The buffet is a great place to start any dining room makeover. Whether you're planning to give an existing piece a refresh, or you're on the hunt for something to transform on a budget, painting your dining room buffet or sideboard is an easy way to update your space.
The buffet is a versatile, sturdy piece of furniture typically used for storage of dinnerware, table linens and other items. It also serves as a great place to display your favorite home decor or lay out serving dishes during meal-time. Because buffets often act as an anchor piece in a space, they present a great opportunity to make a statement and set the tone for the rest of the room.
If you're anything like us, before beginning a home project you turn to the internet for for inspiration, so we thought it might be helpful to round up some of our favorite buffet makeovers to get your creative wheels turning. The projects below have been graciously shared with us over the last couple of years by the Jolie Community and all have been completed using Jolie products. Keep scrolling for 20 different buffet makeovers in a range of different colors, finishes and styles to inspire your next project.
Photo via Second Chances by Misty
1. This piece was updated by furniture artist Second Chances by Misty using Jolie Paint in Sage. The buffet was lightly distressed before sealing with Clear Finishing Wax and White Wax. Using colored finishing waxes to highlight carved details or recessed areas can add depth and interest to your piece.
Photo via Backstory Home
2. Backstory Home gave this vintage Hepplewhite buffet a fresh new look using Jolie Paint in Misty Cove. Applying a light, neutral color to is a great way to brighten up dark wood pieces while maintaining a classic look. Check out our Traditional Style Guide for more classic color ideas.
Photo via Lemondrops Reclaimed
3. "I’ve been dying to try Classic Navy by Jolie Paints for some time now, and let me tell you, it did NOT disappoint," Lemondrops Reclaimed said of their color choice, "True to it’s name, it’s classic, timeless and will definitely be one of my go-to blues." We love the way the natural wood legs provide the perfect amount of casual to this classic look.
Photo via Vintage Furniture Reclaimed
4. Vintage Furniture Reclaimed updated this antique J.K. Rishel sideboard using a custom mix of Jolie Paint in Swedish Grey and Verdigris. Mixing a custom color is a great option when you need to match other elements in the room, such as fabric or accessories. In this case, the blue ceramics, painted oars and scenic paintings combine for a perfectly coastal look.
Photo via The Painted Epicurean
5. Switching out the hardware on vintage items is an easy way to to take your makeover to the next level. The Painted Epicurean added ceramic knobs to this vintage piece after painting with Jolie Paint in Swedish Grey, which really brightens up the whole piece.
Photo via Shannon Lynn Studio
6. Jolie Retailer Shannon Lynn Studio used a custom mix of Jolie Paint in Santorini and Noir to give this petite sideboard new life. Instead of painting the top, a walnut stain was applied before sealing with Jolie Varnish in Low-Luster for added protection - the wood contrasts beautifully with the navy finish!
Photo via Vintage Apple Designs
7. Vintage Apple Designs used Jolie Paint in Legacy to transform this clean-lined buffet. The smooth finish makes the piece feel fresh and modern. Check out our Tips for Applying a Smooth Finish for details on how to recreate this look. Jolie Paint and Varnish can also be applied using a paint sprayer for an ultra smooth finish.
Photo via The Cottage Studio Chick
8. This piece by The Cottage Studio Chick is another great example of how to mix wood tones with painted finishes. Most of this mid-century style piece was painted with Jolie Paint in Gentlemen's Blue while the top and some of the front panels were left unpainted.
Photo via Simply Ciani
9. Simply Ciani updated this traditional sideboard using Jolie Paint in French Grey. The decision to paint the hardware makes the piece feel more modern and helps it to work seamlessly with the light, neutral color palette.
Photo via Hens Teeth Trading
10. Jolie Retailer Hens Teeth Trading gave this French-inspired buffet a rustic makeover using Jolie Paint in French Blue before distressing and using colored finishing waxes to give the piece a bit more depth and character. Check out our Tips for Creating a Distressed Finish for more information on how to create a similar look.
Photo via Havenwood Farm Co
11. This farmhouse-style piece was updated by Jolie Retailer Havenwood Farm Co. using Jolie Paint in Uptown Ecru. Brown and Black Finishing Wax brings out the beautiful carved details, while a French inspired stencil completes the look. Stencils and image transfers are a great option for pieces that need a little something extra.
Photo via Vintage Furniture Reclaimed
12. The dining room is a great place to make a statement, and nothing makes a statement quite like one our favorite dining room paint colors: Deep Lagoon. Vintage Furniture Reclaimed used the bold hue to make this antique mahogany sideboard the star of the room.
Photo via DASH Lifestyles
13. One of the greatest things about painting furniture is you can always repaint. "This sideboard has had a couple makeovers and has evolved with my ever changing styles," says Ashley DASH Lifestyles. Prior to updating the piece with Jolie Paint in Graphite, it was painted Palace White, giving it a more coastal look. Ashley chose to go dark in order to create some contrast in her dining space. "I absolutely love how it turned out and making it dark has added the perfect pop to our light and bright open concept layout."
Photo via Lisa Wilkins Interiors
14. Jolie Retailer Lisa Wilkin Interiors used a custom mix of one part Bliss to one part Sage to create the perfect soft, blue-green before sealing with Jolie Varnish in Low Luster.
Photo via Furniture Art Studio
15. Furniture Art Studio brightened up this solid oak piece from the early 1900s with Jolie Paint in Swedish Grey. Not only is updating vintage and antique pieces good for the environment, they're often also much higher quality than items from today's big box stores. Check out local estate sales and vintage shops to score great deals on quality pieces like this.
Photo via Paint Me White
16. Jolie Retailer Paint Me White used Jolie Paint in Eucalyptus to transform this versatile piece. The soft, earthy green pairs perfectly with the brass hardware and wood details.
Photo via Midwest Retro
17. Another great statement color! Jolie Retailer Midwest Retro used a custom mix of Slate and Classic Navy to update this classic piece for a client. Use the Jolie Color Mixing Guide to browse more than 300 color mixing recipes and find the perfect shade for your project.
Photo via Diamonds & Toads
18. Another great example of a partially painted mid-century modern piece. Jolie Retailer Diamonds & Toads applied Jolie Pain in Palace White on the drawers and side panels only, allowing the beautiful wood doors to really shine.
Photo via The Country Duck
19. Jolie Retailer The Country Duck used Jolie Paint in Classic Navy to transform this beautiful Drexel buffet. This dark navy blue with grey undertones is perfect for creating a little bit of drama.
Photo via Rosewood Custom Design
20. Last but definitely not least, this show-stopper was painted by Ally of Rosewood Custom Design using a custom mix of Slate and Santorini. The statement color was chosen to match the rug and artwork in a nearby space.
Are you working on a dining room update of your own? Share photos of your progress with us by tagging #JolieByMe on Instagram or Facebook for a chance to be featured on our site and social channels.