With its soft, matte texture, chalk paint is often relegated to shabby-chic interiors. But it doesn’t have to be that way! Chalk paint comes in many colors and can be used for numerous effects, from bright and opaque to dark and distressed. It’s a versatile choice to add character to spaces in styles ranging from modern rustic to bohemian or farmhouse. Also, chalk paint requires little to no prep, since its consistency is very thick and it dries quickly. Here are eight fun ideas for using chalk paint in your home.

CHALK-PAINTED FLOORS

In this bathroom, chalk paint was used to create a diamond-tile effect on a wood floor.

RAINBOW-STRIPE CHALK-PAINTED DRESSER

Chalk paint comes in a wide variety of colors. Here, it was used to create a rainbow-stripe effect on a vintage dresser.

PIANO MAKEOVER

A worn brown-wood piano gets a stylish makeover in charcoal-gray chalk paint, which blends beautifully with the room’s rustic decor.

OMBRÉ WARDROBE

If you have outdated furniture that you’re just not ready to let go of, try this contemporary ombré effect, which was achieved with chalk paint. The aquatic effect looks chic on an old wooden wardrobe.

COLORFUL DINING CHAIRS

An easy way to break up all that wood in your kitchen is to paint the chairs. To make the room even more lively and interesting, paint them all different colors! The matte finish of the chalk paint softens the effect and prevents the multicolored scheme from being overbearing.

DIY CHALK-PAINTED CARD CATALOG

These vintage apothecary drawers (now used as a card catalog) look charming with a distressed, chalk-painted finish.

PLANK WALL

If you’re looking for a cost-effective way to brighten up a room or entryway, try this wall effect: Apply strips of plywood veneer painted in a range of pale chalk-paint colors. It is super easy and looks impressive!

MINT KITCHEN CABINETS

Painting kitchen cabinets with chalk paint—such as this mint-green hue—adds just the right amount of color to a neutral scheme. What’s more, the light hue will yield an airy and open space.