How do you decide which paint color to use on old furniture?
by
Angie
+3
I have an old dining room table/chairs and hutch that I want to keep but update. There seem to be too many colors to choose from to pick. My hutch also has mirrors along the back as well. What is the best product to replace the mirrors? My home is contemporary and I was thinking a dark gray color. My walls are a light gray. Am I using too much gray? HELP!!!
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When it comes to paint color, it's all about what makes you happy. When in doubt, test it out. I would paint a board with each color you're considering. Lean it against your wall color. Over the next few days, look at it at different times of the day to see how it looks under different lighting conditions and make your selection. If after painting it you have a change of heart, it's only paint. Repaint it.
One thing that will help you decide is simply to take into account a few things. First is there varnish on the old piece if so you may want to choose a paint that will not peel off easily. Secondly is the existing color dark or light? Darker pieces are generally harder to cover with a lighter paint and lighter pieces are harder to cover with a darker paint. Third, take a look around the room you plan on the piece going in, what is the primary color of the existing wood? Is it painted or stained ?
I would browse through images on old HomeTalk posts, pinterest, magazines and even stores. What appeals to you? It may take a bit of sleuthing but e all tend to have a favorite look. In this day and age any color is a possibility, custom colors can be created. This will be part of the fun of making something uniquely yours! Enjoy!
I have a lot of gray in my home and I love it. So go for it with the dark gray for your hutch. There may be areas on the hutch that you can embellish with a white or silver accent. It will look beautiful and blends in so perfectly.
What room are you going to put it in ? What is your favorite thing in this room? Take a picture of said item to paint Store and and look at samples in different but very similar shades of this color . That way , every time you look at the piece or use it, it will bring you that much more joy!
A darker grey would be nice. It depends on what is going on around it! If you want a lighter feel, a cream with grey is nice. Or a greige. There are so many colors, so it really depends on what kind of "feel " you want for this room. If you want it fun and bright - add color! Even a soft turquoise would look beautiful with the grey. If you want peaceful, keep in the grey's and creams. Black would add some pop, especially in a modern home. I like the comment about re-painting if you don't like it. That's what I love about paint!