A GORGEOUS FRENCH LINEN DIY PAINTED HEADBOARD USING A MATCH MADE IN HEAVEN COLOR COMBO.
Hi SI family! I’m not sure if you’ve ever encountered a takeover of painted furniture in your home, but I sure have. This has been a summer of cleaning out my inventory which brings me to the last piece of this bedroom set – the headboard! If you’d like to check out how all the other makeovers in this set turned out, I’ll include the links in the RELATED POST below.
Here’s a closer look at what I started with…
I purchased this bedroom set off FB Marketplace and all the pieces were flawless. It’s a real treat to work on pieces that don’t require any veneer repair, Bondo patching or funky odor intervention. This is one of those pieces — just pick a color and paint!
Which brings me to a question I get asked A LOT! What colors pair really well together?
I’m always thrilled when I find a new winning combo I can share with you – like with today’s French Linen Headboard!
If you’re are interested in a FULL blog post on color, let me know in the comments below. I can go through my makeovers and pick out my favorite harmonizing-combos for you.
Anyway… check out this after!
THIS POST IS SPONSORED/CONTAINS AFFILIATE LINKS TO PRODUCTS I USE. YOU CAN SEE MY FULL DISCLOSURE HERE.
SOURCE LIST::
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- Headboard + Footboard – SALVAGED
- Paint Brushes
- Sanding Pad
- Water Misting Spray Bottle
- French Linen Chalk Mineral Paint
- Sawmill Gravy Chalk Mineral Paint
- Vintage Lace Chalk Paste
- Satin Clear Coat
FRENCH LINEN PAINTED HEADBOARD::
As I mentioned, this was a pick your color and GO project.
Dixie Belle sent me a box of goodies which included French Linen and Sawmill Gravy. When I saw these gorgeous colors I knew they’d harmonize beautifully.
I believe they’re brand new and not even listed on the DB site yet but I have to say, if you’re looking for an elegant french linen neutral combo, they are worth the wait because these two colors work amazingly with each other.
I used the same blending technique I shared here {video included}. The technique is exactly the same, only the colors differ.
With all this scrolly detail, French Linen seemed an appropriate choice.
For the final details, I used Vintage Lace Chalk Paste to highlight all the yummy details!
I’m totally in love with this bed. It’s SO French Country and elegant!
LET ME KNOW WHAT YOU THINK OF THIS PAINTED HEADBOARD … OR FEEL FREE TO ASK ANY QUESTIONS YOU MAY HAVE… I ALWAYS LOVE HEARING FROM YOU.
Also, I hope you join me this Thursday for another Furniture Fixer Upper adventure. I’m sharing this cute-curb-shopped side table makeover and HOW I PAINT SPINDLES WITH NO BRUSH MARKS… and yes, I use a paintbrush! Until then….
Thanks for reading. 🙂
Wishing you a beautiful day filled with inspiration and Happy Painting friends!
Denise XO
RELATED POSTS – BEDROOM SET PIECES::
How To Blend Paint On Furniture
How To Create A BlackWash Finish
No Sand Dresser Makeover
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One question, are these a true grey look? When I saw them in the jar they had a green tint to them. I am wanting to redo an antique buffet for my master bath remodel and this looks fabulous.
Thank you!
Color is subjective but I’d describe it as more of a greige than a green/gray. It’s grey with warmer undertones.
Hello! I just found your website a month ago. What a treat! I am obsessed with this color combination and I have the perfect dresser for it. I can’t wait to dive in. I am super interested in color mixing. I see this is from 2019 – Have you already put out a blog post on this?
I found the blended colors post. Thank you!!!
Yay! I’m so glad and thanks for being here Lisa. I’d love to hear how it turns out for you!
I absolutely LOVE this. I recently bought an antique Victorian dresser & bed & I want to redo it like this.
Thanks, Pauline!
It is beautiful. My question is this: why not to paint a piece that is stylish, in decent shape and just needs a new life. You started with the gorgeous furniture and this is not my idea of renovating anything.
I LOVE THE COMBO GRAY! MY BED IS SIMILAR, BUT HAS A WINE LEATHER INSERT. I CAN’T FIGURE OUT THE BEST NEUTRAL COLORS. IF YOU CAN SEND ME THE BLOG FOR COLORS, OR GIVE ME IDEAS. THAT WOULD BE GREAT!
Hi, I’m wondering what size of each product you used to do the whole bed (each shade of chalk paint and paste?)
Thanks!
Hi Ashley. The Chalk Paste comes in small containers and thats plenty… I didn’t even use half of it. For the French Linen and Sawmill Gravy at 16 oz is of each is plenty. But if you’re new to painting and unsure, I always suggest going one up and getting a 32oz. For the extra few dollars, it will save some worry.
Awesome! Thanks for the quick response! I’m also wondering how you prepped? What type of cleaning products did you use and was any sanding necessary?
It really depends on the finish your working with. I’m in the habit of cleaning and (at minimum) scuff sanding all my pieces. I believe for this one I used water/vinegar and then gave it a light scuff sand with 120.
I’m wondering you had to do anything to prevent bleed thru since it was so dark
I love this color combination! I am getting ready to refinish a drop leaf table. Seeing this makes me wonder how the blended technique would look on it since the the table is a simpler design.
Thanks, Vivian! And when done well, blending looks amazing on EVERYTHING. 🙂
Thanks! I’m going to have to try it! I am in love with this color combination! It’s just beautiful!
I have almost that exact same bed, chest of drawers, mirrored dresser and nightstand.. It is so nicely build and hard to replace the quality so I’m considering painting. Would you choose a piece or two to paint and mix in other pieces that are different. paint all pieces with the same colors or even paint them different colors? I can’t find a starting place. Do you have any pictures of complete bedrooms I can use for inspiration?
Hi Paige! It’s really personal preference. I like rooms to look eclectic and put together over time – not so matchy-matchy. But others much prefer matching furniture and colors. I would suggest searching Pinterest for bedroom decor you really like and then go with what sings to you! 🙂
Denise,
Wow! Beautiful combination of colors. I would appreciate if you shared your favorite color combinations with me. I love to paint and do several pieces a week.
https://salvagedinspirations.com/painted-furniture-10-winning-color-combos/ 🙂
Wow. I love the colours, must learn that blending technic. The chalk paste looks interesting. I wonder if they sell in Australia?
I have a lovely old bed similar, not as pretty and needs a little work in places.
Hi Donna! I’m not sure about the chalk paste but I do know Dixie Belle products are on their way to Australia… super exciting!
How did you paint those ornate and scrolly details so perfectly? I saw that you used chalk paste, but I ‘ve never used that before. Is it applied with a brush, sponge, finger? This bed frame is gorgeous. I can’t stop staring at it!
Aw, thanks Lizzy! 🙂 Yes, I used chalk paste which is a lot thicker than chalk paint and I applied it with a dollar store small sponge brush.
Thank you for answering my question. Just one more, if you get the paste in the wrong spot, does it clean up easily, or do you just paint over it?
If you have a damp cloth on hand you can use it for touch-ups but ya, if you made a ‘big’ mistake, painting over it would be the better and cleaner looking choice. 🙂
is all the raised wood chalk paste? love this look
and would like to try it on chairs that i have already painted with french linen.
Hi Jodi! Yes, it is. 🙂
I have a bed similar to this that I am so intimidated with. While the colors houses are gorgeous, I’m looking for something in a “grown up” blue family. Any suggestions? I just found your site o
Hi Janet and WELCOME… so happy you’ve found the #siblog! Everyone has such different preferences when it comes to color I don’t often recommend specifics. What I may think is gorgeous – you might hate. That said, if you’re looking for a more ‘grown up’ blue, a blue with grayish undertones would look great imo. 🙂
I’m one of those people that has a hard time painting beautiful pieces of furniture. I have a bedroom suit that is Betsy similar to this one! I’ve considered painting it because I’ve done a lot of painting furniture in my house already but my bedroom set always stopped me! I’ve seen a few paint jobs of furniture similar to move but they didn’t look as beautiful as what you have done to this bed! I’m seriously considering painting mine now thanks to you! Great colors!
Thanks, Robbi, and I can relate! Whenever I have a ‘perfect’ piece (which I rarely get to work with) I do a little humming and hawing too. If you decide to go ahead and paint your bedroom set, have fun! I’m sure it will turn out absolutely gorgeous. 🙂
Ditto what Robbi said. This color combination and application is absolutely beautiful!!!
Thanks, Rhonda! XO
Hi Denise. I cant wait to try these colors out. Of course you must write a blog on color combos. Cant wait.
Thank you
Cheryl
You’re going to LOVE them Cheryl! Can’t wait for you to try either! XO
Wow !!! Hello Denise ! I chose to let myself into your beautiful world today, it has been way too long and what a reward ! I’ll be letting your wonderful creativity wake up mine ! With Love .Catherine .
Catherine!!!!🤗 Hope all is well with you! Thanks SO MUCH and always love it when you drop by!!! XO
My internet was down most of the day and it absolutely drove me CRAZY that I couldn’t read this post. Now I can’t quit dreaming. I’ve tried the transfers(totally obsessed) and just ordered a mister. The next furniture piece is going to be upgraded!😁 Thanks for all, and keep the posts coming please!
Hi Toia! So happy your internet is up and running again and have fun with your next piece of furniture! And ya, arent’ those transfers amazing!!
So beautiful–I love it.!!! I also would like some more help with color combinations. Love your work!
Thanks so much Dianne! 🙂
You did a terrific Job on this! I think your colors are totally awesome. Exquisite!
Thanks so much Cate!! 😀
Absolutely stunning. I love the colours,
Thanks Donna… I love these colors too! 🙂
Love it! Would love a blog on good color combos; even looking at a color wheel I still need any suggestions I can get! I have learned so much from you!
Hi Jackie!! Okay, I could really use a refresher on color theory and what colors have worked well for me myself …so I really like this idea. Glad you all are chiming in too.:)
I love the colours you chose, great job!!! I have an antique buffet that buffet that I painted………… buffet that I painted…………white because I couldn’t wrap my head on what colours to use.
I need some suggestions on what colours I can use to make it pop. It’s a beautiful piece of furniture but needs beautiful, blended colours.
Hi Sharon! White is always a winning classic but I hear you. I felt the same when I started painting furniture. I was SCARED to use more than one color and often looked at my finished pieces and was left wanting a little more. What I can say is if you’re new to painting, starting with a solid color is perfect! And then once technique and confidence build up, you’ll naturally gravitate to using more color and product. 🙂
Beautiful….can’t wait for the new paint colors to come out. On the Chalk Paste….I see what you applied it with but did you wipe back any of the paste after you applied it? Or what was your steps in applying the paste?
Thanks Susan! And yes, I did wipe it back some using my fingers. I don’t know if you can tell in that pic but my gloves are covered..lol
This is so beautiful. I love country French and what a color combo. I would very much enjoy your blog on color!!!
Thanks Karen! And thanks for chiming in, appreciate it! x
Hi,
I’m from Brazil and I love your jobs so much. They are amazing! How can I do to buy the Dixie Belle products, please?
The french linen headboard is Perfect! Congratulations!
Hi Diana from Brazil!! Thanks!! I love my global readers… I’m a wannabe world traveler at heart! 😉 I’m not sure if DB ships to Brazil (yet) but if you click the products under my “RESOURCE LIST” it will bring you to there site where you can order. 🙂
Beautiful results.. Chalk paste looks interesting & can be used for raised stencils too apparently. Just wondering if you rough sanded before painting and/or used anything to block bleed through? Would really appreciate a post on color blends too.
Hi Tracy! I’ve never used chalk paste for raised stencils but I should look into that, thanks! No sanding on this one. And because I didn’t sand I used NO stain blocker. And thanks for chiming in on the color blends my friend. 🙂
This is lovely. I usually tend towards brighter colors but I absolutely love this.
Thanks Karen! 🙂
Hi Denise. I’m absolutely and totally in love with this exquisite headboard! Oh my goodness! I would love for you to share your color combination suggestions in a future blog post. It would be very helpful to my future painting projects;) Thanks again for your weekly inspirations!
Hi Monique! That’s the second “exquisite” this headboard has got today… I LIKE it! lol And thanks for chiming in re color combos. Have a super day! 🙂
Absolutely gorgeous. How long did this take?
Thanks Mary! It took me two days to complete with dry time and everything. 🙂
Without question this makeover is absolutely stunning! You have such a gift and eye for color. I would love for you to share your color combinations. I am always “inspired “ by your creativity. Thanks for sharing.
Thanks Sue, and good to know. I wasn’t sure if it would interest you guys or not but I’ll see what I can put together. 🙂
Hi Denise, can you explain more about vintage lace chalk paste? I’ve never heard about that product. Thank you and by the way your headboard turns really beautiful.
Absolutely gorgeous!😍
Thanks Cynthia! XO
I wish I lived close to you because I would buy this in a New York minute! This is absolutely exquisite. The colors and blending are done to perfection. ~ Nicki
Aw, thanks Nicki! I’m really liking these paired up colors too!
Oh my! Girrrrl… you knocked this one out of the park! The colors are sensational… absolutely perfect. This would turn a “natural wood purist” into a painted wood devotee! And you are the MAESTRO of blending!
Awww, thank Deb! I’m loving these 2 colors together too…they blend REALLY nicely! XO
Absolutely jaw-dropping gorgeous! I would have been hamstrung to paint over that lovely dark finish, but then I see the end results. Stunning!
Question: French Linen as a base everywhere, with sawmill grey just in the center of the headboard and footboard, then the Vintage Lace paste to highlight the raised edges, included around the top edge? Or did the edges also get some of the sawmill grey?
Thank you, Diane! And YOU should have written this blog post… you described each step perfectly. 😉 And yes, I did add a tiny bit of Sawmill Gravy to the highlighted details before adding the Chalk Paste… just so it all blended in nicely and the Vintage Lace didn’t look too harsh. 🙂
When i see this French Linen painted bed, I realize I need to get over my reluctance to paint nice wood! This is gorgeous!
Thanks Gwen! I have to admit I like the after waaaay better than the before too but when working with ‘perfect’ furniture like this (which I don’t often do), I’m a little hesitant myself. But I’m really happy with the outcome. 🙂
Absolutely Beautiful !!
Yes, yes, yes ! I’d love to see your favorite color combos.
Okay, good to know! Thanks 🙂
Amazing piece! Perfect color combinations. Yes a blog post on color combinations would be good. I love how you use colors. Learning a tip or two from you would be awesome.
Beautiful bed for sure!!
Thanks Nancy… and thanks for chiming in. Good to know. 🙂
Fantastic Job It looks beautiful !!
Thanks, my friend! Hope you’re having a beautiful day. X
Lovewhat you did here! Beautiful colors I must try
Thank you Linda!! 🙂
Omg…..it is way beyond besutiful, gorgeous and lovely…..out of this world fantabulous I love it. ……
Judy R.
Sorry for the typo….BEAUTIFUL…..not besutiful…lol
LOL… I’m going to take that typo as a compliment. hehe When I get excited about something my fingers work faster than my brain! 😉
Awwww, thanks Judy!! 😀
Your piece is beautiful. I would like to learn more about combining colors?
Thank Mary… and good to know. I wasn’t sure if it would interest a lot of you so I appreciate you chiming in. 🙂
II’m really interested in your combinations of colors!!
Okay Neeltje, thank you!
What a beautiful headboard set to work with and the makeover results are stunning! All those lovely details command attention with your seamless color blending. I’m loving the texture of the chalk paste much better than glaze or wax and must try this product. Another absolutely gorgeous makeover, Denise!
Thanks Marie! And ya, I find Chalk Pastes super easy to work with! A little bit of a different look than glaze or wax, but still gorgeous. And dries in seconds…lol
Perfection….As always. Sent the URL to a friend and pinning for the world. Another breathtaking makeover. XO
Thanks so much Susie… and thanks for the share! Hugs!!
Wow! I LOVE this! The colors and blending is spot on as always, I admire your work so much. Keep it up! 🙂 xo
Thanks, Do.. always love it when you drop by. 🙂 Have a super day my friend.
Hi Denise,
I’m getting ready to redo my guest room, headboard, footboard, night stand and tall bureau. Love, love the color combo. I’m using exactly what you used. My question is; do I paint the entire pieces French linen first, then the sawmill gravy as the blending color?
Yes 🙂
dear Lord, this is ABSOLUTELY gorgeous!!!
Thanks so much Cindy-Lou! 🙂