Today’s the day, lovely friends! I am sharing how to paint a sleigh bed! That would be OUR sleigh bed, and I just love how beautifully it turned out!!
Just a couple of weeks ago I was looking forward to the possibility of a long-anticipated new bedroom suite. Then I started pricing new furniture. When did furniture get so dang expensive?? That’s what happens when you thrift for most of your furniture, you lose touch with reality!
So instead of shelling out several thousand dollars for a new set, I was willing to try a fresh new paint job that cost me less than $100!
I’ll be honest, I wasn’t totally convinced I’d love it, but I am so glad I was wrong!
Here is the bed before:
As you’ve heard me mention before, this set belonged to my husband. He had just purchased it not long after we started dating. The set I had only had a queen-sized bed and so that set went to Jack. It’s no secret that I have never been a fan of this one because it is very masculine.
But all that has changed!!
Meet our brand new sleigh bed:
I’m trying not to give away the rest of the room, so I’ll be sharing the bed in bits and pieces! It is hard to show in photos what a huge difference painting this set has made in this room, but it is so light and airy and I just love it!
I thought painting this bed was going to be such a huge undertaking, but it really wasn’t too bad at all. I’ve included a few affiliate links so you can find the products I love.
How to Paint a Sleigh Bed
I used Dixe Belle’s Fluff. This is after only ONE coat!
Fluff is more of a vintage white than a stark white so it usually covers completely in just two coats. I love that! And because this was a newer set, there was no worry of bleed-through, so I was able to get straight to painting. I used a brush to apply the paint. My favorites are the 2″ Mini Angle brush by Dixie Belle, and this one by Purdy.
Find my How to Paint Furniture with Chalk Paint Tutorial HERE.
As you can see in the photo above, I started with the post on the right side of the headboard and worked clockwise.
I painted the rest of the parts of the bed in this order:
- Bed rails on right side
- Front of footboard
- Back of footboard
- Bed rail on left side
- Headboard
FULL DISCLOSURE: I did not pull the bed out from the wall to paint the back of the headboard. Nobody will see that!
I still get asked all the time about sanding first, but with chalk paint, there is no need to sand first. I just gave the bed a good wipe down with a lysol-type wipe before painting. If you’re a messy painter, you may want to bring out the dropcloths, but I paint so much that I have lost the fear of making a mess!
The beautiful after
Ooh hello, pretty details!! I could hardly see you there before…
After my two coats were done and dry, I sanded all over with 220 grit sandpaper wrapped around an old foam sanding block. I was more heavy-handed on the areas I wanted to distress. I used my shop vac to vacuum up all the dust and wiped it down with a soft cloth. Then I sealed with Dixie Belle’s Clear Coat in satin using their blue sponge applicator.
You can see how I apply sealer using a sponge in this video:
If you have trouble viewing, find it on YouTube HERE.
I love those pretty curves so much more now that you can really see them. You can also see the lovely sheen that the satin clear coat leaves behind…
I was on the hunt for new bedding, but I didn’t find anything that I liked more than what we already had. I found this quilt at Target when we moved in and I still love it.
We don’t really use the quilt, I just fold it at the bottom of the bed to look pretty, but I wanted a comforter instead so it would look extra plush. I ended up wrapping the quilt up with a down blanket we had and that gave it the puffy look I was after…and it was free!
I did buy some new throw pillows and a pretty beaded holiday pillow at HomeGoods. All three were less than $40…
The shelf above the bed was made from my Hubby’s grandmother’s footboard that I repurposed in this post. I thought it would be fun to decorate it, but instead, I just used it as a space filler and added a Christmas wreath that I already had above, flanked by those two pieces of wall decor I shared in Tuesday’s post. They were only $5 each and I just love the texture they add.
My $4 mirrors that I just redid still work great in here and I kept the lamps as well because I really love them. In fact, they were the inspiration for the drawer hardware color. I shared a peek of the hardware being painted in my last post HERE.
I love how all the neutral patterns and elements are coming together!
That rug was my one splurge.
The furniture is done and my only regret is that I didn’t do it sooner!
I can’t wait to share the rest of the room with you…the dressers turned out better than I imagined they could.
UPDATE: The rest of the furniture and room reveal is available to see HERE!
But first, I’ll be back here on Tuesday with my Trash-to-Treasure girls sharing this flatware box:
UPDATE: See how this box turned out HERE!
This will be going in the room, and then I’ll be back on Thursday with the full reveal! I’m still undecided on the chandelier, and I hope to have a decision by reveal day!
Talk about a marathon makeover!!
Have an amazing weekend!
XOXO,
Don’t Miss a Thing!
If you like what you see, there are several ways to follow along!
Mary Kaiser says
WOW it is so beautiful now, I love it!! I am surprised that you haven’t done this sooner to this set in your bedroom. What a transformation it made on the bed, I can’t wait to see the done room, you are so amazing. How does Brian feel about it painted? I hope he loves it!
Thanks for more inspiration, and a big thanks for making the font bigger on you beautiful new blog, I love how much easier it is to see when I am typing.
Christy says
Thank you, Mary! I can’t believe it took me so long either, honestly. It seemed like such a large undertaking and I was never very motivated to get it done since nobody really sees our bedroom. I am SO happy I finally went for it though! Brian was not in love with it as I was starting on it. He said it was too girly, but after seeing his mother and sister rave about it at Thanksgiving, he appreciates it much more, and I think it is safe to say he even likes it! And I didn’t realize the font in the comment section was so tiny until someone told me. I don’t know why they made it so painfully tiny, but luckily, it was an easy fix! Have a fantastic weekend, my friend! XOXO
Denise Cox says
Christy…ABSOLUTELY gorgeous! While I did really like your hubby’s set, I was not expecting such a dramatic reveal with just using paint!!!! And yes, the light colored paint really brings out the details. I love all your finishing touches… and I especially like the two wall plaques above the headboard. And what a lovely sheen that final wax coat provides!!! Light and airy… can’t wait to see the rest…. DO HURRY…. 😝
BTW… What do hubs think of the transformation… 🤔😱
Christy says
Thank you, Denise!! I was not expecting it to look so good either, and I should know better by now! This bed had some beautiful details that you just couldn’t appreciate before. I love those plaques too…such a deal at $5 each…I bought a total of six and used four in another spot. The Hubby thought it was too girly at first, but he likes it now! Good thing, because it’s stayin haha! XOXO
Dawn says
Whoo hoo Christy….way to go gf! Now that was a very wise move! Can’t wait to see the grape infested night stand lol! Love the above bed decor too! Way to pull that together!
Totally enjoy your inspirations! Dawn
Christy says
Thank you, Dawn!! The grapes are hardly even noticeable now, thank goodness! XOXO
Denise says
Looks amazing! What a great job! I can’t wait to see the rest of the room.
Christy says
Thank you so much, Denise! I’m tweaking some decor and then it will be ready!! XOXO
Olivia says
Beautifully done! What size of paint container did you purchase? I am wanting the same color for my sleigh bed but wasn’t sure how much paint was needed. Thanks!
Christy says
Thank you, Olivia! I used two 32oz sizes and a little of another to do my whole bedroom set, so I would say one 32oz jar for the bed. My bed is really large. A 16 oz of the clear coat to seal will be plenty though. Hope this helps! XOXO
Jan says
You left out the MOST important part of the story! What was hubby’s reaction? Does he love it also or still have doubts?
I wanted to paint our kitchen cabinets for years and he resisted. When he finally agreed, he loves the way the kitchen turned out 😉
Christy says
Oh haha! He thought it was too girly at first, but I think seeing his Mom and sister’s reactions at Thanksgiving gave him a new perspective and I think he actually likes it now! There’s no going back, so I hope so anyway! Funny about your kitchen…mine was hesitant too at our old house. When it was done, he loved it and admitted that he was afraid it would look like a DIY job haha. XOXO
Christina in SW FL says
Christy, this is a total W-O-W ! ! Tremendously better! Very light, airy and yet warm and welcoming at the same time. GREAT job!!!! I know you have to be SO proud of yourself! I bet your hubby is completely thrilled.
xo
Christy says
Aww thank you so much, Christina! It really is so light and bright now! The hubby wasn’t completely on board at first, but does like the finished result! XOXO
Nancy @ Artsy Chicks Rule says
It looks so good!! I love it! Can’t wait to see your Bedroom all decorated for Christmas! 🥰 xoxo
Christy says
Thank you, Nancy!! I don’t know what took me so long to just do it! I stole an idea from you for our tree in there that I’ll share next week…it looks so pretty!! XOXO
Virginia Blevins says
Beautiful! Can’t wait to see the whole room!
Christy says
Thank you, Virginia! I can’t wait to share it!! XOXO
Kimberly Wollmer says
It’s so beautiful! Amazing how it has transformed! Thanks for sharing.
Christy says
Thank you so much, Kimberly! As soon as I saw the paint going on, I was so excited! XOXO
Tracy says
Wow, that really lightens up the room, makes a big difference. It’s a great bed but so much prettier now.
Christy says
Thank you, Tracy! This really was a great bed, but I love how you can see the pretty details so much more now too! XOXO
Teresa says
I’ve always loved the curves of a sleigh bed. Yours turned out beautiful, love the details! Can’t wait to see the entire reveal…
Christy says
Thank you, Teresa! I am excited to share the rest now! XOXO
Kira says
I seriously love it. How does your husband like it??? You are a workhorse!! Way to go Christy 🙂
Christy says
Thank you, Kira!! Although he gave me the go-ahead, he wasn’t completely on board at first, but he likes it now that the room is done! XOXO
Linda says
Your bed looks fantastic as I knew it would when you first showed us what it looked like in the dark wood with all the pretty details! Great job on the makeover and I can’t wait to see what the rest of your bedroom set looks like!
Christy says
Thank you, Linda! I love how it shows off those details now! I can’t wait to share the rest next week! XOXO
Sherry says
This bed is beautiful!!
Christy says
Thank you, Sherry! XOXO
Micah says
It’s looking good Christy! Thanks for all your great inspiration!
Christy says
Thank you so much, Micah!! XOXO
Phyllis says
Wow! I knew I would love it. You made the right decision. This is beyond lovely (never doubted it for a minute). Being the nosey person that I am, I was trying to see as much of the rest of the bedroom as possible – looking in the mirrors or to the sides of the bed. I just can’t wait for the rest of the reveal.
Christy says
I’m so glad you love it too, Phyllis! Thank you! And haha! I tried really hard not to give too much more away. If you like the bed, you will love the rest!! I just ordered a chandelier and I am crossing my fingers I love it when it gets here. I can’t wait to share it all done!! XOXO
MJ says
Hi: Does the clear coat on the bed have an odor? Does it seal paint odor? The concern being sleeping in close proximity to new paints and sealer.
Christy says
Dixie Belle paint has zero VOCs and has almost no odor to it at all. You can smell it a bit when it is going on wet, but once it dries, you can hardly even smell it and I love that! The sealer is very similar. Once it was dry, you could hardly smell a thing! We were able to still sleep in our room without any issues. I did keep the windows open a few inches while painting just in case, but I don’t think that was necessary at all. XO
Sharon says
Absolutely beautiful and love the touch of red in the wreath…
Christy says
Thank you, Sharon! My hubby liked the pops of red as well! XOXO
MRS L.A. Armstrong says
I think that you did a good job on the bed, but I think the makers of the bed would be extremely disappointed in what you have done. I thought the furniture looked beautiful as it was
Christy says
Thank you! I appreciate your opinion! XO
Diane Pianfetti says
I love what you’ve done!! I can’t wait to see the whole reveal!! Can you tell me where you got your lamps? They really stand out now!! Nice work Christy!!
Christy says
Thank you so much, Diane! I found those at HomeGoods! I’m not a good shopper at all, so if I didn’t thrift it or find it a yard sale, there’s about a 90% chance I found it at HomeGoods or TJ Maxx haha! XOXO
Cathy Klose says
You know, my first reaction was “GASP”, you’re painting that bed??!!! But you know what, good call. The white paint shows the details much better. It’s gorgeous. Can’t wait to see the finished room. I’ve loved all your makeovers to date so I’m sure it will be fabulous!
Christy says
Aww I am so glad to hear that, Cathy! Thank you! Although I have never been a fan of this set, a small part of me was afraid to lose the warmth that the wood tones added to the space. I’m happy to say I don’t miss them at all. I can’t wait for you to see the rest! XOXO
Carmen says
Wow, That is so nice looking, I would have never thought of how nice it looks. You are daring also to take on this big project on that bed. I have a pillar bed that I absolutely hate, dark brown. But I want a newer bed, don’t want the pillars, I’m sure if I paint it white it would be stunning, but not sure.
Love following all your projects and the video clips on your finds. Makes me want to go thrift hunting. I’m always excited when I open my emails and see posted one of your segments.
Christy says
Thank you so much, Carmen! Honestly, I wasn’t completely sure I would love this set painted either, but it worked out so well. I bet yours would be beautiful an certainly cheaper than a new set! XOXO
debbie tracy says
Holy Moly! So fantastic! You have inspired me. I have a lovely bed that is timeless, but it is dark green! I can’t decide if I should paint it white or black? Question: how did you sand without the dust going everywhere?
Christy says
Thank you, Debbie! Ooh tough decision… sister has a black bedroom suite and it is beautiful! It did get pretty in dusty in there, but I went behind with the shop vac and cleaned it all up. XOXO
Cathy says
absolutely beautiful…
Christy says
Thank you, Cathy! XOXO
Wendy says
Beautiful Christy. Everything looks Fabulous.
Christy says
Thank you so much, Wendy! XOXO
sharon austin says
Very nice; and I love that rug! Home goods, was it? I wish I had better or even more housewares stores near me, but so many have went out of business! Problem is now you’re making me want to paint my set–that I was previously perfectly happy with! LOL
Christy says
Thank you, Sharon! Yep, HomeGoods! And oh no…I’m so sorry haha! XOXO
Janina says
Wow! That bed is magical in white! So glad hubby was up for this transformation. I look forward to seeing the rest of the furniture. This must have been quite a project to accomplish but it’s looking lovely so far. I love when you can do such a lovely transformation on such a small budget. That rug is gorgeous too – and I love the old quilt – nice soft colours to go with that antique white. It’ll be interesting to see what you decide re lighting!
Keep up thr inspiration! Thank you!
Christy says
Thank you, Janina!! My Hubby was such a good sport about it all. I too love that this project didn’t break the bank. I was super lucky to have a set with excellent potential to start! I just ordered a light, so we’ll see how that goes…excited! XOXO
Lizzy says
It turned out beautiful. I love it.
Christy says
Thank you, Lizzy! XOXO
Julie Briones says
I love the magic of paint… and this sleigh bed is no exception! I understand why you like it now! Great job, my friend!
Christy says
Girl, me too!! Paint does amazing things! Thank you so much, Julie! XOXO
Imelda says
Absolutely gorgeous! You are my new “Super Heroine” !!
Christy says
Aww thank you so much, Imelda! XOXO
Marcie Lovett says
I don’t know which I love more, the fence posts, that you painted around the box spring or skipped the back! Seriously, it looks incredible and was well worth the effort. I’m always amazed by the power of paint to transform unloved pieces, but you already knew that. And Brian’s grandmother’s foot board is such a nostalgic addition. I vote for moving it so you can use those hooks. Such a lovely room for the two of you!
Christy says
Oh my gosh you made me laugh! You know if it weren’t for myself, I would have painted the back lol. I wasn’t sure about the shelf above the bed for that reason, but it filled the space for now. I’ll revisit it after the holidays! Thanks, Marcie! XOXO
Goldie says
I LOVE the new look, Christy! Wow Wow and WOW! My question is where you got the rug and what was it called? I just redid my bedroom and the rug would be the finishing touch! P.S. I actually LOVE every makeover you do!…………….and especially like “going” with you to the thrift stores! LOL!
Christy says
Thank you SO much, Goldie! I appreciate that! I found the rug at HomeGoods. It is made by Savavieh, but unfortunately, that is all the info I have. Sorry! XOXO
Carole Larsen says
Oh my gosh Christy, I have followed you from your beginning and we have had so much in common but this takes the cake. I have the exact same quilt set. I love mine and hope I don’t have to replace it. I love the way your bed turned out – it is beautiful. I have a pewter sleigh bed that I love.
Christy says
Isn’t that so funny? I LOVE that quilt set so much! Thank you my friend…I bet your bed is gorgeous in pewter!! XOXO
Addie says
WOW!!! NICE!!! Can’t wait to see the finished room. I can’t believe it took you so long to get to it. I love how you don’t need drop cloths. An all new look for very little $$$$!!!!! Plus hubby is happy he is not in “used” furniture.
Yes!!! New furniture is sooo expensive. I have been comfy chair shopping and all that I had seen were over $1200.00!!!!! I waited and got the one I wanted on a Black Friday deal…$579.00….yay….still too much but better.
I am also waiting to hear how and if you were able to make your nightstand taller. I need to do the same for my new chair side table.
Christy says
Thanks, Addie!! I don’t know what took me so long either! And yes, my Hubby was pleased that we were able to keep his set!! Wow…$1200 for a chair? That is crazy. Glad you found a deal! XOXO
Heidy says
Hi Christy!
Stunning!!! I love it! It’s so classy looking and perfect for Christmas decor! It’s so much better than plain wood. I think men are weird about painting wood, at least my husband is. I wish I had your talent! I hope you have a very Merry Christmas And New Year too!
Heidy
Christy says
Aww thank you, Heidi! The neutral palette is perfect for adding touches of Christmas. And yes, men are weird anyway lol! Enjoy the rest of your holiday season!! XOXO
Rose Lefebvre says
I love the sleigh bed in white. I bought one that is white for my guest room. So far no guests!
Christy says
Thank you, Rose! You know the guest room was just a chance for you to play with decorating anyway haha! XOXO
Jackie says
Wow!! Gorgeous! The details just POPPED when painted. I didn’t even see them before! I’m really interested to see how it wears.
Christy says
Thank you, Jackie!! Right? I hardly noticed the pretty details before! XOXO
Mrs Shoes says
Everyone else *loves* absolutely everything……….. I’ll be the one (bad guy) voice of dissent then. The bed now is the same basic colour as all else; for me, it all runs together like a melted bowl of ice cream.
Gramma’s footboard project is loveable, but even it is white surrounded by white, even the finials you are using as decorative – white. Bedding – white. You may point out that the walls are actually some shade of grey or otherwise but, if so, there is not enough pigment in the paint to show up in your photos as anything but a different shade of white.
Of course it is an overall pretty room, and it shouldn’t be anything other than what YOU like, but you are inviting comments, and so I share that *I* find the room (as it is in these pictures) looks far too ‘designed’, very nearly stark, and in need of colour to make it inviting.
Christy says
I always appreciate honesty, Mrs. Shoes! Isn’t it wonderful that we live in a world where we all have our own likes? What a boring place this would be if we all liked the same thing! Perhaps you’ll like the space better when you see the rest, but if not, that is totally okay with me! XOXO
Debbie in TX says
The bed is looking really great now. I love how the details come through and add so much. What a huge job it must be! I can’t imagine undertaking this project so close to Christmas. Love the rug and wall decorations, too. Way to go : )
Christy says
Thank you so much, Debbie! I was so pleased to see those details really pop now! The good thing about doing it close to Christmas is that I get to decorate it haha! XOXO
Janice Holt says
You make painting look so easy. Room is so light and pretty. Never had a doubt.
Christy says
Thank you so much, Janice! XOXO
Tricia says
Amazing transformation! Love white anyway but this has made such a difference to your whole room. Very pretty!
Christy says
Thank you, Tricia! It really is so much lighter and brighter in there now! XOXO
Cecilia says
Wow! I never saw the details on the bed until now. What a difference. It turned out so nicely! Can’t wait to see the rest of the room!
Christy says
Thank you, Cecilia! I love how those pretty details pop now! XOXO
Jenny Oliver says
This is gorgeous! So inspiring! LOVE the video tutorial! Keep ’em coming!!
Christy says
Thank you so much, Jenny!! XOXO
Tara C. says
I am loving this transformation! I can’t wait to see the rest of the bedroom suite painted.
Christy says
Thank you, Tara! I’m really excited to share the rest! XOXO
Milissa says
I knew it would turn out beautiful. The details are so pretty now. Looking forward to the rest of the reveal. Thank you for having one of the best blogs on the internet.
Christy says
You just made my day, Milissa! Thank you so much!! I can’t wait to share the rest of the room! XOXO
Cheryl says
What a difference!! I love it, bright and cheery!!
Christy says
Thank you so much, Cheryl! It really is so much more cheery!! XOXO
Petra says
Absolutely beautiful and yes you can see the details more 😀 . And I love your accessories. Have a great weekend!
Christy says
Thank you so much, Petra!! I don’t know why I waited so long to do it! XOXO
Kelly Schulte says
Wow! What a difference! You did a beautiful job!
We have a very similar sleigh bed. I was undecided on whether or not to paint it til now. Thank you! xx
Christy says
Thank you so much, Kelly! Glad I could give you an idea of how yours will look! XOXO
Robyn Wright says
STUNNING!
I’ve been meaning to paint my bedroom furniture, too. Soon….
Christy says
I don’t know why our bedrooms are always the last place we give any attention to. That’s true for me, at least! Go for it! XOXO
Catherine Cone says
Beyond gorgeous! I want to paint everything white!!!
Christy says
Aww thank you so much, Catherine! Nothing like a clean white paint finish! XOXO
Betty Bilnoski says
Beautiful! I can’t wait to see the whole room!
Christy says
Thank you so much, Betty! XOXO
Terri says
Looks great! Would u mind explaining exactly what u meant by “becuz bed’s fairly new there won’t be bleed through” please? I’m always hearing about bleed thru possibly being an issue on various types wood/veneer etc. But nobody’s explained HOW they can tell.
I’d LOVE to understand EVERYTHING i should know to make sure I’m doing it right. (The 1st time.)
Thx!!😊
Christy says
Thanks, Terri!! I’m more than happy to explain! Much older (like antique) cherry and mahogany pieces have a tendency to bleed through the paint. That means the tannins from those woods come through leaving splotches of pink or brown in your paint finish. Those pieces need to be sealed first to lock in those tannins so they won’t come through your paint finish. Hope this helps! XO
Hertfordshire Installations says
Great post! Thanks for sharing 🙂
Karine says
Your room was fabulous, really beautiful. how much light !!!
I felt little afraid for you when you decided to paint your bedding set …. hehehe , but it was a good decision !!! I loved how you look new room….congratulations !!!
Christy says
Thank you, Karine! I was a little nervous as well haha! XOXO
Patti Dort says
I just love white it has that cottage feel. I want to psi th tiny bathroom white … This spring … But it will be hard to pick a shade. Too many whites to chose from. Your bed is gorgeous.
Christy says
Thanks so much, Patti! A coastal cottage is my dream style! XOXO
Melissa says
So glad you shared this. I am about to redo our bedroom and have wanted to paint our similar bedroom set. I didn’t think my husband would go for it but now I have this terrific makeover to convince him!
Christy says
Oh perfect! My hubby was on board with me painting ours but only because I wanted to, not because he did. However, he loves it now! And you can sell him on how much money you’ll save by painting what you already haha! Good luck! XOXO