Lightening Up the Dining Room with a DIY Chalk Painted China Cabinet
In this post: Have you got a piece of furniture that’s too dark for your room? Here’s how I lightened up my dining room with a DIY chalk painted china cabinet.⇒
Sometimes you know something needs to be done and you put it off anyway.
In this case, I knew that painting the dark cabinet in the corner of our dining room would lighten up the space. It’s a corner that’s dark even on the sunniest of days and having an imposing dark green cabinet dominate the corner compounded the problem.
Add to that the fact that this was not my favorite piece of furniture and you have a recipe for action. And yet time went by and dark it stayed.
Painting a Dining Room China Cabinet
Of course, the time to paint it would have been a couple of weeks ago when I cleaned it out as part of my project to organize our dishes.
However, I couldn’t complete that project until I decided where everything would be stored, and so I wound up refilling the cabinet, lining up the dishes with the utmost of precision.
Now I really didn’t want to take it apart again because I hated to lose that pristine organization.
I actually considered painting it with everything it in, and I might’ve even done that if I could get the drop cloth under it while it remained full. But I couldn’t.
Again it sat for a week or two unpainted. And the corner remained as dark as ever.
But spending lots of time at home has very much motivated me, so finally I decided to bite the bullet and tackle the job. I pulled everything out, being careful to place it on the table in order, so that putting everything back wouldn’t jeopardize the organization I had achieved.
Then I located my favorite paint, a chalk paint from Pure & Original’s Classico Line.
I had decided to do this piece a bit different than the others I’ve completed, by painting it flat without antiquing or highs and lows. I felt the piece lent itself to a more modern take on painting, given its straight lines and heavy presence.
I wanted it to essentially fade into the wall behind it, so I chose a light greige color that was slightly darker than the wall. The color is Soft Taupe Classico and it’s the color I used as the base layer of our French dresser. I recall thinking how pretty it looked as a flat color.
I set up my space and got started on the first coat.
The beauty of chalk paint in general and Pure & Original’s paint in particular is that you don’t need to prep the surface or apply base coats or primers. I just wiped down the cabinet to ensure it was free of dirt and began to paint.
On past projects I’ve always removed the hardware before painting, but the hardware on this cabinet was a bit trickier to remove, so instead I just carefully painted around it, at first coming close-ish with the larger brush and later going back in with a smaller brush for a more refined edge.
If I wasn’t aiming for a flat finish, I might’ve gotten away with just one coat of this base color, but since I was painting only one color, it definitely needed a second coat. After the second coat you can appreciate the soft velvety finish of this lush paint and once that dried it was time for the clear wax.
Below you can see the piece after I had just applied Pure & Original’s Classico Italian Wax, as it was still wet, but it dries clear and after buffing, provides a lovely soft protective finish.
While the wax was drying I decided to paint the crown that sits above the cabinet. I’ve always wanted the crown to be a distressed white, as I had seen it that way when I purchased it but that color wasn’t available. So now was the perfect time to tackle that, as well. I used Soft Taupe, Calm Classico and Milk White, layered in dry brush strokes on its rugged surface.
When layering, it’s always best to start with less and layer more as you go, working with a light hand and keeping a sponge nearby to remove paint when you apply too much. My general strategy was to leave dark in the recesses and layer the lighter colors on top, applying less and less as the colors got lighter.
Next I needed to address the hardware and I used gilding paste brushed on in much the same way, dry brushed with a light hand, leaving some dark in the recesses.
I added vintage crystal drops for a finishing touch and a note of ‘pretty’.
I did consider painting the inside of the cabinet, and Pure & Original has a new line of rich colors called Upside Down, that would be perfect for this, but I didn’t want to wait for the paint to be delivered, so I’ll leave that for another time. (Check out their color Mauve Love which is what I’m thinking of.)
Instead I put back my dishes in their orderly fashion and stood back and appreciated the functionality of the cabinet.
Yet, the dark inside was driving me crazy and I decided to give it a quick few coats of the same color as the exterior. I may still add a pretty color inside someday, for a sweet surprise when the door is opened.
The corner is now much lighter and I no longer hate the piece of furniture. Yes, it’s utilitarian, but it also works in this decidedly French-inspired space.
So is the dining room finished?
Well, not quite yet. There’s one more thing left to do and that, too, involves paint. This time I went ahead and ordered the paint right away.
And hopefully I won’t put it off until the next time I’m stuck inside!
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Beautiful and I love the handles with a crystal attached nice little touch of bling. Thanks for sharing.
Thank you so much! Yes, I had the crystals on the sideboard and no one could see them there. Much easier to appreciate here… 🙂
Please don’t tell us that you are going to paint that table!
Nope, not the table, although it does have marks on it that might require a refinishing at some point. I’m going to try to remove the marks first. ?
If I ever do address the table, I might have a professional refinish it in a bleached wood. We’ll see.
Next I’m actually planning to refinish the sideboard which you can hardly even see in these pics. Like the green cabinet, it’s not a quality piece of furniture and it’s already got a painted finish – but it’s very outdated.
It looks lovely and the your beautiful topper is the “crowning” touch, pun intended. I think that when you bite the bullet and paint the inside, it will be stunning. Some rich, dark color that will set off the dishes.
Thank you! And yes, I was thinking of a dusty purple. Not bright, but a nice whisper of pop color.
Oh so much better! It now doesn’t clash with the color of the wood table. And you are right about painting the inside with a stand out color as well. Nice job! Can’t wait to see it when your idea is complete.
Thank you so much!!
I live in Arkansas. After viewing the paint site, I think I must order from a retailer. Is there one you prefer, that you have worked with. Everything is beautiful in your world. Thank you for sharing so openly.
Thank you for the kind words! I always order direct from the site that’s linked in the post.
I like the crown so much better! The cabinet is also a great transformation but the Mauve Love is awfully bright. It would certainly give a POP! You have such beautiful taste that I’m sure whatever you choose will be fabulous! Have a great week ad stay safe and be strong!
I so agree about the crown!! We’ll see about the inside of the cabinet. I may just leave it as is, since I’m the only one who will see it… 😉
It looks beautiful. Where did you get the crown?
Thank you! I got the crown on Amazon and had seen it sourced through Target, as well, but I don’t have it linked because it’s not available anymore. I did spend a lot of time looking for it yesterday because I knew people would ask, but so far I have not found it. I will certainly add it back if I ever see it.
Ok. Thanks!
Found it! (In Ireland.) I’m waiting to find out if they ship to America.
https://www.lilybloom.ie/products/crown-bed-canopy-with-hooks
Well done!! Hope they do… 🙂
I’m so bummed! I have coveted your lovely crown for a while and was so excited that you might source it at the bottom as you do other things.
I did find a sweet crown on Etsy, nowhere near the size or heft of yours, that now sits atop my Christmas tree for the first time this year.
Please let us know if you see it or anything near it in the future.
Blessings,
Teresa
Hi Teresa,
Yes, I understand your frustration. When these companies no longer carry their products, the links wind up broken, so I have to remove them. If I see it again I will definitely post it!
Thanks!
Lort
Another beautiful project Lory! It really does change the look of that corner and blends in so much better. And I agree with Candy – the crystals on the handles are perfect! Nice job! 😉
Thank you so much, Barbara! I don’t know why I waited long to do it… 😉
The cabinet looks wonderful! I too love the gilded handles and the crystal addition! Oh Yes, “A whisper of Dusty Purple” would be a nice surprise every time you open the doors.
Thank you so much, Elizabeth!!
Your cabinet is beautiful! Lovely choice of colors. Thanks for sharing.
Hello
The cabinet and the crown look great.
Now maybe you can hide the wall vent. You can use a tray standing up on its side, or a picture, a plant, or something.
I enjoy your blog,
Thanks
Suzq
Thanks for the kind words!
If I cover the wall vent, it won’t be functional. As much as I hate looking at it, we do need air circulating… 😉
This is so funny. I have an antique secretary that was painted black years ago. I, too, wanted something lighter and the quarantine got to me, too. I am on coat number three but am loving it. I even painted the glass door. It has a whole different look now and I am loving it.
God bless and stay safe.
That’s awesome, Rebecca! I finished my next project today, so hope to get the blog post up for next Tuesday… 🙂
Your cabinet looks beautiful; it’s such a lovely transformation.
I am planning on painting an inherited Duncan Phyfe dining set. I planned to use chalk paint for ease of application, however, everything I’ve seen on Pinterest has said that the mahogany on these old sets bleeds through chalk paint. Do you think the Classico paint would work? I have looked for these paints, and they are difficult to find. Any suggestions?
Yes, take a look at my post where I painted my mom’s french dresser. The piece is cherry mahogany and it took the paint beautifully. No bleed through at all. Perhaps the people who’ve said that did not paint the second coat?
Here is the link: https://designthusiasm.com/vintage-french-painted-dresser/
Painting the cabinet brings it into the 21st-century but the real clinchers are the crown and the gilding of the handles. All really change the mood of that corner.
What do you think about a touch of that gold paint on the crown? ?I love everything you do
Well, I always love gold, but I feel that would be spotty.
Lori, I’ve often wondered how long it would take you to either paint or replace that piece with something lighter and I see you were thinking the same thing. It turned out just lovely and so matches the rest of the room. You have impeccable taste and I can’t wait to see what the side board looks like after you get your hands on it as well.
Thank you, Linda! You can find the sideboard makeover here: https://designthusiasm.com/white-chalk-paint-vintage-sideboard/
Made a big, positive difference! Worth removing all of the contents although I can see why that was a hurdle.
Thanks, Teddee. I still want to paint the inside, but the thought of taking everything out again is overwhelming… 😉
Where might I find the gilding paste I have a light that needs to be painted gold where the metal is and I believe this would be perfect! Thank you so very much.
Here you go: https://amzn.to/3Hm8fAx
Hi Lory,
Where can I purchase the gilding paint and will it work on my kitchen knobs and handles?
You can get the gilding paste here: https://amzn.to/3Hm8fAx I don’t know what kind of knobs you have, but it should work. I would try it on a test knob first to make sure you’re comfortable working with it and you like the finish.
You probably already know this tip….but, taking a picture of your “before” (where the contents of the piece were located) would allow you to put everything back in its place. I love that you took what you had and made it something you love! Rewarding!!
Yes, this is one of my favorite tips! I take photos of everything – even packages I buy in case I need to box them back up… 🙂
If the shelves are removable, consider painting them white and lining the back and side walls with a simple patterned fabric. That way you can highlight your dishes. Keep your beautiful style uncluttered.
Yes, the plan is to keep it as simple as possible… 🙂
Wonderful job….now you need to paint the mirror.
I love that piece in both colours, but you were so correct to change it up. Just lovely and the crown is so perfect on top. Great job! It’s so much work taking everything out of a cabinet like that and then finding the best use of space/design when putting everything back. But you did it! Next time you feel the urge to clean, painting that different colour would be a nice element as well. Very inspiring!