A painted timber bed frame can completely transform a bedroom — and it's a more achievable project than most people expect. Whether you're refreshing a tired frame or completely changing the colour to suit a new direction in your bedroom, the process is straightforward once you know the right approach.

Before You Start: Can You Paint Your Bed Frame?

Most solid timber bed frames can be painted. The main things to check:

• Solid timber vs MDF/particleboard: Solid timber takes paint beautifully. MDF and particleboard can be painted but require edge sealing first. See our MDF guide.
• Structural integrity: Check that all joints are solid and the frame is structurally sound before painting. Painting a wobbly bed frame doesn't fix the wobble.
• Existing finish: Varnished, painted or raw timber — all can be painted with the right prep.

Paint Choice for Bed Frames

For a bed frame, either Artisan Chalk Finish or Mineral Paint works well. The choice depends on the look you want:

• Artisan Chalk Finish Paint for a flat matte finish — suits coastal, French provincial and vintage bedroom styles. Beautiful for distressing.
• Artisan Mineral Paint for a more durable eggshell finish — better for children's bed frames or frames that get a lot of contact.

Best Colours for Bed Frames

The bed frame is the largest piece of furniture in the bedroom and sets the tone for the whole room. Our most popular Artisan colours for bed frames:

• Arctic White or Parchment (chalk) — the most popular choices. Light, fresh and versatile. Suit almost any bedroom style.
• Charcoal (chalk) or Iron Gate (mineral) — dramatic and sophisticated. A charcoal bed frame with white linen is one of the most beautiful bedroom combinations.
• Navy (chalk) or Regatta (mineral) — rich and classic. Beautiful in a Hamptons or coastal bedroom.
• Sage (chalk) or Gumleaf (mineral) — soft green for a calm, nature-connected bedroom.
• Noir (chalk) — bold black for a contemporary, maximalist bedroom.
• Rosé (chalk) — warm blush pink for a romantic, feminine bedroom.

Preparation

Disassemble Where Possible

If the bed frame can be disassembled — head board, foot board and side rails separated — do it. Painting individual components flat or propped against a wall is much easier than painting an assembled frame. Label all components and hardware so reassembly is straightforward.

Clean Thoroughly

Bed frames accumulate body oils, dust and general grime, particularly on the head board. Clean every surface with sugar soap solution and allow to dry completely.

Lightly Sand

Scuff sand all surfaces with 180 grit sandpaper. Wipe away all dust with a lint-free cloth.

Step-by-Step: Painting a Bed Frame

Step 1: Paint the Head Board First

The head board is the most visible part of the bed frame and deserves the most care. Paint it first, working from top to bottom. Two thin coats, sanding lightly between coats with 220 grit.

Step 2: Paint the Foot Board and Side Rails

Paint the foot board and side rails using the same technique. Work systematically and maintain a wet edge on larger flat surfaces.

Step 3: Paint the Legs and Feet

Paint the legs last. Any drips from the upper sections can be covered as you paint the legs.

Step 4: Seal

Seal with wax or a water-based sealer. For a bed frame that gets regular contact — particularly the head board, which gets leaned against — a water-based sealer is more durable than wax. Allow to cure fully before reassembling and making the bed.

Painting a Cane or Rattan Bed Head

Cane and rattan bed heads are a separate technique — the weave requires a stippling motion to get paint into all the gaps. Our complete guide to painting cane furniture covers this in detail.

Colour Combinations for Bed Frames

• Arctic White bed frame + natural timber bedside tables — coastal and relaxed
• Charcoal bed frame + brass bedside lamps + white linen — sophisticated and dramatic
• Navy bed frame + rattan bedside tables + white linen — Hamptons classic
• Sage bed frame + timber bedside tables + linen cushions — organic and calm
• Parchment bed frame + antique brass hardware + floral linen — French provincial romance

For the full colour range: Best Paint Colours for Australian Homes 2026

Shop Artisan Chalk Finish Paint and Artisan Mineral Paint at Sweet Pea Interiors.