10 things you can update with one can of paint

One can of paint goes further than most people think. Even without repainting an entire room, you can use that color to update accents, furniture, and details that pull everything together. If your space feels flat or unfinished, there’s a good chance a few small paint projects can change the whole tone.

Interior doors

Painting a door is a quick project that makes a huge difference—especially in builder-grade homes. A warm beige, soft black, or deep green can give the room more personality without needing to repaint any walls. It also makes the trim and flooring pop more.

Old furniture

That side table you’ve stopped noticing? It’s probably ready for a paint job. A fresh coat in a color that actually fits your space can make it feel brand new again. Even inexpensive or thrifted furniture looks more custom when it’s updated with paint.

Built-in shelving

Painting built-ins the same color as the wall helps them feel more modern. Or go bold with contrast and turn them into a feature. Either way, it makes the whole room feel more finished—and you don’t need to buy new furniture to do it.

Kitchen or bathroom hardware

If your knobs and pulls are outdated but still functional, try painting them. Matte black or brushed gold spray paint can hold up surprisingly well with a little prep. It’s an easy way to update a whole room on a tight budget.

Picture frames

Matching your frames (or at least coordinating them) can help gallery walls feel more cohesive. A can of paint lets you unify them fast—even if they were all thrifted or mismatched to begin with. It pulls the whole wall together visually.

Light switch covers and outlet plates

Painted outlet covers can blend into the wall or be coordinated with trim. It’s a small detail, but one that makes the room feel more intentional. Just make sure you remove them before painting and let them dry completely before reinstalling.

Furniture legs

Swapping out furniture legs is one option—painting them is even easier. Table, chair, and sofa legs can all be freshened up with a new color that better fits your space. It’s a subtle change that still makes a noticeable difference.

Planters and pots

A mismatched plant collection can feel chaotic fast. Painting your pots or planters to match your color scheme helps tie things together, especially when they’re grouped on a shelf or by a window. It’s also an easy way to use leftover paint.

Entryway accents

Painting a bench, hooks, or console table in the entry can instantly refresh that first impression of your home. It’s a small zone, so one can of paint easily covers it—and makes the space feel more thoughtful without a full remodel.

Window trim or sills

If the window frames feel dingy or blend in too much, a little paint can change the whole view. Whether you go light for contrast or dark for depth, it sharpens the lines and makes the window feel more styled—even if the rest of the room stays the same.

*This article was developed with AI-powered tools and has been carefully reviewed by our editors.