How to Paint Kitchen Furniture Like a Pro

Updating your kitchen doesn’t always require a complete renovation. Sometimes, all it takes is a fresh coat of paint to breathe new life into your space. Whether you're upcycling a vintage sideboard or giving your dining set a modern makeover, painting kitchen furniture is one of the most cost-effective and satisfying home upgrades.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through the process of painting your kitchen furniture like a pro — from prep to finish — so you can achieve that designer showroom look right from your own home.

Why Repaint Kitchen Furniture?

Painted kitchen furniture can completely transform your interiors, especially if you're styling a small kitchen or open-plan space. By updating your pieces with popular colours like soft cream, navy, or sage green, you can tie your décor together without replacing entire units.

Refinishing furniture is also a great way to:

• Personalise second-hand or inherited furniture.

• Save money on replacements.

• Extend the life of solid wood or heirloom pieces.

• Complement your existing modern kitchen tables, sideboards, and shelving.

What You’ll Need

Before starting, make sure you have the following:

• High-quality primer (especially for glossy or laminate finishes)

• Wood filler (for dents or damage)

• Sandpaper (120 and 220 grit)

• Tack cloth or a damp microfiber cloth

• Chalk, mineral or furniture-specific paint

• Paintbrushes or a foam roller

• Topcoat (e.g. matte, satin, or gloss polyurethane)

House of Isabella stocks a range of stylish kitchen furniture and modern décor pieces — so once you finish painting, you'll be ready to pair your upcycled piece with beautiful accessories like contemporary bar stools or brass wall lights.

Step-by-Step Guide to Painting Kitchen Furniture

1. Choose the Right Piece

If you're new to DIY, start with smaller pieces like a kitchen stool, cabinet door, or drawer front before moving on to larger tables or hutches.

2. Clean Thoroughly

Kitchen furniture often has grease, especially around handles and corners. Use a degreasing cleaner (like sugar soap) and rinse well. Allow the piece to dry completely.

3. Sand the Surface

Lightly sand the furniture to remove the old finish and provide a surface the primer can grip to. Use 120 grit for the first pass, then 220 grit for a smooth finish.

4. Repair and Fill

Fill any cracks, holes, or chips with wood filler. Once dry, sand again until smooth and dust-free.

5. Prime for Perfection

Priming is essential for durability and even coverage — especially if you're painting dark furniture a lighter colour. Use a bonding primer if your furniture has a laminate finish.

6. Paint in Thin Layers

Apply your chosen furniture paint in thin, even layers using a high-quality brush or roller. Let each coat dry before applying the next. Usually, two to three coats are ideal.

7. Finish with a Topcoat

Once your final coat has dried, apply a protective topcoat for durability — especially for high-traffic surfaces like kitchen tables or drawer fronts.

Design Tips for Painted Furniture

Painted furniture works beautifully in both modern and traditional kitchen spaces. At House of Isabella, many of our customers pair upcycled or hand-painted pieces with:

• Cream boucle dining chairs for a soft, contemporary contrast.

• Brass metal side tables or gold accents for a luxe look.

• Marble dining tables to elevate the whole room’s aesthetic.

You can even add designer wall lights or modern console tables nearby to create continuity across your open-plan kitchen and dining space.

Final Thoughts

Learning how to paint kitchen furniture gives you the flexibility to transform your home without a huge investment. With a little preparation and the right materials, even beginners can achieve a professional-looking result. And when you’ve finished painting, don’t forget to explore House of Isabella’s collection of modern furniture and decorative accessories to complete the look.