Fusion, have a smooth, matt finish. Water-based and made using natural compounds and minerals, they are kind to the environment, and give off no tell-tale paint smell at all.
Spray paints give good, smooth coverage and are great for creating interesting effects like ombre or graffiti. As well as wood, you can use them on metal and plastic too.
I used spray paint to create miniature graffiti on this sideboard leg.
Are metallics a good choice for furniture?
Metallics, in the form of paint or leaf, are a great way to pick out decorative details on furniture. Use them subtly to highlight edges or add interest, or go for full-on bling as the backdrop to a cupboard. Copper, silver or gold leaf can create a stunning effect.
Choosing a topcoat - wax, varnish or natural?
When deciding whether to use a topcoat, start by checking your paint brand for guidance. Some brands will recommended a specific topcoat suited to that paint, others may not need one.
Generally, you don’t need to use a topcoat with eggshell or gloss paints. Chalks and mineral paints sometimes need that extra durability. I like to use a wax over mineral paint to add lustre and an extra level of protection. Clients seem to like the finish too.
If your furniture lives in a high traffic area like a kitchen or a hallway, I would highly recommend adding a varnish. Eating surfaces need to be waterproof and hardwearing. The alternative, and most durable solution, is to add a sheet of toughened glass to the top - perfect if you are prone to spillages or clumsiness!
Take your time to get it right
Choosing the right type and shade of paint for your furniture upcycling project is a process. You have to take into account light levels, existing décor and furniture. My advice is to take your time and ask for help if you need it. If you are local to the Warrington area, I am happy to pop over with my paint swatches. Contact me here to ask for advice.