If you’re painting a room, it makes sense to paint the walls, right? Wrong. Sure, this might be one of the most time-efficient ways to freshen up your space and make it look new again, but let’s face it—a single coat on the walls isn’t going to cut it. Whether you’re in need of some serious color or just want to spice up your place, there are tons of paint projects that aren’t full walls that can help you get your home looking exactly how you want it to.
1) Painting Your Fireplace
One easy project that can make a big impact is painting your fireplace. Whether you want to go for a bold look with a bright color or keep it classic with white, painting your fireplace is a great way to add personality to your space. Plus, it’s a relatively easy project that you can do in a weekend. Here are a few tips from designers on how to get started
1) When it comes to colors, the possibilities are endless. If you want something bold and eye-catching, choose a strong hue like yellow or hot pink. For more subdued tones, try out blues and greens.
2) When choosing paint colors for your fireplace, pay attention to the natural light in the room. White may not always be the best choice because it can turn blue if there’s not enough natural light. Gray paint will also reflect less light than white so if you’re looking for an alternative option and still want some brightness in the room then consider going with this shade instead!
3) If you’re opting for a fresh coat of paint, start by preparing the surface. Gently remove any rust, dirt or old layers of paint using steel wool and water. Next, use sandpaper to smooth away any bumps or lumps left behind by steel wool before applying primer and topcoat coats.
4) Finish off your design with brass fixtures such as sconces near the fireplace.
2) Painting a Ceiling Fan
If you’re looking for a quick and easy paint project that will make a big impact, painting your ceiling fan is a great option. Not only will it add a pop of color to your room, but it can also help tie together your décor. Plus, it’s a project that you can complete in just a few hours. Here’s what you need to know
1) Use an aerosol spray primer so the paint sticks to the metal blades and motor;
2) Spray two coats with the primer;
3) Let dry for about 30 minutes between coats;
4) Apply two coats of oil-based latex or semigloss spray paint;
5) Let dry overnight before turning on the fan again;
6) Turn on the fan to verify coverage.
7) You might need to apply a third coat depending on how dark your shade of paint is.
8) Make sure not to touch the spinning blades while painting! ;
9) When you are done with your project, be sure to plug the fan back in and turn it on to see if any paint drips off.
10) Clean up by wiping down all surfaces with a damp cloth;
11) Throw away any trash and put away tools.
3) Stenciling
One way to add a touch of personality to any room is with stenciling. Stenciling is easy, relatively inexpensive, and doesn’t require a lot of time or effort. Plus, you can use stencils again and again on different surfaces throughout your home. Here are seven ideas for things you can stencil at home -Desk: What better place to display your creativity than in the workspace?
-Mirror: Add some lighthearted phrases to the mirror above your bathroom sink or in the bedroom closet so you’re never without words when brushing your teeth!
-Bookshelves: Build up those bookcases by adding color and design around the outside frame.
-Paint canisters: Spruce up paint cans in colors that match the décor of each room by stenciling designs over their labels.
-Rugs: A small rug placed under a desk or coffee table adds some much needed texture in an otherwise cold space. You could also stencil geometric shapes onto a throw rug, using whatever color palette you have chosen for the rest of the room. These rugs make great gifts as well, but be sure to measure first!
-Chairs: You don’t need expensive fabric to spruce up plain dining chairs; all it takes is a little creativity and some spare fabric scraps. Try monogramming your dining chairs with names or initials (they look great against white chairs), then recover them in material that coordinates with other pieces in the room.
-Curtains: There’s no need to buy new curtains just because you want new patterned ones; simply pin them back during daytime hours and add vinyl letters before bedtime so they’ll be ready for breakfast time.
-Pillows: It doesn’t take too much work to get started with pillows. They provide a quick change of pace from solid walls, furniture, and textiles. Look for simple patterns like stripes, polka dots, or even monograms to decorate pillows with ease.
4) Painting Trim Around Your Windows
Windows are one of the first places that people look when they see your home from the street. Updating the trim around your windows is an easy way to add curb appeal and make your home look more put together. Plus, it’s a relatively easy project that you can do yourself. Here’s how First, use painter’s tape to cover the glass in your window.
Next, fill in any cracks or damage with spackle and allow it to dry for 30 minutes. Next, prime over all the areas where paint will be applied. You’ll need two coats of primer before applying two coats of paint- even if you’re using chalkboard paint!
We recommend using our Black Eggshell Primer/Undercoat which has been specifically designed for black walls but works well on all colors. If you have textured walls or want a glossy finish instead of matte then we recommend using our Extra Glossy Interior Acrylic Latex Wall & Ceiling Primer . Let these layers dry for at least 24 hours before moving on with your project!
5) Painting Baseboards
One easy paint project you can do at home is painting your baseboards. This can brighten up a room and make it feel more put together. Plus, it’s a relatively quick project that doesn’t require a lot of materials. Here’s what you need to know about the other types of paint projects that don’t involve walls -Painting a ceiling: Painting ceilings requires little prep work and offers huge payoff.
You can try faux painting techniques like dripping paint or use stencils to create interesting patterns. It takes only one day for this project to dry but be sure not to clean with anything abrasive before you finish the job.
-Painting kitchen cabinets: Painting cabinets doesn’t have to be an expensive project if you have time on your hands–you could just re-paint them yourself using latex paint in any color that catches your eye! If time isn’t on your side, consider purchasing new cabinet doors instead of risking hours of work by refinishing old ones.
6) Touching Up Stains
Designers agree that one of the easiest ways to freshen up your home is by touching up stains. You can use a rag and some soapy water to clean marks off walls, cabinets, and molding. Plus, it’s a great way to get rid of smudges and fingerprints. If you have any areas that are particularly difficult to reach, you can use a toothbrush or cotton swab dipped in paint thinner.
One trick is to buy an old newspaper and tear it into strips before dipping them in paint thinner. Once they’re sufficiently soaked, go over the stain with them until all of the excess paint comes off. Then simply wipe down the area with soap and water. Keep in mind, though, that this method will not work on wallpaper because there isn’t enough surface for the solvent to seep into.
7) Revamping a Foyer with Wallpaper
- Wallpaper is a great way to add color and pattern to a space, and it can be a fun DIY project.
- start by removing any existing wallpaper and cleaning the walls.
- Next, measure the space and purchase your wallpaper.
- When you’re ready to hang the wallpaper, use a level to make sure the strips are even.
- Start at the top of the wall and work your way down.
- Use a brush or roller to smooth out any bubbles as you go.
- Finally, trim off any excess wallpaper around the edges. 8. To get that finished look, paint over the seams with joint compound or spackle before applying primer and painting over them with paint. 9. Once the paint has dried, sand lightly and re-paint any areas where there’s still a visible seam.
- You can also do this for smaller spaces like hallways or bedrooms.