7 Easy Things You Can Paint at Home That Aren’t Full Walls, According to Designers
A little paint can go a long way when you’re trying to spruce up your home. Even if you’re working with a tight budget or don’t feel like taking on a massive project right now, there are plenty of things you can paint at home over a weekend that won’t cost you a fortune. It’s all about finding new “canvases” for color.
We asked a few of our interior designer friends what kinds of stuff around the house they like to dress up with a fresh coat of paint other than the obvious, aka full walls. Here’s what they had to say.
Fabric Lampshades
“One of our favorite ways to elevate the style in a room is to upgrade a lampshade from the stock shade that lamps and sconces come with,” says designer Virginia Toledo of Toledo Geller Interiors. “The quickest and easiest way to do this is to spray paint it—just tape off any hardware and the inside of the shade, and slowly and evenly spray the lampshade until it is fully coated.”
You might consider two coats, as Toledo notes that you will notice if you miss a spot or if the job is uneven when you turn on the lamp. “If you’re feeling a bit extra, you can also spray the inside of the shade a different color,” suggests Toledo. Stick to a light color or even a metallic shade like gold or silver for this part of the shade. “Just don’t go dark here, or you’ll reduce how bright the lamp will shine when it’s turned on,” says Toledo.
Kitchen Floors
“Something I have been painting for years now is my hardwood kitchen floor,” designer Liz Caan says. “I love switching up the color every few years, and it is super easy to paint them.” Just think of your floors like your walls, and follow the same painting prep and protocol.
According to Caan, painted wood floors are soft, warm, and forgiving when you drop something on them. “They are a great solution when you’re looking to soften the look of a kitchen, which is normally crowded with metal appliances and tile backsplashes,” Caan adds.
Wood Furniture
Looking for a fun way to update an old piece of furniture? Designer Abbe Fenimore of Studio Ten 25 suggests giving it a fresh coat of paint. “Update an old dresser or vanity with a bold hue like pink,” she says. “You can go over the top with pretty details by adding gold leaf to any carved areas for a little glitz.”
Bookcase Backs
“Whether it has a backing of wood or drywall, painting the back of your bookcases is a quick and easy way to add depth, color, and a little merriment to any area of your home,” says designer Caitlin Murray of Black Lacquer Design. “You can create a little color-soaked jewel box with a playful, unexpected color choice.”
If you feel like this is too big of a job, try painting the bookcase edges instead. You’ll still spruce up the piece with a pop of color, but it’ll take you way less time.
Front Doors or Gates
“Painted front doors or gates can create such a powerful impact and give a home its own unique flair and street appeal,” says designer Breegan Jane. “I always try to push my clients to paint their doors/gates a fun bold color and step outside of their comfort zone.”
This statement-making project is easy to do—Jane’s biggest tip is to make sure to use a satin or semi-gloss outdoor paint to help prevent wear and tear. And don’t forget your indoor doors either. Color looks lovely on the reverse side of a door, and you can also paint just the edges of or wall trim around an interior door as well, if you are short on time or paint. This is a great way to use leftover paint.
Fireplace Surrounds
“Painting your fireplace is a simple and easy way to transform a space and give it an updated feel,” says designer Sara Malek Barney of Bandd Design. When choosing a color for the fireplace, Barney recommends sticking to a matte finish so that it looks more natural in its setting. “Start by adding a coat of primer so that the paint won’t absorb into the porousness of the brick,” she says. “Once that dries, add two to three coats of oil-based paint.”
If you also want to paint your fireplace doors (if you have them) or inside the firebox, Barney says to use a paint that is made for high heat so that the color doesn’t fade or look burnt when the fire is on.
Faux Ceiling Trims
Okay, technically this one includes the walls, but it’s still a great idea for adding charm to your space. “If you’re feeling like you can tackle a bigger project, paint a faux crown molding on a room that lacks an architectural trim,” Toledo says. “Tape off the top three to five inches of the wall and another three to five inches where it meets the ceiling.”
For this project, Toledo notes to follow any turns the room makes should it include things columns, bookshelves, etc. “If you’re feeling even more creative, paint a pattern border on the ceiling in lieu of a crown,” she adds, as seen here.