Polka Dot Painting: How to Add Character to Your Furniture The Easy Way

Discover how to breathe new life into your old furniture with polka dots. Our step-by-step guide will show you how to paint fun and stylish patterns easily.

While casually browsing through last month’s “Style at Home” issue at my neighbourhood coffee shop, I came across an article featuring the enduring popularity of polka dots in interior design. This piece inspired my latest project: a tutorial on how to paint polka dots on vintage furniture.

Polka dots seem to be perpetually in style, earning them the label of “classic”. I am personally drawn to bold, contrasting patterns, particularly those involving spots that stand out strikingly against the background.

The quintessential polka dot pattern often features blue or black on a white canvas. However, for this dresser makeover, I veered slightly off the traditional path and embraced a more bohemian aesthetic with a harmonious blend of Scandinavian Pink and burgundy.

Polka Dot Chalk Paint Dresser Upcycle

This old dresser, which I’ve had in my possession for years, was overdue for a makeover. While its appearance was nothing to write home about, its usefulness was undeniable. This piece of furniture has been with me since my university days, a generous hand-me-down from my aunt. Its exact age is a mystery, but although it’s ancient, it’s no valuable antique!

The dresser’s longevity is primarily due to its adaptability. Over the years, it has taken on multiple roles: a nightstand, a chest of drawers, and even a makeshift coffee table. Most recently, it has been nestled in the unused fireplace of our study, serving as storage for our collection of board games.

After the dresser’s recent transformation, adorned with playful polka dots and chic new Anthropologie handles, I find myself at a loss regarding its unique placement. Its fresh look deserves a spot more prominent than the fireplace.

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What You Need

• Tester pots of chalk paint in Pink and Burgundy. As I was only painting the two drawers of the dresser and some lining paper, the tester pots were plenty big enough.
• Clear wax for chalk paint
• Small paint roller and extra foam rollers. I picked my roller up in Aldi, but any will do. However, it is best to have dense foam roller pads that are flat at the end.
• Lining paper for the drawers
• New big knobs. I got mine in an Anthropologie sale a while ago and had been waiting for the right project to use them on.

Dresser Upcycle and How To Paint Polka Dots

Step 1: Firstly, even though I was using chalk paints for this upcycle, I still sanded the dresser as it had a good few marks on its top.

Step 2: For this furniture upcycle, I only showed how to paint polka dots on the drawers. Therefore, I applied a wood stain with the rest of the wood (top and sides).

Step 3: Next, I removed the old knobs from the drawers and painted them in pink chalk paint using a small foam roller. I like to use a foam roller to avoid brush marks.

How to Paint Polka Dots

Step 4: Once the base pink chalk paint is dry, it’s time to paint the polka dots. Luckily chalk paint drys very quickly.

First, put a small amount of burgundy paint in the paint tray. Then dab the flat end of the small foam roll into the paint. Make sure the whole end is covered. Wipe off any excess drippy paint bits around the sides.

Next, firmly press down the painted end of the roller where you want the polka dot. You should be able to stamp 2-3 dots before getting more paint on the end of the roller.

*Top tip, for some reason, when you stamp your polka dot, a bit of the spot is missing. Use a small paintbrush to fill in that bit.

Step 5: Make polka dot liners for the drawers. You can use this same method to paint polka dots on paper. Using the same way as above, paint polka dots in pink on burgandy-painted paper. Once dried, cut the lining paper to fit inside the drawers.

Step 6: To finish, apply chalk paint wax to the upcycled furniture to protect it. Then put on the new oversized brass knobs.

I have a confession to make. Initially, I painted one of the drawers pink with orange dots. But I didn’t like it; every time I looked at the drawer, all I could think of was M. Blobby. (Sorry, but that is a reference you will only understand if you happened to watch TV in the UK in the ’90s). As I was never a fan of Mr Blobby (I didn’t get it!), the orange had to go, and in came the burgundy instead.

You should check out my other fabulous chalk paint furniture upcycles and painting tips.

• Classy Craft Cupboard Transformation
• Best Chalk Paint For a Unique Cupboard Upcycle
• Tropical Pineapple Stenciled Sidetable
• How to paint a wooden box

For more furniture flips, visit diyideacenter.com