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The Best Wood for Dining Table – DIY or Store Bought

If you are in the market for a new dining room table, chances are you are trying to decide what will work best for your space.  While style is important, don’t underestimate the type of material you choose for your dining space. This piece of furniture will not only be a focal point for your home, but it will also be where you gather with your loved ones for years to come.  There are many different materials when it comes to tables, but the best dining table is a solid wood dining table.  This post will explore the different types of wood for your dining table and ultimately the best wood for dining table. 

This post may contain affiliate links. 

best wood for dining table

What To Consider In A Dining Table 

Whether you intend to purchase a new dining table or build your own dining table, you’ll want to consider several important factors. There are many important considerations to take into account before spending money on your dining area.

 For the amount of money you’ll be spending on a high quality table that will withstand heavy use, you’ll need to ensure that you are spending your money on a piece of furniture that will last you for years to come. For high-use furniture, durability and practicality is key.  Ideally, you’ll need to anticipate your needs for not only the present, but also your future. 

best wood for dining table

Consider the Size 

Consider the size of the table.  You’ll want your table to fit in the space without overcrowding or being too underwhelming.  Try measuring the space for your dining table (length times width). From there, as a general rule of thumb, you need 3 feet of passing space on all sides of your table for a comfortable fit.  

Consider mapping out your potential new table with painter’s tape to give you a good idea of how it will look in your space.

Once you determine the approximate size, you can consider the overall shape of the furniture piece.  While rectangular tables are what you commonly see in dining rooms, an oval or round table is also a good fit for tighter spaces.  

wood grain dining table

An important thing to remember is that your table’s leg supports will also impact the number of people who can be seated.  For example, pedestal bases are a popular choice with round tables.  Because this support is in the middle, people’s knees are less likely to hit the base, which allows more chairs to be placed around the table comfortably.  

This type of configuration gives you more options to fit more people at your table.  A trestle table has more open space along the inside of the table, but is limited at the ends of the table, which may limit the number of people that can be seated.

diy wooden table

How will you Use your Table? 

When you are considering the size and shape of your table, consider your use for your table top.  Is this a space where you intend to entertain large family gatherings? Or, do you plan on keeping this for immediate family only?  Your intentions for your dining table will help you narrow down the perfect choice for your shape and size.

When it comes to choosing a table, you’ll always want to go with something that is both quality construction and within your budget.  The type of material your table is made out of will have a direct impact on your table’s quality and cost. 

chunky pine wood table

Check out how to make this DIY Dining Table.

The Best Wood for Dining Table 

There are many types of materials when it comes to dining tables.  Common materials you may see include metal tables (more common in restaurant tables like diners), glass dining tables, veneer wood dining tables, stone, and plastic.  

All of these materials have pros and cons. However, solid wood table tops are by far the best option for a sophisticated look with durability, practicality, and quality craftsmanship.   

custom wood dining table

We sanded and restained our original custom made dining table for a brand new look.

Hard Wood vs. Soft Wood

Not all wood is created equally.  If you intend to buy a wooden table, you’ll want to keep in mind that the type of wood you choose will impact the overall durability of your table.

Solid wood furniture is a great option for not only durability, but also practicality.  Well constructed wood furniture will last for years and have a sophisticated look.  But how do you know what wood choice is right for you?  There are many options when it comes to wood type. 

light wood dining table

The hardness of the wood is measured by the Janka Scale of Hardness, which starts from about 500 and going upwards of 3,000.  Each wood species is given a rating on the Janka Hardness Scale based on the wood’s ability to resist indentation by a steel ball with a controlled force.  

This provides clues to which is the more durable wood by way of a rating.  The hardest woods (higher ratings) are less likely to get scratches and banged up from constant use and every day wear and tear. 

diy outdoor wooden table

This table is a diy outdoor table made only of 2×4’s for under $50. 

On the chance that you may want a more rustic table that has dings and scratches in it, then the Janka Hardness test rating may not be something you spend too much time worrying about.  Softer woods (like pine wood) are easier to work with for any DIY tables you plan to do. 

They are a good choice if your budget is more limited and you plan on tackling your own DIY kitchen table.  The harder the wood, the more durable, fire resistant, and more difficult it is to work with.  If you plan on making your own wood surface from a hardwood, you’ll likely need to be well versed in wood-working and understand how to safely use different power tools. Additionally, be prepared to have a larger budget for these more expensive woods.  

rattan kids table

DIY kids table tutorial  

Consider the Style of the Wood

The durability and hardness rating is not the only consideration to take into account when choosing the type of wood you want for a table.  Keep in mind that many companies build tables that are not only solid wood but some may be made of composite wood.  

Solid wood tables are more durable and are more expensive.  Composite wood is more budget friendly but will also show more wear and tear. 

 It is a common material found in commercial products to help maintain costs.  In these tables, you may see a wooden base, but instead of wood tabletops, the table top is made from layers of laminate or veneer. 

best wood for dining table

Beautiful vintage wood table

One of the reasons to buy a solid wood table, besides the durability factor, is for the overall color of the wood.  Different types of wood give off different shades of colors, from red, cherry, blonde, to mahogany and grays with a beautiful grain pattern.  Each wood has a unique grain pattern that provides depth, texture, and intensity to the design.  

The style of your table is directly related to the type of wood you choose to build with or purchase.  Farmhouse tables have a rustic look with darker stains and open grain that showcases the natural beauty of the wood.  This would require a wood that is more expensive and has a harder rating on the Janka Scale.  More modern styles of tables have clean lines, smooth texture, and a straight grain.  These types of tables could get by with using a more inexpensive wood, such as pine. 

mixed material wood dining table

This Scandinavian inspired dining table is beautiful in this space.

Best Wood For Dining Table – Types of Wood Broken Down 

The best wood for your dining table comes down to what you want in style, durability, and budget.  Whether you intend to build your own table or purchase your table from a store front, these are some of the best woods used in creating wood tables.

Walnut Wood

Walnut wood is a beautiful hardwood that makes for a stunning dining table. With a hardness rating of 1010, this is a durable wood that will stand up to everyday use.  Not only is this wood durable, but it also can be styled into more traditional, rustic, and modern styles.  The wood lends itself to shapeshift into various tones from deep espresso to light brown with stunning visible grain patterns.  

This wood will cost you.  It is one of the most expensive woods due to its low supply and high demand.

best wood for dining table

Check out the story behind this amazing home where this beautiful walnut dining table lives.

Oak Wood

Even stronger than walnut wood is oak wood.  Ranging from 1290 to 1360 on the Janka scale, this wood is durable and a great choice for people with young kids.  There are two main types of oak wood: red oak and white oak. 

Red oak is commonly found in homes today from trim to floors to doors and tables.  You’ll find that this type of wood has a natural open grain with lighter tones.  This wood can also be transformed by absorbing dark stains easily. From an affordability standpoint, this is much easier on the pocketbook than walnut.  

mide century dining table

Check out this white oak dining room table.

White oak, also known as Quatersawn oak, has been used for years by woodworkers and carpenters alike.  This wood is a bit harder than red oak and has tones that are more neutral and beige.  This wood is best kept au naturale as it does not absorb stains easily.  If you intend to stain your piece, I’d recommend sticking with a red oak.  Otherwise, allow the natural beauty of the white oak to shine.

Mango Wood

   Mango wood has a comparable hardness rating to that of oak.  It has naturally beautiful grain patterns that are only further noticeable when finished. With hues that are more golden brown, this wood is a great wood to use for traditional furniture pieces for a classic look.

modern wooden picninc table

This beautiful West Elm mango wood table is featured here.

Acacia Wood

    Acacia wood is a versatile wood that is commonly found in outdoor furniture. I love that this wood can be used in both indoor and outdoor settings.  It is an extremely hard wood that is even stronger than hickory wood (1820 on the Janka scale).  

As a result, this wood is extremely durable, but not necessarily a wood your average DIYer would be able to handle for a project.  

On the other hand, if you have four kids like I do, this would be a great wood to have on hand throughout your home.  Kids can wreak havoc on furniture and I have no doubt this wood could withstand all four of my kids!

simple wood dining table

West Elm’s Keira solid wood acacia table is stunning.

This wood has beautiful grain patterns and distinct coloring that is perfect for a farmhouse or rustic feel. 

Cherry Wood

    Rustic cherry wood is a great option for an affordable wood that can be easily purchased commercially or purchased to use in a DIY project.  Cherry is a softer hardwood with a 950 rating on the Janka scale.  This wood can be less durable and show dings more easily than other hardwoods.   

best wood for dining table

The tones of cherry wood range from red, brown, and even white tones with visible knots and grains for a unique piece of furniture.

Maple Wood

    Maple wood ranges from a soft hardwood (950 Janka scale) to a more hardwood (1450 Janka scale) depending on the species used.  Brown maple is a soft maple with a 950 Janka score.  This score is the same rating as cherry wood and is less durable than its counterpart, the hard maple.  Soft maple wood has a smooth texture with light tones to dark tones and can be easily stained.  This is a great wood to use for DIY projects.

custom dining table

Gorgeous maple table

Hard maple on the other hand is much more durable and more difficult to use for DIY projects.  This maple has beautiful tones and unique grain patterns.  Stain does not take to it easily, so it is best to let its natural lines show.

Pine Wood

Pine wood is readily available and is a popular wood used in DIY projects.  This is the type of wood we used in our modern DIY dining table and for our friend’s DIY dining table.  We also used pine on our outdoor DIY dining table.

If you can’t tell, we love using pine wood for our DIYs.  It is softer at only 350 on the Janka scale, but that makes it easy to work with and it can handle screws and nails. Plus, stain takes to it easily.  It also has beautiful knots and a unique grain that comes through when stained.

best wood for dining table

The amazing diy dining table I made for my friend Val’s lakehouse is a high end dupe.

Other Posts You’ll Love

Round table table runners Miter Saw vs Circular Saw  |  DIY Dining Table  |  DIY Outdoor table 

Pin This Photo Below For Later

I hope this post helped you make your dining room table decisions a bit less stressful, and you feel confident in what the best wood for dining table is in your home!  Whether you intend to build your own table or purchase one from a store, the wood you pick is important.  Make sure you are getting a wood that not only fits your lifestyle, but will also allow you to have the style and durability you need.   If you have any questions feel free to leave them in the comments section, and follow me on Instagram @arinsolange and TikTok  for more home, decor, and DIY.

best wood for dining table
Holidays

Easter Pajamas for Kids

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Kids Blue Buffalo Check PJs
Kids Pink Bunnies PJs
Kids Short Sleeve Bunny PJs
Kids Blue Bunnies PJs
Kids Pastel Easter Eggs PJs
Kids Rose Flower PJs
Kids Multi Buffalo Check PJs
Kids Pink and Ivory Striped PJs
Kids Bunny&Carrot PJs
Easter Bunny Onesie
Kids Brown Bunny Slippers
Kids Baby Blue Bunny PJs
Kids Easter Garden PJs
Kids Blue Gingham PJs
Kids Floral Nightgown
Adult Easter PJs

More often than not, Easter falls at that time of year when depending on where you live, it is hard to predict what the weather will be like. For that reason, I usually hold off on buying family Easter pajamas until I can make an educated guess as to whether we’ll need some flannel or shorts and tanks. Hopefully, you’re to the point where you can safely make your assumptions and find Easter pajamas for kids in your family.

This post may contain affiliate links and was updated February 2024.

Baby Easter Basket

Easter Pajamas for Kids & Baby

I am 11 years into motherhood and one of my favorite things to buy is coordinated pajamas for the kids. Notice I said, coordinated not matching this time!

We are officially getting to the point when the kids don’t all want to wear the exact same thing, though they tend to be good sports about it! Spring is a great time to coordinate instead of match since all the pastel colors blend well.

Little Girls Easter Basket Fillers

Easter basket fillers for girls are bright and beautiful!

Easter pajamas are also great options as Easter basket fillers for kids if you don’t want to wear them on Easter morning. They usually come in bright colors or joyful patterns that add a pop of color when rolled up and displayed in an useful Easter basket.

I have noticed that stores don’t tend to sell out of Easter pajamas the same way that other holiday pajamas do, so I’m sure you can still find some great options even if the Easter bunny is due any day now.

Easter Pajamas for the Family

There are great options in this post that you can match, or mix and match to your liking and your individual family members preferences. Usually, Easter isn’t a holiday where I plan on matching family pajamas since we head out for church in the morning. But I have included a festive set for the adults to participate in all the fun just in case.

And if you need a sweet Easter Sunday spring dress for your child, I got you covered in another post.

family Easter tablescape

When we plan to wear matching pajamas, I like to be able to savor it for at least an entire day! That is why I typically roll the Easter pjs and present them as gifts. I love to include at least one Easter book for kids in their baskets as well. Then at the end of the day, the kids can get in their Easter pajamas, and we can snuggle up with their new books – the perfect end to the day!

My top picks for Pajamas for your Easter fun this year are below – Happy Shopping!

easter kid pjs

Shop Easter Pajamas for Kids

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  1. Pale Blue Buffalo Check – I love the softness of this blue buffalo check print.
  2. Pink Bunnies – You can’t go wrong with these little hearts and cute bunny faces.
  3. Short Sleeve Bunnies – The short sleeves here are great if you’ve been having some warmer weather.
  4. Blue Bunnies – The different colored bunny tails add such charm to this set.
  5. Pastel Easter Eggs – These colorful Easter eggs are so fun and get me excited for the upcoming hunts and baskets.
  6. Rose Flower – This rose flower print is so feminine and exudes Springtime.
  7. Multi Buffalo Check – This multicolored buffalo check is like a beautiful water color.
  8. Pink & Ivory Stripes – Stripes are a classic you can never go wrong with and these also come in lots of other colors.
  9. Bunnies & Carrots – Your child with love these adorable bunny faces.
  10. Easter Bunny Onesie – The matching bunny beanie to this onesie makes for the sweetest outfit.
  11. Brown Bunny Slippers – Can you even?!  These are so stinkin’ cute.
  12. Baby Blue Bunny – I love the elbow and knee details on these.
  13. Easter Garden – This print is breathtaking and the quality on this set is excellent.
  14. Blue Gingham – A springtime take on a classic print like gingham.
  15. Floral Nightgown – My girls just love to wear nightgowns. The wrist detail is just darling.
  16. Adult Bunnies – In case you’re feeling the festive fun!
Home

A Guide on How Much Knee Space For Kitchen Island is Needed

Have you ever found yourself wondering how much knee space for your kitchen island is needed?  If you are about to embark on a kitchen remodel, chances are you have your head spinning with dimensions for every selection you make or still have to make.  This post will help make that one decision in your planning process much more simplistic.

space for kitchen islands

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How much Knee Space For your Kitchen Island is Needed?

There are so many questions surrounding your new kitchen design.  Basic selections like color scheme, floor plan, and countertop material shifts into more detailed specifications quickly.  The countertop material is not the only important decision regarding your kitchen island. 

If you’ve ever wondered about your island’s size and how the height of a countertop allows your guests enough knee space for a comfortable seating area or the perfect serving area, then this post is for you. 

Key Considerations to Make on Knee Space 

Most people don’t take too much thought into how much space is available under your island for adequate knee space.  If you’ve ever sat behind a tall person on an airplane who sits with their seat reclined for an entire 9 hour flight, then perhaps seating space is important to you.  But for the average person, adequate legroom may not be a priority.  

If you are undergoing a kitchen renovation, every single detail needs to be thought of and accounted for in your renovation.  You don’t want to spend the time and money on a kitchen that is less than perfect.  

People have different requirements for what they want in a kitchen.  For our kitchen renovation, I knew I wanted a large island in the center of the room for food preparation and casual dining.  With four kids, we needed to have enough room to fit plenty of seats around the side of the island without it being too cramped.  

Below are some key considerations to help you have an island that works for your family in your kitchen space.

Purpose & Function 

As I had mentioned, having counter space large enough to fit my kids around the island as an informal dining space was important.  Consider the purpose of your kitchen island and place it strategically in your kitchen to enhance your kitchen’s function.  

For example, if you plan on using your island as a dining and entertaining space, then you’ll want to consider the height and depth of your island (more on that in a minute).  

kitchen cooktop

For people who love cooking and intend to use their island for prep work, then you’ll want to have your island close to your range and refrigerator.  You may consider different countertop materials like a butcher block or a cutting board that slides out from the bottom of the counter.  An ample supply of easy access outlets is always a good idea.

Those who have their cooking surface within their island, will want to focus on heat resistant countertops like quartz.  They will also need to ensure that there is 18 inches of available space on either side of their cooking surface to safely maneuver.

white kitchens

Consider your clean up process as well.  You’ll need plenty of drawers for towels and cleaning products.  A trash bin and dishwasher close by or built into your cabinetry is also helpful.  

How Much Countertop Overage for Seating?

There are 3 basic seating types that you can choose for your kitchen island. The function of your kitchen island will help dictate which seating and height is the best. 

Based on the height, the countertop overhang will vary for enough knee room.  As a general rule, the lower the height of the counter, the more knee room is needed for adequate space. For reference, my kitchen is at counter top height, so when I was looking at how much knee space for kitchen island is needed, I went with those specs.

knee space for kitchen island

What is Bar Height ?

A bar height countertop is the tallest island height available and therefore requires the least amount of knee space.  A bar height island is 42 inches high with only a 12 inch overhang creating enough space for a comfortable experience.  

Keep in mind that you’ll need to have bar stools that are about 30 inches tall to reach the body of the actual bar.  Any bar stool seating that is less than 29 inches will result in your stool being way too low and you’ll be staring at the edge of the countertop.  

bar height island

Beautiful bar height island designed by Devon Grace Interiors.

This raised counter height is great for people who enjoy entertaining.  You can set your dishes up on counter height and allow guests to freely grab food while they mingle.  The taller height also helps conceal an open kitchen from any workspace prep you may not want your guests to see.  

On the downside, this height is less than ideal for smaller kids or those with difficulty getting up and down from their chairs.  Because of the tall 42-in countertops, it can be difficult to get on and off those taller stools without assistance. 

alternating island height

This beautiful two toned kitchen was created by Bria Hammel Interiors for her own home.

What is Counter Height ?

Just below your tallest island bar height, is your standard kitchen island height also known as counter height.  This is the height of our kitchen island and it works perfectly for us.  What I love about this 36-inch height is that it provides the appearance of a continuous workspace throughout the whole kitchen and makes my kitchen appear larger.   

This is a great height for using your island for multiple purposes like dining, homework, food preparation, and just hanging out.  The amount of countertop space available made it a perfect place for all of my DIY projects and the kids’ school projects.  Fortunately, for my family, I’ve got a dedicated office space now and our island has been saved from resin. 

shaker cabinet kitchen island

Salt + Willow designed this incredible coastal Scandinavian kitchen.

Because our kitchen is in the center of our home and our island is in the center of our kitchen, I wanted the space to be a place to entertain and have our family gathered around.  

We have four chairs, approximately 24 inches high, that are spaced out and serve as the  perfect place for our kids to do their homework.  Any stool you choose should not be taller than 24 inches tall unless you want to hit your kneecaps on the edge of your countertop. The recommended counter overhang is 15 inches to give enough space for leg room. 

traditional kitchen island seating

This traditional kitchen with a countertop island is timeless.

What is Table Height ?

The most open space for legroom is also the shortest height of an island.  Table height is a 30-inch-high island that has 18 total inches of overhang. This is a great choice for people who wish to use their kitchen island as a seating and dining area, such as those in a home without a formal dining area. 

You can use chairs that are 24 inches high and could pull double duty at your dining table.  Because of the lower counter, you wouldn’t be able to use this space comfortably for food preparation or cooking without causing back pain. Your island’s function is essentially limited to dining. 

modern neutral kitchen design

This two tiered kitchen island has a counter height prep surface with a table height dining island. 

How much room and knee space do you need for an island seat?

So to fully answer the question: How much knee space for kitchen island is needed? The average size of a kitchen island is 80 inches by 40 inches with approximately 36 to 42 inches of  clearance space around for a walkway with optimal traffic flow. However, the size of your kitchen island may be smaller or larger based on your kitchen’s size and the openness of your floor-plan.  

The length of your kitchen island will help determine how many seats you can have around your kitchen island.  Keep in mind that you’ll want to space each seat about 20 to 25 inches apart.  If you have chairs with arm rests, you may have fewer chairs.

 For the length of our island, we can fit 4 armless chairs at our island comfortably. If you have a smaller island and need to fit more stools, check out backless and armless bar stools to help bridge the gap.  

While 20-25 inches is only a recommendation, keep in mind that you won’t want to overcrowd anyone.  Nobody likes eating with their neighbor’s elbow in their lap. 

black and white kitchen

For small kitchens, you can still have your dream small kitchen island. Check out this kitchen reveal to see how they made this space functional. 

Quick Kitchen Design Guidelines

The size of your kitchen island may vary based on the size of your kitchen and how you plan to use the cabinets and the corresponding depth of the cabinets. Regardless of those facts, you’ll want to ensure that the walkway space surrounding your island is at least 42 inches.  Anything smaller than 36 inches of available space will cause traffic and workflow issues.  

counter height island

What’s Gaby Cooking has an incredible kitchen with a very well thought out floor plan. Bonus points because her recipes are on fire! 

The National Kitchen and Bath Association (NKBA Guidelines) recommend sketching out your island and placement of your appliances during your kitchen design planning phase.  If you are unable to have 42 inches of space surrounding your island then you’ll need to reconfigure.  Placement of your appliances is also important to avoiding those workflow issues.  

Ideally, your kitchen should be laid out according to a work triangle. Most kitchen work happens at the cooktop, fridge, and sink. The imaginary lines that you draw between those three areas should create a triangle in a functional and aesthetically pleasing kitchen renovation.

white kitchen

This all white kitchen and counter height island create an illusion of wide open spaces.

Other Posts You’ll Love

How Deep Are Kitchen Wall Cabinets? |   White Kitchen Cabinet Backsplash  |  Small Home Office Makeover

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Do you feel more clear on how much knee space for kitchen island is needed?I hope this post helped clarify the differences between various kitchen island heights and how much overhang allows enough room for a comfortable seat.  If you are undergoing a kitchen renovation, these detailed decisions are crucial for the function and purpose of your kitchen island.  Take the time now to decide how you intend to use this space to have a successful renovation and fully functioning kitchen in your future.  If you have any questions feel free to leave them in the comments section, and follow me on Instagram @arinsolange and TikTok  for more home, decor, and DIY.

knee space for kitchen island

Home

How Deep are Kitchen Wall Cabinets? A Quick Guide to Kitchen Cabinet Dimensions

How many times have you walked into your kitchen and wished you had more storage space? Did you know that there is a standard depth of kitchen wall cabinets?  That isn’t something that you have much room to change, but we are going to dive into how you can make the most out of your space in this post, and answer how deep are kitchen wall cabinets.

white shaker style kitchen

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Standard Kitchen Cabinet Dimensions – How Deep are Kitchen Wall Cabinets?

Have you ever noticed that one random cabinet that doesn’t seem to make any sense? You know the cabinet, the one that is usually above your refrigerator and filled with your kid’s hidden Halloween candy.  

Or, maybe you have extremely tall cabinets that no one can reach.  If you’ve ever wondered about your cabinet size,  I’ll be sharing with you some insight into standard measurements for different types of kitchen cabinets and how to make them work for you.

Designing a Kitchen

If you are thinking about a kitchen renovation, you’ll have several choices to make your dream kitchen a reality.  Before you begin your renovation, you’ll want to consider every aspect about your kitchen and how your family uses it to make your space both functional and stylish.  

white and gold kitchen

Kitchen Designer 

Consider hiring a kitchen designer who can help you think through every small detail and create a floor plan that makes sense.  If interior designers aren’t in your budget, you’ll want to keep some key concepts in mind.

Layouts Are Key

There are so many different design layouts to consider.

Ideally, your kitchen should be laid out according to a work triangle. Most kitchen work happens at the cooktop, fridge, and sink. The imaginary lines that you draw between those three areas should create a triangle in a functional and aesthetically pleasing kitchen renovation.

Also, consider the walkways and traffic patterns. By opening kitchens up and creating wide walkways you can create a much more functional area. Even with smaller spaces, try to keep the walkway path open by 36 inches and the path surrounding the cooking area at 42 inches. You’ve now created enough space for an open walkway, but keep in mind that you may have to adjust the rest of the kitchen design accordingly.

varying cabinet depth in blue kitchen

Herringbone Kitchens designed this incredible and functional kitchen layout

Consider your Countertop Space

Consider your lifestyle in regards to your kitchen countertop. If you enjoy cooking and hosting, you’ll want to ensure you have a large enough space to not only prepare your meals, but also serve.  If you are less of a cook, then you can get by with less counter space.  Instead, you can repurpose that space and money savings into another area that would benefit you, such as a countertop appliance garage.

Becki Owens designed this amazing kitchen.

Backsplash & Focal Point 

Create one focal point in your kitchen.  Try to avoid having too many competing elements.  If you look at modern kitchens, you’ll notice that while they may have a bold color or pattern, the remaining details are generally more simplistic and subdued.  

I’d recommend sticking with an incredible backsplash or a pop of color on your cabinets.  If your budget doesn’t allow for a statement backsplash idea, consider a more affordable subway tile laid in an unexpected way such as a herringbone or vertical offset pattern.

baby in highchair in white kitchen

Appliance Finishes

Choose your kitchen appliances carefully.  You’ll want to select a finish that complements your kitchen but also won’t show all those little fingerprints from your cooking assistants. 

Consider the location of your appliances.  Remember the kitchen work triangle mentioned above.

The refrigerator should be accessible to bystanders in the kitchen without causing a traffic jam – this is where the walkways and traffic patterns come into play.  You also want to minimize foot traffic around the stove as much as possible for safety reasons.

Also consider placing the microwave oven in your kitchen island or in a drawer.  This could free up counter space and allow you to have an impressive range hood.

moddy and masculine kitchen

Kelsey Leigh Design Co used mixed metals in the kitchen for the perfect blend of masculine and feminine details.

All About Cabinets – Custom, Semi-Custom, and Stock

Carefully consider your kitchen cabinets – price, style, and function. A large percentage of your kitchen’s budget will be spent on cabinetry. 

Custom kitchen cabinets provide the most options in terms of wood types, style and design but it comes with a hefty price tag. Semi-custom kitchen cabinets are a great option to help save money, while still offering many options for customization. Stock cabinetry is cabinetry that is premade in a predetermined selection of woods, door styles, and sizes. These are the most affordable.

For a timeless kitchen, consider classic styles of cabinets like glass doors, flat door fronts, beadboard, and Shaker style. These will provide the most bang for your buck and can be reinvented by adding new hardware or painting the cabinets in the future.

shaker kitchen with open shelves

The open shelves next to the range is a great alternative to cabinets in this kitchen.  I also love the oven cabinets and varying depths – it adds so much interest!

Shaker style kitchen cabinets are considered classic for their unassuming and simple design. Shaker style cabinets can be used in either traditional or modern kitchens with a few adjustments like hardware and backsplash selection.  Due to their popularity, they are widely available in both custom cabinetry and stock cabinets like IKEA cabinets and Home Depot cabinets.

With some paint and flashy hardware, you can transform these basic stock cabinets into the best kitchen cabinets for your kitchen and within your budget. 

The most budget friendly kitchen renovation is to reuse your cabinets by repainting them.  We did this in our last house and it made a huge impact. 

white kitchen

Whether you decide to buy custom cabinetry or reuse your own cabinets, or a combination of the two, you will still want to consider your cabinet dimensions to make the best use of your space. Cabinets create functional storage and have a purpose based on the cabinet’s location within the kitchen.  The layout of those cabinets is also key to preventing any workflow issues within your kitchen. 

 If you are unable to open a cabinet without it running into your refrigerator, then you don’t have a fully functioning kitchen or cabinets. The measurements of the cabinets are key to creating functional storage.

rustic blue kitchen

This incredible kitchen was actually a low budget kitchen renovation!  Can you believe that?!

Standard Kitchen Cabinet Dimensions 

If you are wondering, how deep are kitchen wall cabinets, then you probably want to understand the depth of the rest of the cabinets you will be working with. Whether you have custom cabinets, semi-custom cabinets, or stock cabinets, all cabinets serve as a functional storage space for the heart of your home, the kitchen.  The design layout of these cabinets is key to preventing traffic jams within your kitchen.  But, more importantly, the dimensions of these cabinets is what is key at creating a functional kitchen.

There are three main types of cabinets: base kitchen cabinets, kitchen wall cabinets (also called upper cabinets), and tall or specialty cabinets.  Each of these cabinets have different standard sizes as they typically serve different purposes.

baking cabinet organization

What a great idea for dry good storage by Maison & Demeure.

How Deep Should Base Kitchen Cabinets Be?

Base kitchen cabinets are the cabinets that I personally love.  These are the cabinets that are the rock of the kitchen and have the most options in terms of functionality.  You’ll see rollout drawer boxes,lazy susans, hidden spice storage, and so much more!  

The base cabinets are installed into the floor and are your most important cabinets.  Without these base cabinets, you wouldn’t have that incredible kitchen island.  Your sink and cooktop would be non-existent, and you’d have to resort to the early 90’s trend of storing your pots and pans on a ceiling rack.  

Their importance in the kitchen is highlighted in their price tag. This is not the time to try to arrange a bargain deal.  You want to have a sound foundation to lay the rest of your small appliances and store your kitchen belongings.  

eclectic kitchen with glass upper cabinets

An eclectic kitchen by Park & Oak

A standard base kitchen cabinet will vary its measurements based on whether or not a countertop is installed.  The countertop thickness adds additional height and depth.  The standard height for a base kitchen cabinet without a countertop is 34.5 inches.  Once you add a standard countertop to that base cabinet, your height rises to 36 inches.

This is the most consistent measurement across the board.  Of course for special circumstances, like wheelchair accessibility, height measurements would need to be modified for the specific circumstances. Otherwise, this height remains pretty consistent.  

Generally, most base kitchen cabinets also contain a toe kick section; the area between the floor and bottom of the cabinet frame where all your crumbs likely live.  This section is approximately 3.5-4 inches tall and included in the 34.5 inch measurement for the height of a base cabinet.

This means the countertop on which you will prep your meals and wash your dishes will likely be about 36 inches from the ground.

vacuum toe kick

These base cabinets have a toe kick vacuum that fits right into the base.  Now I may need to invest in one of these! 

The standard base cabinet depth is 24 inches with an additional 2 inches added for your countertop edge for a total of 26 inches.  Anything deeper than 26 inches is pretty much wasted space, unless you have a toddler who loves hiding in your cabinets.  Otherwise, it becomes too difficult to crawl back into your cabinets to reach your InstaPot.  

Even in a base cabinet at 26 inches deep, a rollout drawer box can become useful – especially as a kids snack drawer that they can access themselves.

Standard base cabinet widths vary based on the base cabinet’s specific purpose.  As a general rule the width of the base cabinets range from 9 to 42 inches.  For example, a base cabinet below a double basin sink is around 36 inches, while a single basin sink’s base cabinet will be about 30 inches. 

 Cabinets that house various pots and pans, baking sheets, and silverware will have different sizes based on their specified purpose.  These can range anywhere from 9 to 18 inches. 

traditional white kitchen cabinets

Kitchen by Studio McGee

How Deep is a Standard Kitchen Wall Cabinet?

If your base kitchen cabinets are your rock, then your kitchen wall cabinets are the face of your kitchen.  These are the cabinets that get noticed and are on display for everyone to see.  The cabinets are fixed into the wall studs and generally hold items like servingware, plates, glasses or decor.

Because these cabinets are on display, I love incorporating mixed materials to break up the kitchen cabinetry.  For example, you can mix glass double doors on upper wall cabinets with Shaker style base cabinets.  Install lighting within your glass cabinet to showcase your beautiful servingware.  

colorful and textured kitchen with ladder

Talk about the perfect kitchen cabinet set up! This design is by Blakes London. 

The height of your wall cabinets depends on your own preferences and your ceiling height. Keep in mind that while you may have cabinets that reach your ceiling, these high cabinets may be inaccessible to those of us who are vertically challenged.

Consider challenging your ideal upper cabinet height by creating the illusion of your cabinets reaching your ceiling height. I love this look for high ceilings.  It not only elongates the height of the kitchen, but also makes the space feel grander.  You can create this illusion with crown molding all around the top of the cabinet. 

 I know I’m guilty of having a few bare shelves where I can’t reach.  While I don’t use the space, I do love the aesthetic of full ceiling height cabinets.  So the payoff was worth it to me even if it isn’t fully functional. It just depends on your priorities.

bar with arched glass upper cabinets

Beautiful bar with crown molding around the top of the cabinets which adds height and dimension.  Cabinetry work by Stone Hall Cabinetry. 

Keep in mind these cabinets must fit between your ceiling and your base cabinets.  For the best result, 54 inches is recommended between the floor and bottom of the upper cabinets. Now for some math: subtract 36 inches (height of the base cabinet) from 54 inches ( recommended spacing between base cabinet and ceiling) and you’ll have 18 inches total.  This leaves plenty of room for a backsplash and workspace.

feminine neutral kitchen

Check out more pictures from this incredible feminine kitchen 

Standard wall cabinets range anywhere from 30-48 inches as the ideal height.  For those who prefer to have their cabinets reach their ceilings, then these high cabinets could come in at 48 inches. 

Wall cabinets must be between 12-24 inches deep so that they don’t jut out beyond the base cabinets. (Reminder: base cabinets have a standard depth of 24 inches.)  The standard depth of wall cabinets is 12 inches.  However, cabinets above the microwave or refrigerator tend to be deeper cabinets.  

Like the base cabinet, the standard widths of wall cabinets range from 12-48 inches deep.  Depending on whether you have a single door or double cabinet doors, your width will change.  However, most are 30 inch wide cabinets. 

two tone shaker style cabinets

Naked Kitchens designed this transitional kitchen

How Deep are Kitchen Wall Cabinets – Tall Cabinet Dimensions

Tall cabinets are also known as pantry cabinets or utility cabinets.  These are the random tall cabinets that extend from floor to ceiling.  You’ll often see people house their cleaning supplies or other miscellaneous items here.  

I’m not a big fan of these cabinets, unless of course these serve as your pantry.  I’d much rather have this space used in a different way, whether that be in the form of a larger refrigerator or wider stove and then utilize a beautiful armoire as a pantry.  To me, I think these cabinets are often just awkward and not necessarily functional for storage.  They also just look out of place to me.  

I prefer to have a cohesive look to my kitchen.  When you throw in this type of kitchen cabinets that are tall and narrow while all the rest of your cabinets are wide and uniform, it affects the general aesthetic. 

pantry cabinets

These tall cabinets on either side of the refrigerator are the exception to my opinion that tall cabinets are awkward and not as functional as I’d like.  Wow this is a functional tall cabinet!

Nonetheless, these tall cabinets range anywhere from 84-96 inches tall as the standard distance from floor to ceiling with an 8 ft ceiling.  The cabinet depth generally stays between 12-24 inches.  

You can’t have anything too deep or you’ll end up with a walk in closet or be struggling to reach the back of the cabinet. The width of these cabinets range anywhere from 18-24 inches wide. 

miscellaneous cabinet storage

Again, I stand corrected as this is a very functional cabinet space and makes use of all space in small kitchens. 

Alternative Uses for Kitchen Wall Cabinets

Before I send you off to design your own space, one thing I want to share is some alternative uses for Kitchen wall cabinets. Our current home is 150 years old, giving it some weird spaces to fill – where I want modern solutions.

We have added built in cabinets using stock cabinets two times now, and both times when faced with finding something that fit, I found myself researching how deep are kitchen wall cabinets – because a standard base cabinet wouldn’t fit!

I was able to use standard wall cabinets on the ground level in both situations to give a built in cabinet look where depth was an issue, so that is a creative solution to keep in mind for your home if you are the DIY type!

I hope this post gave you some insight into the importance of your kitchen cabinets.  Whether you plan to remodel your kitchen and get custom cabinets or stock cabinets, you will have plenty of options to choose from.  

The perfect kitchen cabinet is both functional and aesthetically pleasing to your kitchen’s overall look.  Take the time to consider how you and your family utilize the space. That will be the biggest factor in determining your layout and cabinetry needs.   Your dream kitchen will come together in no time!

cabinet storage garage

Other Posts You’ll Love

Shaker Style Kitchens  |   White Kitchen Cabinet Backsplash  |   Best Paint For Your Cabinets  |  Painting Kitchen Cabinets  |   DIY Built In Cabinets

Pin This Photo Below For Later

I would say we definitely answered ‘how deep are kitchen wall cabinets?’. Hopefully you feel confident in designing your kitchen, or planning your projects and have a better understanding of the depth of kitchen wall cabinets.  If you have any questions feel free to leave them in the comments section, and follow me on Instagram @arinsolange and TikTok  for more home, decor, and DIY.

depth of kitchen cabinets
DIY

Best Paint Sprayer for Walls

What is the best paint sprayer for walls? How many times have you embarked on a painting project only to discover brush strokes and uneven layers? Or, are you ready to take your DIY painting projects to the next level? 

There is a reason why professional painters love using a good paint sprayer. The right paint sprayer can take your project from novice to professional.  I’ll share with you how I chose our particular model and go over important factors between the main types of paint sprayers so you can make the right choice for your needs! 

This post may contain affiliate links.

best paint sprayer for walls

If you’re planing on painting cabinets, be sure to choose the best paint for cabinets.

All About Paint Sprayers  – The Best Paint Sprayer for Walls

If you’ve never spent hours standing on a ladder only to discover drip marks and uneven paint smeared across your entire wall, have you even lived? 

I used to spend so much energy gathering my painting supplies, taping off areas that I didn’t want paint on, cutting around corners, and painstakingly rolling paint across my walls, only to discover a paint job that was far from my best performance. I needed something that would give me a smooth finish without the brush strokes and roller marks.  

spray painted white kitchen

During our kitchen renovation in our last house, I realized that my best way to achieve those seamless results would be to purchase a paint sprayer.  My husband, Sam, and I quickly dove into some research on the best paint sprayer out there.  We needed something that would be easy to use, within our budget, efficient, versatile, and provide professional looking results.

side view of painted white cabinets

You may be thinking “what is so great about a paint sprayer?”  Isn’t it just one more tool I need to store in my garage?  Here is the thing about paint sprayers.  If you plan to do a lot of home painting projects, then they are a great choice to have as a tool in your arsenal for all of your painting needs.

Paint sprayers can give you professional results even with those difficult to reach and uneven surfaces.  You won’t see brush strokes or roller marks.  Instead, you’ll see a smooth surface with a fine finish-whether that be on your interior walls, exterior walls, or even cabinets or furniture.

room with pink arches

I love our daughter’s bedroom paint color in Valspar’s Desert Bone so much that we even painted the ceiling.

They are also incredibly efficient at producing results.  Because you are looking at a mechanical process rather than manual labor, you are working smarter, not harder.  You could have a single room painted in a matter of minutes, whereas, it would take hours to complete it with paint rollers and paint brushes. 

Paint sprayers can be used with different types of materials (think: paints, stains, and finishes), and be used on various mediums (think: wood, ceramic, metal, and even fabric). While there is certainly a learning curve associated with owning a paint sprayer, with a little practice you can soon be a pro. 

best paint sprayer for walls

Paint sprayers made painting cabinets in our playroom so much easier!

I will say that while we use our paint sprayer for tons of projects, we prefer to reserve it for our larger projects.  It does take some time to set up and clean up once you have it out and ready.  Additionally, when you are first learning how to use the paint sprayer, I would recommend using it outside or in a controlled paint tent. 

 If you are using it inside, you’ll need to have mastered controlling the paint flow to avoid any overspray.  Overspray is that fine mist that floats away from your sprayer.  If you aren’t careful, you can coat items you didn’t intend to be painted.  With all paint sprayers, you’ll have some overspray. The amount of overspray can vary depending on the type of paint sprayer you use.  

white playhouse

I am so glad we had our paint sprayer when we did this DIY swing set makeover

The Best Paint Sprayer for Walls – Things to Consider Before Purchase

The type of paint sprayer you want will depend on a few key considerations. 

Projects for Paint Sprayers

You’ll want to ask yourself on which projects do you intend to use your paint sprayer.  Although we’re talking about the best paint sprayer for walls, there are typically more projects on your mind down the road.

Do you intend to use this for large projects or smaller projects? Is this going to be primarily outdoor use or indoor use? What type of material do you intend to use your paint sprayer on and how much paint will I need? 

spray painted ikea hack play kitchen

The IKEA play kitchen is a perfect beginner project to try out your new paint sprayer!

You’ll want to make sure you look at the amount of overspray that can be produced by the type of paint sprayer you pick out. If you only intend to use your paint sprayer in an outdoor setting, then overspray may not be a huge issue for you.

How long does it take to paint with a paint sprayer?

You’ll also want to consider your time.  If you have a large project, this is a great way to save time.  For small projects, it may take you more time getting your paint sprayer set up and cleaned up then it would if you just used a paint cup with some rollers.  

white front porch swing

This DIY porch swing was a cinch with our paint sprayer.

The Best Paint Sprayer for Walls – Is it worth getting a paint sprayer?

Keep in mind that with paint sprayers, some require a large amount of paint to be used.  If you are working on a small project, this is not only inefficient, but may end up being more costly in the long run.  

Lastly, consider your overall budget.  Professional painters have systems that cost in the thousands of dollars range.  You certainly don’t need anything that fancy, but also keep in mind that you do want a good quality product and that can come at a cost.

understairs plahouse

Check out this DIY under the stairs playhouse.

Which type of paint sprayer is best?

Before you decide to purchase a powerful paint sprayer, you’ll want to research the different models out on the market.  There are different pros and cons depending on what you want to use your sprayer for.  Let’s take a look at the different types of paint sprayers and discuss the differences so that you can make an informed choice before you hit that purchase button.

Best Paint Sprayer for walls – Airless Sprayers

Airless paint sprayers use an electric motor to power paint from the paint reservoir through the tip of the gun via high pressure.  The paint then explodes out from the spray tip to the surface area of your choice.  

Due to the high pressure (and notice I said explodes), you need to be extremely careful that you avoid touching the sprayer’s tip.  Never point an airless spray gun at a person.

red barn with white windows

This barn window refresh called for a paint sprayer! 

When it comes to airless sprayers, you can find these options available in a gun format or larger cart.  Both work in a similar fashion, but keep in mind that the cart style will be larger and able to handle more volume of paint for those big projects.  This can get expensive quickly! For your average homeowner, an airless gun would be a good choice.  

The smaller gun option is a handheld paint sprayer that draws paint from a smaller reservoir.  However, because the reservoir is smaller, your paint will run out more quickly.  

If you are painting walls with a large surface area be prepared to refill multiple times. The gun is great for smaller projects.

best paint sprayer for walls

A professional looking finish was essential for this closet makeover by Jenna Sue Design Co.

If you have bigger goals in mind, then the airless sprayer cart is a good option. Rather than drawing paint from a small reservoir, it draws paint directly from the paint bucket or a larger bucket.  You’ll also have the benefit of using a longer hose to help cover those larger surfaces.   

Both styles are extremely easy to use. Because of the high pressure, there is a significant overspray.  You’ll want to keep that in mind depending on where you plan to use your sprayer.  

Additionally, you’ll need to factor in more paint as it does get used up in overspray and not necessarily directly on the object that is being painted. This is less than ideal and you will use a lot of paint for those large projects.  

On the plus side, these airless models handle latex paint and primer well.  Other types of sprayers require you to thin out your materials which can be a major pain. 

white home exterior

The spray painted brick on this home under construction looks incredible! Check out the before pictures!

In all, this is the best choice for large painting projects that you need to get done quickly and efficiently.  This is also a great beginner tool.  It is straightforward to use and doesn’t require a lot of skill.

Best Paint Sprayer for Walls – Air Compressor Sprayer 

Like the name says, this paint sprayer requires the use of an air compressor to power the paint through the sprayer.  You’ll have your air compressor that is attached to a hose that then attaches to a sprayer gun.  

Because you are using an air compressor, you do have to determine how much airflow to use to give you that control and fine spray.  Don’t be surprised to be required to mix thicker paints with a solvent to thin out your paint to get the desired consistency for your finished product.

There are many factors to consider when thinning out your paint. You’ll need to understand the differences in paint and solvent types. Acrylicgiesson.com has a great guide on how to thin out paint for a paint sprayer.  

outdoor patio area

Check out these spray painted shutters and why a painting shelter was crucial for this DIY.

While these are fairly inexpensive, especially if you already own an air compressor, these too produce a lot of overspray.  They also take more preparation as you will most likely be required to use thin materials rather than thicker paints.  

If you are painting cabinets, this would be a great choice.  Ideally, you’d use a painting tent to have more control over that overspray to provide you with a professional outcome.

white piano

Painting our piano has been on my project list for a while. I love how this one turned out! 

In all, this is a great choice for small projects that can be in a controlled setting with a painting tent to avoid overspray issues.  Additionally, people who have used air compressors before would likely have an easier time using this style. 

Best Paint Sprayer for Walls – HVLP Sprayers 

HVLP (high volume, low pressure) paint sprayers use air volume to move the paint from the gun out of the spray nozzle to your desired painting surface area.  A compressor is used separately with adjustable pressure to help create that fine mist of paint that is being expelled from your spray nozzle onto your material.  

The paint and air pressure are separate until they reach the nozzle where the spray occurs. This allows you a bit more control so that you can achieve more intricate and detailed work with less overspray.  This is also a great sprayer if you wish to use it indoors without worrying about major overspray.  

white doors

Young House Love shares their experience painting trim and doors in their home.

You’ll need to consider that with an HVLP paint sprayer, you will need to use thinner paints.  If you want to use latex paints, you’ll want to consider switching to an airless pump that does not require you to thin out your materials. However, if a finer finish and more intricate details are involved, stick with an HVLP sprayer.  You’ll be happier with the end results.

painting home trim

See what a difference freshly painted trim can do for your home.

In all, this is a great option for people who have detailed intricate projects that require a professional finish.  Doors, trimwork, and cabinets would do well with an HVLP sprayer.

Different Nozzle Types 

The type of spray painter you decided to purchase will help determine the type of spray tip you should buy.  This can be extremely confusing and a quick Google search will yield hundreds of abbreviations, sizes, and charts all dedicated to spray gun nozzle sizes and tips.  

Why the mystery? More importantly, why the difficulty?  Spray tips are what send the paint out in a mist (or a fancy science term- atomizes the paint).  The way the paint is atomized and sprayed out is what gives you a nice smooth finish.  The whole point of buying a paint sprayer is for the finish.  So really, the spray tip is quite important.  

graph

This sprayer compatibility chart courtesy of Graco.  Utilize their drop down tool to easily find the correct size for you.

Once you’ve determined what type of spray painter you will buy, then you can decide what type of tip you need.  Depending on the project, you may need different tips.  The tip can be best determined by the type of material you are using.  Thicker materials require larger tips to expel the material out and faster.  

A smaller tip is best suited for thinner materials and will go out slower.  Keep in mind how big or small your project is as well.  Large areas will require a wider tip and smaller projects will require a more narrow type.

Ultimately, you can refer to your paint sprayer’s manufacturing site to determine the correct size for your nozzle.  This doesn’t have to be rocket science. Use their drop down tools that will ask you model type, material type, and surface area.  Voila! You have the correct size sprayer tip! No need to look at charts and sweat it!

Using Your Paint Sprayer 

Once you pick out the paint sprayer that is best for you – these simple instructions will help you use it! 

Tape Off Area

Before you get started, you’ll need to make sure you have properly prepared your painting area.  This includes taping anything you don’t want paint on with painter’s tape or covering large areas in plastic wrap or paper.  This will avoid heavy overspray from settling a thin coat of paint on areas that weren’t meant for paint.

Safety First 

You’ll also want to make sure you are wearing proper safety gear, including eyewear and a respirator.  The last thing you want to do is breathe in those painting particles or spray yourself in the eye on accident.  

Practice, Practice, Practice

Make sure you have practiced using your paint sprayer before the main event.  Find some discarded cardboard pieces or spare wood and go to town.  You’ll want to practice different spray patterns and use different spray nozzle tips and sizes based on the type of paint being used.  You may have to adjust your pressure (if using) to ensure you have an even finish. 

Proper Form

To begin, you want to hold your sprayer’s tip about 1 foot away from the item you are spraying.  Make sure you are holding it straight and steady, otherwise you’ll have an uneven finish.  Use your entire arm to move the sprayer.  There are 2 main techniques you can practice- a horizontal and vertical pattern. 

Spray Patterns

To paint in a left-to-right motion, you need to think vertically.  This is conducive to painting long vertical boards (like board and batten).  Again, keep your sprayer straight and avoid any leaning or arches to get the most even finish.

To paint up and down, you’ll need to go in a horizontal pattern.  This is ideal for wider materials like walls. Some professional painters swear by a technique where you make both a horizontal coat and then a vertical coat for the smoothest finish. 

Clean Up

Once you have completed your painting project, you need to clean up right away.  Leftover paint will dry and lead to big trouble for your sprayer.  For this part you’ll need to use the appropriate solvent to clean it best. If you used a water based paint, go ahead and use water to clean it.  

If you used an oil based paint, you’ll need to use some paint thinner.  Place your spray tip in the solvent and let it soak.  Put the solvent in your paint’s reservoir and run it through the sprayer until it is cleared.  

Best Paint Sprayers For Your Needs 

Best Airless Paint Sprayer 

The Graco Magnum X5 Stand Airless Paint Sprayer is a great choice for homeowners who take on many painting projects.  This airless model is well suited for both indoor and outdoor painting.  It is lightweight and has a hose that can support up to 75 feet, making it extremely mobile and versatile. 

It also comes with an ability to adjust the pressure to support a smoother finisher.  Since it is airless, you also don’t need to thin your painting materials, which is an added bonus!  Graco also provides an adapter to attach the hose to your garden hose to assist with easy cleanup. 

paint sprayer

For smaller projects, I’d recommend the Graco 16Y385 Truecoat 360 Paint Sprayer.  This is the paint sprayer that we have and it has been a great purchase.  I loved that we didn’t need to thin out our materials.  

It also is extremely lightweight and easy to use.  If you need to flip it over, you can even spray upside down, which is not a common feature.  Clean up is a cinch and the price is great for this powerful sprayer.

paint sprayer

Best HVLP Paint Sprayer & Air Compressor Paint Sprayer

The Wagner Flexio 890 Stationary HVLP Paint Sprayer is a great versatile tool that is perfect for those intricate projects indoors and can be used for bigger projects outdoors.  With an adjustable pressure and two nozzles, you have much more control over your painting outcome.  

A nozzle for fine finishes allows you to reach that professional look for detailed work. What makes this paint sprayer stand out is its ability to paint an 8×10 wall in a mere 5 minutes! Talk about efficiency!

paint sprayer

If you are looking for something a bit more compact, then the Graco Sharpe HVLP FX3000 is a great option. This product comes in several sizes and weighs only about 1 pound.  This is a perfect option for smaller projects around your home. 

paint sprayer

The Dynastus 33 oz Siphon Feed Spray Gun requires a 7-12 CFM/ 3 HP compressor.  This is an extremely versatile sprayer that can handle materials ranging from paint to enamel or urethanes.  You can use it for both indoor and outdoor applications. 

 Not only can it be used on home improvement projects, but it can also be used on automobiles.  This is a great option if you want something with multiple purposes.

paint sprayer

Did that make things clear as mud, or do you feel confident in your decision?  I am rounding up all the paint sprayers we talked about below for easier shopping, so if you think you have made your decision go ahead and grab one from Amazon!

best paint sprayer for walls

Shop the Best Paint Sprayer for Walls 

2 | 3 | 4 | 5

Other Posts You’ll Love 

Kitchen Reveal  |   Valspar Desert Bone Girls Room  |   Modern Neutral Paint ColorsBest Paint for Kitchen Cabinets 

Pin This Photo Below For Later

I hope this overview gave you some great insight on the best paint sprayer for walls.  I never knew there were so many options out there until it was my turn to invest in one.  These are great tools to have in your DIY arsenal and you won’t be disappointed you purchased one, especially when you can paint an entire wall in only 5 minutes! If you have any questions, feel free to leave them in the comments section, and follow me on Instagram @arinsolange and TikTok  for more home, decor, and DIY.

best paint sprayer for walls
Fashion

The Best Kids Rainbow Pajamas

Shop the Post
Burt’s Bees Retro Rainbow Set
Rainbow Long John Set
Kids Pastel Rainbows PJs
Coconut Cream Rainbow Short Set
Rainbow Hearts Long Sleeve Set
Rainbow 3-piece PJs Set
Pink Rainbow PJs Short Set
Black Rainbows Short Sleeve PJs
Orange Sherbet Rainbow PJ Set
Blue Rainbow PJs Short Set
Pink Rainbow Unicorn Sleep Dress
Snug Rainbow Long Johns
Rainbows & Unicorns PJs
Rainbow Hearts Onesie
Hello Sunshine Footie PJs
Leveret Dark Rainbow PJs
Reversing Rainbows PJs
Kickee Rainbows Pant PJs
Honest Baby Rainbow Stripe PJs
Rainbow Stripe Silky PJ set

I can not believe we are already approaching springtime! Right at the end of winter is the perfect time to brighten up any old regular day with some brightly colored pajamas! Plus they are perfect to wear on St. Patrick’s Day while enjoying some Rainbow Rice Krispy Treats or as Easter basket fillers. Enjoy these kids rainbow pajamas year round!

This post may contain affiliate links. Post was updated February 2024.

baby girl in rainbow outfit

Seasonal Family Pajamas

I am over 11 years into motherhood and one of my favorite things to buy the whole family is holiday pajamas. The love typically starts with Halloween pjs then just carries right on through those colder months.  It’s a fun tradition we continue year after year.

And while the affinity for family pajamas wanes for many moms as it gets warmer, mine continues! However, at this time of the year I tend to shy away from specific holidays and go with a more seasonal theme. So instead of shamrocks and leprechauns at St. Patrick’s Day, I prefer rainbows and bright colors.

rainbow pajamas for kids

Rainbow Pajamas for Toddlers + Kids

Rainbows are the perfect happy medium between holiday specific and seasonal themes this time of the year. If you’re a big fan of spring, you can lean towards more pastel or actual weather related rainbow pajamas for kids.

Similarly, if you prefer more muted and curated looks for your family, there are many muted rainbows featuring shades of beautiful neutrals or tones of one singular color.

Regardless of your preferences, this list should have an option for your family for this time of year! And don’t forget yourself – check out this luxurious silky number just for mom from Summersalt.

Rainbow Pajamas

Spring Pajamas for Baby, Toddler, and Kids

Getting pajamas doesn’t have to be expensive – Prices range from super inexpensive to more hand me down style pricing in this post. I also tried to pick pajamas of all styles. So if you happen to be beachside this spring break, you can opt for the sweet shorts set. Or if you and your family will be snow bunnies, grab some matching sibling pajamas in the rad Retro Rainbow Set that will keep your kids warm fireside.

When shopping for less thematic or holiday-centric pajamas, I think it makes more sense to spend a little more when that’s an option. Usually, I end up with at least two of my kids wearing a set of pajamas for years on end. The more affordable pajamas for kids might only hold up for one season so keep that in mind if you plan on handing these pajamas down the line.

My top picks for rainbow pajamas for your family are below – Happy Shopping and Happy (almost!) Spring!

kids rainbow pjs

1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 12 | 13 | 14 | 15 | 16 | 17 | 18 | 19 

  1. Burt’s Bees Retro Rainbow Set – These come in multiple sizes so siblings can match.
  2. Pastel Rainbows – These are a quality material that are buttery soft.
  3. Rainbow Long John Set – This material is hypoallergenic & eczema-friendly.
  4. Coconut Cream Rainbow Short Set – Soft, organic cotton knit make these really soft.
  5. Rainbow Hearts Long Sleeve Set – A simple but sweet print that can be worn into other seasons.
  6. Rainbow 3-piece Set – I love that this is a three piece set and the prints are all so cute.
  7. Pink Rainbow Short Set – A short set if your little one tends to run warm at night.
  8. Black Rainbows Short Sleeve PJs – I just love this black background with the pop of the rainbow hearts.
  9. Orange Sherbet Rainbow Set – This orange sherbet background make the rainbows really stand out.
  10. Blue Rainbow short set – The shorts are perfect for warmer weather. 
  11. Pink Rainbow Unicorn Sleep Dress – Sleep dresses for little girls is just too cute!
  12. Snug Rainbow Long Johns – This snug fit is so cozy.
  13. Rainbows & Unicorns PJs – I mean rainbows and unicorns just go hand in hand!
  14. Rainbow Hearts Onesie – This is such a sweet take on rainbows and hearts.
  15. Hello Sunshine Footie PJs – This print with the little faces is just adorable.
  16. Leveret Dark Rainbow Long Sleeve – I love this darker rainbow print.
  17. Reversing Rainbows  – This reversing rainbow print is so unique.
  18. Kickee Pants Rainbows  – The blue background is so cute.
  19. Honest Baby Rainbow Stripe – I love the pastel colors – can be worn long into Spring .

*Plus an option for mom!

DIY

Miter Saw Vs Circular Saw : What’s the Difference?

Miter Saw vs Circular saw, what’s the difference? How many times do you scroll Pinterest and find DIY projects you want to accomplish only to discover that it is way too involved?  As soon as you see that power tools are required you immediately exit out of the screen and go on your way.  A lot of the time only one ‘big tool’ is in the budget, so let’s talk miter saw vs circular saw and help you pick what is right for you. 

 You only need a few basic tools and it all starts with the right saw.  There are different options and different uses for different types of saws.  I’ll share with you the key differences between the best miter saws and circular saws.

diy shelves and arched built in

This post may contain affiliate links. 

Miter Saw Vs Circular Saw 

If you’ve been wanting to learn more about how to complete woodworking projects, then this post is a great starting point.  In order to become an incredible DIYer you need to have some basic knowledge of power tools. 

 If you’ve ever wanted to build your own dining table, arched built ins, porch swing, or abacus baby walker then you need to have an understanding of different types of power saws. 

diy floating shelves

Check out how to make your own DIY shelves with my post.

Not only should you know the main difference between a circular saw and a miter saw, but you should also know how to use these popular power tools.  While both saws can be used on a variety of materials and projects, they can be utilized in different ways. 

Both saws have circular round blades that are powered with an electric motor to cut through various materials like wood, PVC, and aluminum. While a miter saw is stationary and makes accurate crosscuts, a circular saw makes less precise cuts but can also make rip cuts as it is not stationary.  

Keeping in mind your purpose for ownership, you’ll want to review these commonalities and differences to find the best choice for you. 

Miter Saw vs Circular Saw

This DIY Dining Table is a great dupe for Pottery Barn and West Elm alternatives.

The Skinny on Miter Saws 

So what exactly is a miter saw? Let’s start with a basic overview of this versatile tool.  A miter saw is also commonly known as a chop saw. 

Imagine a stationary saw with a circular blade, beneath the blade is a spot where your wood that you intend to cut lies. The wood is on a track and your saw is brought down to chop the wood in a variety of cuts. 

diy light in girls room

Check out how to make this Anthropologie dupe DIY light fixture.

These chop saws make different types of cuts at different angles as well as straight cuts.  The type of miter saw you have (more on that in a minute) will dictate the different cuts you can make.  So what exactly are the types of cuts you can make with a miter saw? 

Common Cuts Utilized on the Miter Saw 

If the miter saw is the way you go – here are some common cuts you can expect to be able to accomplish on a miter saw. 

Miter Cuts

As the name suggests, this is a specific type of cut that the miter saw is known for.  This type of cut is angled on the width (face) of the board.  To make the angled cut, your saw will be angled horizontally to cut the board.  If you look around your house, you’ll notice common miter cuts.  Picture frames and door frames are commonly cut at a 45-degree angle in a miter cut.  

mitered corner example

Find out how to make mitered corners

Bevel Cuts 

Not to be confused with a miter cut, a bevel cut is very similar in that both are cut at  various angles.  For a bevel cut, the biggest difference is the location of the angled cut on the board of the wood.  

While miter cuts are angled on the face of the board, a bevel cut is angled at the end of the board.  Imagine your board being angled through the thickness part of the board rather than the width.  

With a miter cut, your saw is angled horizontally, in a bevel cut, your saw is angled vertically through the grain of the wood.  You’ll often see this cut in a board and batten wall where the wall meets the baseboard for a seamless transition. 

edge example

This is a great example of a bevel cut where the wood meets.  You can see that the cut goes to the end of the board through the thickness.  Check out more examples here.

Compound Cuts

A compound cut is simply a cross between a miter cut and bevel cut.  You’ll often see this type of cut in crown moldings.

bevel angle vs miter angle diagram

Learn how to make a compound cut to make a bowl

Cross Cuts 

A cross cut is a very simple cut that occurs when you cut perpendicularly to the length of the wood. While a miter saw does do these cuts, this is also a cut that can be performed by a circular saw.  You don’t need a specialized tool to perform these types of cuts.  If you need a 1×4 board cut in half this is the cut you’ll use.

saw

Source: Dream Design DIY

Rip Cuts 

While I’m going to mention rip cuts under the miter saw section, a miter saw does not actually perform rip cuts.  This should be reserved for circular saws.  A rip cut is when you cut your board parallel to the grain of your wood.  

man using a circular saw

Check out more tips on ripping wood

Types of Miter Saws 

There are several types of miter saws that you can pick to purchase.  Each of these different saw types come in different sizes.  Your ability to cut different materials is limited by your type of saw, size of saw, and blade size.  For miter saws, one size does not fit all.  Miter saws are a specialized tool. Depending on how you intend to use that tool, one choice will be clearly a  better option over another. 

Now that we’ve gone over different types of cuts, let’s put that knowledge to use and review the different types of miter saws.

Single Bevel Miter Saw 

As the name suggests, a single bevel miter saw makes miter and bevel cuts in one single direction.  You are only able to tilt your blade either left or right, but not in both directions.  If you need to make cuts at opposing angles, then you would need to flip your board and begin the cut in the opposite direction to achieve the specific angles.

bevel miter saw

This is a great beginner saw!  – We owned this for years and it was amazing! 

Double Bevel Miter Saw 

In the instance of a double bevel miter saw, your miter saw can be moved in different directions to make bevel and miter cuts from both left and right sides.  In this instance, you wouldn’t be required to flip your board around to complete the cut.  Rather, you would adjust your angle. 

bevel miter saw

This 12 inch double bevel compound miter saw is a great option. – 

Compound miter saws make compound cuts.  If you recall compound cuts are a cross between a bevel and miter saw. This type of saw does it all: compound cuts, miter cuts, and bevel cuts. 

Remember, this does not do rip cuts (those are reserved for circular saws).  You may see that compound miter saws may come as either a single bevel or double bevel compound miter saw. 

 So while the compound miter saw can make all of the cuts, you’ll still need to keep in mind that if you chose a single bevel compound miter saw, you are limited in different directions.  A double compound miter saw allows you to have the ability to perform all of the cuts as well as having the full range of direction on creating these cuts.

compound miter saw

This 12 inch compound miter saw is a double bevel. 

Sliding Miter Saw

You also need to keep in mind that because you are using a miter saw, you’re limited to cutting wood that fits within your track.  If a board is too wide to fit in the track, then you have to get creative.  A sliding miter saw allows you to cut those wider boards by sliding along the track. 

Again, keep in mind that you can have a sliding compound miter saw that is still single bevel.  So if having the ability to turn your saw both left and right to make those angled cuts is important to you, you may want to consider a double bevel compound sliding miter saw.

sliding miter saw

This is the saw we use! We love it and it has been very good to us! The 12 inch double bevel sliding compound Dewalt saw

The Right Blade 

To confuse beginner woodworkers even more, miter saws will also come in different blade sizes.  You have to remember that you are limited on cutting your wood by your blade size. 

Most miter saws have blade sizes that range from 10 to 12 inches in diameter.  The larger the diameter of your blade, the deeper and wider your saw can cut. If you have a sliding miter saw, your saw will be able to cut a bit wider, but your depth is still limited depending on your blade size.

king canopy bed diy example

Check out how to make your own DIY bed frame.

There are pros and cons to 10 inch versus 12 inch blade sizes.  The 10 inch blade size tends to be cheaper and easier to move from place to place.  You are limited on cutting depth and width, but if you aren’t necessarily going to be utilizing it for boards that are more than 5 inches, then a 10 inch miter saw will work perfectly.  

For deeper and larger boards, you’ll want to stick with a 12 inch saw.  Keep in mind you can always flip your board over and make the cut from the other side to go all the way through.  This is, however, more work and more steps, which could give you a less precise cut. 

pink fluted wall in powder bath

DIY Fluted Wall Tutorial is available on my blog.

The Tall & Short On Circular Saws 

Now that we have covered miter saws in detail, let’s go over a few key details for circular saws.  Unlike the miter saw, circular saws are not on a track and are a handheld saw that requires a skilled hand.  Not only should you be versed in your specific tool,  but you should also take the appropriate safety precautions. 

Your saw sits on top of your wood and you push the saw to cut through the wood.  This leads to much more versatility than miter saws.  Whereas miter saws are limited by width, a circular saw isn’t.  Circular saws can cut both cross cuts and angled cuts.  

All of the cuts a miter saw can perform plus riip cuts can be achieved by this powerful tool.  The downside of circular saws is that they require a lot of practice.  This isn’t a handheld tool that you can just pick up and use right off that bet.  

It takes a skilled hand and unfortunately your cuts are only as accurate as you.  So if you are unable to cut well in a straight line, you won’t have accurate cuts.

diy faux antique gold mirror

Check out how make your own DIY antique mirror.

Circular saws also come in different sizes which correspond to your blade size.  Like the miter saw’s blade sizes, the circular saw’s blade size also determines the depth of your cut.  The material you plan to cut will also help determine the type of saw blade you want to purchase.  

There are all purpose saw blades, but specialized blades will be more accurate and yield better results.  You’ll want to keep in mind that the number of teeth on a saw blade also corresponds to how clean of a cut your saw produces.  A saw blade with a lot of teeth will produce cleaner results than a saw blade with less teeth.

diy built in desk

This easy DIY built in desk is a great space saving solution! 

Circular Saws At A Glance 

Miter Saw vs Circular Saw

Name That Tool 

You may be asking yourself when would it be appropriate to use a miter saw over a circular saw or vice versa?  Of course there isn’t a right choice, but I would say that you would definitely make it harder on yourself by picking one that isn’t well suited for the task at hand.

Repeated Cuts: Miter Saw

Let’s pretend you are making a small table.  For that table you will have at minimum 4 repeated cuts for the length of the legs.  A miter saw would be well suited for repeated length cuts to ensure precision and accuracy.  If you chose the circular saw, your cuts are dependent on you cutting them each the same all 4 times.  

diy side table

Check out how to make this DIY side table.

Crown Molding & Trim: Miter Saw

Both crown molding and trim work require precise angle cuts to be made so that they align perfectly.  If anything is off, your entire project is off.  Because of the precise angle cuts, a miter saw would be your best option.

diy crown molding

Check out how this DIY faux crown molding for this cabinet was created! 

Cutting Plywood & Trimming a Table: Circular Saw

Plywood sheets and tables tend to be extremely wide.  Remember how we said that with miter saws you are limited on what you cut based on the width and depth of your material? 

Your best bet would be to use a circular saw to avoid mismatched angles.  If you have to stop and flip your wood halfway through, you are less likely to get those precise cuts. Not to mention, it would just be bulky and awkward on your miter saw. 

Miter Saw vs Circular Saw

Check out how to make your own DIY outdoor table!

Basic Safety 

It would be irresponsible of me to fail to mention basic safety rules.  Before you get a powerful saw, you’ll want to be familiar with safety techniques to keep you and any bystanders safe.

Always wear closed toe shoes

This should go without saying, but you always want to have closed toe shoes on while operating any type of saw or using power tools.  One little slip could send your little toe off to the market crying “whee whee whee!”

Wear safety goggles

Safety goggles will keep your eyes protected from fine dust particles but also in the event of any wood splinters that may fly off and near your face.

Wear a respirator

It is never a bad idea to wear a well fitted mask/respirator when using a saw.  The amount of dust you will breathe in can cause your respiratory tract to go into overdrive.

Keep your hands and fingers cleared from the blades

Avoid putting your hands and fingers under the blade even if it is not in use.  This may sound pretty obvious, but I have to say it.

Wear ear protection

Have I forgotten ear protection before? Yes, yes I have.  Should I forgo ear protection? No.  Always wear ear protection.  Your hearing will thank you later and you’ll avoid having to ask your children “What?” repeatedly. 

Ensure firm grasp on wood

Make sure your wood is firmly clamped or secured while cutting.  You don’t want your board to slip and cause your hand to go with it. 

Miter Saw Vs Circular Saw – The best of the Best 

Miter Saw vs Circular Saw

1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6

  1. Dewalt 12 inch Sliding Compound Miter Saw – This is our current saw. She is a beaut.  She does it all- compound cuts and can slide to help with those wide boards.  With the 12 inch blade we have plenty of room to make deep cuts.  This is also a double bevel saw so she does angle left and right.  At the time of publication, there is an amazing sale available!
  2. Metabo Compound 10 inch Single Bevel Miter Saw– This was our old saw.  This is a great first starting out miter saw.  It is fairly light weight so you can easily move it around for projects.  Keep in mind that with the single bevel, you’ll have to get creative for angles.  If you are first starting out, chances are you won’t be doing many projects that involved complicated angles. Great price to boot! 
  3. Ryobi 10 inch Sliding Compound Miter Saw
  4. Metabo 12 inch Sliding Compound Double Bevel Laser Marked, Compact Miter Saw – This is a great option if you want to invest in a quality miter saw.  You may think that having the laser may seem fancy, but this is a great option for beginners.  It helps ensure you are keeping your board straight before you make that cut!
  5. Dewalt 7 ¼ inch Corded Circular Saw with Electric Brake 
  6. Bosch 7 ¼ inch Cordless Circular Saw

Other Posts You’ll Love 

DIY Arched Built In  |  DIY Dining Table  |   DIY Fluted Wall  |  DIY Porch Swing

Pin This Photo Below For Later 

I hope this post provided some clarity on the differences between a miter saws vs circular saw.  Both saws are great tools and can be used for many different projects.  I hope with this newfound clarity you’ll take on the challenge of your very own DIY projects.  Jump in feet first and don’t look back. You can do this! If you have any questions, feel free to leave them in the comments section, and follow me on Instagram @arinsolange and TikTok  for more home, decor, and DIY.

Miter Saw vs Circular Saw
Holidays

Galentine’s Day Party – A  Day To Celebrate You! 

Every Valentine’s Day season I dream of ways to make sure my kids have a special day filled with sweet decor, treats, and of course, love. But what about when it comes to your closest friends? You and your best friends are worth celebrating.  If you’ve ever wanted to throw the best Galentine’s Day party ever, I’ll share with you the secrets to one of the best days of the year and how to throw the ultimate celebration. 

galentine's day party

This post may contain affiliate links.

Galentine’s Day Party

A few years ago, I started a new Galentine’s Day tradition where I invite over my best gal pals to celebrate our incredible friendship.  It is the perfect excuse to get together for some delicious desserts and our favorite drinks. 

More importantly, I love that we all take the time to take a pause on our busy lives and spend some quality time together for a night of fun and girl talk.

galentine's day party decor

The Galentine’s Day tablescape at our first party was DIY perfection and so easy!

Won’t You Be My Galentine?

So you may be wondering what exactly is a Galentine’s Day and where in the world did this all start? This isn’t a holiday that has its origin stories from ancient times.  Rather, Galentine’s Day dates back to 2010.  Yes, 2010. Back when a young Amy Poehler played Leslie Knope of Parks & Recreation.  

The show was a huge hit and it aired an episode in which Amy Poehler’s character, Leslie Knope, threw a huge celebration on February 13th.  In this episode, Leslie celebrates her friends on Valentine’s Day Eve.  

Leslie’s eventful celebration had waffles, champagne, and of course personalized gifts to her friends.  It was the perfect way to show her friends how much they mean to her. 

galentine's gift idea

Become the Hostess With The Mostest

The good news is that if you are wanting to get in on this loving holiday and shower your friends with love, I’ve got some easy ideas to pull off your own Galentine’s Day party.  

There is no one size fits all when it comes to celebrating your friendships.  The sky really is the limit and whatever you and your friends enjoy is what you should focus on in terms of  the type of party you plan.

galentine's day party

If a cheerful Galentine’s Day party with bright florals is wrong, I don’t want to be right.

Plan Your Logistics

You’ll need to plan a few logistics like day, time, and location.  Ideally, Galentine’s Day is on February 13th as it was intended.  But, Valentine’s Day weekend is a great option if you can’t swing something mid-week.  

Make sure you also consider who you invite.  You’ll need a list of your best Galentine friends to invite.   You don’t need to have a formal invitation, even a text would do.  You can find some cute invitations that are free online to be sent via text or email.

galentine's day party

Galentine’s Day Themes

Night On The Town

What you intend to do at your Galentine’s Day party may dictate where you can hold your soiree.  If you want to have a night of dancing and music, you could host the party at your favorite night club where you can bust out the karaoke set and your best dance moves. 

 But, let’s be honest, if you and your friends are all moms, chances are you’ll be too exhausted to have a stiletto dance class and will want to stick to something more low key.  

galentine's day centerpieces

Movie Madness

Hosting a movie marathon with your favorite romantic movies is a great idea for a low key celebration.  You could do a chick flick theme and have a popcorn station along with some incredible chocolate fondue and a signature cocktail.  

Turn it into a game night and get competitive with your friends.  Test your movie knowledge or play a personal favorite, “Heads Up.”  You’ll be laughing all night long.

movie night galentine's

I could sit at this backyard movie night all night and watch Rom-Coms.

Treat Yo Self

Personally, I would have loved to attend a home spa day, or even a real spa day! For moms, it is extremely hard to take time away from your kids and all of the hustle and bustle of everyday life. 

 Whenever I’m able to catch a break and pamper myself it is such a treat. I can’t think of a more perfect opportunity than to have a day with my closest friends where we all get to pamper ourselves.  In the words of Parks & Recreation, “Treat Yo Self.”  

The first step to taking care of other people is to care for yourself.  Rest and recharge those batteries with your closest friends. 

galentine's day party

Such a fun loungewear and champagne themed Galentine’s Day set up for this party.

Breakfast Club

Another great way to celebrate your friendship is to hold a weekend brunch.  I love Sunday brunch with girlfriends and this would be a perfect theme. 

Set up your tablescape with some fresh flowers and break out your best china.  You could even take it up a notch and elevate it to a sophisticated tea party.

galentine's day tablescape

Check out my Valentine’s Day brunch from last year. 

Class Is In Session

If you and your friends are into trying out different restaurants and experimenting with cooking, hold a cooking class party.  Hire a private chef to come teach you and your friends how to cook certain dishes you’ve always wanted to try.  

This would be another fun way to relax, try something new, and enjoy the company of your best friends.  You have a variety of options when it comes to picking out what type of cuisine to cook.  

Or, you could focus on Valentine’s Day breakfast ideas and get some fun inspiration to cook for the big day for you and your family. 

galentine's day party

Create this amazing Galentine’s Day charcuterie board.

Arts & Crafts

If cooking isn’t your thing, then order out some sushi and grab some paint! You and your friends could spend time together in a home art session.  

From a DIY wreath party to a flower arrangement class, you have plenty of options to choose from to get your creativity flowing. Personally, I’m more of a power tools girl myself, but you all know that I love a good DIY. 

galentine's day party idea

This Galentine’s Day crafting party had beautiful decor.

Elegant & Low Key

Who says you have to have a theme for a Galentine’s Day party.  You can always invite your best friends over and have a great time just chatting and enjoying each other’s company.  You don’t have to have an activity. 

 At the end of the day, Galentine’s Day is all about spending time together and letting each other know how much you appreciate and love one another. 

galentine's day party

Such a fun idea to swap recipes at this Galentine’s Day brunch.

 Our Galentine’s Day Party Details

For my Galentine’s party, I wanted to treat my friends to a night of fun conversation catching up with one another.  We are all moms and have extremely busy lives between our work and families. 

 It is hard to find a time where we can all get together at the same time.  I’ll share with you the details of our Galentine’s Day filled with plenty of laughter.

Galentine’s Day Party Decor

For this Galentine’s Day party, I teamed up with my friends over at Party Hop Shop to create the ultimate decor. Ashley and Ashely (yes, both Ashley) are two friends who have an incredible party retail and rental shop for any celebration you can imagine. 

 I knew when we teamed up to create this Galentine’s Day party it would be nothing short of spectacular.  Boy, did they not disappoint! 

galentine's day party

For our decor, we focused on all things girly and pink! Party Hop Shop created this incredible ceiling fringe showstopper.  We even went the extra mile and had it nailed into the wall.  It may just become a permanent fixture in our household and I would not be disappointed. 

Our table was simple, yet elegant.  A sheer pink tablecloth draped across our table that was set with gold accent pieces filled with fresh flowers. An assortment of roses, baby’s breath, tulips, daisies, and other greenery filled various gold vases. 

The flowers came from a mixture of Trader Joes and Whole Foods.  I love filling my home with fresh flowers and those two places never disappoint! 

galentine's day flowers

Most of my vases were previous DIY projects from the Dollar Store or my own materials.  You can spray paint any vase to get your desired look for way less. 

Party Hop Shop did a fabulous job showcasing our bar cart.  Fun shaped balloons and bright pink garland flooded the space, which reflected tons of light.  

The bar cart was filled with our favorite champagne and was accompanied by the most incredible pink disco ball vase that was filled with even more fresh flowers. These fun details created a playful and youthful space for a night filled with fun banter.

galentine's day balloons

For a fun party favor, each of my girls got to take home their own bouquet of flowers.  For the bouquets, I followed my DIY tablescape to make the wrapping paper for each bouquet. A series of black or pink “XOXO” designs with a delicate ribbon wrapped the flowers. 

galentine's day flowers

Galentine’s Day Party Drinks & Food Ideas

We opted to have a night filled with signature cocktails, appetizers, and desserts.  Charcu In The Lou created a delicious charcuterie board filled with cheese, meat, fresh fruit, and sweet treats.  My girlfriends all brought an appetizer to share. 

galentine's day party

The showstopper was the incredibly delicious and sinfully delightful cake made by The Conscious Kitchen.  Who doesn’t love cake? For those of you who suffer from any food allergies or sensitivities, The Conscious Kitchen creates the most mouth-watering treats with food allergies in mind.  

Our Galentine’s Day cake was a gluten free, dairy free, coconut cake with dairy-free buttercream frosting.  I could have eaten the entire cake in one sitting. 

galentine's day cake

Now what is cake without drinks? Of course we had champagne, but what party is complete without a signature cocktail? Using Clementine’s Naughty & Nice Ice Cream’s pink champagne sorbet, our Galentine’s drink was one scoop of champagne sorbet topped with champagne and a strawberry garnish. What a great combination to accompany that slice of heavenly cake!

I love drinking champagne, but I should not be allowed to be near any glass containers while enjoying the beverage.  When I found these acrylic plastic tumblers, I knew they would be perfect for me and my friends.  

They look like the real thing and are dishwasher safe.  For those of my friends who were enjoying a non-alcoholic beverage, I had these fun heart-shaped straws for their drinks. 

Galentine's Day Party decor

For our delicious cake and appetizers, we used a simple dainty scalloped edged pink plate design.  These are perfect for a Galentine’s Day party and could easily be used for a baby shower, bridal shower, or little girl’s birthday party.  We completed the table setting with gold plastic silverware.  I love the ease of using plastic, especially during a party.  This gold silverware set looks like the real deal and perfectly complement our gold accents.

galentine's day decor

Valentine’s Day PartyFree Valentine’s PrintablesValentine’s Day Books For Kids & Toddlers

Pin The Photo Below For Later

I hope this post gave you some inspiration and determination to hold your own Galentine’s Day party next year.  It is such an easy way to show your friends how much you appreciate their friendship in your life. If you have any questions, feel free to leave them in the comments section, and follow me on Instagram @arinsolange for more home, decor, and DIY. 

Galentine's Day Party

Home

The Best Luxury Outdoor Furniture Brands

Our first major snow storm just hit our home in St. Louis.  With over a foot of snow, I’m dreaming of warmer weather.   This spring, we plan to show some TLC to our outdoor space.  One of the major benefits of our backyard is that it has plenty of outdoor living space.  With so much space, I have tons of plans to create the perfect backyard oasis.  Are you interested in finding out more about creating your own backyard oasis? I’ll go over the best luxury outdoor furniture brands that will have you spending all your free time in your outdoor area too.

This post may contain affiliate links.

luxury outdoor furniture

The Best Luxury Outdoor Furniture Brands

If you have followed along on my blog, and/or my Instagram or Tik Tok you know that I share a good amount of affordable furniture and decor, but I love to tie in the occasional high end item where it makes sense.

As we have been deciding on outdoor furniture for our back patio I am leaning towards luxury outdoor furniture brand so that it holds up through the seasons here in St. Louis. 

As always – I will also share plenty of options for lower price points as well, but hope this post exposes you to brands and options in the outdoor furniture space that you haven’t considered. 

outdoor living

Is any outdoor space complete without a smoker? Check out my post all about electric and pellet smokers to learn which is best for your family.

Setting Up Your Outdoor Space for Outdoor Luxury Furniture Brands

What type of backyard do you have? More importantly, what type of backyard do you want? These are questions you may not ask yourself too often. However, you should be looking at your backyard as another part of your home. 

The backyard shouldn’t just be some outdoor space that has no purpose.  If you play your cards right, your backyard can create additional living space that embraces your natural surroundings. 

luxury outdoor furniture

This relaxing outdoor patio is the perfect neutral space.

Physical Space & Purpose

Consider the space you currently have.  How big is the area? Do you have a city apartment with a rooftop terrace or do you live in the suburbs and have an expansive backyard primed for lots of outdoor toy storage?  The amount of physical space you have to work with can help you determine what outdoor patio furniture you can incorporate into your backyard. 

 Aside from the amount of physical space you have, you’ll also want to determine what is your backyard’s purpose.  Do you intend to use your backyard for entertaining and dining? Or, do you have a pool and you’d prefer to keep the space dedicated to pool lounging.  You may have a smaller space and prefer to create an outdoor living room.

outdoor living space

This traditional patio has two lounge areas plus a dining table!

Regardless of what you intend to use your outdoor space for, your backyard space should be reflective of your indoor space. If your home is predominantly influenced by a modern design with hues of natural wood and black and white colors continue that contemporary style into the outdoor decor for a cohesive look. 

Weather

While you consider your backyard’s purpose, you’ll also need to be fully aware of the weather in your region.  If you live in an area similar to the Midwest where it can be summer one day and winter the next, then keep in mind the space’s purpose as well as your furniture’s materials. 

 Weather conditions can impact your comfort level while trying to enjoy your outdoor space and can wreak havoc on your outdoor materials if you do not choose the best materials for your conditions.  

small space outdoor area

This is a great example of a stylish and functional small patio

If you plan on using your space as an additional living area, then you’ll want to ensure you set up your outdoor sofas in an area with plenty of air and shade.  In the summer seasons, you won’t want to sit outside and relax if your lounge sets are under the Texas sun in July.  

Consider setting up patio umbrellas to offer shade or situate your outdoor lounge furniture under the shade of a tree.  A great way to ensure you are maximizing your outdoor living space is to invest in landscape architects who can help you plan innovative ways to incorporate your backyard’s natural surroundings with your backyard’s purpose. 

luxury outdoor furniture

Talk about an amazing dining room with a breathtaking view! This patio is incredible!

What To Look For In Outdoor Collections and Luxury Outdoor Furniture Brands

Now that you have a general idea of what you’d like your backyard’s purpose to be, you can begin to navigate the world of luxury outdoor furniture brands and collections. Your backyard’s purpose will dictate which outdoor set would be suited well for your needs.

Before you go and purchase your high-end outdoor furniture, you’ll want to take into consideration a few points to help you make great choices.

open air living areas

This is a great outdoor entertaining layout.

High-Quality Outdoor Furniture Considerations

Budget

This may go without saying, but your budget will have a significant impact on what you can and can’t afford.  You should have an idea of what your price range is for all of the outdoor pieces you plan on purchasing. 

 If you are wanting to get multiple pieces but are unable to afford to buy all of your pieces from high quality luxury brands, you can consider prioritizing what is most important first and save those items that can wait until another time.  

Another option is to look at a wide range of prices and get those items that aren’t highest or lowest priorities at a more affordable price as a middle ground.  

simple modern farmhouse outdoor living

This is a great example of a patio that is limited on space

Beautiful outdoor furniture can be expensive but you are paying for premium materials that will sustain the weather and climate for years to come (with proper maintenance, of course). 

Of course there is still some high-end quality outdoor furniture that has reasonable prices.  Another great option to help save money is to try purchasing your new furniture on sale during major holidays.  

Materials

The outdoor furniture market is saturated with tons of innovative materials that can help your outdoor furniture last even longer. What your outdoor furniture is composed of, may not seem like a big deal, but this crucial.  

The style and aesthetic of your outdoor furniture is important, but the type of material is even more important.  This will give you an idea of how much maintenance you can expect; how your furniture will hold up to the different climates; if you should be concerned with mold, rot, fungi, or rust;  and how heat resistant it is. 

small space outdoor deck

This terrace refresh included some new furniture and decor. 

Just like all the things you should check in your home each year, even the finest materials will require some maintenance.  You have to take care of your belongings and outdoor furniture is no exception. Different materials will require different maintenance and will have different pros and cons.  

Here are a few examples of different materials used in outdoor furniture

Wood

Wood is a popular choice for outdoor sets and has many different options.  Your best bet for outdoor usage is to look at a hardwood.  Hardwoods are more sturdy and can withstand the elements much better than those woods.  Some great examples of hardwoods include teak, mahogany, eucalyptus, white oak, and ironwood.  

small space patio refresh

This DIY patio makeover included wooden built in seating and decking.

The most popular choice is teak wood for outdoor sets.  Teak is a beautiful wood and is considered one of the highest quality materials.  It is resistant to rot, fungi, and insects and is extremely weather resistant. 

 This strong wood is fairly easy to maintain and will provide you with a long lasting furniture set.  With high-quality materials, you will pay high prices.  This is by no means a cheap wood and it will be reflected in the price tag.  

Wrought Iron

Wrought iron is as sturdy and durable as it comes. If you are looking for furniture in an area that is prone to wind storms this is a great option.  You may be familiar with wrought iron furniture pieces and their ornate decor. 

 This is a great option for more traditional styles featuring a solid piece of furniture. You will have to keep in mind that because the furniture is made of metal, it will get extremely hot in the warmer months and extremely cold in the colder months.  

This is a piece where you’ll most definitely need cushions to help control the temperature and comfort levels.

luxury outdoor furniture

Gorgeous terrace designed by Collins Interiors

Stainless Steel

Stainless steel is another great option for sturdy furniture.  Stainless steel has such a modern look to it. 

 You’ll see some incredible dining sets and modular sofas made out of stainless steel simply for its aesthetics alone. As an added bonus, stainless steel doesn’t rust or corrode and has minimal maintenance.  You will, however, be paying for that convenience. 

outdoor lounge space with fire table

Stay cozy by the fire in this modern outdoor space

Aluminum

Of all the metals, aluminum is by far the lightest.  You most certainly do not want to have this type of furniture if you are prone to storms and wind.  Otherwise, you can expect to go chasing your furniture into your neighbor’s yard or worse, your own house. 

 If you are able to secure your furniture well, this may be a good option.  It is still a durable metal and has easy care with minimal maintenance.  You won’t have to worry about it corroding or rusting, but you’ll have to worry about it blowing away.

luxury outdoor furniture

This vibrant dining set is by Ego Paris

Resin Wicker

Unlike real wicker furniture, resin wicker won’t deteriorate in the elements.  Resin wicker is eco-friendly, easy to maintain, and holds up to different environments well.  As an added plus, this material can be colored for a more modern feel or can look like traditional wicker for a classic design. 

poolside loungers

            Sign me up to lounge on these lounge chairs by the pool. 

Don’t just focus on the material of the outdoor furniture frames.  You’ll also want to consider fabrics as well. If you choose to cover your seating areas with cushions, keep in mind that fabrics can fade with sun damage and are prone to mold and mildew with moisture.  

One of the higher quality and well known fabrics is called Sunbrella.  This is an acrylic fabric that is extremely weather resistant.  You’ll often see this fabric used in coastal homes due to its durability to withstand the salty sea air.  This is a great choice for harsher climates and the price tag will reflect its durability. 

outdoor fire pit area

This cozy outdoor fireplace area is entertaining perfection. 

Other Considerations when Considering Luxury Outdoor Furniture Brands

While your budget and material choice are the two most important considerations when purchasing your outdoor furniture.  You’ll also want to pay attention to availability.  With supply chain problems and shipping delays, you’ll want to ensure that you are picking a piece of furniture that is actually available.  

Or, you’ll never be able to use it.  If you are expecting to buy furniture and have it delivered immediately under a time crunch, then your options have been decreased considerably.  Give yourself enough time to find the best outdoor furniture and take into account delivery windows.  

It may not be realistic to buy something to be used right away.  That means if you’d like to enjoy it for Memorial Day weekend, you may want to start looking now.

outdoor kitchen

I could see myself entertaining in this outdoor kitchen.

The Best Luxury Outdoor Furniture Brands

You’ve taken into consideration your budget, space, and needed materials.  Now, you’re ready to have your backyard furnished to actually enjoy it!  Here are my favorite luxury outdoor furniture brands for durable, functional, and stylish pieces.

Frontgate

Frontgate’s interior designers value function, comfort, and small details.  They are an industry leader in outdoor furniture.  The company originally began with an emphasis on their outdoor line.  With the popularity and success of their outdoor furniture, they have expanded to include indoor furniture and decor as well.  

Their outdoor line ranges from seating, dining, patio heaters and fire pits, to umbrellas and other upholstery, decor, and pool items.  One of their most popular items is their commercial umbrella, the Altura Cantilever umbrella.  This umbrella creates a wide range of shade with the ability to swivel 360 degrees.  This is the perfect addition to any outdoor dining table. 

patio makeover

This poolside patio is complete with Frontgate furnishings. 

Seating has several options that range from modular sofas, sun loungers, and lounge chairs, to daybeds, and loveseats.  Dining sets range from 5 to 7 piece complete sets, to cafe and bistro tables, and even to full outdoor kitchens. 

You can pick between teak, upholstery, aluminum, and wicker.   As an added bonus, their outdoor furniture frames and hardwood frames have a 10 year structural frame warranty.  

What I love about Frontgate is the versatility of its products.  You can find something for any style and taste.  Their furniture is both modern, traditional, and transitional. I also love that they have some great options in decor and outdoor rugs to accessorize your space.  It is a one-stop shop for completing your backyard oasis. 

luxury furniture brands

Frontgate’s dining table is a perfect addition for any decktop dining area.

Their Emerson line truly looks like you moved your indoor space outside.  This line only includes seating and has modern touches.  The 2 seat sofa and matching chairs would look amazing under a covered lanai. My favorite item in this line is their barrel wood accent tables.  These are made from all weather resin and crushed stone and have such a weathered modern look. The Emerson line ranges from $800 up to $8000.  

patio furniture inspiration

Frontgate’s Cassara line has beautiful wood and neutral tones seen in this backyard patio.

If you are looking for a much more traditional style of furniture, the Palermo line is for you.  This is a line of wicker patio furniture that comes in several different shades.  From seating to dining, this line will cost you anywhere from $400 to $6000. 

You can’t go wrong with any individual pieces at Frontgate.  This is a great place to consider purchasing your outdoor furniture.

Crate & Barrel

In terms of design, Crate & Barrel is a great choice for a more modern feel.  They have a signature design that is contemporary and modern with sleek clean lines.  Often, when you think of modern designs, you may not necessarily associate it with comfort.  Crate & Barrel’s line of outdoor furniture is centered around comfort.

crate and barrel inspiration

What a fun patio set up created by Crate & Barrel.

From seating to dining sets, Crate & Barrel has plenty of options to choose from to furnish your outdoor area.   Materials range from aluminum, teak wood, and wicker resin to rattan, recycled plastics, and acacia wood.  

Not only is Crate & Barrel great for outdoor furniture, but they are one of the best places to find incredible outdoor decor, accessories, and outdoor entertaining options.  If you are wanting to have the ultimate outdoor space, Crate & Barrel offers a dining table turned pool table for summer game nights.  

You can find bocce, cornhole, and Jenga to complete your outdoor game room.  They also have an expansive selection of firepits, umbrellas, and outdoor rugs for added comfort to your home. 

luxury outdoor furniture

Crate & Barrel offers amazing decor to complete your outdoor space.

If you are looking for the ultimate living room, the Lounge II Comfort line is a great choice.  Outfitted with Sunbrella fabric, this lounge set comes in several configurations. You are able to take your indoor living room into the outdoors with the durability of weather resistant fabric.  Add the Ashore outdoor coffee table and you’ll have your room complete. 

Crate & Barrel products range from a few hundred dollars up to several thousands of dollars for their products.  Their prices are reflective of the durability of the materials used and their timeless style.

LuLu & Georgia

Lulu & Georgia pairs modern lines with earthy undertones to create an outdoor furniture line that is reminiscent of your natural environment.  They offer selections from lounge furniture to dining room sets with decor, rugs, pillow, and lighting to complete the look. 

With unconventional materials like lava stone and hand chiseled desert stone, your furniture pieces will have plenty of texture and conversation.  More traditional materials like aluminum, teak wood, and resin wicker are also available throughout their line of furniture. 

luxury outdoor furniture

The Rosen line by LuLu & Georgia is something you would expect to find inside your home and not your back patio.

The Eugenie indoor/outdoor sectional has curved lines with plush seating for maximum comfort.  Complete the look with the Dresdin round coffee table that features hand carved stonework.  

Prices vary and can range from a few hundred dollars up to $10,000 for large sectionals.  

Tommy Bahama

Do you live in a coastal town? Or, do you wish you lived in a coastal town? Tommy Bahama is synonymous with beach living.  Between restaurants, a clothing line, and home furniture and decor, this global powerhouse does it all.  

Tommy Bahama has a very distinct style.  Inspired by tropical weather and island life, you can generally identify these pieces aside from others.

Dining and lounge sets are available in various shades, sizes, and materials.  A mixture of resin wicker, aluminum, and wood are used to create timeless classic pieces.

The St. Tropez line offers a more contemporary design with clean lines and natural finishes.  While the material resembles wood, it is actually made from aluminum with a finish to resemble natural teak.  

outdoor living

Tommy Bahama’s St. Tropez line

For a more classic and sophisticated look, the Pavlova line is a great choice.  Curved edges bring elegance to the aluminum frames.  The contrasting black and white fabrics complement the timeless pieces. 

Pricing wise, Tommy Bahama ranges from a few hundred dollars up to several thousands of dollars for larger items.

Outer

Outer is a company whose sole mission is to get people to spend more time outdoors.  With that mindset, it is no wonder they have such innovative products.  Think of some of the reasons why you avoid spending time in your backyard?  It may be too hot, too wet, too buggy, or just unpleasant sitting on uncomfortable furniture.

Outer strives to change that by creating furniture and accessories that are so comfortable that you can’t help but spend time outside.  

luxury furniture brands

Outer offers a 365 day trial period for you to try out their furniture. 

With materials that range from teak to resin wicker and to aluminum, you can find something that fits your lifestyle and design.  Lounge sets are available in many different options and needs.  Any sized space can find what they need at Outer with the many versatile lounger sets that are available.  

If you are looking for a dining experience, Outer has something quite spectacular in store for you.  Rather than traditional dining tables, Outer offers fire pit tables.  These tables resemble coffee tables with a fire pit in the center. 

This is not a traditional fire pit in the sense that it only provides heat.  Rather, you can enjoy the experience of cooking on your fire pit table for a totally unique experience.  The table is wide enough for plenty of room to place tableware around the fire pit. 

outdoor fire table

Outer’s fire pit table is the ultimate dining experience for a fun night out.

Another great innovative product Outer offers are their bug shield blankets.  I love spending time outdoors, but it always feels like that as soon as the sun sets, mosquitos find me.  With the bug shield blanket, bugs are repelled off and its light weight material isn’t too heavy for those summer months. 

Pricing wise you can expect to spend up towards $1,000 per chair and up to $9,000 for lounge sets.  That incredible fire pit table will cost you around $4500 for the set.

A Word On Amazon

By now, you will have noticed that most of the furniture brands that I wrote about are on the higher end cost-wise.  If you are wanting to furnish your backyard, that doesn’t mean you need to spend all your money on patio furniture sets from one of these luxury brands.  You need to do what is right for your family and your budget.  

That being said, Amazon has some great options for lounge and dining sets for your backyard.  Check out my post on outdoor furniture from Amazon. Other stores like Home Depot and Target are also a great place to look for more budget conscious picks.  Or, if you want to try your hand at a DIY, check out my post on how to make your own DIY outdoor table

Patio Hacks  |  Outdoor Furniture & Decor From Amazon | Easy DIY Outdoor Table

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I hope this post gave you some great inspiration to find the backyard furniture of your dreams and the best luxury outdoor furniture brands to help you do so!  If you have any questions, feel free to leave them in the comments section, and follow me on Instagram @arinsolange for more home, decor, and DIY.   

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The Best IKEA Nursery Hacks From a Mom of Four

Are you expecting a baby and ready to start planning the perfect nursery? I am sharing all my favorite IKEA nursery hacks today – which is basically my favorite thing ever.  Nurseries + IKEA are a match made in heaven – so hopefully you find just what you love. 

5 month old baby in her crib

This post may contain affiliate links.  

IKEA Nursery Hacks I Love

It is easy to get overwhelmed when you begin researching all the different items you need for your baby’s room.  I have a high standard when it comes to decorating my kids’ rooms.  I love my space to be both stylish and functional.  

I’m a huge IKEA fan and love to incorporate IKEA products into my children’s bedrooms.  I love how you can take basic IKEA items and make it into anything you can imagine to fit your space’s needs.  If you are interested in finding out the best IKEA nursery hacks, you’re in luck! 

Follow along and see my top picks for clever IKEA hacks from furniture to decor, and even closet organization . 

bar sized kids table white dresser with decor

DIY Lego Storage in this modern boy’s room is one of my favorite IKEA hacks!

Why IKEA?

IKEA pieces are a great way to furnish your baby’s nursery.  IKEA’s signature style is widely recognized for its modern look and scandi style. Decor pieces and IKEA furniture are simple but not underwhelming. 

IKEA is known to have functional items at reasonable prices.  This all lends itself well to decorating kids’ rooms.  Since IKEA has such great prices their items are the perfect candidate for IKEA hackers to take a product and make it their own.  

nursery organization

This amazing nursery reading nook was created using the IKEA Bekvam spice racks.

As an added bonus, with items being in the right price range, this makes it the perfect place to shop for your baby’s nursery.  Sure we all want the best things for our kids.  But, in reality, kids can be hard on furniture.  

They like to jump on their bed, color on their walls, and play soccer using their dresser drawers.  Ideally, the furniture you buy for your baby’s room will be with them well into their childhood.  

It may not be practical to spend so much money on materials that will be abused over the years.  Rather, wait until they are more mature and able to take care of their nice things without wanting to show off their new interior design skills. 

IKEA Nursery Hacks

What a beautiful neutral nursery that is completed with an IKEA crib and dresser.

Planning Your Nursery with IKEA Nursery Hacks

If you haven’t noticed, babies take up a lot of space.  They may be small but they come with a lot of products.  When you are planning your nursery, you need to consider the amount of functional space you have in the room you plan to use as a nursery.  

Additionally, don’t forget to include the closet space.  The size of your closet space may impact what items you buy for storage spaces in their bedroom.  For example, a smaller closet may benefit from a larger dresser to make up for the storage.  

Or, you may have a smaller room and smaller closet.  In that case, you may need to get creative with your storage ideas.  

bold green nursery

Sarah Sherman Samuel in collaboration with Semihandmade has created doors and drawers that can be fitted to IKEA pieces. Seen here is her son Archie’s IKEA Besta frame with her new line of door fronts.

Consider the items you need versus the items you want in a nursery.  At the same time, consider all the items you currently have for your little guy.  You’ll need a crib and a place to change your baby.  

But, do you really need a separate changing table? Rather, I love using a dresser with a changing mat on top to help save space.  When your child is young, it is a great idea to have a rocker.  If you are limited on space, when your child outgrows the rocker, that space would be the right size for a little reading corner.  

You can also consider if you really need to incorporate side tables or if it would be more beneficial to have baskets in its place for toy storage?  You can never have too much storage and finding ways to incorporate storage space is what IKEA products are known for. 

neutral ikea crib

This black and white western themed nursery is complete with an IKEA crib and dresser hack. 

If you’re limited on closet space, make sure to check out IKEA for some great products to help organize all those baby clothes. A well organized closet is key to having a functional nursery.  Also tap over to my post on how to organize your baby’s closet

Best IKEA Hacks for your Nursery

From furniture to decor and closet storage, we are going to look at some great examples of repurposing IKEA products to meet different individuals’ needs.  These examples are all easy IKEA hacks that the average DIYer can do and have a little fun doing it! 

IKEA Nursery Hacks

This nursery is full of IKEA hacks!

IKEA Furniture Hacks

Dressers

If you haven’t checked out my blog post on the best IKEA Dressers for your nursery, then check it out.  I had some great examples of how you can take an IKEA dresser and turn it into a completely new look. Here are some of my favorite hacks!

IKEA Bjorksnas Dresser Hack

I loved the look of the IKEA Bjorsknas dresser.  It was simple, understated, and classic.  I really didn’t need to do much in terms of making it stand out.  However, I did want to have a little bit of fun and add some texture to it for Avé’s room. 

With the help of some resin, I was able to create this stunning new look that fits perfectly in her room.  For the full tutorial, check out my blog post here

The best IKEA dresser for your nursery

IKEA Tarva Dresser Hack

The Tarva dresser is a favorite for an ambitious DIYer. It comes in a natural, unfinished wood state, which is as easy as it comes when it comes to prep work.  The dresser itself is also a great size and has several options in sizing that make it perfect for any wall space. 

When I was pregnant with Goldie, I knew I wanted to create a nursery that would capture her playful and sweet spirit.  With a little time and this gorgeous color, I created this beautiful dresser to complement her nursery decor.

 Check out my Tarva dresser hack tutorial to see how I created this look with only a few materials. 

IKEA Hemnes Dresser Hack

I absolutely love this next genius IKEA nursery hack.  Who else loves Pottery Barn but hates the price tag? I cringe when I think of spending that amount of money on furniture for my kids.

Ashley Alexis Creative took the Hemnes dresser and created a Pottery Barn look alike for the Ava Regency dresser using only 5 materials. It is such a beautiful and classic dresser that would be perfect for a little girl’s nursery. Instead of paying $1299, she created this great hack for a total cost of $383.  

ikea dresser hack in nursery

Check out her blog post here and you can create this Pottery Barn dupe

Seating

You’ll always need a place to sit in your little’s room.  Whether you are feeding in the early days or reading stories as they grow, these IKEA seating hacks are great ideas to incorporate into your own little one’s room.

Window Seat

I love the ideas of a window seat.  A sunny day fills your child’s room and you catch a glimpse of your little one curled up on their window seat reading a book.  It sounds so ideal.  

Rooms with bay windows or a large empty wall space can accommodate an amazing window seat.  Having a professional install a window seat can be so pricey.  With IKEA’s Nordli 2 drawer chest, you can create your very own picturesque window seat with some incredible storage.  

Think of how many toys you could store in that drawer unit.  This is a great use of space and the best part is that it costs under $400 to create this look. 

ikea hack window seat

Check out full details on how to create an IKEA hack window seat .

Strandmon Chair to Rocking Chair

Finding a comfortable rocking chair is crucial for those early days when you are home with your baby.  You’ll be spending a lot of time in that rocker and you want it to be comfortable enough that you could sleep in it because chances are you will at some point.  

Finding a wingback rocking chair can be pricey.  Try to create your own wingback rocker by using the Strandmon chair and attaching rockers to the base. This will offer lots of support during those long night rocking sessions.

diy rocker in nursery

DIY IKEA hack rockers are affordable and stylish!

Painted Stools

I love adding smaller stools to a space.  Not because they add a ton of options for seating but because they are a great movable piece that can be used for seating or as a small side table.  They are the perfect height to set next to your rocking chair.  

These side tables and stools are so much fun and can be made in all different coulours to satisfy any nursery theme. When you’re ready for the stools to move on, you can always use them in your living room for additional seating and table space. 

diy dip dyed stools

Check out how you can make your own dip dyed stool. 

This next table hack is the perfect addition to a rainbow themed nursery.  I love how this rainbow creates back support to the Filstat stool. This would be a great addition to a little girl’s vanity.  

diy rainbow stool

Check out how you can create your own rainbow stool.

IKEA Decor Hacks

Ikea has some amazing decorative items that you can get for a fraction of the cost.  Here are some of my favorite hacks that add personality to your space.

Ikea Bekvam Spice Rack

Who knew spice racks could make such great bookshelves? I love the idea of using your books as decor and showcasing them in your child’s room.  

Not only does this provide easy access for your little boy or girl, but you can also change out the books with each holiday and season.  This is a great way to encourage reading. 

Ikea nursery hacks

    These spice rack book shelves make a perfect addition to any child’s room. 

IKEA Picture Ledges

Ikea’s picture ledges are another great way to showcase your child’s books.  You can create a little reading nook and have all of their favorites in one place. I love the sleek design.  

Another good thing about the picture ledges is that they are ready to install, unlike the spice racks, which may require some painting and sanding for your desired look. 

ikea picture ledge bookshelf

Check out this amazing nursery here.

Fintorp Baskets

I love the Fintorp range of products.  For those of you who have seen my DIY art wall, you’ll recognize these baskets. They do a good job at both storing items and looking good on the wall.  

This would be great above a diaper changing area and as a bonus, when your baby has outgrown diapers, you use it to create your own art wall!

diaper station organization

You can check out this great IKEA hack.

IKEA Ekorre Hack

A nursery isn’t complete without a rocking horse.  IKEA’s Ekorre rocking moose is adorable, but the red color is harsh and may not go well with many nurseries.  This IKEA hack turns that red moose into an all white rocking sheep. I love the additional texture that is added for sensory exploration for your little one.

diy rcking horse in nursery

This DIY rocking sheep is the perfect addition to any nursery. 

IKEA Closet Organization Hacks

A well organized closet is essential for a functional nursery. These nursery closet hacks will help you achieve closet organization goals. 

  1. Storage Cart

This IKEA storage cart is perfect for small spaces.  You can use it as a postpartum supply cart with all your needs in those early days.  Switch it up to a diaper cart or use it as a side table in your nursery.  

When you’re not using it, feel free to slide it into your closet and out of the way.  When your child gets a bit bigger, use it as an art supply station.  This is a multi-use item that will be used for many years.

Ikea nursery hacks

Check out this IKEA diaper station cart by Wendy Correen.

IKEA Kallax Hack

The IKEA Kallax system is a great solution for organizing your closet space.  You can add additional storage with the cube system providing plenty of space for storing smaller items.  

ikea kallax closet organization system

Check out this closest using the Kallax system.

IKEA Drona Boxes Hack

I love keeping baskets and bins available in my closet.  I’ll store toys, smaller items, and items that no longer fit and need to be donated.  The IKEA Drona boxes are a great storage solution.  To add some color and texture to these boxes, add these tassels for a fun twist. 

storage box with tassle

Check out how to make your own colorful Drona boxes .

Nursery Shelf Decor Ideas | Nursery Decor Ideas |  Best IKEA Dresser For Nursery      IKEA Bjorksnas Dresser Hack      IKEA Tarva Dresser Hack     Nursery Closet Organization  |  IKEA Coffee Table Hack 

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I hope this post was helpful and gave you some great IKEA nursery Hacks to think about for the nursery of your dreams. IKEA’s signature style, affordability, and versatility makes their products perfect pieces to add to your nursery. Whether you decide to keep the items as is or personalize it and make it your own, it will look amazing in your baby’s nursery. If you have any questions, feel free to leave them in the comments section, and follow me on Instagram @arinsolange for more home, decor, and DIY. 

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Your Dream Baby Nursery: The Best IKEA Dresser for Nursery

Are you decorating a baby’s nursery and trying to find the best dresser for your space? As a mom of four, I strive for both a functional and beautiful nursery for your baby.  One of my favorite places for good quality furniture at an affordable price is the IKEA store.  Today, I’ll share with you the best IKEA dresser for nursery options.

rainbow nursery

This post may contain affiliate links.  

Your Dream Baby Nursery: The Best IKEA Dresser For Nursery

Currently, in the world we are living in, finding furniture that is in stock can be a big struggle. If you search sites like Pottery Barn, Wayfair, and Target, you’ll notice most baby furniture is either out of stock or backordered for months. You shouldn’t have to order your furniture before you are even preparing for a pregnancy.

 As a mom of four, I know how important it is to get your baby’s room set up perfectly before baby arrives.  Something about that first nursery also adds extra pressure to make it the perfect nursery when you are a first time mom.

rainbow nursery

When I’m looking for nursery furniture and a new piece for my kids’ rooms, I love to look at IKEA.  Gone are the days where you have to have an IKEA store in your town to purchase their furniture.  Now, you are able to look online and order your IKEA items just like you would any other store.  

All Of The Many Reasons To Love IKEA

One of the reasons I love IKEA is that they have such functional and good quality furniture for reasonable prices.  I also love the simplicity of IKEA furniture.

Reasonably Priced  

Since you are starting out with a great price point, you can take your item and give it a fun facelift for a personalized look to match your beautiful space.  Or, you can keep the item as is and let the simple design complement your baby’s room.

The best IKEA dresser for your nursery

Unlimited Ideas

Now, if you are fortunate enough to live in a city where you have an IKEA store you can do one of my favorite pastimes.  I could spend a whole day wandering around IKEA looking at all of the different setups they have on display.  This is also a great way to view the products you are interested in in person.  Sometimes, I get my best IKEA hacks while wandering around IKEA.  I guess you could call IKEA my muse. 

If you need some great nursery design tips, check out an IKEA store near you. You can see some of the way their products are utilized to make for functional, yet stylish baby nurseries.

Storage Friendly

If you have been into an IKEA you know one of the main features of IKEA’s furniture is that it is compact and extremely storage friendly.  IKEA often has showcases where they will show you an entire living room set up in 150 square feet or less.  

The best IKEA dresser for your nursery

This IKEA dresser hack was inspired by an Urban Outfitters piece.

One of the best things about IKEA’s displays is that it can give you great ideas to maximize your own storage space.  You can never have too much storage and finding furniture that provides extra storage is a bonus.  If you’ve had several baby showers, you’ll know that baby items may be small, but they are mighty! 

You have to put all of those small baby items somewhere.  Having a well organized nursery is so important to keep everything straight.  The best way to fight the chaos is to make sure you have a well organized nursery closet and functional dresser.  Every baby item needs to have a place. Fortunately, an IKEA storage unit is easily created with several of their pieces.

ikea dresser hack

How to Choose The Best IKEA Nursery Dresser

How exactly do I decide what dresser is right for my space? I know I need to put the baby clothes somewhere, but won’t any dresser work? 

Look To The Size Of Your Space

Don’t focus all your energy on paint colors and crib sheets.  You need to spend time thinking about the layout and space of your nursery.  If you don’t have the correct sized furniture for your space, you can run into multiple problems.  

Of course, you’ll want the furniture to actually fit in your room.  Overly large furniture can make the room look cramped and small.  If you have too much furniture, that can also have the same effect. 

ikea hacks for kids

This playroom IKEA hack would look perfect in a nursery too!

 Is it necessary to have a changing table, dresser, crib, comfy rocker, and a little side table all in the same space?  If you have limited space, you’ll need to decide what is important to you and the functionality of your nursery.  

Take Inventory of Storage

Look at your closet space for additional storage as well.  If you are limited on closet space, a larger dresser will provide plenty of storage. On the flip side, if you have a larger room then buying furniture that is too small for the space can make it look empty. 

The best IKEA dresser for your nursery

This Hemnes IKEA dresser fits perfectly in this space.

Consider Functionality & Durability

Consider the functionality of the dresser you are going to buy beyond those first few years.  While you are buying your furniture for your baby, that baby of yours will grow into a big kid one day. 

If you box yourself in with a changing station dresser, then you’ll have to buy an entirely new dresser in just a few short years.  Instead, a great idea is to buy a dresser that is long and wide enough to fit a changing pad on the top of the dresser to create your changing table. 

Pay attention to how durable the dresser is as well.  Again, you don’t want to buy something that will fall apart quickly.  Consider how easy it is to open and close the dresser drawers.  Look at how wide and deep the drawers are to maximize storage. 

green nursery

Such a fun retro and modern look with this DIY IKEA Tarva Dresser

Stay On Theme

Lastly, you’ll want to consider the theme of your nursery and the overall aesthetics of the piece of furniture.  IKEA pieces are sleek and modern. 

 If you want something that doesn’t fit the sleek and modern bill, you can try your hand at an IKEA dresser to create a look that fits with your design. Painting the dresser a gorgeous color and adding new hardware can transform an IKEA dresser into a custom made piece.

Types of IKEA Dressers for your Nursery

IKEA has several storage spaces that can fit any need.  I love that they even have separate dresser solutions for nursery closet organization for those rooms that are limited on space.  Here are some of the best IKEA dressers that can be used for your nursery. 

Hauga Dresser

The Hauga line of storage spaces includes many options.  I actually love this dresser because of the versatility of it.  The trademark of the Hauga line is an upper ledge that goes around the top of the dresser.  This ledge gives the appearance of an additional shelf on top of the dresser.  

ikea hack hauga cabinet

This IKEA Hauga hack uses cane much like by DIY Cane Cabinet, which is also an IKEA hack!

I know that may sound odd in writing, but in reality, this is a really cool feature for a nursery.  You have a built in safety ledge to be used as a changing table for your baby.  I don’t know how many times I wish I could have a little backing to my dresser while I change Goldie.  When they get to be toddlers, they like to fling themselves from the top and that little ledge that the Hauga line offers would be such a good perimeter piece. 

ikea dresser

The 6 drawer Hauga dresser can be found at IKEA here.

One of the other benefits of this line is that it comes in so many different configurations.  You can choose between a 3 or 6 drawer dresser, a 3 drawer chest, or a storage combination of chests and glass cabinets. This line has endless possibilities for all of your storage needs. If you are limited on space, the chest with 3 drawers is compact yet powerful.  

If you have plenty of space, a storage combination would be a great option.  I also just love the general appearance of the Hauga dresser.  There are bar pulls on every drawer and the dresser comes in a white stain or gray. 

ikea dresser system

The Hauga storage combination dresser would provide plenty of storage space. 

Hemnes Dresser

The Hemnes 8-drawer dresser is a top seller at IKEA, and it is very clear why.  This line is extremely versatile and gives you plenty of options for any storage space needs.  You can pick between 2 or 3 drawer chests that resemble a nightstand for a storage solution next to your rocker. 

Or, you can opt to have a 6 drawer chests or 8 door dresser.  The top drawer space is broken into 4 mini drawers while the second drawer is larger and the bottom drawer is deeper.  This provides plenty of options for your storage needs.  It comes in a variety of colors (white, gray, and black/brown) and has great reviews. 

ikea hemnes dresser hack

The Hemnes 8 drawer dresser is an IKEA top seller and DIY favorite! 

Koppang Dresser

The Koppang line is another great option with great reviews.  This line comes in two colors (white or black/brown).  I will say that these dressers have more equal sized drawers and are more conducive to a larger space. 

 You can pick between 3, 5, and 6 drawer dressers and chests.  The 6 drawer dresser looks similar large and in charge.  At only $169, this is a good value! 

ikea hemnes dresser

The Koppang dresser would hold lots of diapers! 

Malm Dresser

The Malm dresser has a more modern look.  There is no hardware to pull the drawers open.  Instead, it is a seamless drawer front that gives a much more contemporary appearance.  One of the good things about Malm dressers is that there are many options to choose from.  

You can choose to have a 2, 3, 4, or 6 drawer chest, or have a 6 drawer dresser.  So if your space is limited then opting for a chest of drawers is a great solution as it uses vertical space. This is a favorite dresser to use for DIYs because it comes unfinished and you can add your own hardware to create those drawer pulls. 

ikea dresser

The IKEA Malm dresser is a blank canvas and can be transformed into anything.

Tarva Dresser

Another favorite dresser from IKEA for DIY projects is the Tarva line.  This is an unfinished solid wood dresser with 3 storage options.  You can pick between a 3, 5, or 6 drawer chest.  I personally chose this as our 4th child’s nursery dresser, and I’ve shown how I made it my own here.

The best IKEA dresser for your nursery

The hardware is simplistic and most DIYs I’ve seen have replaced that hardware for something more suitable to their design.  The only thing about this dresser is that it sells out quickly and can be difficult to find because of its popularity with DIY projects.  

The good thing is IKEA will update their website and can give you estimates on when they expect the item to be back in stock.  At the time of this post, all Tarva dressers were out of stock but the 6 drawer chest was expected to be in stock within 2 weeks in their St. Louis store.  So if you are on a deadline, this may not be a great option as it can be difficult to get quickly. 

ikea tarva dresser

The IKEA Tarva dresser is a DIY favorite. 

There are several other dresser options at IKEA and all at reasonable prices.  The dressers I covered today are dressers that I believe are great quality, affordable, versatile, and have outstanding reviews.

Best IKEA Dresser for Nursery – IKEA Dresser Hacks

If you prefer that your IKEA dresser packs more punch, then you’re in luck.  I’ll be sharing with you some of my favorite DIY IKEA dresser hacks.  

IKEA Bjroksnas Dresser Hack

While I love IKEA’s timeless look, sometimes I like to have a pop of color or  texture in my kid’s rooms. The Bjorksnas dresser is used in both Avé and Jack’s rooms.  It fits perfectly and offers plenty of storage space.  

tarva dresser hack

In Jack’s room, I left the dresser as is.  Honestly, it is a classic dresser that doesn’t need much in terms of elevating it’s aesthetic.  If you have followed along with my blog for a while, you’ll remember I’ve gone through many DIY versions for Avé’s Bjorksnas dresser.  From dowel rods to painted pink, I transformed this piece into a sunburst dresser.

pink dresser

Check out my DIY post on transforming this IKEA dresser.

My final result for the Bjorksnas dresser was simple, elegant, and breathtaking.  I opted to use Resin and molds to elevate the IKEA dresser.

The best IKEA dresser for your nursery

IKEA Tarva Dresser Hack

When I first found out I was pregnant with my baby girl, Goldie, I had a vision for her nursery.  I knew I wanted to have a white nursery with a pink dresser and golden accents.  As a DIYer myself, I knew the Tarva dresser would be the perfect backdrop to create the perfect dresser for our little girl.  

We achieved our dream pink and gold dresser with very little materials and a little bit of elbow grease. Although I can’t technically say it is the best IKEA dresser for nursery option – I have to say it ranks up there pretty high.

pink nursery

IKEA Hemnes Dresser Hack

There is a reason the 8 drawer Hemnes dresser is a top seller for IKEA.  It is versatile, affordable, and durable.  When you are shopping around for furniture for your kids, IKEA is a great option because of the price.  

While I love the look of Pottery Barn furniture, the price tag leaves something to be desired.  Ashley Alexis Creative created this Pottery Barn Ava Regency dresser dupe from an IKEA Hemnes dresser! I must say, the end result is incredible!

ikea dresser hack in nursery

Check out this blog post on how this IKEA dresser became a Pottery Barn look-alike.

This next dresser shows you how the IKEA Hemnes dresser can transform from classic and timeless to mid-century modern by updating hardware and adding table legs with a touch of gift wrap! That’s right, that drawer detail is actual gift wrapping paper.  I love this whimsical look of this dresser and it fits perfectly in this sweet little baby girl’s nursery. 

dresser decor

Check out this creative use of wrapping paper in this sweet nursery here.

IKEA Malm Dresser Hack

The Malm dresser certainly has a more modern look with seamless drawers, no hardware, and no dresser legs.  With a few materials, you can transform this dresser into any look you can imagine.

With only hardware and braces, this Malm dresser was elevated to a classic look in only 2 steps!  You can order the hardware you desire and then spray paint the braces to match your hardware.

 What you can’t see in this picture is the fun wallpaper that lines the dresser drawers.  These dressers are wide and deep enough to contain functional drawer organizers to contain all of those diapers and baby wipes. 

glam ikea dresser hack

A Beautiful Mess created this gorgeous and simple IKEA Hack.

The Malm dresser’s simplicity has certain advantages. You don’t have to go overboard to transform this dresser. The previous dresser showed what hardware can do for the piece. What about if you added dresser legs to add some height?  

This Malm dresser was transformed by simply creating a frame to add the dresser legs.  As a result, this dresser went from modern and monochromatic to transitional and two-toned.  I love the look and how organic it feels paired with the greenery.   

The best IKEA dresser for your nursery

Check out this mid century DIY Malm dresser.

Nursery Shelf Decor Ideas | Nursery Decor Ideas | IKEA Bjorksnas Dresser Hack   |   IKEA Tarva Dresser Hack    |   Amazon Girls Nursery Decor     |Nursery Closet Organization

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I hope this post gave you tons of inspiration and ideas on the best IKEA dresser for nursery.  If you are interested in learning more about the best IKEA nursery hacks, follow along as I’ll be sharing more IKEA nursery ideas.  IKEA’s affordability and versatility can’t be beat! There is something for everyone and you can create the nursery of your dreams with a few DIY projects at a time. If you have any questions, feel free to leave them in the comments section, and follow me on Instagram @arinsolange for more home, decor, and DIY. 

The best IKEA dresser for your nursery
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The Best Boys Bathroom Ideas

Boys bathrooms are on my mind, with some fun renovations to come this year.  When we first moved into our historic home we knew there would be a lot of projects.  Even after undergoing a major renovation there are rooms that still need attention.  One of those rooms is Jack and Walker’s shared boy’s bathroom, so while I am doing all my research on boys bathroom ideas and planning I want to take you along!

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primary bath

The Best Boys Bathroom Ideas

I love pairing function with style when it comes to my home.  When I looked at the boys’ bathroom and the blank canvas of it, I knew I had some big bathroom design ideas.  For those of you who do have little boys, you’ll know that a boy’s bathroom can come with caution tape across the door due to their bathroom habits.  Why is it that young boys just love to practice target shooting?  

For my boys, we will be making their bathroom into a half bath complete with a toilet and urinal.  The shower space will be shared with another bathroom on that floor.  This is practical for our family and I can’t wait to get the renovation started so I can get in there to design the space.  

Whether you are deciding to remodel your son’s bathroom or redesign the bathroom look you’ll need to take into account several considerations.

bathroom with urinal

Behind that half wall is a full urinal in the bathroom for my friend Val’s boys. 

Remodeling Boys Bathroom Ideas

If you are going to be undergoing a remodel this can be a huge undertaking.  I know after going through our own master bathroom remodel that surprises can certainly pop up. You’ll want to do plenty of research and be prepared to have your options thought through.

Budget

The first thing you need to consider before undergoing a remodel is your budget.  No one likes to talk about money, but in all this is the most important step.  Your budget will dictate what you can and can’t do during your bathroom remodel.  

Did you want those heated floors or would you rather have a really impressive backsplash? Unless you have an unlimited amount of cash you’ll need to know what your priorities are and what you are willing to spend.  Compromises will most likely need to be made.

Time Frame

Have a realistic time frame in mind before undergoing any remodel.  Especially since we live in a pandemic world, it seems like there are constantly shipping delays, supply chain issues, and just backlogs in general.  

If any issues are found during the remodel, keep in mind that will most likely put you behind your schedule.  If you need your remodel completed by a certain deadline, make sure you are upfront and honest with your contractors before they begin.  Open and honest communication is key.

Boys bathroom ideas

Stunning mid-century modern boys bathroom by Home On Mount Forest.

Space Layout

Generally speaking, you are working with a set amount of square footage that has already been established in your bathroom.  Within that space, you’ll have to fit wiring, plumbing, and venting all within those walls.  

You’ll need to consider where your plumbing is currently placed and whether or not you want to change that layout or keep it as is to avoid an added cost.  If you are working in tight spaces, layouts can be tricky and you may not have lots of options.  

Consulting with your contractor is an easy way to figure out the best layout for your bathroom makeover. 

Decisions will need to be made

Be prepared to make a lot of decisions.  You’ll need to look at cabinets, flooring, shower and bathtubs, lighting, toilets, vanity area, accessories, paint color etc.  Whew, just typing that out brings back memories.  

There are so many little details that need to come together to make your kids’ bathroom a reality.  Keep in mind that all of these decisions you make go right back to your budget.  

You may not be able to splurge on both cabinets and flooring.  Sorry heated floors, but you’ve got to go! Keep in mind what is important to you and what works for your budget. 

neutral bathroom

      Arrows & Bows functional bathroom for her 4 kids! 

Boys bathroom Ideas with Smaller Updates

In our last house, I took on many DIY projects to update the space we were living in without spending the cost of a remodel.  If you know you aren’t going to be living in your house forever, it may make more sense to update your child’s bathroom rather than undergoing an entire renovation.  

By updating the space, you give it a fresh new look without the complete hassle and cost of renovating.  

Boys Bathroom Ideas – Light Fixtures & Hardware

Light fixtures and hardware are easily updated without spending an arm and a leg.  You can make a huge impact by just changing out your cabinet’s hardware to something more modern and can be done all by yourself. 

You may opt to hire an electrician to switch out any light fixtures you change, but you can certainly do this yourself too.  When in doubt, always hire out.  You don’t want to be unsafe, especially when dealing with electricity.  Fortunately, switching out a light fixture is a fairly inexpensive task. 

Changing out your sinks and shower faucets are another great way to provide a new look to a tired space.  As an added bonus, you could install a spa-like showerhead to give your bathroom a luxurious feel. 

This is an easy fix that you can do all by yourself.  Unless of course your faucet is so old that it has rusted through and you are unable to get it off.  Then you’ll need to hire a plumber to take an actual saw to the hardware.  

I may speak from experience on this.  But in all seriousness, this is a DIY you can do in little time that makes a big impact with little cost and time.

bold bathroom wall

Check out my post on this 3 week room challenge reveal.  This shows you the power of paint, new hardware, new faucets, lighting, and a backsplash. 

Boys Bathroom Ideas – Cabinets

You don’t have to buy all new cabinets to have a new look.  Painting your old cabinets can bring life back to your bathroom.  Check out my DIY post on painting cabinets.  If you’ve already thought about painting your cabinets you can also read more about the best cabinet paint.  

Don’t be intimidated by this project.  It takes some time and patience, but you can have a brand new look for a fracture of the cost of new cabinets.

If your current cabinets are too far past their prime for painting them, then a great idea is to consider stock cabinets.  You can always try your hand at using stock cabinets from Home Depot in your bathroom.  

From there, you can paint the cabinets any color you’d like, and have a completely new look without the extra cost of custom cabinetry.  To give you an idea of what stock cabinets can do, check out my DIY with some stock cabinets from Home Depot.  

stock cabinets

Stock cabinets are a great alternative to custom cabinetry.

Boys Bathroom Ideas – Paint

Painting is an easy fix to a worn looking space.  Think of how much wear and tear your walls see on a daily basis.  If you don’t have kids leaving tons of handprints on your walls with their sticky fingers, then your walls may look a lot better than mine.  

But, if you have kids like mine, a fresh coat of paint can make a world of difference for your space. Pick out a color scheme and head to your nearest Sherwin Williams store to start.  

Boys bathroom ideas

Clean, Regrout, and Repaint

Do you have grout or a bathtub that  looks constantly dirty?  No matter how much you clean it, it never looks clean.  I’ve got a great tool that I use for cleaning my grout, but sometimes, even tools can only do so much.  

Regrouting can give your shower walls and bathtub a bright and clean look.   You can also repaint your bathtub to give your bathroom an update.  While you could technically do this yourself, it is a ton of work that does require precision and may be best handled by a professional.

best paint for tile

Floors

Floors are a great way to make a huge impact on a space.  You don’t have to go out and spend a fortune on brand new floors.  Certainly, if you want to prioritize that cost, be my guest, but you can do a DIY with your existing floors that can make them look brand new.  

Check out my DIY here where I show you how to paint your tile floors with a stencil.  This was a project we did in our last house for our kids’ bathroom.  We knew that we didn’t want to spend the money on brand new floors in our children’s bathroom, but I also needed something that would go with the aesthetic of the rest of your house.  

stenciled bathroom tile

If you are set to get your DIY on and want to know more information on the best paint for tile floors, then check out my post here.

Switch out Accessories and Textiles

You may think that switching out your shower curtain or bath towels won’t make a huge difference in the look of your bathroom, but you would be wrong.  Switching out those textiles, like your bath mat, curtain, and towels can give your room a new look.  

A good idea is to also look at your art and wall hangings to add additional personality to the space.  Do you have whimsical funny sayings on the wall, or pictures of your kids?  

Boys bathroom Storage Ideas

Storage is so key in any home you own.  Without proper storage space, your living space can just look cluttered and messy.  Your bathroom is no exception.  If you don’t have the proper storage space, then small items can take up that space and clutter the room.  Check out my post here to maximize storage space in a bathroom.

Invest in some baskets, open shelving units, door hooks and organizers, and you’ll have a much nicer looking room.   Organize smaller items with storage jars and a shower caddy.  

Boys bathroom storage ideas

Add function to a small vanity by installing a toothbrush and toothpaste holder.  This will clear up valuable counter space. If you do have a linen closet in your bathroom space, remember to keep that organized too. 

My linen closet organization post has great tips on how to create the best organized closet that works for you and your family. This would be a great place to store extra towels and bath toys too.

bathroom storage ideas

This is a great example of utilizing storage space in a small bathroom.

All of these updates can be done or you can do only a few to make your kid’s bathroom a great place to practice target shooting.  The best part is if your little boy’s taste changes, you can always update it again for a new cool bathroom that he will love.

Boys Bathroom Ideas Combining Style & Function

Once you’ve decided on whether you plan to renovate completely or update your space, you’ll need to take into consideration a few things.

Take into Consideration the Age of the Child

Consider the age of the boy whose bathroom you are completing.  Younger children can grow into something as they mature.  They don’t necessarily need something that is too adult looking, but there are always ways to make a space more age-appropriate without much effort. 

 Use their favorite colors and add wall art, bath mats, or towels with their favorite character for a playful look.  You don’t want the space to be overly themed and decked out in Paw Patrol only for them to move onto Bluey the following year.  By keeping the themed items at minimum and easy to switch out, you can update the space without much effort. 

kids bathroom idea

This bathroom is a great example of keeping the main elements of the bathroom mature with age appropriate accessories that are easily switched out as the child ages.

You’ll always want to consider that if you are completing this bathroom for little hands, to make sure you have adaptive devices in place.  A toddler insert toilet seat, faucet extenders, step stools, detachable shower heads, a stand alone toilet paper holder are all good options to allow your little kids easy access to using their bathroom as independently as possible. 

A great tip is to avoid built in toilet paper holders until they are old enough to climb off and on the toilet. I’ve learned over the past couple of years that even though your child may have a step stool to climb off and on the toilet, they will still use the toilet paper holder as a grab bar, which will ultimately lead to that toilet paper holding coming out of the wall.  Save your walls and yourself from having to patch it.

Boys bathroom storage ideas

For older kids, you’ll want to consider the fact that they will want privacy.  Additionally, you’ll need to consider if your kids are sharing a bathroom or not.  If you are renovating the bathroom, consider installing double sinks or a double vanity.  

A separate room to house the toilet is also another great idea for privacy and sharing purposes.  You may also consider whether you place a glass door shower or use a shower curtain.  All of these are considerations you’ll need to think of and can affect your young boy as he grows into a teenage boy.

Boys bathroom ideas

This masculine and mature bathroom was designed for three teenage boys.

Materials Used

You’ll also need to consider the durability of the materials you use while choosing said materials during renovation or updating.  Cutting corners on materials can lead to larger expenses in the long run.

Consider that you have a bathroom with a high moisture area.  Anything that doesn’t stand up to moisture whether that be type of paint or wallpaper won’t do well in a bathroom.  You need to ensure that it is mold resistant before you utilize it in your space.  

You also need to think about your future plans.  Is this your forever house and you want to use the highest quality materials or do you plan to move in a few years and you can get by with using nice materials but not necessarily top of the line.  

Lastly, an important tip comes to mind when we are discussing the materials you use in your bathroom.  I know marble is beautiful and looks amazing in a bathroom.  However, remember who this bathroom is going to be used by.  Younger boys love to target practice and urine and marble do not mix.

nautical bathroom

           This nautical bathroom is quirky and filled with repurposed materials. 

Theme Boys Bathroom Ideas

Now that you’ve made your decision on whether you want to renovate vs. update and you’ve considered all the factors that go into your decision, you’ll need to decide on a themed bathroom.  Overall, what aesthetic do you want in a boy bathroom?  Below are some of my favorite bathroom themes for a boy’s bathroom.

Nautical & Navy

blue bathroom idea

This nautical theme bathroom is brought to life by The Lily Pad Cottage.

What’s not to love about a nautical bathroom?  The dark navy walls are moody enough for a teenage boy but the crisp white cabinets, amazing white penny tile flooring, and white mirror bring plenty of light into this space. I love the small step stool that she used to help accommodate her younger son.  This is a great example of a bathroom that a younger child can grow into.  

Farmhouse

Boys bathroom ideas

This is a great example of capturing a farmhouse style with a modern kid spin!

This bathroom is amazing! I love how they captured the farmhouse style with the white wall color and offset it with the black hexagon floor. The dinosaur wall decal might be my favorite thing about this bathroom. 

 This is another great example of creating a classic mature look but making it your own by incorporating a kid approved dino decal! If you look really closely, you’ll see storage jars that are dinosaur themed as well.  The wall art is also a great reminder for little boys, “Wash your hands.”  What a great use of detail. 

Minimalist

neutral bathroom

This boy’s shared bathroom has a great use of contrasting colors.

This shared bathroom shows how well contrasting colors can elevate a space.  The white floor tiles, black cabinets, stark white walls, and black and gold accents create a bold and cohesive look.  

This is a great example of what a shared space can look like as well.  If you have a wide age range, creating a more mature bathroom where the children can grow into it is a great idea.

Character

mickey mouse themed bathroom

Check out more pictures of this Mickey Mouse bathroom .

A character themed bathroom is a great option for younger kids.  Since kids often change their minds and opinions so quickly, your best bet is to keep the character details to materials that are easily switched out.  You don’t want to do anything too permanent that would be difficult to change out once their taste changes.  

Industrial

Boys bathroom ideas

An incredible concrete trough industrial sink created by Raili Ca Design.

When I think of the industrial style, metal, concrete, exposed beams, and loft apartments come to my mind.  This bathroom is a perfect example of industrial style.  I love the concrete trough sink basin completed with the word “bros” etched into the concrete.

 The hanging lights with the pop of red creates a modern design.  The shared space would be amazing for teenage boys. If only I could see the matching industrial bedroom that accompanies this bathroom.

Modern

bold bathroom design

A bold look for this kid’s bathroom .  Photograph by Minette Hand.

This bathroom is complete with black walls and pops of bright colors found throughout the bathroom accessories.  When you take out the step stools, towels, and artwork, you see a black and white bathroom that is beautiful and classic.  When you add in the pops of color you get an entirely new look altogether that is modern and edgy. 

Vintage

Boys bathroom ideas

Check out this vintage bathroom.

Maybe it’s the ABC wall art or maybe it is the old school penny tile floor, but this bathroom is giving me major vintage bathroom school vibes.  I love how the penny tile floor gives the appearance of black and white polka dots.  The green lights bring in a touch of color to this otherwise neutral palette.  

Patterns

blue bathroom

This adorable blue bathroom is a coastal dream.

If you haven’t noticed by now, I have a thing for black an white bathrooms.  I’m not sure if it is the neutral tones or sleek look that I love more.  

However, this blue bathroom is also equally as amazing.  I love the blue color in the pattern wall that gives off such a playful feel.  The pattern resembles waves and with the added rattan accessories this coastal bathroom is perfect.

Shared Space

bathroom sink for kids

No one will have to wait in line to wash their hands in this kids bathroom.

When you think about sharing a bathroom space, no one likes waiting in line to brush their teeth or wash their hands. 

 The hot water is usually used up by the time you’re last in line, and you don’t seem to get much privacy, if any.  In this rustic bathroom, this three sink faucet is perfect for those impatient little boys who don’t like taking turns.

Whimsical Wall Art

Boys bathroom ideas

This neutral bathroom comes complete with whimsical sayings.

I have a confession to make to you.  I really enjoy potty humor.  I think signs such as “Take a Seat” and “Ready. Aim. Flush” are all pretty hilarious.  It might be because I have two young boys so I have the mentality that if you can’t beat them then join them.  

Either way, I love a good subtle potty humor sign to liven up the bathroom.  After all, it’s no secret what bathrooms are used for.

My Favorite Products For Your Boy Bathroom

To help you get started on your boy bathroom, I rounded up some of my favorite products. 

Boys bathroom ideas

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Shop Boys Bathroom Favorites Below

  1. Gold Light Fixtures as seen in our powder room.
  2. Gold Sconce as seen in our Master bathroom.
  3. Black and Gold scones
  4. Delta gold faucet as seen in our powder room.
  5. Delta black faucet in a similar style.
  6. Moen showerhead with spa experience complete with aromatherapy.
  7. Rain showerhead for a spa like experience.
  8. Shower hooks
  9. Large wicker basket
  10. Hanging clothes basket
  11. Under Sink Bins
  12. Drawer Organizers
  13. Storage Canisters – This is great for q-tips and cotton swabs.
  14. Toddler seat insert
  15. Bath toy organizer
  16. Toothpaste Dispenser – this saves so much mess!
  17. Faucet Extender
  18. Toilet Paper Stand
  19. Stools – We have these stools and I love how sturdy they are, as well as the fact that they don’t tip.
  20. Toddler target practice– teach them to hit inside the toilet.
  21. Waterproof bluetooth speaker for the shower is great for teen boys.
small bathroom

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I hope this post gave you plenty of boys bathroom ideas.  Whether your son is a toddler or a teenager, you can create a space that he will be comfortable in for years to come. If you have any questions, feel free to leave them in the comments section, and follow me on Instagram @arinsolange for more home, decor, and DIY.  

Boys bathroom ideas