We’ve all heard it time and again – “When in doubt, paint it white”. It’s a classic piece of advice that promises to give any room or piece of furniture an instant facelift, making it look fresh, clean, and modern. However, I’ve learned the hard way that not everything looks better in white. Sometimes, the charm and character of an item can be lost under a blanket of pristine white paint. Here are 12 things I regret painting white and why.
1. Antique Furniture
When I acquired an antique dresser, I thought a fresh coat of white paint would add a modern twist to its vintage charm. However, I soon realized I had stripped the piece of its unique character.
Antique furniture often has intricate woodwork and a rich patina that develops over time. By painting it white, I inadvertently hid these details that made the piece special. Additionally, the paint began to chip over time, making the dresser look neglected rather than chic. If you’re thinking about painting an antique, consider refinishing it instead to preserve its charm and value.
2. Brick Fireplace
Following a popular home decor trend, I painted my brick fireplace white, hoping it would brighten up the room. However, it ended up looking washed out and bland against my white walls.
The natural color and texture of brick add warmth and depth to any space. By painting it white, I lost that contrast and character. If you have a brick fireplace and you’re considering painting it, try cleaning and refurbishing the bricks instead. This will keep the natural beauty of the brick while making it look fresh and clean.
3.Kitchen Cabinets
In my quest for a modern, clean-looking kitchen, I painted my dark wood cabinets white. Unfortunately, I discovered that white cabinets show every fingerprint, splash, and smudge.
While white cabinets do look sleek and modern, they require constant cleaning to keep them looking that way. If you’re a busy person or have young children, think twice before painting your cabinets white. Instead, consider a light gray or beige that won’t show every little mark.
4. Front Door
Hoping to give my home a fresh, welcoming look, I painted my front door white. What I got instead was a door that showed every scuff, scratch, and bit of dirt.
A front door is constantly exposed to the elements, as well as dirty hands and shoes. A white door will quickly start to look grimy unless it’s cleaned regularly. A better option might be a bright, cheerful color that hides dirt while still making your home look inviting.
5. Hardwood Floors
I painted my hardwood floors white, dreaming of a light, airy Scandinavian-style home. But the dream quickly turned into a nightmare when the floors became a magnet for dirt and stains.
White floors, while beautiful in photos, are impractical in real life. They show every piece of dirt, dust, and hair, and they’re prone to scuffs and scratches. If you’re considering painting your floors, opt for a light stain instead. It’ll give you the brightness you’re after without the high maintenance.
6. Bathroom Walls
I painted my bathroom walls white, hoping to create a clean, spa-like ambiance. However, I didn’t anticipate the way the white walls would show every water spot and speck of dust.
Bathrooms are humid and often messy places. White walls can easily start to look grimy and unattractive with daily use. A better option might be a darker or more vibrant color that hides stains and adds interest to the space.
7. Kids’ Furniture
Thinking to create a serene, peaceful space for my kids, I painted their furniture white. It didn’t take long for the pristine white to be covered in crayon marks, juice stains, and fingerprints.
Kids’ furniture should be durable and easy to clean. White paint, unfortunately, is neither. Consider painting kids’ furniture in a darker color or with chalk paint, which is easier to clean and allows for some creativity.
8. Outdoor Furniture
I painted my outdoor furniture white, hoping to create a beachy, relaxed vibe in my backyard. However, I didn’t anticipate how quickly the white would fade and become dirty.
Outdoor furniture is exposed to the elements and needs to be robust and easy to clean. White paint tends to show every bit of dirt and grime, and it can quickly start to look shabby. Consider choosing a darker color or a fun, vibrant hue that will hide dirt and stay bright for longer.
9. Garage Door
I painted my garage door white because it seemed a neutral color that would blend in with the rest of my home’s exterior. However, I soon realized that a white garage door shows every speck of dirt and is a beacon for bugs at night.
A garage door is a large, practical element of your home’s exterior and it’s not the place for white paint. Consider a darker shade that won’t show dirt or a color that complements the rest of your home’s color scheme.
10. Staircase
I thought a white staircase would be a chic, modern touch. Instead, it became a high-maintenance eyesore that showed every scuff and footprint.
High-traffic areas are not the place for white paint. Instead of a crisp, clean look, you’ll likely end up with a dirty-looking staircase that requires constant touch-ups. Consider painting your staircase in a darker color or simply staining the wood for a more practical, low-maintenance finish.
11. Wicker Furniture
I painted my wicker furniture white, hoping to give it a fresh, updated look. However, the white paint quickly started to crack and peel, making the furniture look worse than before.
Wicker furniture has a lot of texture and can be difficult to paint. White paint shows every flaw and doesn’t adhere well to the wicker. Instead of painting, consider refreshing your wicker furniture with a good cleaning or a protective sealant.
12. Ceiling Beams
I thought painting my dark wood ceiling beams white would open up the space and make it feel larger. However, I lost the rustic charm and architectural interest that the beams provided.
Ceiling beams are a unique architectural element that can add character to a room. Painting them white can strip away this character and make the room feel less interesting. If your beams are dark and you want to lighten them up, consider a light stain instead of paint.