Funky Ideas for Painting a Chair

Masterpiece

• An artist who loves masterpieces can paint one on a sturdy metal or plastic chair that can be used in a studio, taken to arts and craft fairs or given as a gift. A scenic painting, such as Vincent Van Gogh's "The Starry Night" or Claude Monet's series of paintings of water lilies, would transfer well to a chair. Paint the image across both the back and seat of the chair.

Art From the Garden

• Bring something from your garden to a wooden outdoor chair with slats. Paint the back and seat of the chair a base color, such as white, yellow or green, then paint a large flower, vegetable or other plant on the chair back. Place the chair on a patio or desk or in a seating area in your garden. If you wish to do a set of chairs, stick to a common theme. For example, paint flowers in a variety of complementary colors on four chairs.

Stencils

• For a simple design, paint the chair a base color and add stencils in a complementary color or colors. Tape the stencils onto the chair using painter's tape and paint with a brush for best results. Older children, as well as adults, can create a stenciled chair. Stencils can be purchased or cut by hand. Letter stencils can be used to add a name to the chair.

Children's Creation

• For a fun, funky look, give a child the opportunity to create her own chair design. Have the child paint a wooden chair in a base color of her choice, then give her small paintbrushes and a variety of paint colors so she can paint whatever she wants on the chair. Look over some ideas with the child first, so she can develop an idea of what she wants to paint.

Splatter Painting

• Splatter painting a chair can be a fun activity for a family or group of friends. Paint a wooden chair white or a light color, then take turns splattering different colors of paint onto the chair by flicking paint from a paintbrush with a quick wrist flip. You may end up with a chair that resembles a painting by the late abstract artist Jackson Pollock. Use bright colors or pastels that go well together. Paint outdoors or use drop cloths to avoid getting paint on floors, walls and other surfaces. Wear clothing you don't mind getting splattered.