How to paint harlequin on chair

Painted black and white harlequin pattern on a chair seat with gold accents

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How to Paint a Harlequin Pattern on a Chair Like a Pro

If you’ve ever wanted to give an old chair a designer-worthy makeover, a harlequin pattern is the perfect way to turn ordinary into show-stopping. This classic diamond design works beautifully with bold colors and can be customized to fit your style — from whimsical to elegant. Today, I’m taking you behind the scenes of one of my own transformations so you can create this look yourself.

How to Paint Harlequin on Chair Like a Pro

How to paint harlequin on chair is easier than you think! If you’ve ever wanted to transform an old piece of furniture into a show-stopping accent, this step-by-step guide will help you nail the look.

Step 1: Find Your Canvas

I started with a simple vintage stool that had seen better days — dated fabric, scuffs, and a lack of personality. But that’s exactly what I love about makeovers — you can see the potential hiding underneath.

Step 2: Prep the Fabric and Frame

Yes, you can paint fabric! I gave the entire seat and frame a few light coats of primer.Prepping the surface well is essential if you want to master how to paint harlequin on chair without cracks or uneven texture later.

 Step 3: Sand between coats

I lightly sanded with fine-grit sandpaper to smooth out the texture and keep the surface soft to the touch. The frame also got a fresh coat of paint for a clean base.

Step 4: Apply Base Coat

Paint two coats of white latex paint and primer. Let the first coat dry and sand with fine sandpaper before adding the second coat. Just like you did on step three. I love this brush, it has smooth bristles and it fits well when applying paint to detailed areas like the legs. 

Step 5: Map Out Your Harlequin Pattern

This is where the magic begins. I made a template with card stock to the size I wanted. Starting in the center of the chair, I marked out perfectly spaced diamonds across the fabric. Precision is key here — uneven spacing will throw off the whole design.

Step 6: Paint the Diamonds

Hand-paint each harlequin with black artist paint to create a bold, high-contrast look. When painting on fabric, work slowly and keep your brush strokes neat to avoid bleeding outside the lines.

Step 6: Add the Gold Details

To elevate the look, I made a small circular stencil using card stock and made a hole with a hole puncher to add gold dots where the diamond points meet. This tiny detail instantly makes the pattern look custom and high-end. 

Step 7: Seal the Design

Once everything was completely dry, I sealed the seat with a water-based polyurethane clear topcoat

 that’s safe for fabric. This step helps protect the pattern and makes it more durable for everyday use.

Step 7: Enjoy Your New Statement Piece

From forgotten and dated to a showpiece that looks like it came straight from a designer showroom, this little stool now has a big personality. The black-and-white harlequin pattern paired with gold accents makes it perfect for an entryway, vanity, or even as extra seating in a living room.

Pro Tips:

• Use a template to keep lines crisp.
• Always test your paint on a scrap of similar fabric before starting.
• Gold accents add instant elegance — don’t skip them!

If you’re ready to give your own furniture a harlequin makeover, I promise — it’s easier than you think and incredibly rewarding.

P.S: Looking for some more furniture painting ideas? Check these out!

Best paint for upcycling furniture

https://artzyfartzycreations.com/the-best-paints-for-upcycling-furniture/

How to apply Gold leaf to furniture: 

https://artzyfartzycreations.com/elegant-gold-leaf-techniques/

DIY Chalk Paint Ideas for Furniture: https://artzyfartzycreations.com/diy-chalk-paint-ideas-for-furniture-unlock-the-beauty-of-antiques/

XOXO Cheryl,