Late 1800's solid oak sideboard- needs a re-do

Mary M. Roberts
by Mary M. Roberts
What can I do to give this sideboard an updated look. It was my grandmother's and is very heavy- no veneer. I am inclined to paint it....
It takes up a lot of space in a small to moderate size home.
  41 answers
  • Greg Paige Roussel Greg Paige Roussel on Oct 26, 2015
    Painting it is going to make the biggest change. If your home is small storing the top part and just using the bottom would really make it less heavy. I am thinking there may be some holes but shoot just put something over them. LOL You could then paint and maybe distress the bottom but not the actual table top leave that stained. Then if you ever move to a large house add back the top and wow a whole new piece. Good Luck:)
  • M M on Oct 26, 2015
    Sell it.
  • Jane coe Jane coe on Oct 26, 2015
    I would take the top part off and use it to create a fire place surround, and use the bottom half as is, side cabinet. Beautiful piece, glorious. Bon courage
  • Gne2003675 Gne2003675 on Oct 26, 2015
    I take it if it is taking to much space!
  • Jane coe Jane coe on Oct 26, 2015
    What a glorious piece. I would take the top half off as a start point for a fireplace surround and then use the bottom half as is in the same room, perhaps opposite the fire if possible. Have fun
  • Mickey Baron Mickey Baron on Oct 26, 2015
    KEEP IT! But what an elephant! I love the idea of 2 tones. Sand, sand, sand, then fluctuate between 2 shades of stain. Go 2 or 3 shades lighter, for the contrast, on all those intricate carvings. Those feet should be the dark. Buy new hardware. Is the mirror showing signs of age? If so, replace it w/ new. It will be ALOTTA elbow grease but you'll have a piece your children will gladly inherit.
  • Marie Alesi Caruana Marie Alesi Caruana on Oct 26, 2015
    What would an antique dealer give to have that gorgeous piece? I would never paint it but would look at some of the suggestions here. That sure is a one-of-a-kind, lovely.
  • Janet Pizaro Janet Pizaro on Oct 26, 2015
    I would definitely take the top off and create a new use for it. Don't paint the piece it has beautiful markings.Change out the hardware to give it a new look.
  • Mary Take Massieon Mary Take Massieon on Oct 26, 2015
    I know that it is big, but to paint it or take half of it apart would really ruin the piece. In my personal opinion I would stain it and if you don't have room for it, find someone who does have the room. This is a beautiful piece and when you paint it it really takes the value down. And taking it apart would be heart breaking.
  • Rav3n Rav3n on Oct 26, 2015
    Please don't paint it!! I know ti is big and awkward, but paint will not fix that anyway. Maye a new stain would help?
  • Loni Loni on Oct 26, 2015
    I would finish it with Briwax, you can get it at Lowe's or Home Depot, it would freshen it up and give the wood depth and shine
  • Loni Loni on Oct 26, 2015
    I think I would take the top off too, you could sell it as a separate piece
  • Richard Perry Richard Perry on Oct 26, 2015
    This is really a beautiful piece! Dates from around 1890's. You must not paint it!! Formbies has a golden oak stain that would be authentic to this piece.Could be used as a bar or to put a flat screen TV on the top shelf with components on or in the piece! after stripping and a light sanding,then vacuum the dust off apply a satin finish varnish by Deft. it will be a show stopper!!!
  • The carvings...I'm not normally a drooler, but those details!!! And a special way to remember your grandmother! I love wood, but if the family connection is stronger than the "antique value," I'm all for finishing it with whatever keeps it in your family. You can always strip/restore it down the road.
  • LD LD on Oct 26, 2015
    Please don't paint this, for you will destroy the value of this antique piece! If you can't embrace this beautiful piece of workmanship as it is, then have the piece appraised and sell it.Here is a link to eBay of pieces dated around the age of the piece. http://www.ebay.com/sch/18001899-/66848/i.html?Type=Sideboards%2520%2526%2520Buffets&Original%252FReproduction=Original&Age=1800%252D1899&_dmd=2&_ipg=192&_dcat=66848&rt=nc&_trksid=p2045573.m1684
  • Marj MRC Creations Marj MRC Creations on Oct 26, 2015
    As much as I love to paint furniture, I also think you should avoid painting this. It is a beautiful antique and so very interesting the way it is, already. I'd give the wood some help with an oil of some kind, or other finish.
  • Terri Terri on Oct 26, 2015
    I agree with the other Hometalkers. This is beautiful piece, and is made especially valuable by the fact that it is in its original finish. It definitely should not be painted. You have a wonderful antique sideboard that could be made even more stunning by application of Golden Oak stain and/or several coats of Tung Oil. I know the temptation to paint -- I love the romantic cottage look of white furniture, but my house is filled with antique pieces in their natural finish and I would never ever paint them. Your sideboard could be the showcase piece in your home!
  • Peppi Peppi on Oct 26, 2015
    i would find paper napkins that have a design that you can cut out and decoupage, you don't have to paint, just poly or wax. beautiful piece!
  • Peppi Peppi on Oct 26, 2015
    also, i would use a soft gold metallic on the carvings. just enough to make a subtle impression but not garish. is there anyway you can incorporate this piece into your kitchen? i know some cabinets will have to be removed but it will look like a built in when you are finished. let me know. peppi
  • Kathy Bitzan Kathy Bitzan on Oct 26, 2015
    I would hate to see it painted for reason of it being worth less in doing so, fine workmanship should be admired. But I also believe its yours and you can do whatever you want to it... show us what you decide.
  • Joyce Hochsprung Joyce Hochsprung on Oct 26, 2015
    Please please, please, don't paint that gorgeous piece of history. That would destroy it!
  • Me Me on Oct 26, 2015
    truly, the trend of painted furniture will wane, and then what? This is so unique. You can revitalize the piece by just buffing it with super-fine steel wool and paste wax. Change the hardware to something more "beefy" and funky. This is so cool; you're really lucky to have something unusual.
  • Peppi Peppi on Oct 26, 2015
    the other answer is you could sell it to me. i'll find someplace for it to go. lol
  • Ruth Guenzler Ruth Guenzler on Oct 26, 2015
    It is a gorgeous piece and your lucky to have it. I would not want to change it. Try giving it a good polish.
  • Mcg2684527 Mcg2684527 on Oct 26, 2015
    I'm with the other folks.... I can't see it painted. Some kind of polish or the paste wax would bring it alive and some updated hardware. Save the original hardware for selling it someday.
  • Linda Linda on Oct 26, 2015
    I agree with the idea of removing the top half. If you look closely, the carvings on the top half are kind of different from those on the bottom. And I agree with the non-painters on this piece. Maybe you could get the top part to come apart and just use the mirror piece for now, until you come up with some way to utilize the other portions of the top half. I also agree with no painting, and with beefing up the hardware. A very nice piece!
  • Heather Thornton Heather Thornton on Oct 26, 2015
    Could you take the top off and use it as an island? Cover the top with butcher block or granite to protect it from being damaged. Or use it as an entertainment center? It would be nice if you recess it in the wall or build out shelves to make it look like a built-in. Or againist a brick wall or facade. This is sure to be a conversation piece. Very beautiful, as well as sentimental. I agree, do not paint.
  • Carol Carol on Oct 26, 2015
    It is gorgeous, oh, please don't paint it! Put some lemon oil on it, or seal it with product... it will spring to life. It is a wonderful piece.
  • Ta Ta on Oct 26, 2015
    solid wood furniture is a total luxury these days! Please just bring out the best in this grand old lady with some furniture polish. I wouldn't even change the hardware. Beautiful piece!
  • Barbara.finstad Barbara.finstad on Oct 26, 2015
    Call me names.....BUT I would paint it WHITE!!! Unless you LOVE antiques and can't stand the thought of painting it....then GO FOR IT.....I am an artist and I would LOVE to get my hands on this! If it is YOURS, do what you want to it!! (just MY opinion :) ) Also, I would remove the top like another one has said!
  • Lorraine Forrest Lorraine Forrest on Oct 26, 2015
    It is way to beautiful to paint just shine her up and find her a nice home she would look great anywhere and what a conversation piece :)
  • Z Z on Oct 26, 2015
    It would be a crying shame to see this beautiful piece of craftsmanship painted. It looks as though all it needs is a good cleaning with lemon oil.
  • Kim Poletti Kim Poletti on Oct 27, 2015
    I'm totally with the 'don't paint it' crowd!
  • Denise Boyce Denise Boyce on Oct 27, 2015
    Paleeeeeze dont paint it!!!! FIRST have it appraised. Then you'll do wonders for the looks if you rub it down with wax like they did in the 1800's You can update it by dressing it with modern accessories. It's all the rage now too, modern meets antique. Do an image search, there's so many beautiful examples. I found this link on restoring wood from the 1800's. I learned lots, hope it helps. http://www.yankeemagazine.com/article/diy-home-3/restore-old-wood#_
  • 153091 153091 on Oct 28, 2015
    You mention it took up a lot of space....make it two seperate decor items. I can see the top as top part of a mantel, or headboard and the bottom as a buffet. Before you paint, try using dark wax on a soft cloth and just wipe over the carvings to bring out all the beautiful detail. Very unique to see a buffet with boxes on the top. I agree with Denise, have it appraised!
  • 1112719824 1112719824 on Oct 28, 2015
    I definitely see 2 pieces cut the top off and make it into a mantle, headboard or bench.DO NOT paint keep the natural wood look
  • Heather Martin Heather Martin on Oct 31, 2015
    Please don't paint it, wax it don't destroy such a wonderful piece of old furniture.
  • Barbara Lowell Barbara Lowell on Nov 01, 2015
    there are serious collectors of this sort of thing ... with all that carving you would never be able to get the paint off without agonizing ... this is probably valuable, why not sell it and get something you love ... i think we get too hung up on sentimental things from our families, that are not our style but we are attached ... i kept a LOT of my mom's things and just finished selling a lot on eBay and my house feels refreshed, they were nice but not my personal style ... its ok she's in my heart just like your grandfather is ... such a beautiful piece, esp to a collector of oak.
    • Mary M. Roberts Mary M. Roberts on Nov 01, 2015
      @Barbara Lowell Thankyou Barbara. I appreciate your sentiments as they do reflect the feelings i have about this piece. There have been so many folks on this site that have shared their honest opinions as well as their obvious knowledge and expertise about the sideboard. I am in awe of these answers. I do believe that I should definitely go with the great majority of opinion here and NOT paint this piece...i am still trying to figure out for sure how to make it look more clean and pleasing to the eye.
  • Kay Crenwelge Bradford Kay Crenwelge Bradford on Nov 01, 2015
    I add my plea to that of the others / Please do not paint it! If you don't want it, Have it appraised and then try selling it. You have a treasure there.
  • Georgia Lyman Georgia Lyman on Nov 01, 2015
    no paint - as the lady said, dark stain. however, I might use a white stain, very bright and very now
  • LLinda Vermillion LLinda Vermillion on Nov 30, 2015
    I do agree with everyone else that said do not paint it. I think that you should clean it with a wood cleaner and then steel wool it to take out the scratches, dents, discolorations, dirt, etc. Especially the feet look like they may need some sanding. When it is all smooth and cleaned up then stain it with the color of your choice, then poly it in either a satin or a gloss, whichever you prefer. Does the top part come off or is it all one piece? If you don't like the height then maybe take the top off, remove the mirror and frame a window with the top and place the bottom of the piece under that window. Just a thought.