What Color Should I Paint My Armoire?

You’ve just moved into a new house, and you’re feeling creative. You want to add your own personal touch to every room but are not sure where to start.

In the bedroom, your old armoire or an antique chifferobe preferably could use a fresh coat of paint before you plan anything else. But what color should you choose for your antique armoire?

I think, first, you should look for the room’s overall style when choosing a paint color for your wardrobe.

If the rest of the room has a lot of color and patterns, you might want to go with a more neutral color for the armoire. On the other hand, if the room is relatively simple in terms of design, you could go for a bold color to add some visual interest.

Another thing to consider is the tone of the color. You might want a cheerful, energizing shade or one that is more calming and relaxing. Or maybe you want something in between.

Once you’ve decided on the overall style and tone of the color, you can start narrowing down your options. If you’re still unsure how your painted armoires will look afterward, below are a few ideas to get you started…

Best Paint Colors for Bedroom Armoire

The old armoire in your bedroom is no longer a place you should use just to store junk. It has plenty of potential when it comes to bedroom aesthetics and design, as well as practicality.

That said, if it is not appropriately painted and doesn’t match the scheme or the interior design of the bedroom, it runs the risk of sticking out and throwing off the room’s appearance.

So, let’s check out some of the best bedroom armoire dresser colors for your consideration when shopping for paint…

1- White Colors

In my opinion “Decorators White” by Benjamin Moore is a great choice if you want a true neutral white with no undertones of any other color.

If you prefer a true white with a dash of warmth to keep it from looking too clinical, “White Dove” by Benjamin Moore or their color “Simply” are other excellent choices.

These colors also make the cabinet doors and trim stand out nicely so that the details can be seen.

2- Blue and Gray Colors

If you want to add some subtle color to your bedroom armoire, blue and gray are great starting points.

For a pale hue with a hint of warmth, Benjamin Moore’s “Arctic Blue” is an excellent choice. But, if you want to go with something more subtle and gray-based, Benjamin Moore’s “Stormy Monday” or “Gray Sky” are perfect and won’t overwhelm the room.

One of the most neutral and my favorite shades is the Sherwin-Williams Mindful Gray which has just the right balance of warm and cool hues. Because of its neutrality, it is easy to pair the color with any antiques, art, or decorative piece you like, no matter their color.

3- Emerald Green, Coral, and Mint Colors

Coral is among the most popular colors these days for furniture, especially the Sherwin-Williams Ardent Coral. While providing a refreshing feeling to your room it can create an airy atmosphere in which you can relax after a long day.

Emerald green is another trendy color that is especially beautiful against that particular shade of coral. While there are many options to choose from, Behr’s Pine Scent is a popular emerald green paint these days you can consider.

As for mint, the Olympic Paint Sweat Pea hue is the perfect mint color for pairing with the coral and emerald green mentioned above.

4- Darks Like Navy and Black

For those who want a true black with little to no undertones, Benjamin Moore Black is one of the best options.

If you’re looking for a premium actual navy color Benjamin Moore’s Hale Navy is an excellent choice. But those who want a lovely blue shade with a warmer undertone may prefer to use Benjamin Moore’s Rainstorm. These two colors are perfect for when you want to give a more elegant look and feel to your bedroom furniture.

5- Yellow with a Dash of Purple

A palette blending radiant, sun-kissed yellow with undertones of luscious, royal purple can infuse an energetic and cheerful ambiance, ideally suited for a child’s room setting.

The application of yellow induces a tranquil, soothing aura, while the incorporation of purple contributes a serene yet majestic touch to the overall color scheme.

Renowned names in the paint industry, such as Sherwin Williams, Benjamin Moore, and Kelly Moore, offer an extensive range of shades within the yellow and purple spectrum. It’s advisable to peruse their shade cards meticulously to ascertain the optimal color match for your specific requirements.

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Colors You Should Avoid On Your Armoire

Vibrant colors like “red” may signify to others success but can incite negative emotions like anger.

Therefore, try not to go too deep into the dark intense hues when choosing a color for your wardrobe doors. Instead, opt for neutral, earthy, or lighter shades that will make the room look bigger than it is.

Metallic finishes like gold or silver paint can work in bedrooms but I don’t recommend these adventurous colors. The shine will fade and wear off over time and give the piece of furniture a dull look that doesn’t really fit into the bedroom aesthetic.

What Color Should You Paint Inside Closets?

If you are to paint the inside of your closet doors and drawers, choose neutrals like white, off-white, brown, beige, or other earthy tones.

To make your drawers inside look glamorous and unique, you can also go with lighter shades of greens, blues, and grays. But again, avoid vibrant colors on your wardrobe drawers, as they can have a strong impact on the overall look of the furniture.

Whichever you pick it should be other than the same color as the room walls or else it will make the space look smaller and cluttered.

Also, don’t forget to use high-quality paint that is resistant to dirt and water. Eggshell or satin finish paints are usually the best for closet interiors since they are more durable than flat paint finishes.

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How to Paint Your Old Bedroom Armoire to Look New?

If you are refinishing an outdated armoire using paint, the key to a beautiful finish comes down to preparing the material first.

Even if you have no experience painting furnishing before, as long as you prepare it beforehand, you will love the results. Making sure that the surface of the armoire is grime-free and smooth is a task that will pay off by the time the paint has dried.

There is practically no limit regarding the type of paint you can use to paint an armoire. Latex paints are water-soluble, meaning they wash easily off brushes and don’t have quite as pungent a smell as oil-based paints. That said, oil paints tend to create a finish that is much more durable and better at hiding brush strokes than is possible with latex paint.

Whatever you choose, you can follow the steps below to prepare the armoire for painting:

Step 1- Put a quality drop cloth under the armoire to protect the floor from paint splatters or spills.

Step 2- Using a screwdriver, remove the doors and the hardware. Put them on a different drop cloth. Also, remove the drawers and arrange them on the drop cloth with the fronts facing up.

Step 3- Fill a bucket with soapy water and clean the armoire nicely using a dampened rag. Then, wipe with another clean rag dipped in warm water to get all the grime and dirt removed from the surface. Allow it to dry completely.

Step 4- Sand the whole armoire using medium-grit sandpaper followed by fine-grit sandpaper. Wipe the armoire using a tack cloth to get rid of the sanded dust.

Step 5- Apply the primer on the doors, drawers, and armoire using a brush and let it dry completely.

Step 6- Paint the drawers, doors, and armoire with the finish color. Allow it to dry for a day, then paint another layer on top of it. After the paint dries, you can optionally coat it with a polyurethane sealer and allow it to dry.

Step 7- Once done, reattach the doors and place the drawers back into the armoire.

Significance of Refurbishing Your Vintage Wood Armoires

If you have vintage armoires in your home that are passed down from generation you may think why care for them and take all the effort to refurbish them?

Well, these pieces of furniture may be old, but they are still beautiful and hold tremendous sentimental value.

For many families, vintage armoire is an heirloom, and refurbishing them means protecting one of the most precious family heirloom from deterioration over time.

a) Protecting the Wood

Over time, exposure to sun rays, dirt, dust, and moisture can damage the wood of the armoire, causing it to crack, warp, and discolor. Painting it will create a barrier that will protect the wood from these elements, helping it to last longer while preventing discoloration.

b) Updating the Look of the Room

Refinishing or repurposing vintage armoires is also an excellent way to create a unique piece of furniture with both vintage and modern elements.

You can give your bedroom or living room a classic look by restoring the old armoire, while also adding some new and modern touches that will make it stand out from the rest of the furniture.

c) Increasing the Value of Furniture

If you ever decide to sell your home, painting and refinishing your vintage armoire along with all other furniture pieces can increase its value.

Potential buyers will see that you have taken care of your furniture and are still in good condition. This can make your home more attractive to buyers and help you get a higher price.

The Bottom Line

If you have an old piece of furniture that you love – don’t let it go to waste – give it new life by painting it.

With minimal effort and some paint, you can turn an old armoire into something truly special that will last for generations to come. And believe me, it’s a wise move that can help you preserve family heirlooms in an inexpensive way.

When painting, make sure you choose the color carefully, as it will be difficult to change it later on. To give your armoire a modern touch and keep it in fashion, you can also consider adding new hardware or upholstery.