Caned furniture is often painted in geometric patterns. The holes lead the way, eliminating the need for ruler lines.

Apply 2 coats of primer; let dry. Apply 2 coats of light-beige paint; let dry. Mark off grid with 1/2-inch painter's tape, following holes (we made a 45-degree line every 6th hole in 2 directions). Apply 2 coats of putty-colored paint; let dry. Remove tape. Using the light-beige paint and a 1/2-inch flat paintbrush, hand-paint lines around curved edges and touch up any putty-colored paint that seeped onto the grid lines.