12 Painting Ideas to Give Your Side Tables a New Look

Tired of looking at the same dull side tables day after day? Don't want to spend a fortune replacing them? We have a simple and budget-friendly solution - paint them! With the right painting techniques, you can easily give your side tables a complete makeover. From fresh colors to beautiful designs, paint offers endless possibilities for transforming these small furniture pieces. Read on as we share 12 painting ideas guaranteed to give your side tables a new stylish look.

Painting is an accessible DIY project for all skill levels. With some basic supplies and our helpful step-by-step instructions, you'll be able to revitalize your side tables in no time. Avoid getting stuck in a decor rut and bring new life into any space with these clever and creative paint ideas for side tables.

Prep Your Tables for a Flawless Painted Finish

Before you jump right into the painting process, properly preparing your side tables is a crucial first step for achieving the best end results. Here are some prep tips to ensure the paint adheres smoothly and lasts long-term:

• Wash the table's surface with a mild soap and water solution. This removes any dirt, grease or residue.
• Lightly sand the existing finish with fine grit sandpaper. This helps the paint grip to the surface.
• Wipe away any dust with a tack cloth. Make sure the surface is completely clean.
• Apply a thin coat of high-quality primer. Primer creates a uniform surface for the paint to stick to.

Gather Your Paint Supplies

Having the right painting supplies on hand will make the project go faster and smoother. Here are the basics you'll need for painting success:

• Latex or acrylic craft paints
• Disposable paint brushes in a variety of sizes
• Painters tape for crisp edges
• Drop cloths to protect surrounding surfaces
• Fine and medium grit sandpaper
• Paint primer
• Sponges, stencils, or other tools depending on technique

Good preparation is the first step, but the real magic happens when you start painting. Get ready to be inspired by these 12 painting techniques that will completely transform your tired side tables!

Gradient or Ombre

The ombre technique has been popular for years, and for good reason - it adds beautiful dimension and visual interest! Ombre involves gradually blending two colors together to create a gorgeous gradient effect.

To ombre paint a side table:

• Choose two complementary paint colors that flow well together
• Paint the entire table with your base color using a paintbrush
• Add the second color to your paint tray and lightly blend it into the base coat with long, horizontal brushstrokes
• Continue blending until you achieve a smooth fade between the two shades

Try combining navy and robin's egg blue for a beachy ombre table. Or go bold with black fading into cherry red. The options are endless!

Distressed Paint

Distressed paint gives furniture and decor a charming, timeworn look. Luckily, you can easily fake the distressed style without waiting years!

Follow these steps for foolproof distressed paint:

• Apply your base color with even brushstrokes
• Once dry, rub corners and edges with sandpaper to reveal the underlying surface
• Use coarse steel wool to add small scrapes and scratches
• Wipe away any loose paint for an authentic aged appearance

For extra dimension, apply a dark glaze over the distressed areas. The glaze settles into the grooves for added depth and shadow.

Stenciling

Stencils provide an almost effortless way to add intricate patterns and designs. They come in endless styles, from geometric shapes to floral motifs and beyond. Not feeling artsy? No problem! Stencils take the work out of painting perfect designs.

Follow these stencil tips:

• Choose a stencil style that complements your decor
• Tape the stencil securely to the tabletop
• Use a small craft brush to apply paint just over the stencil openings
• Carefully peel away the stencil to reveal your design

Try a pretty floral stencil on shabby chic cottage tables or bold geometric patterns on modern rustic pieces. Stencils allow you to customize side tables to your heart's content!

Dry Brushing

Dry brushing adds a subtle weathered finish with thin, wispy brushstrokes of paint. The color just lightly sweeps over raised areas, leaving recessed sections untouched. Dry brushing works on all different paint finishes from stains to chalk paints.

Here are the steps for dry brushing magic:

• Apply your base coat and let it fully dry
• Dip a stiff bristle brush into paint then wipe off most of the excess on a rag
• Lightly sweep over edges and surfaces so just a small amount of paint transfers
• Build up layers until you achieve the desired worn look

Dry brushing looks especially striking over wood grain. Try pairing muted gray with white washed oak or soft sage green over pine for gorgeous results.

Polka Dots

Why choose one paint color when you can have two...or three...or more! For a playful polka dot side table that packs some retro punch, all you need are paints and a sponge.

Creating perfect polka dots is a breeze:

• Paint the table your base color and let dry completely
• Cut a common kitchen sponge into uniform squares or circles
• Dip the sponge pieces into paint and dab onto the surface in a polka dot pattern
• Continue dabbing with different colors until you achieve your desired polka dot style

Group colors in trios like blush pink, mint green and coral for a lively punch. Or stick to classic black and white polka dots for that diner feel.

Color Blocking

Color blocking is a fun way to add a graphic element through creative paint shapes and lines. The color possibilities are endless - go for bold brights, dramatic deep tones or soft pastels.

Follow these tips for color blocking like a pro:

• Outline color block shapes with painter's tape
• Paint the exposed areas and remove tape immediately after finishing each section
• Continue outlining shapes and filling with color until the look is complete
• Consider blending colors at the edges for a gradient effect

Use geometric shapes, diagonal lines, or asymmetric sections. Black paint makes the perfect outline against lighter hues for definition.

Faux Finishes

Faux finishes allow you to mimic high-end elements like marble, stone and patina without the costly price tag. Glazing, ragging, sponging and stippling are just a few popular faux finish options.

Here are some ideas to try:

• Ragging - Ball up a rag and gently dab into glaze, then onto the table, for an organic mottled look.
• Sponging - Dip a natural sponge into glaze and randomly dab onto the surface to mimic textures like limestone or leather.
• Stippling - Use a stiff bristle brush to fleck glaze on for a stone appearance.
• Glazing - Brush translucent glaze over paint for an aged patina effect.

Experiment with faux finishes to find favorite techniques that complement your personal style.

Metallic Accents

A little bit of metallic goes a long way in adding a glam touch. Use it sparingly though - metallic paint is best for small, strategic pops of radiance.

Paint on metallic flair using these methods:

• Dry brush metallic paint lightly over edges or designs
• Dab small amounts with a sponge for a dispersed shimmery effect
• Outline shapes with metallic paint using a small detail brush

Add metallic detail to only one section, like table legs or just the edges. Gold, silver, copper and bronze are classic choices that always shine.

Painted Graphics

Want to add some hand painted flair? Don't be intimidated to pick up a brush and add your own custom graphics and designs. Even if you are not artistically inclined, fun and simple motifs like stripes, flowers, dots, triangles or squiggles are totally achievable.

Follow these tips for pretty painted graphics:

• Lightly sketch designs first with pencil
• Outline images with painter's tape for clean edges
• Take your time, working slowly and carefully for best results
• Consider using stencils or stamps for any tricky sections

Add painted flowers across a tabletop for a romantic cottage feel. Or modern geometric triangles for contemporary pop.

Dimensional Paint

For incredible depth and texture, turn to dimensional paint. This specialized paint contains texturizing ingredients that create a palpable three-dimensional finish.

Follow these steps for stunning dimensional paint:

• Paint the surface with your base color and let dry fully
• Spread dimensional paint using a paintbrush, roller or putty knife depending on desired look
• Gently pat and shape with a brush or sponge before drying for extra texture
• Finish with a protective clear coat for durable wear

Use dimensional paint to mimic organic textures like plaster or Venetian plaster. Or for surfaces like concrete, stone, clay and more.

Faux Inlay

Faux inlay techniques recreate the look of intricate wood inlay details without specialized tools or training. All it takes is paint pens, tape and creativity.

Try this technique to add geometric designs, floral shapes, starbursts or monograms for personalized flair.

Painted Mural

Dreaming of an exotic locale or wanting to highlight your favorite flowers and greenery? Consider painting a custom mural on your side table. Murals are a commitment but deliver jaw-dropping results.

Follow these tips for painting a beautiful mural:

• Lightly sketch the design first so you have a guide
• Plan out details and colors before starting to paint
• Take your time, allowing each element to dry before moving on
• Seal when finished for protection and to get that painted on look

Floral and tropical motifs work especially well for side table murals. But don't limit yourself - get creative with landscapes, geometric prints or abstract art.

Seal the Finish

Once your masterpiece painting is complete, seal it with a protective clear coat. This helps protect the finish from scuffs, stains, sun damage and other environmental factors. We recommend 1-3 thin coats of high quality polyurethane to lock in your new paint job.

Allow each coat to dry fully before adding the next layer. Lightly sand with extra fine grit sandpaper between coats to help the polyurethane adhere. Be patient during this last sealing step for maximum durability.

As you can see, paint opens up a whole new world of possibility for your side tables. With minimal investment but some creative inspiration, you can re-vamp tired side tables to fit beautifully any decor style. Try out gradient, stenciling, metallic accents, painted graphics and more for incredible transformations.

Spend an enjoyable weekend afternoon picking one or combining several of these painting techniques. Then sit back and admire your refreshed side tables with pride and satisfaction!