Spring is almost here, and at Dixie Belle Paint, we can’t help but feel inspired by the freshness and renewal that this season brings. After a long winter, there’s nothing like a burst of soft color to brighten up your home and uplift your spirits. Pastels are a beautiful way to welcome spring indoors, creating an airy, dreamy space that feels both chic and comforting. If you’re itching to refresh your furniture and décor, keep reading for our favorite tips on using Dixie Belle’s pastel paint shades to usher in a brand-new season of style! 

Embrace the Power of Pastels

Pastels are often associated with springtime because of their gentle, soothing feel. They can soften a room, making it feel more welcoming while reflecting natural light. Our Dixie Belle Chalk Mineral Paint line features a stunning array of pastel shades, from delicate pinks to calming blues and greens. Think of colors like Soft Pink, Sea Glass, Mint Julep, and Buttercream—each hue evokes a sense of warmth and renewal. 

A photo collage of an open jar of Sea Glass Chalk Mineral Paint, a vanity and stool painted with Sea Glass; a dresser painted with Soft Pink Chalk Mineral Paint and an open jar of Soft Pink Chalk Mineral Paint

Pro Tip: If you’re unsure about going fully pastel on a large piece of furniture, start smaller! Pick a side table, a chair, or even a set of picture frames to test out the color before committing to bigger projects. 

Prepare and Prime for Success

Before you dip your brush into that dreamy pastel shade, make sure your surface is ready to receive a fresh coat of paint. A little prep work can make all the difference: 

  • Scuff Sand: Lightly sand glossy or varnished surfaces to help the paint adhere better. 
  • Wipe Down: Remove any dust or sanding residue with a damp cloth and let it dry thoroughly before painting. 

 Layering Pastels for Depth

One of the best ways to showcase pastel colors is by layering them to create depth and visual interest. Consider painting the body of a nightstand in Haint Blue, then highlight the edges, moldings, or decorative details with a slightly deeper accent shade like Dusty Blue or Savannah Mist. Using a lighter base color under a slightly darker topcoat can also be a fun way to achieve a subtle, distressed look. 

A two-toned blue painted bedside table with Sapphire Sonata transfer applied to the front drawer A blue painted dresser sitting on a brown wooden floor, in front of a white wall

Pro Tip: For a smooth, modern finish, you can use our Silk All-In-One Mineral Paint in pastel tones and lightly sand between coats. If you prefer a vintage, shabby-chic vibe, try Chalk Mineral Paint and distress the edges to reveal layers beneath. 

 Consider Complementary Accents

Pastels can really shine when they’re contrasted with complementary accents. Warm metallics—such as gold or brass—look gorgeous alongside muted pinks or pale blues. Likewise, neutral shades like crisp white or soft gray can balance out pastels, helping them pop without overwhelming the space. Try painting a large hutch in Sea Glass, then style it with gold-toned hardware or accessories for instant sophistication.

A dresser and nightstand painted with Mint Julep Chalk Mineral Paint with gold accents sitting on a brown wooden floor, in front of a white wall

Embellish with Rub-On Transfers or Decoupage

If you’re looking for a way to truly personalize your pastel-painted piece, consider adding rub-on transfers or decoupage. They are perfect for introducing extra patterns, textures, or artistic flair into your design. 

  • Rub-On Transfers: Simple to apply and available in a variety of designs. After your paint is fully dry and sealed, choose a transfer that complements your pastel hue. Carefully position it, then rub gently following the provided instructions. Seal the transfer with a coat of Clear Coat Satin. This step can instantly elevate an otherwise understated piece. 

Lemon Zest transfer sitting on a white table with a piece of wood, two lemons are on the table The Dragonfly Blooms transfer sitting on a white table with green leaves and red and white flowers on the corners The Cottage Toile transfer sitting on a white table with a silver bowl holding the wooden burnishing stick

  • Decoupage: Ideal for those who love mixed media. Once your paint has dried, apply a thin layer of Clear Coat Satin, smooth your chosen paper onto the surface, and then seal with an additional coat of Clear Coat Satin

Peaceful Peonies decoupage paper sitting on a white table with a piece of kraft paper and a paintbrush sitting on top of the decoupage paper Floraison Fox decoupage paper sitting on a white table; a silver bowl with a paint brush sit on the lower right portion of the paper Surf's Up decoupage paper sitting on a white table; a small wooden board sits over a small portion of the decoupage paper with a paint brush and some sea shells sitting on top of it

Pro Tip: Practice on a small, flat surface first if you’ve never tried rub-on transfers or decoupage before. This ensures you get a feel for the application process and avoid any potential wrinkles or misalignments on your main project.

Protect Your Work

Once you’ve achieved that perfect pastel finish, don’t forget to seal and protect it. Our Clear Coat and Gator Hide are both excellent choices to keep your furniture resilient for everyday life. This step not only provides a layer of durability but also enhances the color’s vibrancy.

Celebrate Spring with a New Perspective

Whether you choose to transform a small piece or repaint an entire room, letting pastel colors bloom in your home is a wonderful way to say goodbye to winter and hello to sunshine. Spring is about growth, new beginnings, and renewed creativity—so don’t be afraid to experiment with layering techniques, accenting hardware, or mixing and matching pastel shades. 

A small hallway table painted with Mint Julep Chalk Mineral Paint sits on a brown rug in front of a white wall; a brown wooden chair holding a white pillow sits to the left of the table and a green potted plant sits to the right of the table A small nightstand painted with Soft Pink Chalk Mineral Paint sits on a brown wooden floor in front of a wooden panel wall. A pink painted vase holding white and green flowers sits to the right of the nightstand; a pink basket with a pink blanket sits to the left of the nightstand; a white furry rug sits on the floor in front of the nightstand a vanity and chair painted with Lemonade Chalk Mineral Paint sits on a brown wooden floor in front of a gray painted wall. The chair has the Lovely Sonnet decoupage paper applied to the back

We hope our pastel palette sparks joy and inspires you to see your space in a fresh light. Happy painting from all of us here at Dixie Belle Paint! If you’re looking for more project ideas, step-by-step tutorials, or information on our full range of products, visit our website or find a Dixie Belle retailer near you. Check out our blog, 2025 Color Trends: Must-Try Dixie Belle Paint Shades, to see which Dixie Belle colors are trending in 2025!

Here’s to a bright, beautiful spring! 

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Dixie Belle Paint Company

Dixie Belle Paint Company provides a line of chalk mineral paint that is high quality, easy to use, and most importantly priced so every DIYer can create and discover the joy of painting.

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