Looking to refinish my nana's old armoire. Any ideas ?
by
Annette
+15
It is over 70 years old. I was thinking of adding laser cut inlay appliqués Or molding around the doors. But not sure. Thank you!
What a lovely old piece of furniture! I like the simplicity of it, but if that's not your style, something like this would look great: https://i.pinimg.com/736x/5d/1d/a6/5d1da6dc3b06a80df8bd8c580a33240b--diy-wardrobe-painted-wardrobe.jpg
If you're looking for something more ornate or French country, you can buy appliques from a company called Efex: https://www.efexusa.com/
That would be an awesome piece in a shabby chic style! Personally, I'd try and find some trim or stencil for the corners of the doors. Something a little flow-y, that sticks out slightly, to fancy it up a little. Everything about it is just great!
I think that is a fantastic idea.I would put then at the corners of each door.
rither would work but the difference would be how it would fit with your other pieces...the cut inlay will be more ornate than trim done like a picture frame...either would look awesome...were you planning to paint as well?
Molding around the doors will definitely give it more distinction. You could go with wood molding or make your own using iron Orchard molds. I am in love with these molds and decorate everything with them. Would love to see it when you're finished!
I love the simplicity of this piece. I would fully refinish or paint then add mirrors to the front trimmed out like this.....https://www.pinterest.com/pin/ATioPC1nDAWmlE38WnPuGwgYmEvIFAJMbLVjuK8yUbGx3rI6htzBrqkl-adiVSKA4A/
I look forward to seeing whatever you do to this beauty.
I, personally, wouldn't do a thing to this piece! It's simplicity is just lovely; I even love the worn marks made by the latch!
However, if you aren't happy, I'd NEVER apply appliques as I feel that will really cheapen the piece but if you want something added, I'd probably add a 2" or 3" wide strip of wood around each four sides of the two doors then stain or paint the entire piece so the added wood looks as though it was always part of the design. You may want to match the sides (to the front) but that decision can be made when you do the front. I can't see the top or the bottom of this armoire but if it's just plain, you may want to add some molding at the top and bottom.
Again, if it was mine, I'd leave it alone. By the way, a friend of mine recently bought an armoire very, very similar to yours and paid $800 Cdn.!!
What about adding some molding sections to the front of the doors to create a "panel" that frames a nice, vintage wallpaper print, mirrors, or similar? You could even add some crown molding pieces to top, change the hardware, etc. Have fun!
Framing out the front like wienscoat or wider and using burlap fabric inseat along with updated hardware. Here's a few picture of th ideas.
I love its simplicity and design, I would just do a specialty stain or paint job on it. Appliques will just draw away from its simple beauty. I might change the knobs to some crystal ones and hang some really nice silk tassels from it. I might even add a decorative metal plate under the knobs.... https://www.google.com/search?q=pictures+of+armoire+with+knob+plates&client=opera&hs=aop&tbm=isch&imgil=u65Bunb_XtTTPM%253A%253B0taTzocfJZLilM%253Bhttps%25253A%25252F%25252Fwww.amazon.com%25252Fslp%25252Fdoor-knob-backplate%25252Ffebvvpk6zvsf78y&source=iu&pf=m&fir=u65Bunb_XtTTPM%253A%252C0taTzocfJZLilM%252C_&usg=__mWYCwFIktio7RyC4nE00Qfr3TBk%3D&biw=1366&bih=629&ved=0ahUKEwjj3IGC_frVAhVNwmMKHYxKBAsQyjcIRw&ei=C5mkWaOrAc2EjwOMlZFY#imgrc=u65Bunb_XtTTPM:
The stain is still beautiful, I would just add a few accents to the peak and the corners of the doors. A beautiful stenciled flower, or a bit of art deco, or even some Chinoiserie. http://photo.foter.com/photos/pi/344/tassel-lamp-14.jpg
The piece you have from your nanas is priceless,I am sure what ever you do ,it will be nice.A part of your nana and a part of you.Together its a masterpiece.Keep it with you always and you will always have her by your side.Even if at some point you think you dont have enough room,there will always be room again somewhere in the future.Its such a beautiful piece,hold on to it hon!