Need Refinishing Ideas

Question

I have this beautiful armoire that I either need to paint or get rid of.  The current finish just does not match anything I own. I have lots of creams and greys, silvers and golds with wood floors throughout the home. Very neutral.  I am at a loss of what to do with the piece, I don't have a creative bone in my body.  Any suggestions?

Johnchip · Answer

Please don't 'mess with it'. ' Spend a few hours and clean it up properly. Sell it on DC Craigs List to where it will find an apreciative home. You should  get $800 -1K  if in good condition.  The legs alone give it away as a great turn of century styled Italiante piece. I cannot imagine a new intern in DC not wanting this 'as is' for her new condo/apartment.

Cindy Hagemann · Answer

It is beautiful, I am not against painting wood, but this piece in my opinion, is just perfect as is and will go with any decor.

William · Answer

I agree! Do not paint it. It is too beautiful piece to do anything with.  Just clean it or have it cleaned. Check if there are any markings, labels or stamps on it that you can research. Sometimes the bottom of the drawers have markings on them.

Cathy · Answer

It isn't my taste, but I do appreciate a beautiful piece of furniture.  Please do not paint it, it doesn't need to match your floors or other furniture.

Allor · Answer

NO PAINT PLEASE, either sell, gift,donate to someone that will love it. Maybe you could even trade it, but dont ruin it. If you weren't so far away I 
would come and get it.

Beverly · Answer

I have to agree about not painting it. It goes beautifully with your floors. You could add a few items to the room. To tie in the color--maybe candles or something and add your  creams, gold, silver and gray to items inside the armoire.  Those colors would pop on the dark background and the piece would look much better in the room.

Phil a · Answer

As with any area, this could be a 'focus point of interest'. When everything matches, it could look boring. I agree. No Paint, Just Oil and Condition the Wood. Beautiful Piece. And looks like real wood, not MDF. Might be worth something if you could get it apraised. You live too far or I'd take it off your hands... Phil

Phil a · Answer

BTW.. what's that little 3 legged chair in the corner?  Milking stools don't usually have backs on them.  Phil

Phil a · Answer

Interesting. I can see how that might help. Thanks. Phil

Missy · Answer

take off the doors and top drawer, use a milk paint finish for an ok world look. Its big, you can utilize incredible storage

Cathy · Answer

It is a lovely piece, but if you don't like it the way it is, then you have the right to dowhat you want---probably chalk paint would be best if you must paint it with a little distressing.  You can line the inside with paper to match your other decor---even using large sheets of scrap book material to give it a quilt pattern inside---I did this where a window used to be and shelves were put in and I love how that looks.

Cheryl hamilton · Answer

I would paint it a creamy white and you could use a fun pattern wallpaper inside.  You could use this for all kinds of storage.  I would slso replace the hardware.

Trudy · Answer

It is gorgeous, I agree with others that say please don't paint.  Perhaps if you took off those beautiful doors (store them) and just used the shelves there wouldn't be so much brown that you don't like.  You can paper the inside for more color. Or, could you utilize it in a bedroom where it wouldn't be the center of attention?

Jane Perry Johnson · Answer

I agree with not painting it.   It is a gorgeous piece of  turn of the century furniture.  Painting or refinishing it would decrease the value of the piece considerably.   I am all about  repurposing furniture and giving something a new life, but only on items that have seen better days.  Your cupboard is definitely worth keeping original.

Hlg1rose · Answer

I plan on using chalk paint on mine, line the back with a wood wallpaper, and turn it into a bar.

Kimberley Leathers Packer · Answer

If you love the piece other than the old tired look of the wood, by all means, make it your own and paint it! It has beautiful lines and shape, you could play it safe and use any neutral color, off whites or grays, use on for the main parts and a couple shades lighter or darker on the fancy trim and bottom, or if you're feeling bold, use bright beautiful colors. Black would be stunning as well, and I would use a wall paper on the inside no matter what color palette you use. Don't be afraid to paint no matter what 'antiquers' say, it's your to love. And you obviously don't 'love it' the way it is. Give it new life. hope you show it here!

San7243690 · Answer

Sell it to someone who would love this beautiful piece and buy something in your style!

Connie · Answer

Paint with chalk paint unless it is heirloom antique.  Sounds too scary?  Look at the results  you can achieve by going to French antique stores.

Terri · Answer

I too am firmly in the 'don't paint it' camp. Paint is for furniture with a lousy finish that needs to be covered. While this piece would be striking if it was painted, it would also be a shame.  But, it is your piece, and your call. Good luck!

Melanie · Answer

It would look beautiful and I agree with chalk paint. Its your choice and wood is not sacred!

Sarah1955 · Answer

HAVE YOU SOLD THIS PIECE YET? WHAT STATE ARE YOU FROM AND THE ASKING PRICE IS? sarah1955@bellsouth.net

Sarah1955 · Answer

HAVE YOU SOLD THIS PIECE YET? WHAT STATE ARE YOU FROM AND THE ASKING PRICE IS? sarah1955@bellsouth.net

Sarah1955 · Answer

HAVE YOU SOLD THIS PIECE YET? WHAT STATE ARE YOU FROM AND THE ASKING PRICE IS? sarah1955@bellsouth.net

Sarah1955 · Answer

HAVE YOU SOLD THIS PIECE YET? WHAT STATE ARE YOU FROM AND THE ASKING PRICE IS? sarah1955@bellsouth.net

Phil a · Answer

Old world craftsmanship is becoming harder and harder to find. I don't want to be flippant but, IMHO, I really must protest any painting of this item. They don't call them 'antiques' for nothing. Painting this would be like re-painting the Mona Lisa because the colors are don't 'go with' the museum walls. I agree that you should make an effort to get it appraised and if it's truly worth anything, sell it and let someone else enjoy it for what it is and use the earnings to buy something YOU like. Happy New Year to All !

Kj · Answer

Another quick thought: paint the wall behind it a deep navy blue as an accent wall. It would be less work, and would tie everything together. Can you tell I think it is a sin to paint it?

Sta13024222 · Answer

It is such a lovely wooden piece with all that scrolling and moulding; Please don't paint it. I agree with Melanie, Wood is not sacred but beautiful wood pieces Are valued in themselves. So if it isn't your preferred style, sell to someone who will love it & buy yourself something you love!

Dfm · Answer

the call to paint or not to is yours. if you paint the best finish is probably to remove all the old finish...ie strip the piece to bare wood. sand use and use a primer to keep the residal wood stain from bleeding thru.. light coats of paint or stain let dry for24 h. between. yup..... to do it right will take a chunk of time.

personally, i,d give it a through cleaning, re wax and call it good. if it is an antique, you will devalue the piece by refinishing it.

Mcgypsy9 · Answer

Well as much as I love the new paints and what nots, you definitely do not want to paint this piece. I don't know how you acquired it but please consider having it appraised and sell it if you can get a decent price for it. I am sure you can find an appraiser in your area to come and give you a ball park figure for it. You can also go to antique websites and get questions answered on it and possibly get an appraisal there. I would check to see if there are any maker names on it and research it yourself. If you need help with that just put the info on here and we can help you. Please let us know if we can help!

Phil a · Answer

Jessica,

Please take a moment and visit this Google page for images and prices of 'old style armoire' items. I think it might give you pause to get yours apprised.

https://www.google.com/search?hl=en&source=lnms&q=furniture&tbm=shop&sa=X&ved=0ahUKEwiW_NC-9KjRAhXFiVQKHWPRCZ0Q_AUICigD&biw=1174&bih=564#hl=en&tbm=shop&q=old+style+armoire

Phil

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