Would you believe me if I told you I snagged this gorgeous china cabinet off Facebook Marketplace for just $30?! It was originally listed for much more, but I tucked it away in my saved listings and kept an eye on it. When I saw the price drop to $75, I knew there was a chance! So, I messaged the seller and let them know I had a budget of $30 and could pick it up that night—cash in hand. And guess what? They said yes! So, if you’ve been dreaming of giving a china cabinet a cozy refresh, let me show you just how simple it can be! Let’s go through, How to Give Your China Cabinet a Creamy Beige Makeover (Easy DIY Guide).

Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you purchase after clicking on a link, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you! 

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DIY China Cabinet Makeover in Creamy Beige (Before)

I was overjoyed with this purchase because I had been searching for the perfect piece ever since my Nene (grandma) passed away and I inherited her china. I wanted something classic and timeless to hold such a precious keepsake—a piece that felt just as special as the memories tied to it. I can still remember sipping tea with my Nene from these very dishes, so finding the right cabinet was important to me.

When I came across this one, I immediately saw the potential. It was already pretty, you could see that someone had the heart to want to redo it, but I knew it could be even better—a piece that truly fit my home and style. My heart has been set on bringing warm, cottagecore charm into my space, and this soft, creamy beige was exactly what I envisioned. And that’s where the dreamy creamy beige was born and how How to Give Your China Cabinet a Creamy Beige Makeover (Easy DIY Guide) was made.

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What You Need to know before Give Your China Cabinet a Creamy Beige Makeover.

Before we dive into giving our china cabinet a makeover, a little light research is in order. Research is step one in How to Give Your China Cabinet a Creamy Beige Makeover (Easy DIY Guide) because it sets the foundation for a smooth, successful project. Nothing too intense, but taking the time to consider a few key things makes all the difference.

Should we use a paintbrush or roller, or try out the trendy sock painting technique? Do we need a sanding block or a power sander? And, of course, which brand of paint is the best choice? Answering these questions ahead of time helps avoid frustration later and ensures the best results. Let’s take a closer look at each option before bringing this creamy beige vision to life!

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Paint Brush Vs. Trendy Sock Painting Technique.

Have you seen this new sock painting technique that’s taking the DIY world by storm? It’s simple, super effective, and after trying it out on this project, I can’t wait to share my thoughts!

Now, I’ve always been a roller-and-brush kind of girl—both are a must for getting a nice, even finish. But let’s be real, painting staircases, railings, or anything with a lot of nooks and crannies can be so tedious. That’s where the sock method comes in!

All you need is a clean sock and a pair of rubber gloves, I suggest just going to your local dollar store! I got both sets for $5. Then, slip the rubber gloves on your hand (to protect your hand from saturated paint), put the sock over it, dip right into the paint, and start applying it directly to the surface.

I used this technique on our china cabinet, and let me tell you—game changer! The paint went on so smooth, I was able to get into every little crack and crevice, and I cut my painting time way down. Definitely worth trying!

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To buff or to sand? That is the question!

Deciding whether to buff out paint chips and rough edges with a grit sanding block or break out the power sander for my DIY china cabinet makeover is actually pretty simple. If the surface just has a few minor imperfections, a sanding block does the trick—quick, easy, and with more control.

But if there’s heavy chipping, thick layers of old paint, or rough patches that need smoothing, the power sander saves time and effort. It all comes down to how much prep the piece needs before getting that fresh coat of paint!

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Picking Your Paint Brand. Top Brands that I recommend. Most Affordable to the priciest.

If you’re getting ready to tackle a DIY project—like my china cabinet makeover—choosing the right paint is key! There are so many options out there, but I’ve rounded up my top picks from premium to budget-friendly, all while keeping quality in mind.

Luxury & High-End Paint Brands ($75+ per gallon)

If you’re looking for a show-stopping finish with rich pigments and incredible depth, these are worth the splurge:

1. Farrow & Ball – Gorgeous, deep colors with an eco-friendly formula. Pricey but dreamy! I mean I have not seen a color from them that I do not LOVE!
2. Benjamin Moore Aura – Ultra-durable, smooth, and stunning. Perfect for statement walls or furniture.
3. Sherwin-Williams Emerald – A high-performance option that’s washable and long-lasting.

Mid-Range Premium Paint Brands ($45–$75 per gallon)

These are my go-to options when I want a high-quality look without completely breaking the bank:
4. Magnolia Home Paint by Joanna Gaines – A personal favorite! Soft, timeless colors with a beautiful matte finish.
5. Benjamin Moore Regal Select – Great durability, smooth application, and low VOC. (More on that below!)
6. Behr Marquee – My go-to for one-coat coverage and durability.
7. Sherwin-Williams Duration – Excellent for high-traffic areas and exteriors.

Affordable & Great Quality Paint Brands ($25–$45 per gallon)

Still amazing quality but a little more budget-friendly!
8. Behr Premium Plus Ultra – Affordable and solid for most DIY projects.
9. Valspar Signature – A great Lowe’s option with smooth coverage.
10. HGTV Home by Sherwin-Williams – A more affordable Sherwin-Williams option, still great quality.

Most Budget-Friendly Yet Reliable Paint Brands (Under $25 per gallon)

If you’re on a tight budget but still want a decent finish, these are good choices:
11. Glidden Premium – Basic but reliable for home projects.
12. Behr Premium Plus – My top pick for an affordable DIY-friendly paint.
13. Valspar 2000/4000 – Budget-friendly, great for rentals or quick updates.
14. PPG Speedhide – Contractor-grade, very affordable.

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What is Low VOC Paint & Why Does It Matter?

You’ve probably seen “low VOC” on paint labels, but what does that actually mean? VOC stands for volatile organic compounds—aka the stuff that gives paint that strong smell and can release fumes into the air.

Low VOC paint has way fewer of those chemicals, making it a safer choice, especially for indoor projects. It helps cut down on headaches, allergies, and that overpowering paint smell, plus it’s better for the air quality in your home. If

you’re painting a space where kids will be or just want a fresher, cleaner option, low VOC is definitely the way to go!

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My Pick Of Paint Color

Best High-End: Benjamin Moore Aura or Farrow & Ball
Best Mid-Range: Magnolia Home or Behr Marquee
Best Affordable: Behr Premium Plus or Valspar Signature

If you’re painting furniture, I highly recommend Magnolia Home for that soft, vintage and modern, or Behr Marquee for rich color that lasts. And don’t forget—prep work makes all the difference! A little sanding and a good primer go a long way.

For this project, I went with Behr’s Marquee® paint line: BASSWOOD, a rich, creamy color that instantly stood out to me! This paint was amazing quality—super rich and covered really well! I only needed two coats in a few spots, but overall, it went on beautifully. And the best part? It didn’t break the bank! I grabbed a quart for just $20, and even after finishing the project, I still have about half left. Definitely a win!

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Other dreamy beige paints by Behr’s Marquee Line:

Before making my final decision, I had a few other gorgeous shades in the running. Here’s a look at the colors that almost made the cut:

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Step-by-Step Guide: Paint a China Cabinet Like a Pro (Even If You’ve Never Done It Before!)

Alright, friend—so you’ve picked your paint brand, decided if you need to just buff out some edges or go all-in with a sander, and chosen your painting technique. Now, it’s time for the fun part—bringing your china cabinet to life!

If you’ve never painted or prepped furniture before, don’t worry—I’ve got you! I’ll walk you through everything step by step so you can get that smooth, streak-free finish without the stress.

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Prepping the Cabinet (a.k.a. The Part No One Loves but Is So Worth It) & Painting!

I know, I know—prep work isn’t the fun part, but trust me, it makes all the difference. A little extra effort here means a way better finish that lasts longer.

Here’s what you need to do:

1. Clean it up – Before doing anything, wipe down your cabinet with a damp cloth and a little mild soap. If it’s been sitting in storage or collecting dust, you don’t want that gunk messing with your paint job. If there’s grease buildup (especially if it lived in a kitchen), use a degreaser like. Let it dry completely.

Best Non-Toxic Degreasers for Prepping Furniture

1. Vinegar & Water Solution – Mix equal parts white vinegar and warm water with a few drops of dish soap for a natural, effective degreaser.
2. Castile Soap – A few drops of Dr. Bronner’s Castile Soap mixed with warm water works wonders without any harsh chemicals.
3. Simple Green All-Purpose Cleaner – Simple Green is a biodegradable, non-toxic degreaser that cuts through grime without fumes.
4. Krud Kutter Original – Krud Kutter is water-based, non-toxic, and great for heavy-duty grease removal.
5. Sal Suds by Dr. Bronner’s – A concentrated, plant-based cleaner that works well for deep cleaning furniture before painting.

How to Use It:

1. Spray or wipe the degreaser onto the furniture.
2. Let it sit for a few minutes
3. Wipe clean with a damp cloth.
4. Let the surface dry completely before sanding or priming.

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2. Buff it or Sand it? – Now, take a good look at your cabinet. If it has just a few rough spots or chipped paint, a grit sanding block will do the trick. But if you’re dealing with layers of old paint, deep scratches, or a glossy finish, you’ll want to grab a power sander to smooth everything out. TIP: If you’re sanding a lot, wear a mask—breathing in dust is not great for your health!

3.Prime or Skip? – If your cabinet is real wood and not super glossy, you might be able to skip primer (especially if you’re using a high-quality paint with built-in primer). But if you’re painting over laminate, dark wood, or anything shiny, do yourself a favor and slap on a coat of stain-blocking primer first. This keeps the paint from peeling or chipping later.

Once everything is clean, sanded, and primed (if needed), you’re ready for the fun part—PAINT!

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More Tips for a Flawless Finish!

Let it Dry! – This part is hard because you just want to be done, but let each coat dry completely before adding another. If you rush, you’ll end up with tacky paint that never fully sets.

Seal It (Optional but Smart!) – If your china cabinet will get lots of use, adding a clear sealer or polyurethane topcoat will keep it looking fresh longer.

Want to keep the matte finish? Use a Matte or Flat Polycrylic to seal without adding shine!

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The Big Reveal on How to Give Your China Cabinet a Creamy Beige Makeover (Easy DIY Guide).

Finally! You did it! All the research, prep, and painting is done, and now it’s time to step back and enjoy your beautifully refinished china cabinet.

I couldn’t be happier with how this turned out! I know some people might have loved the white and wood look from before, and I could have just given it a fresh coat of white—but I had a different vision. I wanted something warm, cozy, and inviting, and this creamy beige brings exactly that. It adds a new sense of warmth, making it feel like a special place to hold cherished memories.

At the end of the day, decorating your home is about you—not what anyone else thinks. So trust your instincts, create spaces that make you happy, and let your home reflect your style and heart!

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Styling & Displaying Your Newly Painted China Cabinet

Taking a second to appreciate your hard work is such a great practice. You poured time and effort into transforming this piece, and before rushing to the next thing, just pause—stand back, soak it in, and enjoy the moment. Practicing contentment in a job well done is a beautiful way to honor the work you put in!

Now that you’ve admired your masterpiece, it’s time for the fun part—styling!

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How to Style Your China Cabinet

There are so many ways to style a china cabinet, and it all comes down to what makes your heart happy! You can fill it with trinkets, dishes, books, or sentimental pieces that tell a story.

Some popular ways to style a china cabinet:

• Dishes & China – A classic choice! If you have special dishes or heirloom china, this is the perfect place to display them.
• Books – Stacking books with a mix of vintage and modern styles adds such a cozy feel.
• Nicnacks & Personal Touches – Sentimental items, collected treasures, or seasonal decor can make it feel extra special.

For me, I knew exactly what this cabinet would be used for—it’s the perfect home for my Nene’s china dishes. But I also love adding a little extra charm, so I might mix in some nicnacks and wallpaper to give it even more personality!

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Wallpaper: A Sweet & Simple Way to Elevate the Look

One of my favorite ways to make a china cabinet feel extra special is by adding wallpaper to the back panel. It’s such an easy way to bring in texture, pattern, or color without overwhelming the piece. Whether you go with a soft floral, a neutral linen look, or something bold and fun, it instantly gives the cabinet a little extra charm.

Peel-and-stick wallpaper is a great option if you want a non-permanent way to change up the look. Fabric or scrapbook paper can also work for a fun DIY alternative!

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Thrifting for the Perfect Nicnacks

Some of the best decor pieces aren’t found in big stores—they’re waiting for you at your local thrift shop! There is no treasure too small to be found there. Vintage glassware, ceramic figurines, old books, or even woven baskets can add a one-of-a-kind touch to your cabinet. Plus, thrifting makes decorating affordable and fun!

Mixing old and new pieces together creates a collected, lived-in feel. A set of antique plates alongside a few modern candlesticks? Yes, please!

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Add Charming Knobs

One way I added extra charm to this dreamy china cabinet was by swapping out the knobs for these adorable bee ones from Amazon! Changing the knobs is such a simple, affordable, and impactful way to elevate the style and beauty of your newly refinished furniture!

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Final Touches & Enjoying the Space

Once you’ve styled your cabinet just how you love it, take another moment to step back and appreciate it all over again. This isn’t just a piece of furniture—it’s a reflection of you. Whether you’re displaying heirloom china, thrifted treasures, or a mix of everything, the way you style your space should bring joy to your heart.

And if you ever want to switch things up? That’s the beauty of styling—you can refresh and rearrange anytime! It is just paint after all!!

This project has completely sparked something in me, and I can’t wait to carry this sense of style throughout my whole home. I never realized how much fun it would be to bring in little touches that make a space feel warm and inviting.

I hope this has helped inspire you and you found How to Give Your China Cabinet a Creamy Beige Makeover (Easy DIY Guide) a great resource for you!

Sign up for my news letter here to see what wallpaper I chose for this cabinet, where I love to find wallpaper, and how to create a dream styling board to bring your own home vision to life. I have so many ideas, and I can’t wait to share them!

I would also love to hear your favorite to style a china cabinet? Let’s chat in the comments!

Happy Painting, Friends!

Cassie