Throw away or refurbish?

Question

My apartment would be renovating soon. I have this pine wood cabinet still in good condition. Should I keep it and paint it over or throw it away? If I decided to keep it, is there any way to transform it into french style?

Ducksoup1953 · Answer

Call me crazy, but I cannot see what is wrong with it just the way it is?

Sherry Lohmeier Barrett · Answer

It would be really cute if you painted with chalk paint..One color on the outside and a different on the inside..Or add some dimension or stripes or anything that strikes you fancy ..I use Annie Sloan's and love it...It is so easy to do..No prep - just paint.

CK · Answer

It kinda depends on what your idea of 'French style' is. If you're thinking southern France (e.g. Provence) then it'll be great 'as is'. They use a lot of lighter woods in their cottage styling. If you're thinking a more northern French look or what we in America think of as 'French' with lots of white and other neutrals, you could certainly paint it...or dry brush it in a pale gray, pale pink or pale lavender, all colors used in that style. Of course you can still use it 'as is' even if you decide to use a lot of white and/or pale colors as long as you have a few other pieces in the room with some wood tones too. All the wood tones do not have to match. They just shouldn't be too high-gloss if you're keeping the more rustic pine look.

I think this is a fabulous piece for French styling. A couple of other styling suggestions: When you use it, keep your accessories inside to a minimum or at least have just one or two colors in the items. Typically you'll see a lot of whiteware displayed in hutches such as this. It's something usable and also very pretty to look at. There are many photos on google, Pinterest, HT, that'll help you decide what to display. Also, you might consider changing the knobs on the doors to something a little more 'frenchy'....maybe a metal antique looking pull or old aged glass knobs. Hobby Lobby has some nice ones, so do places like Home Depot, Lowe's, etc.

Maybe a little distressing (not TONS!) will also add to the cabinet if you decide to paint it. Here's an end table I painted with DIY chalk paint in a pale pink. I verrrrrrrry lightly distressed it. I also painted right over the existing door pulls because it fit the style I wanted.

I hope you post again when you redo your room. The piece looks lovely to work with :-)

Teri · Answer

dont toss it. You can get wooden appliqués to make it more 'french ' looking. You can paint it then use some darker stain around the edges of the doors and drawers to make it pop.

Janet Pizaro · Answer

That piece is very unique and personally I would not toss it.There are many ways to update it to give it a different look. I personally do not care for painted wood. I love stained wood. If that is something you may be interested in take a browse at the Min Wax site. They list all kinds of finishes and colors

Michelle · Answer

Being a dumpster diver myself, lol, I'd definitely keep it - 'stained glass' paint the glass, add some decorative wood pieces where you want - some fancy trim - new hardware, etc. Paint it a lovely color - wallpaper or paint (diff color) the back of the shelves, little lights above each shelf - could be an entertainment center, stand alone closet, linen storage... the possibilities are endless in my head... but the piece is great ! no way toss it... unless to ME ! lol

Kat Leitch · Answer

Keep it and paint it.

Anna Marie A · Answer

I would not toss it. You can do so many wonderful restores to this piece. Storage is always a precious commodity anyway

Marjo · Answer

Painted or stained or a combination of both and this is such a nice cabinet. I would use it for blanket storage or something. I would not throw it away. It could be used in any room. Think about where you could use some more storage. This is so much prettier than just plain cabinets. If you don't want anyone to see what is in it, they have window film now that looks like etched or stained glass.

Lady and Vine Painted Vintage Furniture · Answer

I would definitely paint it. Be sure to use a very good primer over those knots. They still may show through a little, but that will add to the charm. There are so many possibilities. You will be surprised how nice it looks if you paint it in a pretty color you love. You can paint the inside a different bright color, or use wallpaper inside. I would change out the knobs, but choose something that's still a rustic syle like your piece. It will be a French country style. Post pictures when its finished!

Beth H. Makemeprettyagain.blogspot · Answer

I'm all for the paint it section. seal the knots w/shellac first. Use some chalk paint and use a contrasting color on the inside back (or wall paper or fabric). Change out the hardware for sure. Voila! Brand new cabinet.

M · Answer

Have you considering pickling the cabinet instead of painting? It would be less labor intensive and allow the character of the wood to show.

Sandra · Answer

Keep!!!

Kathy t · Answer

No matter how you refinish it, KEEP IT. As soon as you let it go you will regret loosing a nice piece of all wood furniture

Warren A Steele Sr · Answer

Are u kidding? It's w00d. Keep it. Sell it or give it away. Stain maybe, not paint.

Country Design Home · Answer

If you don't want it, I'll take it-lol!! LOVE the lines of it-could go rustic or modern depending on the paint and hardware!

Ellen Crawley · Answer

I would remove all of the handles and replace with something more modern (and metal) also trim could easily be added.

Jeanette S · Answer

NEVER get rid of a solid wood piece if it fits in your place! Refurbish. A gray or white can turn this into a beautiful piece that looks any style you want. Add a fabric to the back interior...French pattern in black on white...a beautiful floral in soft colors can make it old English or...go for it with a bright colored geometric print to bring it into the 21st century! Add knobs and embellishments to match your choice! Knobs can be found from antique to modern...wooden pieces (squares with circles inside, scrolls, etc) can be found to glue in the right places for accents. 
You could even paint this dull red or black and add brass corner plates and the right hardware for an oriental look! You can even get wooden screens to replace the glass for this look!
We want to see a photo of the before and after when you are finished.

Meanpauline111aolcom · Answer

PAINT AND TAKE THE DOORS OFF!!!!

Dale · Answer

Re-purpose into an aviary . . .

Lynn · Answer

I say never get rid of a piece you love. I can't tell you how many times I have regretted doing just that. Eclectic is always better than 'matchy/matchty'. It revels the real you.

Susan Rutter · Answer

It's beautiful and I would re-furbish it - maybe a lighter wood finish

Sherry Fram · Answer

Definitely keep it & paint it or stain it but do not get rid of it. You can use it for storage anywhere in your home.

Kmr2555004 · Answer

Refurbish chalk paint

Sli479757 · Answer

paint it & replace the glass with chicken wire.

Pmartin208 · Answer

I would use it for more kitchen storage, you can't have enough cupboards

Annette · Answer

refinish in white chalk pain and change the hardware.

Kay Black · Answer

Totally worth repurposing!!

Debby · Answer

Keep it! You can use it in any room in your home--bedroom, bath, foyer, kitchen, etc. Find an appropriate color for its new location, paint & distress, then fill and enjoy!

Duv310660 · Answer

It totally has repurpose potential, even if it doesn't have curvy french provincial lines! Go for a more modest, rustic look; adding some kind of feet/short legs will give it a less 'manufactured' and a more 'one of a kind' look. Dry brushing is a very easy paint technique, and you can layer on different tones of wash as well.

Throw away or refurbish?

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Throw away or refurbish?

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