Is it a crime?

169756
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I have an old secretary and have listed it on Craig's list to sell, to no avail. It has zero sentimental value because I bought it from a neighbor 25+ years ago. Since I haven't sold it and would like to bring our new (to us) home into a more modern century, I'm considering a retro paint job with either a silver/mirror finish or something like it. Would this be a crime? My husband thinks it is. See photo
is it a crime, painted furniture
  79 answers
  • Donna Davidson Donna Davidson on Dec 13, 2013
    I think whatever pleasing you in your own home is your buisness ,,, nothing wrong with updating furniture so you can enjoy it more,,,,
  • Jeanette S Jeanette S on Dec 13, 2013
    Check out to make sure this is not an expensive cabinet. It is a Governor Winthrop style desk and some can be very expensive. You live too close to the part of the country where some of that early American furniture was made not to check it out...I'm just saying! I have one of these and it is not nearly in the shape yours is! Of course it belongs to you and you can do what you wish with it.
  • Molly Meredith Molly Meredith on Dec 13, 2013
    I say if you own it....YOU OWN IT! I've collected a lot of antiques over the years from around the world. I, as well as you, tried to sell and if no one wants it I keep it and redo how I want it for MY home. If you feel a little wrong about painting this then give it one more time trying to sell to help your conscience but what will the cost be if you have to purchase something else to fill that blank wall? I'd love to see your painted piece if you should so decide to go that route. You could even add a beautiful calligraphy letter of your last name on the drop down table part possibly? Chicken wire glass doors? Annie Sloan chalk paint? (I really want to play with some of that chalk paint.)
  • Deborah Dee G Deborah Dee G on Dec 13, 2013
    That is a gorgeous mahogany antique! Call antique dealer to take it off your hands! Where do you live? I am in Florida. I always wanted an antique secretary desk!
  • Marlene Olson Marlene Olson on Dec 13, 2013
    It is beautiful. How about donating it to a Hospice or Womens Shelter as is?
  • Kelly Wivell Kelly Wivell on Dec 13, 2013
    people all over the world are chalk painting their stuff!
  • 169756 169756 on Dec 13, 2013
    We are in Chattanooga TN. It has a few flaws and needs a few tweeks, but all in all it is a nice piece. The dealers low ball you so I doubt I can get any money out of it, although I see them listed from $300-900! A dealer wouldn't give me $200 for it. Already checked with one.
  • Sharyn Diaz Sharyn Diaz on Dec 13, 2013
    I think this would look fabulous in silver
  • 169756 169756 on Dec 13, 2013
    That was my thought. Even the lattice style wood on the glass section in silver. Thanks. Good to know I'm not too far out of the box. I'll tell my husband :)
  • Shari Shari on Dec 13, 2013
    Ahhhh, the "paint or not paint wood furniture" quandary. When it's all said and done, my prediction is you will probably end up with just about a 50-50 split between those who say paint and the wood lovers who think painting any piece of wood furniture is totally unthinkable. In my opinion, for what it's worth, the real crime is keeping something that doesn't work for you or your decor "as is" just because it's old. Our homes are our castles and place of refuge so I believe we should be surrounded only by the things we love. There is nothing wrong with reworking a non-valuable piece into something that will put a smile on your face every time you walk past it. As one who will paint just about anything, I whole-heartedly endorse painting it if that's what you want to do.
  • 169756 169756 on Dec 13, 2013
    Thanks and you are right, my guess is the advice I get will be 50-50. If someone lives close enough to buy it or trade it for a large dresser I can use as a canvas, let me know :) Oh! We are also looking for a retro 50's style dining set. I'd trade for that also :)
    • Bernice H Bernice H on Dec 15, 2013
      @Kathleen I like this thinking..trade may be the way to go, otherwise, I am with you, an antique will still be an "antique", but reworked the way it will fit in your home is....really cool. More enjoyable, and loved! I also love your paint color idea!
  • Mini79 Mini79 on Dec 13, 2013
    Unless it is a valuable family antique or worth a ton of money, go for it paint-wise! You can always strip the paint off later if you change your mind. The value in furniture is only what somebody will give for it, and if you like it enough to paint it then who cares how much it's supposed value is?
    • See 3 previous
    • Mini79 Mini79 on Dec 15, 2013
      @Bernice H , that is my point. It's only worth the $200+ if somebody is willing to pay it. If nobody buys the piece then it sits taking up space that could be used and in some cases you end up resenting it because it is there. I'm glad she was able to sell it, money in the pocket is always good but in my case, if I hadn't sold it I would have painted the sucker and been happy!
  • Carole Carole on Dec 13, 2013
    @Jeanette S I agree with Jeanette in so far as if you are wanting to sell it rather than keep it, then don't paint it if it is valuable as it is. See if you have reached the right target audience to sell this. Perhaps an antique dealer or somewhere that sells used stuff might give you a good price for it? You only need the right buyer. However, if you are keen on keeping it, then I agree with a lot of other comments here. If you feel there is no value to yourself, either sentimental or aesthetic in keeping it the way it is then it is yours do with as you will, paint or whatever suits your décor. Good luck!!
  • Z Z on Dec 13, 2013
    @Kathleen, no it's not a crime, but for me it would be a shame as I love old stained furniture. That being said, I do think this piece would look beautiful done in silver leaf. Now if you really want to sell it I highly recommend checking your area for a facebook garage sale/for sale by page. I've had much better luck selling items there than on CL. Since you're most often seeing someone's real name on the fb for sale pages you get more honest offers. I've sold three pieces in the last two weeks where as on CL I'd not sold things in the past year or so.
    • See 1 previous
    • Z Z on Dec 15, 2013
      Good luck @Kathleen. I was very happy with how selling something on fb worked.
  • Penny Penny on Dec 13, 2013
    i think if you want a change, but are hesitant about paint, how about putting a mirror, or mirrored tiles on the back wall...the reflection would be awesome!!!
  • 169756 169756 on Dec 14, 2013
    Another good idea. I've already done that with a bookcase in that room so looking for another option.
  • Juanita Juanita on Dec 14, 2013
    do you have a picture of the type of dresser you would trade for?
  • 169756 169756 on Dec 14, 2013
    There is one on this site that is what Lisa D. did. It is listed as "Elegant Vintage Dresser". Gorgeous.
  • 169756 169756 on Dec 14, 2013
    Without the wallpaper.
    • Shari Shari on Dec 14, 2013
      @Kathleen Oh my gosh, Lisa's dresser IS stunning! If you find a similar dresser, I would recommend you reconsider and definitely add the textured wallpaper. I think that's what really makes it and sets it apart from other painted pieces. It really ups the wow factor. Just my 2 cents...
  • Jan McNeill Oden Jan McNeill Oden on Dec 14, 2013
    I wish you lived closer, I want it. My great grandmother and grandmother had one of these. My mother got one and an uncle the other. I have always loved it.
  • 169756 169756 on Dec 14, 2013
    I'm sorry you don't live closer also! I'm still trying to sell or trade it, but if I can't it will probably get a makeover.
  • Cathie Rossman Cathie Rossman on Dec 14, 2013
    I inherited this exact same secretary from my Mother-in-law. I love it.
  • Paula Wyrick Paula Wyrick on Dec 14, 2013
    Some people love dark furniture and some people love painted furniture???if you already have the idea, why not just go for it...I just painted a mahogany stained table pale aqua and I absolutely love it.
  • Cynthia H Cynthia H on Dec 14, 2013
    I have a desk that was my grandfather's, with the heavy mahogany finish, which is lovely on some pieces, but, this was damaged, from being passed around in the family. A relative (who shall remain nameless) had even put contact paper on the top, which I remember as a child having a beautiful finish. So, long story short, I stripped the finish off (mahogany is messy to strip), scraped, sanded it back into decent shape, put a lighter finish on it, and my husband has used it for years. Now, with the return to painted furniture, I would be tempted to paint it. So go with what you want.
  • Shabby Paints Shabby Paints on Dec 14, 2013
    Do what you love..it doesn't matter what anyone else thinks. I paint pieces that have sentimental value all the time..because what my gma loved doesn't always fit my style but she wanted me to have it. Now I can really enjoy it and have something of hers.
  • 169756 169756 on Dec 14, 2013
    I loved it when I bought it. 25+ years later? Not so much. I'm over antiques now that I am one.
  • Blue Bains Blue Bains on Dec 14, 2013
    You could update it with silver or nickle drawer pulls and by putting more modern accents inside the top. I think its a beautiful piece and should not be painted. Also you could mirror the glass and make it more of a hidaway storage than a display case, its all in your accents, keep the wood.
  • Teri Teri on Dec 14, 2013
    I think its beautiful my hub and I fight about this all the time he thinks its a crime to paint any wood and I like painted wood so I get stuck with stuff I don't like I say paint it if it's not going to cause a break up lol I also liked the mirror idea even if you do paint it
  • Roanna K Roanna K on Dec 14, 2013
    Ok, I'm odd woman out but if painting it would make you love it again, paint it. It's never going into the Smithsonian so make it yours. Would you be upset if your husband left you because he didn't like what you were wearing and you would have a loving marriage if you changed your clothes?
  • Shari Shari on Dec 14, 2013
    @Teri I laughed when you said your husband thinks it's a crime to paint any wood. I think most men feel that way--like wood is sacred or something. My husband used to be like that too until I went on a painting spree about 6 years ago and painted almost every dark piece of wood furniture in our house. At first I thought he was going to have a heart attack but once everything was done, he admitted he thought it looked better--lighter, brighter, fresher and more up-to-date. It was the same story with our wood front door. He really didn't want me to paint it either but I did it anyway and after he saw it, he confessed he thought it gave the house more curb appeal. Now he doesn't even bat an eye when he sees me with a can of paint and a paint brush. lol. Dr. Phil has a saying that goes something like, "Smart men don't mess with the nest," meaning men should let the women make the decorating decisions. I think Dr. Phil is a smart man. ;)
  • Lorin G Lorin G on Dec 14, 2013
    I think the idea of the silver-mirror metallic finish would be fantastic. Or at least a mulitple colors to lighten the inside of the cabinet. Fun hardware and maybe a new finial.
  • Teri Teri on Dec 14, 2013
    ha ha I read this to the hubby he just gave me a dirty look about Dr Phil we just bought new furniture and I wanted a sectional the ones I wanted were to much money and every one said sec wouldn't fit in my room so I bought sofa love seat and rec for hub and coffee table w/storage it doesn't fit to much furn for room so I got made at him he says hes not ever buying furn again lol then maybe Ill get what I want next time lol and the old dresser I want to paint he said go for it yahoo Im ready summ gets here its going silver
  • 169756 169756 on Dec 15, 2013
    Thanks everyone for all the advice and comments. I am listing it on FB to see if I get any better results with a bottom price of $300. If I wind up keeping and re doing, I will post the results.
  • Julia Fuller Thayer Julia Fuller Thayer on Dec 15, 2013
    I live close to you but don't have $300 to pay for a piece of furniture. My great grandmother had one of those and it ended up with her neighbor. I love the piece, painted or unpainted. Do what makes you happy is what I say.
  • Mayesathome Mayesathome on Dec 15, 2013
    I also inherited this same one from my mother in law and asked my husband if I could paint it he forbade it, unfortunately. I have seen this same one painted and it looked awesome. I say go for it if you can. I hate the dark wood but seem to be stuck with it everywhere.
  • 169756 169756 on Dec 15, 2013
    I have it listed for another week or so on Craigs List at my bottom price. If I don't sell it, yes, it will be brought into the 21st century one color or another. Thanks. Sorry you can't do the same, but I do understand since it is from a family member.
  • Terrilabeau Terrilabeau on Dec 15, 2013
    I have the very same piece was my great Aunts I have one small bedroom with antiques love it decorated all Americana, would never paint any of the furniture that in my special room
  • Nancy Hatcher Nancy Hatcher on Dec 15, 2013
    I would have it appraised by an antique dealer (reputable of course) before doing anything so rash as painting it. If it has no value as an antique you could do anything you like.
  • Linda Weeks Linda Weeks on Dec 15, 2013
    check out this posting: show it to your husband and see if he wouldn't be happy with this!http://www.hometalk.com/diy/painting-my-vintage-secretary-2602294
    painting my vintage secretary, painted furniture
    Painting My "vintage" Secretary
  • Linda Weeks Linda Weeks on Dec 15, 2013
    ...besides, the consignment shops are full of these pieces.. I thought mine was probably worth a thousand dollars until I saw the exact same piece at a consignment shop for $300... and they had many more for a similar price, not going anywhere! Go ahead and paint! They are so cool looking when updated!!
    • 169756 169756 on Dec 15, 2013
      @Linda Weeks Thanks so much for the info on the white one. I had no idea how it would look and that is my exact piece except I have the claw feet. White looks good but I think silver will look better.:) Also I'm giving serious thought about getting rid of the top finial section.( I'm also over all the curves.) Not decided on it, though. The white one looks pretty good with it still on it. And you are very right. The antique dealers won't give you diddly on one of these. Thanks again for the pic info. That was a big help.
  • Tobey McCool Tobey McCool on Dec 15, 2013
    I paint everything, my husband was the same way. Men do not want you to paint wood, its a guy thing. Go ahead and paint it, it will look gorgeous.
  • White Oak Studio Designs White Oak Studio Designs on Dec 15, 2013
    I have one exactly like it. These run over $2,000-$3,000 new my friend! Mine was refinished by a professional furniture refinisher some 25-30 years ago so I've left mine stained and varnished. But I say its your to do with what you want. If you want to paint it, paint it. (This is an old picture and my room no longer looks like this but you get the idea.)
    • Mary Mary on Dec 15, 2013
      @White Oak Studio Designs Thank you. Future generations will also thank you.
  • The Endearing Home The Endearing Home on Dec 15, 2013
    I wish you lived closer I would love to buy your beautiful secretary. I have been looking for one on Craigslist for a while but have not found one, they have all been too big and expensive. I love painted pieces especially if they are in bad shape, am always amazed by the transformation paint makes to a piece of furniture. I have to admit thought I have been drawn to wood lately, love the contrast of light color walls and wood furniture pieces. If this is in great shape but you want to update maybe you could start by adding a fun wallpaper or fabric to the back of the upper inside part first to see if that helps make it feel more updated. Either way it's a gorgeous piece!
  • Wanda O'Bleness Wanda O'Bleness on Dec 15, 2013
    My husband tells me I will paint anything standing still and if it moves slowly, it will still get a stripe. He grabs his heart when I get out the brushes, but then brags about the finished piece. Do what makes you happy.
  • Kim Dagenais Kim Dagenais on Dec 15, 2013
    I like Linda's link to her secretary. The white really stands out and looks more modern. White will go with everything. I never paint a piece of furniture unless I am absolutely sure, and after viewing Linda's I would paint it. Actually after it is painted, you could probably get more than $300 for your secretary.
  • Jennifer @ Decorated Chaos Jennifer @ Decorated Chaos on Dec 15, 2013
    Ditto. My opinion is to paint it white. If you like a modern look just play up the inside with modern accessories but white is the way to go. (imo)
  • Penny Penny on Dec 15, 2013
    i saw one on cl last night for 400
  • 169756 169756 on Dec 15, 2013
    I started at. $600 and am down to $300 :(
  • Deborah Kaczmarek Deborah Kaczmarek on Dec 15, 2013
    Here's another site with a ton of ideas on it! http://theweathereddoor.blogspot.com/ While I cringe at the thought of painting most of these things, I also think it's better to paint them and get use out of them. ...of course years down the road, some Road Show sort of person will be lamenting how they'd be worth hundreds of thousands if they weren't painted over or refinished. Still, doing what you like with them is better than many things.
  • Christina Pennywise Christina Pennywise on Dec 15, 2013
    I agree- getting appraised is a must- but if it's not a priceless heirloom heading for auction at Sotheby's by all means paint it- it's worth nothing if it doesn't make you happy looking at it- maybe do a neutral and insert a pop of color or metallic behind the shelves- Let us know what you decide - would love to see the after! :)
  • 169756 169756 on Dec 15, 2013
    UPDATE! All of you wood lovers out there will be happy to hear I have a buyer for my secretary! It will not have to be painted after all. Now I have to find the right piece to put in it's place. Thanks again for all the responses.
    • Lorin G Lorin G on Dec 15, 2013
      @Kathleen Darn, after seeing the ideas on Deborah K's link I was really excited to see what you would come up with. Guess I'll have to do it to an hall stand that belonged to my mother-in-law.
  • Kathy Kimberlin Kathy Kimberlin on Dec 15, 2013
    Paint and enjoy!
  • Cynthia Cynthia on Dec 15, 2013
    Kathleen. You'll never believe this but I have what looks to be the exact secretary, if you would like to have a pair! Have also had on CL and now down to $200. I think it is a great piece of furniture (mine was made by the Jasper Company) but really doesn't work in our house. Holding out for a buyer. Good luck with your sell!
  • Natalie B Natalie B on Dec 15, 2013
    good glad you are selling it.
  • 169756 169756 on Dec 15, 2013
    SOLD! :)
  • Down to Earth Holly Down to Earth Holly on Dec 15, 2013
    I have the exact same one, but it is a family piece or I would have painted it years ago. I see them in antique stores in Virginia selling anywhere from $395 to $500. You could consign it if you cared - they look awesome painted too and they are useful.
  • Margie*Lee Margie*Lee on Dec 16, 2013
    Personally, I think it would be a shame to paint such a beautiful piece of furniture. You should be able to find someone who would gladly buy it from you!
  • 169756 169756 on Dec 16, 2013
    Yes, I did find a buyer. I've posted it on here to let everyone know I didn't paint it to reassure the wood lovers, but I have a hard time know where to actually post something that everyone that emailed me would see. Anyway, not to worry, it is getting a home that will appreciate the wood. :)
  • Donna JOy Dohme Donna JOy Dohme on Dec 18, 2013
    I'm glad you found someone that would appreciate it. I was given one from the daughter of a very dear friend that passed away earlier this year . They got theirs in England years ago and I'm very happy to have it in my home. It reminds me of him and his wife and felt it was an honor to have it in my home.
  • 169756 169756 on Dec 19, 2013
    That's great. Mine is now in a home that will love it, as I did for years. I'm just over antiques that have no actual connection to me.
  • Deborah Durham Deborah Durham on Dec 19, 2013
    I love these and would take it as is. A crime? maybe but to not use it would be a bigger crime
  • 169756 169756 on Dec 19, 2013
    It has a new home (as is). And I'm busy painting something less controversial :)
  • Marlene Wilson Marlene Wilson on Dec 19, 2013
    I'm so glad you didn't paint it .
  • 169756 169756 on Dec 19, 2013
    So were the couple that took it :)
  • Nancy Nancy on Dec 19, 2013
    I have the same secretary that I inherited from my mom. My dad gave it to her as a first anniversary gift. I wouldn't think of selling it or painting it. It's too special!!
  • Z Z on Dec 19, 2013
    Woo Hoo, so happy for sale on fb worked for you too!
  • 169756 169756 on Dec 20, 2013
    Well, this one had zero sentimental value since I bought it from a neighbor. Anyway, it's sold to a good home and I'm on to my next project.
  • Cheri Morrell Cheri Morrell on Dec 22, 2013
    I would love to have one of these again. My Grandmother gave me her's and it was stolen from my home along with everything else I owned while I was out of town for two weeks working. I had just moved in so everything was packed up and they backed a Uhaul type truck up and stole my entire life from me. If anyone is close to Houston, TX and would like to get rid of one I will gladly pay and drive to pick it up for a reasonable price. Thank you for your time. Merry Christmas
    • TJ TJ on Dec 23, 2013
      @Cheri Morrell I had to reply because a similar thing happened to me except they stole my car too, stole & used my credit cards and trashed my house. I felt so violated that I had to sell that house and move. I am so sorry it happened to you -- sounds like they took everything. Sometimes life just sucks and you wonder how people can do this.
  • Bess W Bess W on Dec 22, 2013
    I'm buying a house in two weeks and there was one of these left behind. The owner said I could keep whatever is left that he doesn't sell...last time I was there, it was still in the living room. I have my fingers crossed that it will be there on settlement day!
  • Wanda sinnema Wanda sinnema on Dec 23, 2013
    Kathleen,,, I can feel your pain on this one. I have seen many beautiful pieces being painted. I love the look but, my first thought is a piece of value has lots much of it with the paint. besides trends change....... how many will be stripping the paint of in a few years....? My husbband would have a fit if I painted some of our things..I do have several great smaller pieces, not expensive, I will give a facelift with paint.... oh, that "TO DO" list..so glad your pieces went to a good home..best part was no work for you!
  • 169756 169756 on Dec 23, 2013
    My thought exactly. :) The people were thrilled with it and I'm thrilled my new project.
  • Betty W Betty W on Dec 23, 2013
    Yes! A CRIME!
  • Juliet O Juliet O on Dec 25, 2013
    If you can't sell it, upcycle. Otherwise, it's just a wasted hunk of wood rotting unwanted in a basement, attic, or garage.
  • Jean Marie Jean Marie on Dec 26, 2013
    There are all kinds of dealers that want these pieces - for the right price .... money drives it all on these situations
  • 169756 169756 on Dec 26, 2013
    Very true. It has a new, loving home with a non dealer.
  • Wanda sinnema Wanda sinnema on Dec 27, 2013
    many dealers in my area want to buy good pieces for nothing.... they refinish and sell for big bucks....
  • 169756 169756 on Dec 27, 2013
    Yes, I found the same here. Glad it went to a good home.
  • Cyndie S Cyndie S on Dec 30, 2013
    Wish I lived near you! Yes, probably a crime, but I can see this done in a cream or ivory, maybe a stencil on each drawer and stained over. Warm and yummy! Black with stencils pretty, too. Oh just read you sold it, good for you!
  • 169756 169756 on Dec 30, 2013
    Went to a great home with lots of fellow antiques. :)
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