A painted wardrobe or armoire can completely transform a bedroom. These are large, statement pieces — and when they're painted well, they anchor the whole room. We've painted everything from small freestanding wardrobes to full-height armoires, and the results are always dramatic.
The main challenge with wardrobes is scale. A large piece takes more time, more paint and more patience than a bedside table. But the technique is the same — and the impact is worth it.
Paint Choice for Wardrobes
For a wardrobe or armoire, either Artisan Chalk Finish or Mineral Paint works well. The choice depends on the look you're going for and how much use the piece gets.
Artisan Chalk Finish Paint gives a beautiful flat matte finish that suits vintage, French provincial and coastal styles. It's the better choice if you want to distress the piece or create a layered artisan finish.
Artisan Mineral Paint gives a more durable eggshell finish that's easier to wipe clean — better for wardrobes in children's rooms or high-traffic bedrooms.
Best Colours for Wardrobes
Wardrobes are large pieces, so colour choice matters more than on smaller furniture. A few principles:
- Lighter colours make a wardrobe feel less imposing in a smaller room
- Darker colours make a wardrobe a deliberate statement piece — beautiful in a larger room
- Consider the wall colour — a wardrobe that's close to the wall colour recedes; one that contrasts becomes a feature
Our favourite Artisan colours for wardrobes:
- Arctic White or Parchment (chalk) — the most popular choices. Light, fresh and versatile.
- Cotton or Magnolia (mineral) — durable whites for children's rooms and high-use bedrooms.
- Charcoal (chalk) or Iron Gate (mineral) — dramatic and sophisticated. A charcoal wardrobe with brass handles is a stunning bedroom statement.
- Sage (chalk) or Gumleaf (mineral) — soft green that suits coastal and organic bedrooms beautifully.
- Navy (chalk) or Regatta (mineral) — rich and classic. Beautiful in a Hamptons or coastal bedroom.
- Highlands (mineral) — deep, moody green for a dramatic, maximalist bedroom.
Preparation: The Key to a Good Result on a Large Piece
Preparation is always important, but on a large piece like a wardrobe it's even more critical — because any prep shortcuts will be very visible across a large surface area.
Empty and disassemble where possible
Remove all doors, drawers and shelves before painting. Painting doors flat gives a much better result than painting them in situ. Label everything so you know what goes where when you reassemble.
Clean thoroughly
Wipe every surface with sugar soap solution. Pay particular attention to the top (which collects dust) and the door fronts (which get touched constantly). Allow to dry completely.
Sand lightly
Scuff sand all surfaces with 180 grit. On a large piece, this takes time — don't rush it. Wipe away all dust before painting.
Step-by-Step: Painting a Wardrobe
Step 1: Paint the Interior First
If you're painting the interior of the wardrobe, do this first. It's much easier to paint the interior before the doors are on, and any drips or marks on the interior can be covered when you paint the exterior.
Step 2: Paint the Carcass
Paint the exterior of the main body — sides, top, base and any fixed shelves. Work systematically from top to bottom. Two thin coats, sanding lightly between coats.
Step 3: Paint the Doors
Paint the doors flat on a work surface. Two thin coats, sanding between. If the doors have panels, paint the recessed panels first, then the rails and stiles (the frame around the panels).
Step 4: Seal
Seal with wax or a water-based sealer. For children's wardrobes or high-use pieces, a water-based sealer is more durable than wax. For decorative bedroom pieces, wax gives a beautiful soft finish.
Step 5: Refit Doors and Upgrade Hardware
Refit the doors and — if you haven't already — upgrade the hardware. New handles on a freshly painted wardrobe are the finishing touch that makes the whole piece look intentional and considered.
Browse cabinet hardware at Sweet Pea Interiors →
Tips for Painting a Large Piece
- Work in sections and maintain a wet edge to avoid lap marks on large flat surfaces
- Use a foam roller for large flat panels — it gives a much smoother result than a brush
- Have a helper for moving and positioning large doors
- Allow plenty of drying time between coats — don't rush a large piece
- Work in a well-ventilated space — a large piece uses a lot of paint and the fumes can build up even with water-based products
For the full guide to paint choice: Mineral Paint vs Chalk Paint: Which Is Better?
For colour and hardware pairing: Best Paint Colours for Australian Homes 2026
