Painted pieces of furniture let you express your style

It’s impossible to flip through a home décor magazine, read a design blog or scroll through a Pinterest feed without noticing furniture painted in classic neutrals or bold pops of color.

“A painted piece of furniture is a small element that can add a lot of drama to a room,” says Aynsley Mahoney, executive interior designer and owner of Cottage Chic.

From turquoise headboards and yellow console tables to green media cabinets and red accent chairs, painted furniture is taking hold in American homes, injecting jolts of color in unexpected ways.

You can find painted pieces for every room in the house, as well as the backyard.

Although bright pops of color are popular this spring, the trend extends beyond bold shades; painted furniture is also available in neutral tones such as gray, white and beige. Use these hues to lighten up heavier furniture or add a touch of sophistication to a room.

Whether you choose a vibrant palette or muted tones, the trend is a chic way to fill your home with furnishings that reflect your style. And, when it comes to incorporating painted furniture into a room, the options are endless.

Using painted furniture in neutral tones keeps a traditional design on trend while bolder color choices create a more modern look. For a balance of traditional and modern, Mahoney suggests choosing a big piece in a neutral color and painting the trim in a bright or contrasting color.

“A bookcase always makes a statement when the interior is painted in an unexpected color,” she says.

There is another reason painted furniture makes a statement: It makes outdated pieces feel new again. With a fresh coat of paint, a vintage castoff can become the focal point of the room. Paint also can make a mass-produced piece feel like a custom design.

Charlotte, N.C., interior designer Laura Casey likes to incorporate at least one piece of painted furniture in projects that she takes on through her business, Laura Casey Interiors.

She’s purchased new painted pieces and she’s refinished furniture her clients already owned, giving them an updated look.

“Incorporating painted furniture is a great way to update a room without spending a lot of money,” Casey says. “Refreshing an older piece of furniture is a big trend right now.”

The trend isn’t limited to DIY enthusiasts. National retailers are presenting pieces in colors ranging from neutrals to “notice me” shades for every room in the house. You’ll find a range of different styles at such places as Ethan Allen, World Market, IKEA, Bassett Furniture and Target.

Casey believes that retailers have embraced the trend because it can give consumers the look of custom furniture at an affordable price.

It’s best to stick with one or two pieces of painted furniture in a room, according to Casey. For the biggest impact, mix and match painted furniture with upholstered pieces, natural woods, glass and metal finishes. A range of finishes adds a lot of interest to a room.

“Even though more people want to incorporate bright colors into their homes, you have to be careful not to go overboard,” she says. “Painted furniture, especially when it’s in a color that makes you feel good, is great as an accent piece.”