I’m always hearing on social media “Should I paint this buffet?” or “Should I paint this table”. I get it, I’ve been down in client’s basements looking for touch-up paint and I see grandma’s china hutch hiding down there. It’s hard to decide whether you should paint a piece or not. I understand….
I inherited several pieces from my grandma that are hard rock maple, beautiful pieces, but just didn’t go with my decor anymore. A few years ago, I decided to paint them. Yeah, my grandma would probably roll over in her grave but I’m enjoying them AND I think of her when I see them so for me that’s a win-win!
I’m not really a “paint everything” type of gal. I enjoy a more eclectic look where I have some distressed pieces, clean lacquered pieces, and refinished wood pieces. Mind you, I have never inherited or ran across an actual antique that was worth several thousand dollars. I’m not talking about the Duncan Phyphe buffets that go for the $1-200. I’m talking about pieces that you purchase or inherit that will raise in value to be sold at auction.
Now since I mentioned my grandma earlier in this post, I should mention she’s the one that got me started refinishing furniture. I use to tag along with her when I was just a little girl to all the auctions and then watch her strip furniture and bring them back to their natural beauty.
Here’s 5 questions you to ask yourself to help you decide if you should paint a piece of furniture?
- Are you enjoying the piece the way it is?
- Does the piece of furniture fit in with your decor style?
- Are you totally against all painted furniture?
- Is the piece of furniture an actual antique where you would truly be ruining it’s value by painting it?
- Does the thought of painting furniture yourself overwhelm you?
If you answered “NO” to at least 3 of these questions, I hope you seriously consider giving that piece of furniture you own a new lease on life! Remember “Better to have loved and lost than never to have loved at all!”