A few dozen people recently dug up an old photo of our former dining room—now the third bedroom—and were curious about the artwork on the walls. To clear up the mystery: yes, it was chalk. Below is a clear, practical account of how we made that look and what we learned along the way.

After removing wallpaper and painting the room a bright, cheerful color, the walls still felt a little bare. I grabbed some chalk from the junk drawer and freehanded leafy branches around the room directly on top of the flat latex paint (the paint color we used was Sea Spray by Glidden). I planned to trace over the chalk with white paint using a small brush, but then opted for a simpler approach.

At a nearby craft store I found a spray fixative commonly used in art school. With a few light, even sprays, the chalk was sealed to the wall. The fixative applied smoothly without drips or wet spots, which was a relief. The result looked deliberate and slightly organic—a soft, hand-drawn mural that complemented the room without overpowering it.

Durability and Where This Technique Works Best

While the fixative holds the chalk in place for everyday use, it isn’t as permanent as painting over the design with latex paint. If someone rubbed the wall hard enough—or tried sanding it—a small amount of chalk could transfer to a hand. For high-traffic areas or a child’s room where maximum durability is required, I recommend tracing the chalk lines with a small paintbrush and regular wall paint after sketching the design. That extra step makes the artwork fully permanent and easy to clean.

For spaces that see polite use, like a dining room or guest room, chalk plus fixative offers a beautiful, easy option. It creates a hand-crafted feel and is quick to implement, which is ideal when you want an artistic touch without a full mural commission.

Before and After: A Quick Reminder

Because everyone enjoys a before-and-after, here’s what this room looked like when we bought the house. The transformation started with removing wallpaper and applying fresh paint. The chalk branches were the immediate artistic finishing touch, and they brought warmth and interest to a previously plain wall.

Refreshing a Brass Chandelier

You might notice the brass chandelier looks a bit different in the photos. That was another simple, effective update we did at the same time. To refresh a brass fixture, remove it from the ceiling and take it outside or into a well-ventilated garage. After removing bulbs and taping off the bulb holders, apply a primer spray like Kilz for good adhesion. Follow with two thin coats of regular latex spray paint in the color of your choice. We went for a modern finish and later replaced the flame-shaped bulbs with clear round bulbs to complete the updated look. The process is inexpensive, quick, and yields dramatic results.

Final Thoughts and Practical Tips

• If you want a soft, hand-drawn mural without a long commitment, chalk and an art fixative work beautifully.
• For maximum durability, trace the chalk with paint using a small brush after sketching your design.
• When painting light fixtures, always remove bulbs and protect electrical components before spraying.
• Use thin, even coats of primer and paint on metal fixtures to avoid drips and ensure a smooth finish.

Simple, inexpensive projects like chalk wall art and a quick chandelier refresh can dramatically change the feel of a room. Whether you’re updating a dining area or reimagining a bedroom, these approachable techniques deliver high impact with minimal fuss. Happy chalking and painting!