I have my Mothers old high chair. It was used around 1938, please help

Dwan
by Dwan
it is cream in color and looks like it has a redwood under the paint
  20 answers
  • Chris aka monkey Chris aka monkey on Dec 02, 2013
    what kind of help do you need hun?
  • Dwan Dwan on Dec 02, 2013
    not sure if I need to strip the paint off or leave it like it is. I was also looking for what type it is
  • Lori J Lori J on Dec 02, 2013
    I sure love the look of it as is, but I am a chippy sort of gal. I was given one by an old woman having a garage sale and it sits on my porch. In the summer, it has a nice cheery plant in it but come December, I have a rustic Santa doll sitting there.
  • Mary Blackley Mary Blackley on Dec 02, 2013
    It's charming just the way it is.
  • Jacie1948 Jacie1948 on Dec 02, 2013
    I Have one almost the same. I sanded it, fixed it up and painted it a granny apple green. which is the color it was.
  • Debbie Harris Debbie Harris on Dec 02, 2013
    Just keep in mind that the current paint may have lead in it so if you are planning on using this for children or somewhere around food... Strip, sand, and finish in your choice of finishes. Just do it OUTSIDE, and wear a MASK!!
  • Rose Marie S Rose Marie S on Dec 02, 2013
    If it was me I would stencil the tray with like teddy bears or something to that effect and toys around them.
  • Rose Marie S Rose Marie S on Dec 02, 2013
    Forgot to add that otherwise I like it the way it is
  • Sherrie Sherrie on Dec 03, 2013
    because it could have lead paint in it if you strip it use a chemical or heat gun. They have kits to test for lead, if the paint looks like it is crackled in little square pieces it is probably lead.
  • Chris aka monkey Chris aka monkey on Dec 03, 2013
    @Dwan i too love it like it is but i would not use it for a child but for decoration you could apply a matte poly to it to keep it from chipping off anymore paint then decide where you would want it..kitchen you could hang an old apron and a bib on the tray or even use it for displaying some vintage stuff from the same era if you have the room..just love it and a great idea will come to you xx
  • Rockingranny Rockingranny on Dec 03, 2013
    If you can find a kit to test for lead, I would do that. Otherwise it looks great the way it is, maybe put an old baby doll with cloth body and painted face in it for decoration.
  • Linda Weeks Linda Weeks on Dec 03, 2013
    ...or if you clean it up, spray paint it again - without disturbing the paint underneath - they have lots and lots and lots of spray paint colors and finishes now!
  • Linda Weeks Linda Weeks on Dec 03, 2013
    I was very tempted to ask if your mother doesn't fit in it anymore, but I decided against it
  • Melody McLaughlin Melody McLaughlin on Dec 03, 2013
    If you are using it for decorating I would leave it. If you want to use it for the kiddos strip it, clean it up. add a nice stain and decals.
  • Sydney Bennett Sydney Bennett on Dec 04, 2013
    I had a similar one, and had it stripped, then I stained it, but only used for decoration, and put a quilted stuffed bear in it......everyone loved it!
  • Marilee H Marilee H on Dec 04, 2013
    It's not recommended now to use old highchairs for children - they say they aren't safe. But to use decoratively - I like it the way it is!
  • Dwan Dwan on Dec 04, 2013
    I have a glass feeding baby dish she ate out of. I'm going to put on the tray. It's little Bo Peep. I would never use it for a child . I think it would be unsafe.
  • Frankie Laney Frankie Laney on Dec 04, 2013
    Maybe strip it down to the wood, if you like the color of the wood just seal it or re-stain and put a little BoPeep decal on the back or tray. I think it would be fabulous!
  • Diann Diann on Dec 05, 2013
    Dawn, this chair having been your mothers is a treasure. The fact that you also have her dish is awesome. I'd prefer, if it were mine to leave it as is. I still have the wooden high chair used by my 2 sons and all my grandchildren. At times I've been tempted to refinish it but have decided it's more nostalgic to leave it as is. I have a 32" porcelain doll sitting in it in the corner of my dining room. You have a true treasure. Enjoy.
  • Charlotte Bays Charlotte Bays on Dec 05, 2013
    I have my high chair from 1943. I sanded it down before my oldest was born and restained it. I painted a raggedy andy on the back. Grandkids are still using it and it's still sitting in the dining room.