From Drab to Fab: A Wardrobe Makeover with a Golden Touch
Do you ever have that one piece of furniture that just refuses to fit in with the rest of the room? That was my client with this wardrobe. It was perfectly useful, but it looked a little sad and didn’t match the rest of the furniture. Instead of replacing it (which can be costly and wasteful), I decided to give it a little glow-up.It only took a couple of days and not even a litre of paint.
Step 1: Choosing the Colour
The first thing we did was choose a paint colour that tied in with the rest of the furniture. Keeping a consistent palette can instantly make a room feel calmer and more stylish. Once we'd settled on the shade, I gave the wardrobe a thorough clean and a light sand. (A boring but important step if you’re planning a DIY furniture makeover!) I use a special cleaner that gets rid of all dirt and grease and preps the surface for paint. I'll put a link in for you, down below.
Step 2: Painting
With the prep done, I used an adhesion primer. This makes sure your paint will stick to the surface and be long lasting. I have always used Zinsser BIN but there are very good water-based primers out there, nowadays. Apply evenly with a mini roller. If you use shellac based primer, then you may have to sacrifice the roller, but it's worth it! Then I applied the first coat of paint It’s always amazing to me how that first coat transforms a piece — you can already see the potential shining through. I did two coats for a lovely even finish. I use a Two Fussy Blokes mini roller to apply the paint. It gives you a smooth finish with no brush marks. If needed, use a small brush to cut in round the raised parts of the doors and then roll right up to it.
Step 3: Adding the Glam
Now for my favourite part: the handles. Instead of leaving them plain, I spray painted them gold. It’s such a simple trick, but the effect is huge. Suddenly the whole wardrobe felt more elegant and tied together, with just the right touch of glamour. I used automotive spray for a long lasting finish. Just be careful when using a spray to wear mask. I don't want you breathing in paint molecules!
The Reveal
And here it is!
The wardrobe now sits perfectly alongside the other furniture, looking like it was always meant to be there. It’s proof that you don’t always need to buy new — sometimes all it takes is a bit of paint and a creative tweak to breathe new life into what you already own.
Fancy a Go?
If you’ve got a piece of furniture that feels out of place, don’t be afraid to experiment. Furniture painting ideas are everywhere, and it doesn’t need to be complicated. A tin of paint and a can of spray can give you a totally budget-friendly furniture update that feels personal, stylish, and unique. And the best part? It’s sustainable and so satisfying.
I've linked the products I used, for your convenience.
Products used:
Cleaner - Zinsser Degreaser and Cleaner Spray
Primer - Zinsser BIN
Paint - Helmi 30 by Tikkurila
Mini Rollers - Two Fussy Blokes
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