Bedroom Furniture Makeover with Chalk Paint

 

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We have quite a lot of solid oak/pine furniture we bought for our first flat over ten years ago, which is in good condition but not really to my taste any more. I have a whole list of things that need painting, but decided to start with this chest of drawers as it is the first thing I see every morning! 

I’m a big fan of Annie Sloan chalk paint since I discovered it about five years ago, and have used it to paint tables, chairs, cabinets and even two chandeliers in our old house! It used to be difficult to find colourful painted cabinets, and those that were available were expensive, so chalk painting opened up lots of options for me.

Chalk paint is very easy to use, you simply brush it on without any major preparation required. I did have to thin my paint with some water because I have had it in storage for a couple of years. Other than that, I simply wiped down the chest of drawers with a cloth then started painting. I removed all the drawers before starting and painted the drawer fronts separately.

After the paint had dried, I used Annie Sloan Soft Wax to protect the surface. I used a clean rag to rub in the wax which causes the surface to darken slightly at first but it then returns to normal as the wax dries. You can also buy dark wax to add an aged effect. I added these Anthropologie handles I had from a previous project.

The wax dries in about 24 hours but takes up to a month to cure fully. I found it was well cured within 2-3 days. It was a very quick and easy up date which has made a huge difference to the room. I am also considering using chalk paint on the linen headboard, I have seen some great projects using chalk paint on fabric!

(Bedding: Seafield Bluebellgray (currently on sale); Art prints Junique (gift); Lamp TK Maxx; Basket TK Maxx; Paint Annie Sloan Henrietta Chalk Paint; Handles Anthropologie)