Cute Ways to Paint a Toddler Bed

Preparation

• Proper preparation is key to creating the desired finished look. It is especially important if refurbishing older pieces. All surfaces intended for paint will require a thorough cleaning with a degreaser and an ammonia-based cleaner. These products will remove any oil, grease or other substances which could interfere with paint sticking correctly. Sanding the surface will remove minor surface damage and create a rough texture for the paint to adhere to. All paints and stains should be finished off with a topcoat of polyurethane. This clear material will protect against stains, scratches and other damage to the paint.

Neutrals

• Neutrals are tones which will match with each other and just about any color along the color wheel. They include shades of white, taupe, beige, gray, some blues and a few greens, among several others. An additional bonus of neutral colors is they are easier to change and adapt to changing tastes as children grow. If a plain neutral is too tame for a child’s bed, add some brightly colored accents or stencils to match the theme of the room. Butterflies, bees, flowers, dinosaurs and a variety of other themes will work for the bed; size or color depend on personal preference. Painting over these additions is a quick, inexpensive change when it comes time to update the room.

Bold Colors

• Bold colors are widely used throughout children’s décor, and are ideal for bringing energy to a room. Using these colors on the bed is an ideal way to bring this energy into the space without the color feeling overwhelming. Use bright colors in conjunction with more neutral tones to create a visually interesting, modern look. This family includes shades of red, yellow, blue and purple, among others. For kids' beds, select a combination of chocolate brown and bright pink, lime green and bubblegum pink, or orange and white. Each of these combinations will work to bring a modern, yet age-appropriate look to the bed.

Wood Tones

• Wood tones are perhaps the most commonly used for furniture, and range from light to medium to dark shades. These tones work in the same way as neutrals, and will fit with just about any decorating or color scheme. Keeping the natural wood tone will make the furniture more diverse and able to fit in with updated décor. If the finish on the bed is scratched or outdated, it's possible to sand and re-stain with a new hue. This process is simple enough for novice do-it-yourselfers and requires little more than a thorough sanding and cleaning before new stain is added.