Best DIY Boho Painted Furniture Makeover Ideas

Dreamy boho style has been gaining in popularity, inspiring many to create DIY painted furniture and decor in this fun theme.  While it might not be as common as traditional, farmhouse, or modern decorating, people who love bohemian style decor appreciate vibrant colors, eclectic patterns, natural elements, and a variety of textures.  You can create a truly custom statement piece in this style with creatively painted furniture. 

This post contains some affiliate links so you can easily find the products I use and recommend.  Discover all my favorites brands and tools for doing DIY makeovers here.

Boho bedroom from Annie Sloan’s Room Recipes for Style and Colour book. Notice the bright colors, mixed patterns, whimsical painted nightstand, comfortable linens and textures, and natural wood dresser.

The Boho Movement

As the trend towards bohemian decorating grows, so does the attraction to thrift stores and upcycling projects. This not only provides a budget-friendly approach to home decor, but also offers a sustainable way to incorporate unique, personalized pieces.

The transformation of a plain piece of furniture into a boho work of art reveals the creativity and personality of the painter, aligning perfectly with the idea of bohemian style. This movement promotes the search for yard sale and thrift store finds, encouraging people to see the potential in the overlooked and the forgotten. 

Boho living room from Annie Sloan’s Room Recipes for Style and Colour book – complete with jewel tone colors, vintage and antique pieces, eclectic patterns and textiles, and a touch of glam mixed with whimsy.

How to Paint Boho Chic Furniture

To begin a DIY boho painted furniture makeover, first gather your supplies. You’ll need one or more paintbrushes depending on your design plan, bold-colored paint specifically designed for furniture (I prefer Annie Sloan Chalk Paint, Rustoleum Chalked Paint, or Country Chic Paint), various grits of sandpaper, and then you might want to use a chic boho stencil or peel and stick wallpaper with a bright pattern (and don’t forget the new hardware!).

Begin by cleaning the furniture to remove any dust or residue. Next, lightly sand the surface to ensure the paint adheres well.  You might also need to use a primer – learn my best tips for how to properly prep furniture for painting here. 

Then apply your paint, choosing a fun (possibly jewel-toned) color that complements your boho style. You may need 2-3 coats for full coverage.  Allow the paint to dry completely between coats.  Then paint your stencil, or add a textured raised stencil, add wallpaper, decoupage, stripes, or a colorful image transfer.  Feel free to mix and match colors and patterns for a truly unique boho furniture makeover.

Examples of Boho Painted Furniture

Let’s take a look at some stunning DIY boho painted furniture makeover ideas below.  Use these paint tutorials and techniques as inspiration for your own works of art!

Moody floral furniture makeover with Redesign with Prima image transfer – by Drab 2 Fab SA by Winni

Boho painted furniture makeovers with blended paint colors – by Dare to Be Vintage

Bold blue painted nightstand with crystal knobs – by Girl in the Garage (full tutorial)

Painted chest with floral and cheetah image transfers – by T’s Essential Inspirations

Aqua and gold painted cabinet with bird backing – by Percy and Albert Interiors

Red, yellow, and black boho painted dresser with chippy finish – by Ellen J. Goods

Green painted ombre bombe chest – by The Turquoise Iris

Stenciled Tribal Sideboard – by The Painted Hive (Full Tutorial)

Painted boho hutch with decoupage paper – via Mama Bear Blue

Boho painted nightstand with blended paint colors and decor moulds – by Debi’s Design Diary (video tutorial)

Dark blue painted dresser with bright flowers – by Kismet SF

White, turquoise, and gold painted nightstand with raised textured stencil – by Girl in the Garage, from the book Amazing Furniture Makeovers: Easy DIY Projects to Transform Thrifted Finds into Beautiful Custom Pieces

Paint-blended colorful bookcase makeover – by The Vintage Lotus

Painted vintage cabinet with layered and blended colors – by Girl in the Garage

Creating a boho look on furniture involves more than transforming an old piece into something new. It’s a special process that takes patience, and where bold colors meet personal style. Every brushstroke and color choice reflects a story, whether reviving a local thrift store find or giving a family antique a bohemian makeover. These projects encourage people to view furniture not just as necessary objects but as canvases for artistic expression. The joy of creating something unique and personal can be a powerful motivator!