Roadside Armoire Makeover
Discover how to turn a free roadside armoire into a chic masterpiece with this easy DIY furniture makeover. Using Maison Blanche Franciscan Gray paint, this project requires no sanding—just a quick wipe-down and a fresh coat of paint for a stunning transformation. Perfect for beginners and seasoned DIYers alike, this armoire makeover adds style and function to any space, complete with chalkboard-painted door interiors for seasonal flair. Ready to revamp your furniture? Follow this step-by-step guide to create your own gorgeous furniture flip!
Why This Armoire Makeover Works
This roadside armoire was a free find from a neighbor’s garage sale, originally priced at $25 but scored for free the next day. Despite its rough condition and heavy pine build, a simple paint job gave it new life. Here’s why this DIY furniture makeover is a game-changer:
- No Prep Needed: Maison Blanche paint eliminates the need for sanding, making this a beginner-friendly project.
- Versatile Style: The light-to-medium Franciscan Gray paint adds a modern, neutral touch that fits any decor.
- Functional Upgrade: Chalkboard paint on the door interiors adds a fun, customizable element for notes or seasonal decor.
- Budget-Friendly: Transform a free or low-cost piece into a high-end look without breaking the bank.
Materials Needed for Your Armoire Makeover
- Maison Blanche Franciscan Gray paint
- Chalkboard paint (for door interiors)
- Paintbrush or roller
- Wet paper towel (for cleaning)
- Wax (for sealing)
- Optional: Sandpaper (for a distressed, shabby-chic look)
For this project I picked out Franciscan Gray. It’s a gorgeous light-to-medium gray. This paint is awesome because it takes no prep work. I didn’t sand… I just gave it a good wipe down with a wet paper towel.
Step-by-Step Armoire Makeover Guide
- Clean the Surface: Wipe down the armoire with a wet paper towel to remove dust and dirt. No sanding required!
- Apply Franciscan Gray Paint: Use a brush or roller to apply Maison Blanche Franciscan Gray paint. For a rustic look, try dry brushing in some areas to let the wood peek through.
- Paint Door Interiors: Apply chalkboard paint to the inside of the doors for a fun touch.
- Seal with Wax: Finish with a layer of wax to protect the paint and add a smooth, polished look.
- Optional Distressing: Lightly sand edges for a shabby-chic vibe if desired.
Before and After: The Transformation
And of course you want to see the before…
and one more look at the after…
I’m not familiar with the wax you’re talking about. Can I get more details. Please?
Hi Susan!
This company doesn’t seem to be selling their products anymore, but here’s a link for Amazon with various companies wax finishes. https://amzn.to/46T1OE6
I have this exact armoire and am tired of the look of it. I am so doing this, but in more of a antique white. Thanks so much for your info :o)
Wow what a gorgeous makeover!! I love the color you painted it! It’s sooo beautiful!
I have this VERY pine armoire! I bought it in Nashville in 1999! I just recently painted mine white as well! I also went over it with sandpaper to make it look a bit more shabby chic and worn! I paid almost $1,000.00 for mine! YIU GOT YOUR SELF A BARGAIN!!! and it is HEAVY AS LED! We bought it to house our big box tv before the flat ones came out! It serves NO purpose now! However, I can’t bring myself to get rid of it! Yours looks great! 🙂
Stunning! You scored and I love how you revamped the piece!
Can’t believe neighbor did not want
Nor u didn’t want to do 25.
This is still my FAVORITE piece
Of furniture, paid 1,000 in Atlanta
1997. I don’t think I’m capable of
Painting. Is Annie Sloan a one step
Paint, I need advice on simple
Hi Paulette, Yes Annie Sloan is typical a great, easy one-step paint. There are some surfaces it doesn’t work as well on, so check the label. Happy Painting!
This is absolutely beautiful! It looks nothing like the original, which is something I would walk right by. This is a stunner 🙂
Just fond your Blog and fell in LOVE;)
Love what you did with the armoire!
Looks so pretty!
Thank you for sharing.
Lydia
That looks wonderful. I love free furniture and that is an amazing transformation. I found you through Courtney at French Country Cottage. Following now.
I adore this armoire! 🙂 I have a question about the paint – in the picture it looks more white than the color chip sample appears to be. Does it dry lighter or is it just kind of an photo illusion? I love the color but I think I would want it be be more Antique white than gray for my decor. I am just trying to figure out which color to get. I have an armoire I am thinking about doing this to…
Hi Eileen~ It’s definitely on the lighter gray side. My beadboard behind is white and it’s not popping against it. It’s a beautiful shade but if you’re wanting something more in the medium gray you’d probably want to pick a different one.
The armoire is just gorgeous! I’ll have to give that paint a try 🙂
XO
Kristin
Thanks Kristin ~ I loved it!
What a great find and what a little paint can do. I love painted furniture and have several projects in the works. Nice job.
NICE!!
Great job and what a bargain…. Look s great. Blessings!
Thanks Patty!
Hi Maryann ! I love such transformations !! I always believe alittle change of color can give such a boost to any furniture ! lOVE what you did with the armoire.
Naush
Thanks Naush!
What a beautiful piece! Love how it turned out including the chalkboard paint inside the doors.
I grinned when I saw the before pic…love what was used to tie the door shut!
I know, right! The hinges needed a little help. 🙂
How did you finish the hardware ? did you remove the hardware?
It’s the same, original hardware. I just painted around it.
I bet your neighbors would like to have it back now! lol Looks great!
What a great transformation ! Love the chalkboard inside the doors !
Thanks Priscilla ~ I do too.. I think it will be so fun for each season!
love this! looks amazing and refreshed!
Thanks Cassie!
That is amazing! It looks incredible and it sounds so easy.
Super easy Kristen ~ love paint and pieces that don’t take a lot of hassle.
WOW! That looks fantastic. You did a great job. Are you still friends with your neighbors? I bet they wish they had kept it after they saw how good you made it look.
Love how this turned out! Did you feel just a tad guilty for not forking over the 25 bucks after you saw how she turned out? LOL Again, beautiful piece.
Lol ~ not at all 🙂 They were just happy to have it gone!