Ideas on Painting Children's Chairs

Whimsical Wicker

• Use spray paint in bright colors to paint kids' wicker chairs in a variety of colors. Use a paint designed for outdoor use, and paint each chair a different color. Make or purchase a matching cushion for each chair and use them to decorate a garden or patio. You can find a large selection of outdoor spray paints for this project at a craft or home improvement store.

Time Out!

• Make a "naughty chair" for those times when you need to give a time out. Paint a child-sized wood chair with bright colors, and use rub-on letters to spell out "Time Out" on the chair back. You can paint the chair with acrylic craft paint or latex house paint and choose from a selection of letting styles and colors at the craft store. Keep a timer handy when you are ready to use the chair.

Ladybugs and Bees

• Paint a wooden Adirondack chair with a solid color, then add dots or stripes to represent your favorite bug. Paint the chair using outdoor latex paints designed for houses. For the ladybug, paint the chair red and allow it to dry. Trace around a 4-inch plate to make round spots. Paint the spots black and allow the chair to dry. You do not need to seal the chair if you use outdoor paints. For the bee, paint the chair yellow, then add stripes of black. You can paint a table to match your chair for a cute garden display.

Storytime Chair

• Buy a copy of your favorite children's book and cut out an image or images you want to use. Paint a wood chair using acrylic craft paints or interior latex paint and allow it to dry. Use craft glue to attach the book illustration to the seat and back of the chair. When the glue is dry, brush on a clear acrylic sealer to protect the image. You can find the paint and sealer you need for this project at the craft or home improvement store.