Colors To Avoid When Painting Furniture - Home & Texture
Decorate Painting Furniture

These Are the Colors You Should Avoid When Painting Your Furniture

July 14, 2023 at 11:19 PM PST

Painting your furniture is a simple way to revamp your interior and add a personal touch to your home decor. However, not all colors are suitable for all furniture pieces. Some colors can overpower a space, make spaces look smaller, or quickly make your home look outdated.

Keep reading to discover colors you should avoid when painting your furniture to preserve aesthetics, maintain versatility and ensure a harmonious ambiance.

Neon and Overly Vibrant Colors

Neon and vibrant colors are eye-catching, but they’re better used for accent pieces rather than entire furniture pieces. These colors can overpower a space, creating an overwhelming vibe. Vibrant and neon hues can also quickly become outdated, making your furniture look out of place in evolving home decor trends. Instead of neon and overly vibrant colors for your furniture, opt for neutral or muted tones that add a timeless appeal to your space.

painted cabinet
Photo credit: Juan Smith

Extremely Dark or Black

Dark furniture is great for adding elegance and drama to a room. However, it’s important to the cautious when choosing extremely dark shades or black paint for your furniture. These colors absorb light, making a space appear smaller and gloomier. This is especially true in rooms with limited natural light. These colors are also high-maintenance, as they tend to show dust, scratches, and fingerprints more than other colors. Paint your furniture in lighter shades of gray or rich browns for a practical alternative.

Trendy-Driven Colors

The thing about trends is that they come and go. What may be deemed as cool today may become outdated in a few months. It may be tempting to paint your furniture in the latest color trends, but using these colors can limit your furniture’s longevity. Instead, opt for classic colors such as whites, beiges, and soft pastels. These colors are versatile and allow you to update your decor over the years with accent pieces and accessories.

painted furniture
Photo credit: Atbo

Clashing Colors

It’s important to consider the existing color palette of your space before choosing colors for your furniture. Avoid painting your furniture in colors that clash or conflict with your space. This can interrupt the visual harmony of your space.

Poorly Suited Colors for the Furniture Material

When choosing paint colors for your furniture, it’s important to consider the material of your furniture piece. Painting wooden furniture in light or pale colors can accentuate every imperfection in the piece or create a washed-out appearance. Similarly, using certain colors on plastic or metal furniture can make your furniture look cheap. Research which paint colors are appropriate for the specific material that you’ll be painting for best results. Consult with a paint specialist for the most stable color options.



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