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54 DIY Projects You Can Do With a Can of Paint

Updated on June 23, 2026
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A little paint goes a long way. See how just one can (or less!) can totally transform walls and furniture to upcycled accessories and more.

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Photo: Reema Desai Boldes. From: Kerra Michele Huerta
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DIY Projects You Can Do With One Can of Paint

Whether you're looking for a high-impact, low-budget home project or you have an extra can of paint taking up space on your shelves, consider one of these creative and colorful ideas to refresh your space. From upcycled furniture to abstract art and accents walls (like the highlighter yellow one seen here) there are endless easy ways to use a can of paint to add a pop of color to your home — and most of them can be done in one weekend! Read on to get inspired.

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From: Tara Benet
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Make DIY Contemporary Art

Brilliant strokes of pink in this painting create high-contrast drama against pure white walls and credenza in this space designed by Tara Benet. Grab a canvas and some brightly-hued leftover paint and create this look at home.

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Create a Neon Animal Garland

Combine two hot trends with an easy-to-create animal garland. Erin Loechner of Design for Mankind purchased toy dinosaurs at a discount store, painted them in various neon colors, then attached twine and hangers for a cute kids' room accent.

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Photo: Timberly Jones
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Turn a Mirror Into Art

Mirror, mirror on the wall, what's the coolest art piece of them all? Color-blocked paint turns this vintage looking glass into eye-catching, contemporary artwork.

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Add Stripes to a Staircase

Take a cue from designers Cortney and Robert Novogratz: They painted candy-hued stripes on a plain white staircase to add a hint of whimsy and fun.

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Photo: David Tsay. From: HGTV Magazine
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Paint the China Cabinet Shelves

Turn a basic glass-front cabinet into a colorful accent by painting the inside back and shelves. Here, white dishes pop agaist the new soft pink hue. For a similar look, try Cool Melon by Behr.

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Photo: Photography by Philip Friedman/Studio D. From: HGTV Magazine
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Paint Thrift Store Candlesticks

Bring dated or tarnished gold candlesticks up-to-date, easily, by adding a coat of paint. For a thoroughly modern look, add candles in same hue as your paint like the editors of HGTV Magazine did here.

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Photo: Adam Albright. From: HGTV Magazine
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Accentuate Window Trim

Infuse a space with excitement by painting white trim a fun new shade. Ballet pink trim (Calamine by Farrow & Ball) adds even more visual interest to the paneled walls in this laidback kid’s room. Hanging Roman shades, instead of traditional curtain panels, let's the painted trim shine.

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Modernize a Traditional Brass Chandelier

All it takes to transform an old brass chandelier from fussy and formal to functional, fun and fresh? You guessed it: A coat of white paint.

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Photo: Lara Robby/Studio D. From: HGTV Magazine
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Revamp a Yard Sale Dresser

Give a yard sale dresser a brand new look (and cover up imperfections) with just a little bit of paint. Clean up the drawers, then set them aside and paint the hardware, top and sides with one hue. Get the full how-to from HGTV Magazine.

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Photo: Adam Albright. From: HGTV Magazine
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Customize a Dining Table

The painted pink stripe (Coral Reef by Sherwin-Williams) running along this handcrafted dining table makes it even more unique.

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Photo: Amy Bartlam. From: Jenn Feldman Designs
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Customize Basic Bookshelves

A plain white bookcase comes to life with a pretty peacock hue peeking out from behind books the and decor. The plush pink chair cozies up next to it, creating a colorful reading corner.

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Add Detail to a Basic Door

Contractor-grade doors don't have to be boring. Use an accent color to paint the insets for a modern, graphic detail. Design by Kristin Fountain Davis

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Photo: Marcus Meisler. From: HGTV Handmade
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Give Closet Doors a Colorful Upgrade

This color- and pattern-packed bedroom is full of fun design ideas, but the closet doors just might steal the show. Use one color or a few leftover samples to turn a set of boring bifold doors into an unexpected bedroom focal point.

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Photo: Tomas Espinoza. From: Brian Patrick Flynn
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Or, Add a Surprise Inside

White paneled double doors open to reveal a dynamic blue hue inside this preppy bedroom closet. A fresh coat of paint will make even the most cluttered space look a little neater.

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Photo: Joe Bernado. From: Susan Jamieson
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Paint a Coffee Table

In this light-filled living room ombre curtains and throw pillows coordinate with the glossy, painted coffee table (Petula by Bridget Beari Colors).

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Upgrade Bamboo Furniture

Painted bamboo furniture pieces are experiencing a resurgence. Transform a cheap secondhand dining set into a high-end designer piece with just a coat of high-gloss paint and new fabric on the seats.

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Photo: Photography by Philip Friedman/Studio D. From: HGTV Magazine
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Add Color to a Tired Coat Rack

Perk up the entryway with a bright shot of color. You'll love hanging your hat on a rack revamped with a coat of fresh paint, as seen in HGTV Magazine.

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Photo: David Tsay. From: HGTV Magazine
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Paint the Front Door

It takes less paint than you think to add a new hue to your home's front door. As seen in HGTV Magazine, this classic home's entry is electrified with a high-voltage green (Feel the Energy by Benjamin Moore).

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Photo: Emily Hart Photography. From: Abbe Fenimore
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Give a Vanity a Modern Update

Give your existing bathroom vanity a bold new look with fresh paint and updated hardware. You won't believe it's the same piece!

How to Paint a Vanity

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Make Quick Painted Animal Bookends

A brick and a pair of toy animals look impossibly high-end when glued together and painted in one bright hue. Genius!

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Give Basic Pots a Modern Touch

Turn plain terra-cotta pots into a unique home for houseplants with just a little paint. Use plain white as the base, then fit the pot with a rubber band to easily tape off the asymetrical section. Then, add a bright, fun hue.

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Photo: Jennifer M. Ramos. From: HGTV Handmade
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Paint Picture Frames

Empty picture frames gathered at flea markets or craft stores can become an impactful gallery wall when painted and grouped together on a large wall. Paint them the same color as the wall, like this immersive guest room drenched in Matcha Latte by Clare, or opt for a contrasting color that pops.

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Photo: Alison Gootee. From: HGTV Magazine
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DIY a Colorful Headboard

Add style, color and texture to your bedroom with this an upcycled headboard that looks anything but DIY. High-gloss paint in a bold teal hue (H03330 by Fine Paints of Europe) accentuates the curved lines and decorative details on this vintage wooden piece.

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Photo: Tomas Espinoza. From: HGTV Handmade
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Or, Paint an Arch Instead

Creative homeowner Michelle Norris painted a half-circle in her bedroom to create the look of an oversized headboard. “It’s one of my favorite painting details in the house,” Michelle says. “It’s a really fun structural trick that I feel like I’ve seen more and more online."

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Turn Hula Hoops Into A Chandelier

Oh, the miracle of paint. A coat of a metallic hue can turn basic dollar-store hula hoops into a stylish chandelier.

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Photo: Thomas Liggett. From: HGTV Magazine
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Made-Over Modern Desk

Play up a vintage desk's midcentury modern style by painting drawer fronts lemon and lime, like the editors of HGTV Magazine did here.

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Create a Faux Stair Runner

Give a plain white staircase a whole new personality by creating a faux runner. Paint the outer edges, add stripes and stamp Xs and Os on the risers for a new, whimsical look.

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Photo: Kayla Kitts. From: Kayla Kitts
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Make a Painted Market Basket

Customize a natural seagrass basket by adding bold designs in a vibrant summer color.

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Paint a Pattern

Freehand a simple design, like this Moroccan-inspired pattern DIY blogger Kristin Fountain Davis created using just a little bit of contrasting paint. Don't worry about imperfections: Slight variations mimic the look of (pricey!) hand-painted wallpapers.

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Photo: Marko Metzinger. From: HGTV Magazine
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Paint Vintage Luggage

Beat-up old suitcases take on new life when painted with a bright new hue. Stack a set as a bedside stand, or use just one to neatly store photos or paperwork under a console table.

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Make Modern, Geometric Wall Art

It's amazing what painter's tape, some patience and pretty paint colors can achieve. The finished artwork will look like a modern canvas straight out of a museum.

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Photo: Alison Gootee. From: HGTV Magazine
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Milk Bottle Makeover

Cover clean bottles with a spray primer that works on glass; let dry. Then spray-paint the bottles and just inside the tops with vibrantly-colored paint.

More DIYs From HGTV Magazine

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Make Custom Desk Organizers

Unify containers like Mason jars, vases and tin cans to create a matching desk accessory set. All it takes is a coat of bright white paint and a few embellishments.

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Photo: Alison Gootee. From: HGTV Magazine
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Nesting Tables

This set of nesting tables turns playful when you spruce it up with eye-catching paint colors. If your tables have lots of nicks or aren't in great condition, sand them first.

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Photo: Jean Allsopp. From: HGTV Magazine
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Paint Inside Your Drawers

Add an unexpected splash of color to the inside of your kitchen cabinets, dresser or nightstand drawers by painting them a bold hue, like this shade of eye-catching shade of sky blue.

Tour This House

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Photo: Thomas Liggett. From: HGTV Magazine
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Stencil Floral Plates

Give mismatched china new life by painting on a fun stencil and hanging pieces in on a big, empty wall.

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Photo: Thomas Liggett. From: HGTV Magazine
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Stencil a Basic Table

With a little paint and a lot of time, you can create a stenciled coffee table inspired by intricate Moroccan tile work.

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Photo: Melissa Edgemont. From: Michelle Edgemont
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Make Hanging Ombre Vases

This project is a fun and colorful way to recycle baby food jars. After they are wired together, the jars can be used to add a splash of color to a plain window. http://www.hgtv.com/accessories/upcycle-baby-food-jars-into-hanging-ombre-vases/index.html

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Photo: Alison Gootee. From: HGTV Magazine
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Add Splash to a Set of Frames

Add pops of color to plain white frames by painting photo corners or highlighting edges with stripes.

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Bold Bathroom Door Trim

Update a drab bathroom door with some trim and a little contrasting paint.

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Paint the Mailbox Flag

Add instant curb appeal with a quick and easy mailbox update for less than $20. Design blogger Erin Loechner painted the traditional red flag a vibrant yellow. Modern letter decals and a simple metal post complete the look.

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Dip-Dyed Stool

Dip your toe into the the dip-dying trend with this simple, budget-friendly accent. Design blogger Erin Loechner faked the color-blocked look by taping off the same amount of each leg and painting it bright white.

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Chevron-Patterned Dresser

Give a basic chest of drawers designer flair with a painted chevron pattern in three, five or seven of your favorite paint colors.

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Painted Bottles

These vintage gold bottles probably have a rich history, but you can easily mimic the look by painting extra Mason jars and liquor bottles. Add shine to a bedside table with a group of three tiered pieces. (Design by Erinn Valencich)

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Photo: Kayla Kitts. From: Kayla Kitts
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Make Painted Utensils

Add a personal touch to basic bamboo utensils by dipping them in your favorite hue. To make them gift-worthy, gradually add white paint to the base hue as you dip for an ombre effect.

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Photo: Alison Gootee. From: HGTV Magazine
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Paint a Chair's Spindles

With just a little bit of leftover paint adorn a dining chair's spindles with a rainbow of bright colors.

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Ginger Jar Lamp Makeover

Never let the color of a lamp deter you from taking it home. Ginger jar lamps are readily available at thrift stores (this one was just $6), and can be easily updated with a few coats of paint.

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Turn Foliage Into Artwork

A few clippings of foliage and some spray paint transform a blank canvas into bright, modern wall art.

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Modernize Drapery Rods

You don't have to break your budget to create a whole new window treament look. Paint basic metal drapery rods and rings bright white, then thread on inexpensive, patterned sheers.

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Photo: Thomas Liggett. From: HGTV Magazine
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Just a Little Paint? Mix and Match

Using sample jars of paint — just $5 each — the editors at HGTV Magazine gave this bookcase a bright, color-blocked makeover. This project is also ideal for those last few inches of a quart of paint.

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Make a Dropcloth Tablecloth

Make a chic and affordable tablecloth with a basic dropcloth. Use painter's tape and white paint to create stripes, triangles or your own custom design.

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Make Your Own Abstract Art

Create an abstract diptych on canvas by brushing on circles in various sizes atop a contrasting background. Here, black and white add graphic punch to this otherwise-neutral bedroom. Design by Kristin Fountain Davis

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Stenciled Baskets

Inexpensive baskets are plentiful at yard sales and thrift stores. Transform them using a stencil and just a tiny bit of paint.

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