Best tips on how to add a splash of colour and fun to children's rooms by painting their furniture.
Children's bedrooms are not just spaces for sleep; they're realms of imagination, where creativity knows no bounds. One captivating way to infuse vibrancy, personality, and a sense of wonder into these spaces is through painted furniture. In this blog post, let's embark on a journey exploring the magic of painted furniture and how it can turn your little one's living space into a canvas of endless possibilities.
1. ENDLESS CUSTOMISATION:
Painted furniture opens the door to a world of endless possibilities. It allows you to create one-of-a-kind pieces tailored to your child's preferences and interests. Whether they're fascinated by superheroes, animals, or fairy tales, painted furniture provides a tangible way to bring their dreams to life.
2. STIMULATE CREATIVITY:
A room enhanced with colourful and creatively painted furniture becomes a haven for sparking your child's imagination. Beyond mere décor, it transforms their room into a canvas for their stories and adventures. Each piece of painted furniture becomes a prop in their play, fostering creativity and self-expression.
3. EASILY ADAPTABLE:
Redecorating a child's room can be an expensive endeavour especially as their interests evolve rapidly. However, choosing painted furniture offers a solution. Instead of investing in new mass-made items with no character, find the perfect piece of furniture providing the storage you need, and a fresh coat of paint can breathe new life into existing furniture. Sometimes, all it needs is a change of handles to transform the piece as they move into the next stage of their lives!
It's a win-win for your child's delight, the environment, and reduces the stress of finding something that will fit in your home.
The Process of Using Painted Furniture in Kids' Rooms:
1. THE FURNITURE
Start by selecting the furniture pieces that will become the canvas for your creativity. A chest of drawers, dressing table, bookshelf, or desk—each piece contributes to the overall ambiance of the room. You can find second hand furniture through Facebook, Ebay, Gumtree or your local charity shop.
2 - DESIGNS & COLOURS
Involve your child in the decision-making process. Discuss their favourite colours, themes, or characters. By actively including them, you ensure that the painted furniture reflects their personality and current interests.
3 - SUPPLIES
Your paint - I recommend Fusion Mineral Paint or Farrow & Ball Modern Eggshell as they are hard wearing and have a wide range of colours to choose from. (You will need to use a good quality primer for both Fusion and Farrow & Ball).
If you want to go for more texture with your paint, there are a wide range of chalk paints available to purchase but you will need to seal the paint with a varnish like the Wax Finish Varnish by Polyvine, or their Heavy Duty Varnish – both available in Dead Flat Matt or Satin.
The better your paint brush, the better your finish – my first choice will always be a Cling-On! brush. Painter's tape is a must for neat finishes and I will always choose to use Frogtape to ensure a beautiful crisp line.
If you’re feeling particularly creative, choose a stencil, decoupage or maybe even a new moulding that matches your final chosen design.
You can find most of your supplies at Thirteen Furniture and Jen will be able to advise what is best for your project.
4 - PREPARATION
Prepare the furniture by cleaning it thoroughly – although it might look clean, I guarantee it won’t be. Fusion’s TSP is perfect for the job and you don’t have to wash the cleaner off after either. If your piece is already waxed, you will need to remove the wax before you consider painting – Some paint brands claim that you can paint over anything (!!!!) but from experience, this is just not the case and if a piece is already waxed, your paint just can’t adhere to it! Next, sand off the original finish and any rough or uneven areas. Clean again and then depending on which paint you chose, apply a primer to create a smooth painting surface.
5 – THE BEST BIT...PAINTING
Now you can start the painting process based on the design you and your child have decided upon. Use bright, cheerful colours to establish a playful and inviting atmosphere. Consider going beyond basic painting by adding creative touches. Hand-painted animal shapes, whimsical murals, or decorative stencils can elevate the furniture's appeal and contribute to the room's theme.
6 - SEAL AND PROTECT
Once the paint has fully dried, apply your varnish to protect the painted furniture from wear and tear. This step is crucial for preserving the paint and makes it easier to clean too.
Immerse Kids in a World of Creativity
Painted furniture in kids' rooms goes beyond mere aesthetics; it becomes a medium for storytelling and self-expression. By involving your child in the creative process, you're not just decorating a room; you're crafting an environment that promotes joy, wonder, and endless adventure. The painted furniture transforms their personal space into a realm where imagination knows no bounds, making every day a new chapter in their vibrant world.
Creating Lasting Memories: The Impact of Painted Furniture
The act of painting furniture together can be more than just a creative project; it can create lasting memories for both you and your child. The shared experience of choosing colours, deciding on designs, and working together to bring those ideas to life is a bonding opportunity that goes beyond the final brushstroke.
As you embark on this artistic journey with your child, you're not only adding colour to their room but also embedding a sense of accomplishment and teamwork. These memories can become cherished moments that your child will carry with them into adulthood, reminding them of the love and care that went into creating their unique space.
Beyond Aesthetics: Educational Benefits of Painted Furniture
The process of painted furniture offers more than just visual appeal. It can also be a valuable educational experience for your child. From understanding colour combinations to learning about different painting techniques, this hands-on activity can stimulate their cognitive development.
Moreover, involving them in the decision-making process hones their decision-making skills and encourages self-expression. As they contribute ideas and see them materialize on the furniture, they gain a sense of ownership over their space, fostering confidence and creativity.
Sustainable and Eco-Friendly Design
In an era where sustainability is paramount, opting for painted furniture in kids' rooms aligns with eco-friendly practices. Repurposing existing furniture reduces the demand for new resources, reduces waste, and contributes to a more sustainable lifestyle.
