9 Expert Paint Colors that Match Ballard Designs® Furniture

If you’ve ever flipped through a Ballard Designs® catalog and drooled over their beautifully painted furniture, you’re not alone—I’ve been there too.

Their timeless blues, elegant neutrals, and distressed finishes make their furniture look like it belongs in a luxury home. But when you check the price? Yikes. A single piece can cost thousands.

As a paint color expert (with 25+ years in the home improvement industry), luckily for you…I know exactly how to match paint colors from the samples Ballard Designs provides.

To find each matching paint color, I ordered Ballard’s painted furniture swatches. Then studied the color tones and carefully selected the closest paint color matches.

Now you can get the Ballard Designs look without the premium price tag.

NOTE: Colors appear different on each device and even on the Ballard Designs website versus the samples I purchased. The paint colors were selected based on the physical samples and NOT the website.

If you’ve got an old dresser, a second-hand table, or a basic furniture piece that could use a refresh, these paint colors are for you!

Why Painting Furniture Is the Ultimate Budget-Friendly Hack

As a long-time single working mom, I couldn’t afford designer furniture, but I also refused to settle for cheap pieces that didn’t have character. That’s when I discovered the power of painting furniture.

Over the years, I’ve painted countless furniture pieces to create a high-end look for a fraction of the cost.

Painting furniture isn’t just about saving money—it’s about creating a home that reflects your style without breaking the bank.

When you DIY a new furniture paint finish, you get more than just savings:

1. Total control over the color and finish
2. The ability to customize—add distressing, glazing, or a two-tone effect
3. A sustainable way to refresh furniture instead of tossing it
4. A designer look for pennies compared to retail prices

So let’s find the perfect paint color for your next furniture painting project!

The colors are easy to use and the perfect neutral colors that fit in a wide variety of interior design styles.

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Best Paint Matches for Ballard Designs® Painted Furniture

These paint colors are virtually identical to Ballard Design’s painted furniture finishes.

HOWEVER, all of their furniture is factory finished with a clear coat. This makes any paint color look about a shade darker.

If you want to order the same swatches, I’ll provide you the furniture piece as well. Maybe you’ll decide you want to buy instead of paint. No judgement zone here!

You can click through each color name to buy a peel and stick paint sample to try at your house. They’re cool because they can be placed on furniture and pressed into the detail, so you can see how it will really look.

Ballard Designs® Savoy 3 Drawer Chest in Worn Black

Paint Color Match: Sherwin Williams, Tricorn Black SW 6258

I saved black for last! It’s the easiest to match right? NO! Black paint colors also vary in color undertones.

There are blue blacks, more gray blacks, on and on. This black is an EXACT and the perfect black for furniture.

Sherwin Williams Tricorn Black is a timeless and pure black. Great for furniture or your front door too. It’s a true black and will work with any undertone.

FAQs About Matching Ballard Designs® Paint Colors

Can I get Ballard Designs® paint colors at Sherwin-Williams or Benjamin Moore?

No, Ballard Designs® doesn’t sell their furniture paint colors separately. However, I’ve carefully matched their colors to popular Sherwin-Williams and Benjamin Moore paints so you can achieve the same look at home.

What type of paint is best for furniture?

A high-quality semi-gloss enamel paint works best for furniture, as it provides durability while maintaining a smooth, factory-like finish.

My favorite furniture paint is Valspar Cabinet and Furniture Enamel.

I go into great detail on choosing the right paint for your furniture project here: Best Furniture Paint for Every Project: Pros, Cons and Tips

How do I distress furniture to match Ballard’s vintage look?

To recreate a distressed Ballard finish, lightly sand the edges after painting to reveal some of the wood underneath.

You can also use a dry brush technique to add depth and texture. All About Antiquing Glaze for Cabinets and Furniture

If you sand off some of the finish, you may want to apply a clear coat as well. When to Polyurethane Painted Furniture – my favorite water based polyurethane is Minwax Polycrylic.

Can I use chalk paint instead?

Yes! Chalk paint gives furniture a soft, matte look similar to many Ballard Designs® finishes. Just be sure to seal it with wax or a clear topcoat for durability.

Please read this first: Why You Must Prime Before Chalk Paint

Get the Ballard Designs Look for Less!

You don’t have to spend thousands on designer furniture to create a high-end, elegant home.

With the right paint color and a little DIY effort, you can transform thrift store finds, old furniture, or even IKEA pieces into stunning Ballard Designs® lookalikes.

• Easiest Way to Paint Laminate or IKEA Furniture (so it won’t peel)

Ready to start your makeover? Pick your favorite paint color match and get painting! If you have any questions, drop them in the comments—I’d love to help!

• How-to Pick a Furniture Paint Color: Step by Step

Whether you’re updating a thrifted treasure or refreshing a tired piece you already own, these paint colors will give you that designer finish for a whole lot less!