How To Create A Dreamy Blue Chest

Once upon a time, we matched all our furniture...

I remember the days when it was a sin to purchase furniture pieces that didn't match. Bedroom sets consisted of a matching bed frame, a nightstand, chest, and dresser in a wood finish.

It was honestly pretty boring.

I love that I've recently painted a piece of the matching set in my guest bedroom. I failed to take a "before" picture, but the the dark wood had dings from years of use and one move to a different house. It was tired. And I was really tired of looking at it.

I'm no stranger to chalk paint and one of my favorite brands is Heirloom Traditions Paint. It's a one-paint wonder with the primer and top coat built into the paint. Plus, it goes on like butter if you follow a few tips.

This paint color is called Irish Garden and fit in with my concept for a French country bedroom refresh. It's a blue/gray and oh-so-soothing. Just what I wanted for this room--a dreamy wash of color in an otherwise off-white room.

So, here are the steps I took in painting. Notice I painted inside the room with cardboard underneath the chest. You can do that with this paint since there are no fumes and it's not very messy. Well, it's not messy. I'm actually very messy.

Ask my husband. I can't go out to dinner without getting food on me. And it's always when I wear white.

Steps to Paint a Chest with Chalk Paint:

1. Elevate your piece by putting the furniture on coasters cups or wood blocks to lift it from the floor. You get better coverage on the "feet" of the chest when you do this.
2. I keep a box of thin gloves for project work.
3. Prepare your piece by cleaning with Liquid Sandpaper. This is a no-sanding zone!
4. Remove chest handles. I also cleaned mine with Barkeeper's Friend.
5. I chose to leave my chest top in the original finish. I also left the drawers intact because I couldn't get them out without breaking the tracks. I'd remove them if possible. It was tough to paint between them.
6. I used a high quality chalk brush. It's an Annie Sloan brush I've had for years and used on literally more than ten pieces.
7. Paint on the ugly first coat liberally but not enough paint to cause drips. You don't want that!
8. Let dry for a few hours. This stuff is fast. Sand out any drips if there are some.
9. Paint the second coat to get even coverage.
10. This piece didn't require a third coat. If you choose a lighter color like white, it may require one more coat.
11. I went over the piece with some leftover white wax I had. I'm not going to list it in the cost, and it didn't make much of a difference. It's also not necessary with this paint. Sometimes, I tend to overdo it.
12. My chest dried in a few hours after the second coat and I replaced the drawer handles. Yes, this project was Easy with a capital E.

Cost: Under $80

• $30 High Quality Chalk Brush (You can probably get one for less, but my Annie Sloan brush has lasted for years.)
• $10-Klean-Strip Liquid Sandpaper
• $40 Heirloom Chalk Paint . Note that I had a lot left and only used a about a pint from my quart.

Time: One day

Difficulty: Easy