2026's Big Furniture Finish Trend Is Way Too Easy To DIY

Are you bored of your space? Well, updating your home doesn't have to be a complicated ordeal. Sometimes it's as easy as tweaking your design ever so slightly. You have a variety of easy options to explore. Reach for unique decor, swap out your area rug, or update a piece of heirloom furniture with a playful DIY. Folk art painted furniture is set to be a sought-after decor trend this year, and you can easily craft it yourself.

"I think painted furniture will start to make a big comeback," designer Erick Espinoza shared with Country Living. "It's so comforting to have a painted piece of furniture with a patina to it. You know it's been well-loved, and it's not so precious, which means you can use it daily!"

Folk art paint has Scandinavian roots dating all the way back to the 17th-century Nordic region. Characterized by geometric or nature-inspired designs in a bold color scheme, these charming pieces are typically hand-painted. Whether you're looking to spruce up your wood cabinets and furniture or you're upcycling a thrift find, folk art paint offers a unique, playful avenue to customize your home. While you can buy secondhand folk art painted furniture, this look is completely possible to DIY.

Even if you don't consider yourself a skilled artist, achieving a folk art painted look is accessible if you're willing to put in the time to carefully plan and execute this DIY. First, decide what you want to paint. You can embellish a set of chairs, the area above your door, a dresser — really anything you're willing to paint. Your next order of business is selecting a color scheme. You can stick with the typical primary color palette, or you can experiment with pastels or perhaps moodier hues.

To achieve this beautiful furniture finish, start by mocking up a design using free resources, such as Photopea or Canva. You can draw inspiration from reference images on Instagram, Pinterest, or even Scandinavian folk art virtual galleries. Once you have a design you like, paint the base color of the surface. Now it's time to transfer your design over. Use a pencil to lightly sketch out your design. If you're nervous about hand-drawing your design, consider using a stencil. Carefully paint the design. Don't be afraid to take your time with this last step.

Hand-painted folk art furniture and detailing can infuse a space with fairytale whimsy, adding a touch of individuality and authenticity to your home design. This style is more versatile than you may assume, lending itself well to less vibrant color palettes too. You can also leave natural wood exposed for a more subtle effect while still capturing the magic of this storied furniture style. Whatever color palette or aesthetic you lean toward, you can embrace folk art paint.