The world’s four best furniture painters*

*according to Mr Reloved, who freely admits he’s only seen a fraction of the world’s furniture painters and there are, most likely, lots of very talented people out there he’s yet to discover and will gladly stand corrected if you send him their details.

There are loads of excellent furniture painters out there. There are also loads of good ones, average ones and terrible ones (like me, for example). I could list loads of people who I think are really good and who run great shops, style their stuff well, come up with bold designs – but for me, four people stand out about the crowd.

I wanted to make this a Top Five, but I genuinely couldn’t think of anyone else I admire as much as these four (except for Laura, obviously, but I can’t put her in here, can I?)

So, here they are, in no particular order…

Hetty by Vintage Betty

Vintage Betty, Carmarthenshire, UK

Excellent choice of starter pieces. Only high quality furniture of a good age is used. Brilliantly smooth finish with top quality distressing. Bold colour choices always fit the piece perfectly. Presentation and photo staging is right up there with the best, too.  

Victorian Chest of Drawers by Distressed But Not Forsaken

Distressed But Not Forsaken, Cumbria, UK

Some of the most natural looking distressing you’re ever likely to see. Pieces full of character that anyone would be proud to own. All photos are staged in a home that is just so much nicer than yours will ever be, but that won’t stop you trying – aspirational stuff.

Chevron pattern drawers by Simple Redesign

Simple Redesign, Michigan, USA

Big, bold, brash colours and the cleanest, sleekest finishes I’ve ever seen. Hardly a day goes by when I’m not wowed by something on Simple Redesign’s Facebook page. Owner Julie is also very generous when it comes to sharing her expertise on her blog.

Green drawers by Knack

Knack, South Carolina, USA

Innovative, creative, consistent – there’s nothing Barb Blair from Knack doesn’t do well. She’s even written a book all about it. And you can’t even hate her for being so good, because she’s one of the loveliest, kindest people you could ever hope to encounter.

So, there you have it. My fab four furniture finders and finishers. 

What do you think? Share your favourites below, or on our Facebook page.

Getting it Right - #5 Simple Redesign

We're big fans of Simple Redesign. Run by Julie, Simple Redesign is based in Michigan, USA and the furniture is simply brilliant.

Take a look at SR's Facebook page and you'll see why we love Julie's smooth finishes, bold use of colour and eye for design (we're a sucker for a chevron print).

What we also really admire is Julie's willingness to share her expertise. We particularly like the tutorials on using thumb tacks (drawing pins to us) to aid smooth running of drawers and how to add casters to raise the height of a piece of furniture.

Another nice feature of Simple Redesign's website is that the online shop allows customers to buy either finished, painted pieces of furniture, or unpainted pieces with their own choice of colour – something that should keep everyone happy.

We could go on, but really we think we should let Simple Redesign's photos do the talking.

Great use of colour and pattern

Love the handles

Look at that finish!

And we want the rug, too

We could have chosen so many more photos...

If you're even slightly interested in upcycling or design, do yourself a favour and like Simple Redesign's page to see more of Julie's innovative, striking work. Is she the best furniture upcycler working today? We'll let you decide...