A four poster bed DIY chalk paint makeover…
Let’s talk about DIY chalk paint. But first, I gotta tell you a crazy story…
The other day, while driving home, I passed a hitchhiker on the roadside. This forlorn fellow was clearly down on his luck. It was one of those moments when you think, “Gosh, is there something I can do to help?” That’s when I hear my wise mother’s voice in my ear… “Don’t you dare think about stopping the car, Heather!”
As my mother would undoubtedly tell you, I am, by nature, a rules follower mostly. But I am also a massive pain in the arse…and it was that stubborn streak that made me pull to the side of the road that day.
I picked up the hitchhiker.
Here he was:
A little rough around the edges, perhaps. Certainly a lot down on his luck. But definitely full of potential and wanting a little bit of a break to come his way. We decided to give this guy a little hand. It started with some repair work.
There were parts of the frame that were chipping and fractured, so that got addressed. In the middle of the headboard there was some ornamentation that had clearly broken off, so we got out the jigsaw and reworked the top piece a bit.
Click here to have a free copy of “10 Totally Transformational Decorating Ideas – All Under $100!” emailed to you today!
Then came the DIY chalk paint. I know I said DIY, but I kinda outsourced that job this time around…
You see, this is one of the things I *LOVE* about chalk paint…it’s so easy to do, and so forgiving, that ANYONE, even this guy…yeah, the guy who can’t even put his pants on the right way…even he can re-finish furniture with this stuff!
I’m not even joking.
Here’s what you’ll need to tackle your own chalk paint project…
DIY chalk paint supplies:
- chalk paint (for this project, we used Annie Sloan Antibes Green)
- chalk paint brush
- clear furniture wax (Annie Sloan clear wax)
- wax brush
- sandpaper, various grit levels
- slightly damp rag for dust removal
Dorothy says
Love it! Please tell me whether you’ve ever tried chalk paint on fabric. I want to do blotch paint fabric on a chair but sceptical.
Heather says
Hi Dorothy! I personally have NOT tried chalk paint on fabric. Only latex. You can add a fabric additive to regular (latex) paint so that when it dries it helps the fabric stay fabric-y instead of hard and crusty…I’m NOT sure if you can use it with chalk paint, but it’s worth looking into! I have sat on a sofa once where the upholstery was painted with chalk paint, and it was pretty crusty/hard…not soft, that’s for sure. But perhaps they didn’t use a fabric additive. I guess I’d say, if it’s your favorite chair, don’t do it. But if it’s something not used a lot, then maybe proceed? You should probably test it on an old pillow or something like that to see if you could live with the feel of it after the paint dries. Let me know if you try it!! Heather
Carrie says
I have a thing for green! And I’ve always wanted a green bed for myself. Still searching for the perfect one to refinish. But, yours as solidified it for me! Thanks for the inspiration and for linking up to Friday’s Furniture Fix. Pinning and tweeting it this week!
Dana says
I love this! The green is a great color. What is on the walls in the boy bedroom? I love it!!!
On Being Bianca ... says
I would say this is one hitchhiker worth the risk! I adore the pop of bright green with your re-do! Thanks for sharing at the Pretty Preppy Party. You know I'm such a fan of every project you do! xx, b @ being-blanca.com
Tasha @ Designer Trapped in a Lawyer's Body says
Another stunning project from you, Heather! I am featuring this on Think and Make Thursdays tomorrow–thanks so much for linking up. LOVE that green color and kudos to you for rescuing this gem of a bed! Love it!
Rhonda @ home.made. says
That is gorgeous – love Antibes Green! Makes me want to find a high post bed like this for my daughter and get rid of her trundle!
Carissa Rasmussen says
I don't think I'd be brave enough to go that bold on a bed! It looks amazing though! I'd love you to share at my link party http://www.carissamiss.com/2014/10/outside-box-no-7.html
Michele Reynolds says
Your hitch hiker prettied-up nice! Pinned
BRITTANY says
Gorgeous!! What an amazing find!
Lolly Jane says
Stop it! Best hitchhiker ever! LOVE it!
Beth @ Mary Beth's Place says
Your little helper is adorable! Reminds me of my boys when they were little. And LOVE the bed and color!
Suzanne says
Oh, I love it! And I REALLY love the backwards pants:-)
Dayle Allen Shockley @ A Collection of Days says
Sweet little bed. Green is my favorite color.
Korrie@RedHenHome says
Beautiful! Love how you staged it for both genders.
Sharon @ Elizabeth & Co. says
Happy to feature you at our party this morning! Thanks so much for joining us!
Sharon @ Elizabeth & Co. says
Oh I love that color. I've used it in my home. It just looks stunning on that bed!
Ann @ My Nearest and Dearest says
That colour is gorgeous! And how cute is your little helper!?
I picked up a "hitchhiker" myself the other day (coincidentally the same day I was having a yard sale. I'm sure my husband thinks I'm nuts!)
ance mist says
In 1981, we had 2 beds like this and I was tired of the maple stain-look and painted them this exact color green;they were right up there in style with their green redo. Then, in 1992, when we were moving to another home, we put them in a garage sale and my friend purchased them with the joyous exclaimation that she was going to sand off all the green color, stain them maple again and give them to her nephews. What goes around, comes around! Moral to this story, SAVE EVERYTHING……..!
Heather says
Exactly! So true!! My bedroom furniture as a child was this SAME shade!
Becky@Beyond The Picket Fence says
Love it, and the whole darn room. The best part though is the backwards shorts, make me giggle. Sharing on facebook, thanks for linking up!
Chrissie Wright says
It is fabulous! I've always wanted to paint a bed green. Love your staging too
Elizabeth Ramage says
What a gorgeous colour and a great makeover. You had me there for a bit and all I could think about was Criminal Minds.
Sonya~At Home with The Barkers says
GORGEOUS! I hae been wanting to use this color…NOW I must!
Our Pinteresting Family says
This is absolutely gorgeous. I love the color.
Deana says
What a fun room! The bed turned out gorgeous and I just love the bedding. Adorable little boy too. I cracked up at his backwards pants!
Vintage Street Designs says
Fabulous! I LOVE your color choice! Blessings ~ Judy
Nancy Sharp says
I never see pieces like this on the road! That looks like my mom's handmade solid cherry bed she cherished for years. Hers was made in Campbellsville, KY. I love the green you chose. I have got to try chalk paint. It must be the "cat's meow" these days.
ℳartina @ Northern Nesting says
Love that color…great makeover!