Paint Anything White

Chicago interior design firm Kelly and Olive has one motto: "If it's ugly, paint it. If it's still ugly, put it on the street."

With the majority of homeowners turning to DIY options and makeover transformations, a coat of paint has never seemed like such a great idea. Rightfully so. Our favorite trick is a few quick coats of white paint, which hides flaws, staining and cracks in headboards, chairs and even lamps!

Before you splash wet paint over your grandmother's prized china cabinet, however, remember a few things:

1) Sand, sand, sand! Sanding is one of those prep techniques that is often overlooked, yet can make or break the end result. Check out this fantastic sanding tutorial that helps you choose the right paper for the project, and includes a few tips and tricks along the way.

2) Primer matters. Wipe a clean, damp cloth over the surface first, wait a few minutes, and then you're ready to prime. One of the biggest benefits of priming is that you'll use much less paint, as surfaces are "thirsty" when you skip the priming step. For more tips and a priming tutorial, check out this Do It Yourself guide.


3) Choose your shade wisely. There are dozens of different "whites," from eggshell to ivory to classic. Whites with browns and yellows tend to work well in well-lit areas, while crisp, darker whites with gray hues are best for darker zones. Consult this Southern Living guide for additional white options and a few tips. And always, always be sure to test an area prior to painting the entire piece.

And now -- let the fun begin! Here are a few inspirational gallery to get you started, and a DIY tutorial on completing a gorgeous sideboard makeover!