How To Pick A Paint Color For Furniture

I am working with Glidden Paint on a fun project. I was compensated for my time working on this project but the ideas, tips, and thoughts are all mine!

Painting furniture and painting walls are really quite similar when it comes to the process of choosing the color. For most people it is a daunting chore. We tend to second guess ourselves and feel intimidated. And we panic when it doesn't look like what we wanted when it goes on.

I have these fun metal card catalogs I got from my mom a long time ago. They have been collecting dust in my garage. I almost forgot I even had them. While I was in NYC last week my husband cleaned out the garage and unearthed them. So naturally I HAD to give them a makeover! I will be attaching them all together, building a base, and turning it into a side table for my future new bedroom (that I am starting to think will never get finished). The drawers will be perfect for all my hair elastics, essential oils, notebook and pen, and jewelry.

So what color will I paint it? Let's discuss.....

Questions To Ask Yourself Before Painting A Piece Of Furniture

Are the type of person who changes their mind all the time? Then maybe going with a more neutral color would be better. One that you won't tire of in a short period of time.

Do you change your mind all the time BUT you are okay with painting it again down the road. Then go bold! Try a fun, bright color and live with it for awhile. It is only paint :)

Is there one color that remains your favorite no matter what the trends are? Paint it that color! If you know what you like, then there is little risk involved.

Do you know what colors you like? If not, look at your pinterest boards to see if there are any color trends. Are you pinning a lot of turquoise? Or Maybe you like the all white look?

Tips

Just like walls, test it out. Buy the small sample cans of paint. I don't paint it on the actual piece of furniture. I paint a poster board, plywood, or cardboard. The point is to see if you still like the color when there is a lot of it. It is sometimes hard to tell from a tiny little square of paper from the store.

I prefer semi gloss or gloss for painting furniture. It is easy to clean because it is so wipeable.

My Colortopia is a site full of inspiration and tricks for getting the right color the first time.

Prep work is the most important step. Make sure you sand and clean your piece well!

 

Glidden Paint's simplified color palette 

Glidden Paint has created a site with a simplified palette. It is like color 101 :) Just click on a color family and then browse the different colors. When you click on one it will even pair that color with complimentary colors.

These are the colors I am deciding between for the card catalog. I love the navy because it is still a color while also being a neutral. The red color almost looks like a saturated coral color. I love deep and saturated colors! The green looks like a very vintage green color and goes well with industrial pieces. Grey would be a good choice if I were not planning on painting it again. It could go almost anywhere and would pair well with the shiny chrome drawer pulls. The orange color is on there because I don't have anything orange. It is my "I'm feeling bold" choice. And yellow is my favorite color so naturally it is a contender.

 

What color would you paint this metal card catalog if it were yours? I would love for you to weigh in.

And stay tuned for the reveal later next week!

 

 

 

I have been sponsored by the Glidden®
brand paint for PPG to write this post but the thoughts and
opinions expressed are my own