Homeowners and designers alike are leaning into pieces with more of a human-touch or sense of craftsmanship. For that reason, the once outdated painted furniture trend is on the rise again—only this time, with a modern twist (think clean coats in warm neutral shades and pieces with contemporary hardware replacements).
“We’re sick of furniture that is cheaply made and antiques can be so beautiful, especially if they are elevated into something that feels really upscale and unique,” says Ruthie Staalsen of Ruthie Staalsen Interiors.
Below, designers weigh in on the comeback of painted furniture, plus tips on how to get the look in your own home.
Why Is Painted Furniture Making a Comeback?
Gone are the days of furniture that looks like it came straight out of the box, according to designers. Homeowners are opting for pieces with more of a human, individualized touch—and what’s more personalized than a dresser or entry table in a fresh coat of paint?
“For a while, everyone was chasing perfect matching furniture sets and pristine wood finishes. We're seeing people move away from that and toward homes that feel more collected and personal,” says Barry and Jordan of The Brownstone Boys.
“Painted furniture brings warmth, character, and a sense of history. It allows a piece to evolve over time rather than feeling precious, and it's a great reminder that not every beautiful piece has to stay exactly as it was when it left the showroom.”
Pieces to Consider Painting
While console tables, nightstands, and dressers are a few of the most popular picks to consider painting, there’s a wide range of furniture that can be revived with a fresh coat, including architectural elements.
“Some of our favorite pieces to paint are vintage dressers, sideboards, bookcases, nightstands, and dining chairs—especially if the shape is beautiful but the finish isn't,” says Barry and Jordan. “We also love painting built-ins or antique hutches to help them feel more integrated into the architecture of a home. Often, a thoughtful paint color can completely transform a piece that might otherwise be overlooked.”
If you’re not ready to go for such a large piece of furniture just yet, don’t worry—there are plenty of smaller design elements you can start with. “Bombay chests, etageres, bathroom vanities, and bookshelves add so much interest to spaces when painted,” says Staalsen.
How to Get the Look
To get the painted furniture look (with a bit of a modern flair), pros recommend focusing on building a layered, collected space using just one or two freshly-coated antiques.
Focus on Silhouette: “We always say paint can change a finish, but it can't change proportions. If a piece has beautiful lines, paint can make it feel timeless,” says Barry and Jordan.
Make It Modern: “Adding new modern hardware and making sure it’s not too distressed will keep it looking more modern so it has a ‘transitional’ flair,” says Staalsen.
Choose Warm, Inviting Hues: “Instead of bright trend-driven colors, we gravitate toward earthy greens, warm creams, deep blues, or rich browns that complement the architecture and create a sense of permanence,” says Barry and Jordan.
Go for a Layered Look: “A single painted antique can become a focal point, but when every piece in a room is painted, it can start to feel themed. Mixing painted furniture with natural wood, stone, and other textures creates the layered, collected look we love,” says Barry and Jordan.
Laura Millar (she/her) is a freelance lifestyle journalist for Good Housekeeping. She holds a degree in Film, TV & Media from the University of Michigan, and was previously the assistant lifestyle editor for GH, where she covered home design. Her byline has appeared in NBC's TODAY.com, PEOPLE, Real Simple, and Business Insider.
