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Home ยป Blog ยป How To Paint Dining Room Furniture

How To Paint Dining Room Furniture

by Sarah Turner Clover Lane

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My dining room was ordinary and boring and really really bland.

The entire dining room set was a second hand deal.  I loved the lines, but wanted to update it a bit.

.

I decided to give the furniture a coat of paint and paint the walls blue.


Here’s how I did it.

How To Paint Your Dining Room Furniture

1. Go to a store and buy these things:

I went to Sherwin Williams. I have a thing for SW Oil Enamel in a Satin Finish. It goes on so beautiful and smooth and easy with just the right sheen. Do NOT get cheap paint. You will hate this project if you do. (1 quart of SW oil enamel is only around $15 and was plenty of paint.) Latex is easier and environmentally friendly and not so smelly, but this is dining room furniture and I did not want it easily scratched, chipped, etc. (If you insist on using latex paint, just make sure it is enamel so you have a super smooth finish.)

2. Concerning the sandpaper…buy medium grade, and buy a sander like the one above…NOT a spongy, soft sander…you don’t want to be able to bend it. Using a traditional block sander like the one above will give you a nice edge when distressing. The sponge sanders tend to leave too many scratch marks around the nice little wood peaking through.

THE MOST IMPORTANT THING: Buy a GOOD paint brush. Spend around $15-$20. This (and the paint) is the key to making your furniture look like it has a professional, store-bought finish.

3. Unscrew the chair pads and put them aside. Unscrew any knobs on sideboards etc. Layout a huge dropcloth under the furniture. I used the sandpaper thingy and sanded only the top of the table and the top and the sides of the sideboard. I sanded them just enough to dull the surface. You don’t want “SHINY” anywhere. My furniture was dull and old so I got out of this part easy. When you are finished, make sure to wipe off the surfaces well so there is no sanding dust anywhere. (I’ve been asked if I primed my furniture. NO! You don’t want to prime, paint, then distress, or your white primer will show up when you distress. Like white granny underwear showing!)

4. Open a window for ventilation. I painted the sideboard first, then the chairs and then the table. I put on the first coat, let it dry and then touched up spots I missed the first time because I went so fast and didn’t notice I missed some areas on the chair. You can probably get away with just doing one coat if you are careful.

5. After the paint is TOTALLY dry, take your sandpaper thingy and lightly sand the edges to create the distressed look. Do not be nervous about this…it’s so easy. Hold your sander so it just touches the edge and rub back and forth…stick with the edges only of every piece, go light at first till you see the wood peeking through. You can do as little or as much as your prefer. Start with a chair till you get the hang of it.

6. Optional But Highly Recommended Step: Because my DR is not a show room by any means, I wanted to take this extra stop to ensure a kid-proof table top. After I completed all the steps above I put a coat of polyurethane on the table top only. Make sure you get POLY urethane…that means it’s OIL based, just like your paint. You need just a pint size if you just do the top like I did. Make sure you use the tackcloth you bought and go over the surface very well so you don’t get tiny dust particles showing. I didn’t sand it…just wiped it clean with the tack cloth. You can use the same brush you used for the black paint, if you wash it out with mineral spirits. I was too lazy to do that…I just bought a second brush and threw them both out when I was finished. Polyurethane is a little tricky..it’s sort of sticky and thick to put on. Stir the can gently, use a good brush, and quickly put a nice smooth coat on, not missing any areas. Don’t overbrush.

PS. After 6 months, I have not had one scratch or chip! Still good as new.

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March 23, 2009 ยท 82 Comments

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Comments

  1. Anonymous says

    March 23, 2009 at 3:59 pm

    It looks beautiful!

    I am paranoid about blogging, too. I always wait until my husband comes home before I mention that he was gone! I’m glad I’m not the only one.

    Reply
  2. stephanie says

    March 23, 2009 at 4:02 pm

    oooh, so pretty.

    Reply
  3. Shannan Martin says

    March 23, 2009 at 4:03 pm

    I love it! Your wall color is right up my alley. And I’m getting ready to paint my old tv armoire black, so I must know…did you spray paint or brush paint? It really does look fantastic! Very Ethan Allen. ๐Ÿ™‚

    Reply
  4. Taylor says

    March 23, 2009 at 4:08 pm

    Sarah…it looks great!!
    You did a wonderful job

    Reply
  5. Kelli says

    March 23, 2009 at 4:10 pm

    I LOVE the chairs, that fabric is beautiful. Job well done and great use of time.

    Reply
  6. really.truly says

    March 23, 2009 at 4:13 pm

    Looks wonderful. I’m very impressed at how fast you did it all. I’m in the middle of some changes too. Seriously thinking of painting my set black….or white?? You’ve inspired me to get my butt moving.

    Did you use flat, satin, gloss??

    Reply
  7. really.truly says

    March 23, 2009 at 4:14 pm

    Sorry, another question…..did you prime first? Thanks!

    Reply
  8. Wendy says

    March 23, 2009 at 4:21 pm

    It looks great!!!!

    Reply
  9. christy says

    March 23, 2009 at 4:26 pm

    Love it! I have nearly the identical DR table, mine is also black, although I left the top stained wood.

    Reply
  10. MJ @ 517 Creations says

    March 23, 2009 at 4:27 pm

    Your dining room looks beautiful! Isn’t it amazing what a little (or a few gallons!) of paint can do??

    Do you mind sharing the brand/name of the black paint that you used? I have an armoire that is begging to be painted black.

    Thanks!

    Reply
  11. Anonymous says

    March 23, 2009 at 4:32 pm

    You did a fabulous job. I am thinking that black is the new rage. I hear of everyone painting things black. I am in the middle of a kitchen remodel and my cabinets are black/distressed. I love them.
    Sarah

    Reply
  12. Anonymous says

    March 23, 2009 at 4:41 pm

    Beautiful Sarah! I love the contrast of black. During our remodel we added it everywhere. We (ok, my husband – I don’t paint!) painted our railings ebony and the posts are white. It looks so much sharper than the previous oak with grime veneer.

    Reply
  13. Shelly says

    March 23, 2009 at 4:43 pm

    Simply gorgeous! I am lovin’ the new chair fabric. I don’t have blue anywhere in my house, but every time I see something pretty like that fabric, I start wondering where we could fit some blue in! Nice job!

    Reply
  14. rachel... says

    March 23, 2009 at 4:43 pm

    It looks great! I did my dining room table and chairs in black with the distressed edges a couple years ago, too. I think I might do my sideboard now, too. ๐Ÿ˜‰

    Reply
  15. The Harris Family says

    March 23, 2009 at 4:48 pm

    IT LOOKS GREAT!

    Reply
  16. Sarah says

    March 23, 2009 at 4:59 pm

    WOW! Love it, love it, love it!!! Thanks so much for sharing your redo with us girls. My dining room looks like your "before" picture. BUT, you might have just inspired me! ;>

    Reply
  17. Alicia {Murry Mayhem} says

    March 23, 2009 at 5:19 pm

    Love the black! It all looks so great!

    Reply
  18. Colleen says

    March 23, 2009 at 5:21 pm

    Looks awesome! I love Patrick’s chubby hand and arm in that last photo – too cute!

    Reply
  19. Andrea says

    March 23, 2009 at 5:39 pm

    I really like it but don’t care ofr the gold – are they gold – handles of the sideboard? I think you need to go with the color of your candlesticks for the handles. I am very very impressed.

    Reply
  20. duchess says

    March 23, 2009 at 5:53 pm

    It turned out great. Love the furniture black & the new fabric choice too. Good job!

    Reply
  21. kami @ nobiggie.net says

    March 23, 2009 at 6:07 pm

    It looks great~ Good Job!

    Reply
  22. Land family says

    March 23, 2009 at 6:12 pm

    It does look great! I love the look of black painted wood and wrought iron, but my husband thinks painting wood is evil. I have to really push him! Also the fabric is lovely. ๐Ÿ™‚

    Reply
  23. Holly says

    March 23, 2009 at 6:38 pm

    It looks fabulous! I am so impressed with how much you can get done during some naps. Got to talk to my baby about getting better with that!
    Fabulous!

    Reply
  24. Two Little Tots says

    March 23, 2009 at 6:48 pm

    WOW! I love it! It looks great and I am so impressed you got it done so fast with all of your kids at home.

    What kind of black paint did you use? Is there one you like to use on wood?

    Reply
  25. April says

    March 23, 2009 at 6:52 pm

    It looks so nice! Love it!

    Reply
  26. vera says

    March 23, 2009 at 7:46 pm

    Great job! I have a MAJOR room re-do in the works (in my head) and needed some inspiration to just do it.

    Reply
  27. Juli says

    March 23, 2009 at 8:11 pm

    That is absolutely gorgeous! You have me inspired now. I have been planning to paint my dining room table and chairs black but have been finding a hundred other projects to do instead. After seeing your pics, well I’m all in. The one that did it for me (and don’t laugh) was the 6th one. The one of the table leg. My table is oval but has the same legs and I have been thinking how great they would look black. Did you use a brush? What kind of clear coat? How did you do the table top? Oh so many questions. Thanks for the inspiration.
    Juli

    Reply
  28. Susan says

    March 23, 2009 at 8:18 pm

    Love it! You must be so excited to have done it so quickly. I keep hoping for one of those weekends but it hasn’t happened yet.
    Love the toile cushion covers!

    Reply
  29. Laurel @ Ducks in a Row says

    March 23, 2009 at 8:18 pm

    It looks amazing – I do most of my painting projects when my husband is gone and not breathing down my neck. Anyways – when can I come for dinner?

    Reply
  30. Jen @ tatertotsandjello.com says

    March 23, 2009 at 8:26 pm

    Oh Sarah!!! It looks awesome! Great job. I love the fabric you chose for your cushions too. Very pretty!

    XOXO
    Jen

    Reply
  31. Stephanie says

    March 24, 2009 at 12:37 am

    Oh how I wish I had seen this post BEFORE I painted our dining room table. It was such a hassle…..probably because I used cheap paint and it took like 6 coats plus one coat of poly PLUS one coat of wax. It turned out great but we were without a table FOREVER! Oh my….

    Reply
  32. Anonymous says

    March 24, 2009 at 12:22 pm

    Love it! You did an incredible job, and thanks for the pointers. I am ALWAYS looking for better ideas for painting furniture.

    Reply
  33. Sandy says

    March 24, 2009 at 1:42 pm

    I love it Sarah! You should start a home decorating company! You do really beautiful work!

    Reply
  34. Anonymous says

    March 24, 2009 at 4:03 pm

    What an amazing change! Do you mind me asking, how much do you think this project cost you? (Paint, fabric, rug, etc.)

    I have finally talked my husband into letting me paint our dining room furniture, although finding the opportunity to actually do it has been a challenge. I also have a little dresser that I’m going to paint black also to use as a small buffet. My biggest problem is that I RELALY want to paint the walls too but I paint them how I want to paint them, I need to redo my floors too…. sigh. Its always something, isn’t it?

    Again, it looks fab-u-lous!

    Reply
  35. Adrienne of Noon To Two and Handmade By Ade Etsy Shops says

    March 24, 2009 at 7:47 pm

    Awesome, awesome, awesome! I absolutely love it! Great job Sarah.

    Adrienne

    Reply
  36. Kate Riley says

    March 25, 2009 at 6:01 am

    GORGEOUS ! Absolutely beautiful. Way to go. Black is so chic.

    I love Abbey’s blog too. Can’t seem to click on the “comment” gadget. Just wanted to tell her to keep it up ! Good for her.

    Reply
  37. SoBella Creations says

    March 25, 2009 at 1:05 pm

    I love the new look! We need new dining chairs. So I have been thinking of painting my table black so I can have everything match.

    Reply
  38. Anonymous says

    March 25, 2009 at 7:51 pm

    I love what you did.
    You did a Maaahrvelousss job!

    Love your blog. ๐Ÿ™‚

    ~Rhonda from Minnesota

    Reply
  39. Anonymous says

    March 25, 2009 at 7:52 pm

    Looks GREAT!
    Did you sand the table and chairs first?

    Reply
  40. Sarah says

    March 25, 2009 at 8:03 pm

    I didn’t sand anything BUT the table top…only because it had a pretty glossy coat of polyurethane on it. And then I just did a light sanding. I didn’t use any primer anywhere. I also put a coat of poly on the table top when the black paint had dried.

    Reply
  41. Anonymous says

    March 26, 2009 at 2:23 pm

    I LOVE IT!!! I am so impressed that all of that happened during nap times!! I have been planning on painting the rest of our dining room furniture black–I did the table years ago. Thank you for all the details on how you did it because your way sounds way easier then my way!

    Reply
  42. Unknown says

    March 29, 2009 at 6:07 am

    I have to say that it went from so-so to SO TOTALLY CHIC!!! I love the black with distressed edges. Great job!!!! …all the way around, it looks straight out of a catalog!

    Reply
  43. Chris says

    March 30, 2009 at 1:59 pm

    Didn’t I comment on this? I thought I did. Well, if not…it’s GORGEOUS!!!! The paint on the walls, the coordinating fabric on the chairs, the TABLE! Beautiful!

    Reply
  44. Amanda says

    March 31, 2009 at 2:32 pm

    I love it! Who makes the paint shallow tide?

    Reply
  45. Sarah says

    March 31, 2009 at 2:43 pm

    That paint is from Lowes…I just bought their brand of paint, and picked the swatch from their collection.

    Reply
  46. Patrice says

    April 4, 2009 at 4:35 am

    Because of you I am going to paint my table and chairs black. My husband says he’s going to throw out the table if I paint it. Hee hee. Guess I’ll be getting a new BLACK table then to match the soon-to-be black chairs!

    Reply
  47. Jan says

    May 21, 2009 at 4:09 pm

    How did you do the distressing? I love the black but doesn’t the dust really show up quickly? I live in the country and dust is a constant battle. I have a friend who only has rustic pine tables, armoire, etc. because “it doesn’t show the dust” and with 8 children she doesn’t have the time…. Blessings!

    Reply
  48. Diane says

    June 3, 2009 at 4:16 pm

    Oh how beautiful!! You have inspired me to paint my dining room table the same color. Just a quick question….did you sand everything really good first? Thanks for the great idea and inspiration!!

    dididesgn@gmail.com

    Reply
  49. sara@augustfields says

    June 15, 2009 at 9:47 pm

    sarah, i found your blog thru Meg's "whatever" blog…and this post may have just put me over the edge in painting MY dining room set black!! i have five children too…your blog is great ๐Ÿ™‚ i'm a follower!

    Reply
  50. Chris Kauffman says

    July 2, 2009 at 11:36 pm

    Looks beautiful , I am a big supporter of fearless painting of furniture , well done.
    Someone passed me on to your blog , so glad I found it .
    Chris {Just Beachy}

    Reply
  51. Fawn says

    September 26, 2009 at 1:58 pm

    Love this table! You're instructions were exactly what I have been looking for. I'm afraid to paint my dining room table. Now maybe I'm not! I've never used oil paint or poly before, so your descriptions of how to use them were very helpful… thanks!!

    Reply
  52. Dawn-Hydrangea Home says

    September 26, 2009 at 2:10 pm

    Love the job you did on this set – it looks great!

    Reply
  53. Ren says

    September 26, 2009 at 3:39 pm

    Wow! I can't believe the difference a little paint made. Just gorgeous! I am new to your blog but I'm looking forward to reading more.

    Reply
  54. Susan says

    September 26, 2009 at 5:47 pm

    Lovely and thanks for the how to. I noticed that the poly comes in a spray paint can. Would you use that at all?

    Reply
  55. LeeAnn@Encouragement Is Contagious says

    September 26, 2009 at 6:55 pm

    Oh thank you so much for the lesson on how to paint my furniture black. I've been wanting to do this with my 2 dressers in the bedroom, but was too chicken to begin. You made the directions so easy to follow and your furniture looks beautiful.

    I found your site after visiting the Nesting Place. I have you now in my favorites and will following your blog.

    Thanks again,
    Lee Ann
    encouragement-is-contagious.blogspot.com

    Reply
  56. Darla says

    September 26, 2009 at 7:03 pm

    I am so glad I found this post through The Nester. This is exactly what I needed to see to give me the guts to paint my dining room furniture. I love your blog. Can't wait to come back and read more. Thanks!

    Reply
  57. Katie says

    September 26, 2009 at 9:21 pm

    Hi Sarah. I found you through The Nester. Reading through your blog was great! You sound unsure of yourself too- just like me. I LOVE what you did with everything!! Plus you have kids- admirable. I have a husband and FT job and I'm dragging my feet on my table too. What inspiration I found here!
    Thank you so much!!

    Reply
  58. Miss Mustard Seed says

    September 27, 2009 at 12:56 am

    It looks great and your friend was right to coax you to paint it black. It's gone from nice to gorgeous! Well done!

    Reply
  59. Lisa says

    September 27, 2009 at 1:14 am

    You did a beautiful job. I just painted my dining room furniture black also….so I can really relate.

    Reply
  60. Amanda says

    September 28, 2009 at 3:49 pm

    im drooling, drooling, drooling!!! girl that is amazing!!!

    Reply
  61. Su says

    September 30, 2009 at 3:51 pm

    just found you and you have so inspired me. . I am going out this weekend to SW. . i will be sure to send you a pic when I am done. .

    Reply
  62. Vone says

    October 6, 2009 at 5:39 pm

    I love it and have to show my husband. We have an old dinning set that needs some help. I think this would look great.

    Reply
  63. Anonymous says

    October 10, 2009 at 6:53 am

    I am sooo excited to find you blog and this dining room! I just bought a vintage dining set to paint and needed some inspiration! Thank you thank you thank you!

    Reply
  64. Playing Sublimely says

    October 15, 2009 at 8:43 pm

    You're fab, I'm sold :)!

    Reply
  65. Emily says

    February 17, 2010 at 12:06 am

    Thanks for the extra details about painting supplies–I'm so nervous about messing mine up! The extra info really helps. We have a blah, normal furniture superstore dining set and I think the black would be an awesome change…just have to get my nerve up for it!

    Reply
  66. Nicola says

    March 13, 2010 at 2:52 pm

    Thanks for the tips. You are inspiring me to makeover some of my stuff rather than buy new. I am really enjoying your blog and your takes on life.

    Reply
  67. Judy says

    September 22, 2010 at 1:06 am

    Hi.. I know you posted this eons ago, but I just googled "painting black furniture" and your blog post came up! fantastic! I was wondering if you don't do a primer on the furniture, do you find the paint sticks well enough?

    Reply
  68. Elisa says

    September 27, 2010 at 1:01 pm

    Thank you!! I have seen so many blogs w/ furniture how-to's, but none of them were detailed enough. I have a beautiful desk I love that I keep repainting the wrong way. First I painted it w/ those little cheap bottles of paint from the craft store. It looked cool. I was a teenager then. I didn't like it so much after I was married. Then I painted over it with some wall paint…now it's peeling. Oops. I did something wrong. I was going to put it out on the curb, but you've re-inspired me =) I'm going to give it another shot and fix it up for real, the right way.

    Reply
  69. Michelle says

    January 17, 2011 at 2:34 am

    I am getting ready to paint my dining room table black (against my husband's wishes!), and I was really scared to do it, but then I remembered this blog post. Thanks so much for posting the instructions and the pictures of all the products you used. Now I just have to stop being scared and do it already.

    Reply
  70. BeingBrook says

    February 8, 2011 at 3:18 am

    THANK YOU!! I totally used your advice and did this a few months ago to a Craigslist table and it worked great. It's held up to my four kids and I saved so much time not priming plus about $1000 that I would have spent on a brand new table. My post is here: http://www.beingbrook.com/2011/01/be-brave-paint-your-dining-room.html

    Reply
  71. Cristy Nave says

    April 4, 2011 at 5:05 am

    I thought you'd like to know that my husband and I just finished redoing our own dining room set after finding your post. This is the 1st project we have ever done like this and it turned out fantastic! I went from hating my D/R set to LOVING it! Thanks so much for posting how to do it!

    Reply
  72. Jennifer Ward says

    June 17, 2011 at 1:14 pm

    I know this is a bit of an older post, so I'm so glad to have stumbled across it before redecorating my own dining room! I also included this post in my weekly series Fab Finds Friday at http://babeecrafts.blogspot.com/2011/06/fabulous-finds-friday-home-decor-ideas.html

    Awesome tutorial!

    Reply
  73. Kerrie Callaham says

    July 17, 2011 at 5:23 pm

    I appreciate this sooooo much. I have an old Ethan Allen dr set and I have been contemplating painting it for YEARS. You have TOTALLY INSPIRED me. Thanks.

    Reply
  74. Chelsi says

    July 27, 2011 at 8:10 am

    I have been gawking at this post for the better part of six months… finally, I have found a decent set on CraigsList for our kitchen nook. Complete with a bakers rack! Bonus! ๐Ÿ˜‰ I will keep scouring CL for a set more like yours (love it!) for our DR. This one is currently shabby chic white & maple. Hubs is on board and I'm glad b/c I'm having him sand all of the white parts quite a bit. I was afraid the paint wouldn't stick to the white? Anyway, I'm glad he has an electric sander! Currently the legs are drying and the top is waiting to be painted tomorrow night! So excited for our first DIY! Thank you SO much for this post!

    PS I even brought the post up on my phone inside of Sherwin Williams tonight to show the guy what I needed! Ha!

    Reply
  75. Suzydo says

    April 22, 2012 at 1:15 am

    Ok, we're taking the money savvy class by Dave Ramsey and so I've been trying to find a way to learn to love my [long-ago-paid-for] 70's dining room furniture that I currently HATE, and not plunk down a large sum of money on a new set. SOO, after seeing your post I am soooo stoked and ready to paint our table and hutch black! (I am the visual learner…) You've inspired me AND my husband!! We can't wait to get started on it! And, SW paint is all we use; my dad's a painter and I've been taught to buy the "good stuff"! Brushes too….. Thanks again!!!!

    Reply
  76. Betsy Sherry says

    May 8, 2012 at 5:45 pm

    Sarah,
    Thank you so much for your directions and inspiration. I have been wanting to repaint my lower kitchen cabinets black. Right now they are white. I know they have an oil base paint on them now and wasn't sure how to paint over them. Thank you for letting me know about Sherwin Williams All Surface Enamel. I will most defiantly go there to get my paint! Thanks again for your inspiration!
    Blessings,
    Betsy

    Reply
  77. stephie says

    June 11, 2012 at 9:17 pm

    Thanks Sarah! I decided that I wanted to do this in January, so I googled "painting your dining room furniture black" and your site popped up. Best instructions EVER! I am finishing up now…yeah, I know I said January but it took me until June to get around to it ๐Ÿ™‚ My furniture looks great and I absolutely LOVE it!!! Thanks again!!!

    Reply
  78. Unknown says

    September 26, 2012 at 9:01 pm

    Wow! You have really inspired to start painting and doing up some furniture again (which I haven't done for ages (I blame extremely bad morning sickness…pregnant with my third son!)
    Now I just need to find some furniture to paint:)
    Thanks for a fantastic blog!

    Reply
  79. Old Village Paint says

    October 7, 2012 at 12:04 pm

    Sarah, I am a small family owned American made paint maker and I would like to send you some paint for you to try. If you're interested could you email me? Or call my toll free number 800-498-7687. Whichever is easier. Thank you for your time,
    Laney Landis
    Old Village Paint
    Ps: we will be 200 years old in 2016.

    Reply
  80. Unknown says

    January 16, 2013 at 5:45 am

    Looks awesome! I am sooo excited to find you blog and this dining room!Hotel furniture

    Reply
  81. Heather @ Girl Gone Mom says

    November 19, 2013 at 11:30 pm

    Just wondering if you sanded the furniture before painting?

    Reply
  82. Sarah says

    November 20, 2013 at 5:39 pm

    I sanded the table top lightly.

    Reply

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The snow was so gorgeous I couldn't be mad-it help The snow was so gorgeous I couldn't be mad-it helped to know it would melt quickly. 
๐Ÿƒ
I've been reading more and trying to stay in a strong intentional living - slow paced, thoughtful, healing, small accomplishments, and enjoying a daily routine. ๐ŸŒฑ
Wake up early, make beds, get the kids to school, laundry, dinner prep, cleaning, appts, errands, hopefully soon blogging, painting, writing, (now that I can use my wrist without pain) and then the day is almost over, and homework, sports, dinner, bedtime. The days fly by even with the intention of a slow pace.
Nothing pretty, flashy, or spectacular. Just an o Nothing pretty, flashy, or spectacular.  Just an ordinary Monday morning breakfast counter after the kids leave for school.  Because ordinary gets the short hand in our culture but really it's extra special. 
It's a symbol of unselfishness, contentment, prudence and gratitude.  There is a certain peace about the ordinary.  It's the opposite of temporary-it holds the joy of contentment and gratitude and prudence all in one hand.  It's lends itself toward peace, and a settling in, not a constant search for more or less or anything.  Ordinary is authentic and good enough- in short it's a gem in disguise. ๐Ÿƒ
I love my home and I hope you do also. With all t I love my home and I hope you do also.  With all the imperfections and maintenance it requires, when I pull up and walk in I want to stay, to relax, to feel safe, for daily life to be easy, and to care for "home". I want simplicity, ease, convenience.  To me when my home is simple, without being filled to the brim of things that just take up space I love it best.  I hope if you've participated fully or even partially as time allowed in 40 Bags in 40 Days you've found that joy and pride in your home.  I plan to share more little challenges and tips as the year proceeds to trouble shoot areas and keep maintenance effortless and the house love flowing.  Daily life in our homes should bring us joy and ease while we care for our families, we should be thoughtful stewards of our money and of our time and simple living is the answer to that. 
Thank you for participating! ๐Ÿก
I think this is one of the best things about the 4 I think this is one of the best things about the 40 Bag decluttering process.  When I know what I have and have removed all that I don't, it cultivates more discretion and caution about what I bring back in.  I think there is also some realization of how much money is wasted on fads, or thoughtless purchases.  It's quite eye-opening.  I've become so much more careful, and find we all take better care of things, as do my children.
The final week of 40 Bags in 40 Days! I've tackle The final week of 40 Bags in 40 Days!  I've tackled all the areas of my home with exception of my oldest daughter's room (not the photo)- which she is excited to work on this week.
The simpler the room, the easier it is to clean an The simpler the room, the easier it is to clean and straighten up.  And then the more enjoyable it is to actually sit in that room.  It's not a hard equation, all it takes is ruthless purging-and not just little things but larger items also.  Functional furniture is the key and very few decorative pieces especially when children are in the home, makes life so much easier. 
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As we head into the last week of the 40 Bags in 40 As we head into the last week of the 40 Bags in 40 Days Challenge I'm hearing from so many of you what a difference it has made in your appreciation of your homes, a certain contentment, and at the same time a thrill of looking in on the organized kitchen, closet and living space.  I agree!  I love purging, cleaning and organizing a space and then going back later that day just to get that wonderful sense of accomplishment.  It makes such a difference! 
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A lighter, fresher, calmer home is the result of de-cluttering.  I even had a participant who had been planning on listing her home, start 40 Days just to get her house ready to sell, and then was so ruthless in the process and also thrilled by the results that they decided to stay put in what seemed like a new home to them.  What a savings of time, money and energy. 
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Next week I will be talking maintenance and answer all questions! โ˜€๏ธ
Tips For Shared Kids Rooms- This bedroom has seen Tips For Shared Kids Rooms-
This bedroom has seen every configuration possible.  With kids spread out 18 years apart, I've had to be creative over the years-which I think is the key to sharing rooms.  It is all possible-I consider it a rare luxury and privilege to not have to share a room although I know that is not the norm today. 
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I like to create a simple look with white furniture (this ends up making room transitions easier also when moving someone out and someone else in.) I also like to match bedspreads for a cohesive look. 
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Clip on bed lights save space. 
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A simple shared book shelf can hold a child's special books and knick knacks and if necessary can be assigned per shelf.
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When my kids were younger I had my dad build me a large wooden roll out box for under each bed.  This held each child's toys. 
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All clothes are kept in a closet instead of dressers to save space.
I feel like I bailed on everyone following 40 Bags I feel like I bailed on everyone following 40 Bags progress and tips.  My excuse is the stomach flu ravaging us all here in the last week with me being the last to fall and the slowest to recover.  On top of that the weekend before I tried to roller blade (don't even ask how many steps I made it) and majorly bit it.  Thankfully I think I just sprained my arm. So I've been using one arm for nursing sick children back to health, and doing whatever cleaning and cooking and straightening I can do.  Alas, last week was a wash.  We have two weeks to go.  I'd like to continue and end on a high note.  How about you?  Even a little de-cluttering counts! Spring is in the air and I can't wait to throw open my windows and let fresh clean air circulate through my fresh clean orderly home. โ˜€๏ธ๐ŸŒท๐ŸŒฑ
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