Dress Up Your Garden With These Creative Painted Cinder Block Bed Ideas

There is a cheaper and more durable way to build raised garden beds out of plain cinder blocks, but they don’t look very nice. A fresh coat of paint can do a lot to turn dull concrete blocks into bright focal points that are full of personality.

Vibrant colors and patterns lend artistic flair, bringing life and visual interest to your garden design Painted cinder block beds add charming cottage style or bold, modern vibes effortlessly Beyond just aesthetics, a bright color makes the edging easily visible, helping keep grass and weeds from encroaching on your planting space.

If you’re looking for ways to inexpensively spruce up your garden beds painted cinder blocks offer unlimited possibilities. Here are some fun and inspiring ideas for DIY painted cinder block garden beds

Solid Blocks Of Color For Maximum Impact

For the biggest visual impact paint the entire exposed surface of your stacked cinder block bed with a single lively hue. Vibrant greens sunny yellows, tranquil blues and deep wines all make strong color statements. For a more neutral yet still eye-catching look, go for earth tones like beige, gray and brown.

Set off bright floral displays against a vivid garden bed backdrop. Or allow veggies like red tomatoes and purple eggplants to pop against pale neutrals. A fresh coat of exterior masonry paint, such as Behr Premium or Valspar Duramax, will last for years on concrete blocks.

Ombre Or Color Blocking Effects

As you move down the bed, paint blocks in different colors to make a fun ombre or color gradient! For example, fade red into orange into yellow into chartreuse green. If you want something cooler, you could use navy, sky blue, and then pale gray.

For color blocking, alternate stacks of blocks painted contrasting shades like black and white, pink and green or purple and yellow. This graphic style works with both straight line and curved cinder block designs. Color blocking makes small garden details pop and adds modern flair.

Freeform Painted Patterns

Get creative with painted patterns and textures to transform plain blocks into works of art. Use stencils and freehand painting to create stripes, chevrons, dots, zigzags, geometric shapes or floral designs. Try sponge painting techniques like dabbing and dry brushing to achieve tone-on-tone textures.

Paint words or inspirational phrases in cursive script or block letters. Or go for a hand-painted brick look with varied earthy reds, tans and grays. Let kids create their own whimsical monster, animal or rainbow designs for a bed with personality. The options are endless!

Accent Walls And Two-Tone Looks

For a dressed up yet still neutral bed, go for an accent wall effect. Paint just the outer side blocks in a bold color with inner faces and caps left plain. Try stacking the bright blocks on the top row only for a more subtle pop of color. Use shaded block fronts to create the illusion of vertical stripes or color gradients.

Play with two-tone combinations like navy blocks paired with a tan cap row. Or alternate blocks faced standard and rotated sideways for rows of contrasting color. Paint every other block in one shade for a checkerboard pattern. The colors and layouts you can create are infinite!

Upcycled Multi-Surface Designs

Incorporate reclaimed wood, metal, mirrors, tiles or other upcycled elements with painted blocks for eclectic beds with depth and dimension. Stack wooden crates, coffee cans or buckets between block layers to build in planters. Attach individual mosaic tiles, glass gems or seashells with adhesive for glittering accents.

Try formatting words or images using attached metal letters, mirrors, and washers. The juxtaposition of materials looks modern and eye-catching while also recycling unused items. Let your imagination run wild!

DIY Painted Cinder Block Garden Bed How-To

If you’re feeling inspired to create your own painted block garden bed, follow these simple steps:

Plan the Design

• Decide on straight or curved shape and layout to fit your space.
• Select color scheme and plan block placement if doing patterns or designs.
• Buy exterior masonry paint in your color(s) of choice.

Prepare Blocks

• Stack blocks to calculate how many you need, buying 10-20% extra.
• Use pressure washer to clean blocks thoroughly and allow to dry fully.
• Apply masonry primer and let dry per manufacturer directions.

Paint Blocks

• For solid colors, paint all sides in your chosen hue using a roller, brush or sprayer.
• For patterns, use stencils and freehand techniques like sponging or dry brushing.
• Let paint dry fully before stacking, at least 24 hours. Add coats until satisfied with coverage.

Assemble Bed

• Level and weed site, marking layout with a hose. Dig 18-24” deep.
• Fill trench partially with gravel for drainage, tamping down.
• Stack painted blocks, backfilling with soil every few rows.
• Cap off top row to finish. Fill bed with rich potting soil.

Painting cinder blocks breaks up the monotony of standard concrete blocks, letting you create beds as vibrant and unique as your garden. Any gardener can do it using just basic painting techniques and imagination. And you’ll be delighted at how painting upgrades boring blocks into a beautiful garden focal point. A colorful bed edged with painted blocks looks tailored, polished and purposeful.