Paint is one of the cheapest and easiest ways to transform your home. It can be used to update old furniture, make a statement in a room, or even just add a pop of color to an otherwise bland space. But painting isn’t just for walls—there are plenty of other ways you can use it to add some personality to your home. Here are seven creative ways to use paint in your home.
Update old furniture
A fresh coat of paint can take an old piece of furniture and make it look new again. Plus, it’s a great way to personalize pieces that you might not be able to find in stores anymore. Just make sure you prep the surface properly before you start painting—sanding down rough spots and cleaning off any dirt or grime will help the paint adhere better and give you a more professional-looking finish.
Make a statement with painted walls
If you’re looking for a way to add some character to a room without spending a lot of money, painting one or two accent walls is a great option. Choose a bold color that complements the rest of the room, and then get creative with stripes, patterns, or even words or phrases. Just make sure you tape off the edges well so you don’t end up with too much of a good thing.
Add some color to the cabinets
Tired of looking at those same old kitchen cabinets day after day? Give them a new lease on life with a coat or two of paint. You can go with a solid color or get creative with stencils or patterns. Just make sure you use proper cabinet paint to ensure it stands up to wear and tear—and don’t forget to remove all the hardware before you start painting!
Bring new life to tired floors
Have dull, boring floors? Restore them to their former glory (or give them an entirely new look) with some floor paint. There are multiple types of floor paint available, so make sure you choose one that’s designed for the material your floors are made from. And once again, proper prep work is key—cleaning and sanding the surfaces will help the paint adhere better and last longer.
Create custom canvas art
Canvas art is expensive, but it doesn’t have to be if you DIY it! All you need is some blank canvas, acrylic paint, and some creativity. You can either freehand something or look up some simple tutorials online—either way, you’ll end up with unique artwork that’s completely custom-made for your home.
Dress up plain switch plates
Boring white switch plates are so boring! Add some personality to your home by painting them in fun colors or patterns. Just make sure you use semi-gloss paint so fingerprints don’t show up as easily, and consider using painter’s tape along the edges for extra protection (especially if you have small children).
Give plant pots a makeover
Don’t forget about your outdoor spaces when it comes to painting! Plain terra cotta pots are easy (and inexpensive) to find, but they can be drab and boring. A little bit of paint can change all that—and it gives you an opportunity to really get creative with colors and patterns. Just make sure you use waterproof exterior paint so your pots will withstand the elements year after year.
Painting is one of the easiest and most versatile ways to add personality to your home without breaking the bank—and as these seven ideas show, there’s really no limit to what you can do with it! So next time you’re feeling like your home could use a little refreshment, grab a brush (or roller) and some paint, and get started on one of these projects. Your home will thank you for it!