Should I repaint? Trade the blue for something else?
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I repaired and repainted these pieces for sale, but they're not selling. Is there a color or colors that would appeal to a wider audience?
22 answers
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You've done a quality job of giving the pieces new life and the colors are quite nice but, might not be everyone's cup of tea. You might consider changing them to a rich grey instead. Not only will the color blend well with nearly any other colors and decor, it will most likely appeal to a broader audience.
Swan Road Designs
on Jan 20, 2015
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I agree with the grey color.
Kaye
on Jan 20, 2015
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I like the blue but if I had to paint it over I would do them dark brown or black they go with any thing
Connie Hunt Downer
on Jan 20, 2015
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I like the color Blush pinkish tone grey light cream with taupe these make beautiful pieces. Good luck
Verilea poole
on Jan 20, 2015
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I would refinish the top with a warmer, darker stain and/or lighten the paint colour and then perhaps antique it. I also think the new drawer pulls are too heavy looking to suit the curves of this piece. The wood on the top of the oval table doesn't look to be of a good enough quality to carry off the stain job; it might look better painted.
Linda
on Jan 20, 2015
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I wouldn't recommend darkening the tops too much but, after reviewing again and seeing some of the comments, I might suggest that you change the hardware to something that is a little less industrial, that is, something a bit more graceful and flatter.
Swan Road Designs
on Jan 20, 2015
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I agree with all the above. Everybody's using warm gray or chalk paint white now, you can join the club, or branch out. Another Color for 2015 is Merlot, a very soft lighter red-brown that's very pretty and might be more appealing that the bright saturated blue.
Vicki K
on Jan 21, 2015
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Annie Sloan chalk paint is very popular these days. I think her "Original White" might make them look great! Also, if you;'re selling them as a set, I would stain the tops in a darker walnut color so they all match.
MBLori
on Jan 21, 2015
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Chalk paint is all the rage these days. I see a lot of furniture painted in a teal or aqua, or like others have said, a creamy white or grey. I think some pretty glass hardware would add some sparkle, and vintage charm.
Barbara
on Jan 21, 2015
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I think you should stick more to neutral colors when painting for resale - it appeals to a wider audience and doesn't go out of style as quickly. I don't do a lot of really bold colors unless it's specifically requested by a customer. I agree with staining the tops darker -that makes them more relevant to current design trends. Also the hardware should be changed out to something less heavy. I always try to use the original hardware if possible - largely because hardware is expensive. I typically paint it or polish it.
The Vintage Peacock
on Jan 21, 2015
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How long have you had the furniture for sale? Sometimes you just need to wait for the right buyer. The blue is beautiful, but if it's been sitting for too long then a more neutral color would open it up for a wider audience.
Patricia
on Jan 21, 2015
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Is it just the photo or do the tops not match? That would be an issue as MBLori wrote. All three tops walnut would look stunning. I believe you need to start there. I love the blue, but agree, it's a very custom choice and not for every home so you're limiting your potential buyers.... Could you take photo's of them displayed? My home is primarily neutrals however in my living/dining room I refinished a piece to be a liquor cabinet in blue. In my "neutral home", that cabinet goes over quite well. So some visual inspiration may help!
Fab and Pretty
on Jan 21, 2015
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It depends on your area. Do you have a source to see what other color(s) of furniture is selling in your area? Craigslist, a local classified online, etc. If so, repaint them to what others are selling and yours will probably sell too :-) Often it's not what we like individually that sells but what the buyers want to buy. In our area, very few people like white painted furniture. I do. So I buy wood toned pieces and paint them myself :-) Beauty is in the eye of the beholder....or the buyer in this case ;-) When you get ready to sell them, if you're posting pics make sure to 'stage' your area (the room as much as possible and something pretty on the top of one of the pieces). Think of how you see 'displays' of furniture in catalogs.....that'll give you some ideas. Here's an example from Ballard Designs catalog.
CK
on Jan 21, 2015
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I think I'd definitely go with a darker stain on all three tops. If you did that and changed out the hardware, it might be enough to sell, even with the current blue shade.
Lisa
on Jan 21, 2015
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I think if you are not painting to order then it is a good idea to find out what colours and paint effects are trending before painting anything. That said I would not go too dark on the tops but perhaps stain them all the same shade. French grey is popular at present but if you don't fancy grey then an old white would be more saleable I think. I would save the strong colours for painting things to order. It is tempting to go with a strong colour because it can be boring painting stuff in generic colours to appeal to a wider audience, but if you are doing this to makes sales, then it usually works better.
Carole
on Jan 21, 2015
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I think that you did a beautiful job on those pieces. I also love bright colors. But if you are painting to resell, you have to think about where the person would be using this piece.This bright blue would be perfect in a nautical room, but not many folks have bright blue sofas and rugs or use bright blue as an accent. I think the tops are very nice, I would just add another coat of paint in a lighter, grayer color to the bases. I am not sure what the color trends are in Kansas, but in the Northeast beige and gray neutrals are king. It's frustrating for me, as an artist, to tone down my color choices, so for my own home, I do what I love. But for resale, you need to appeal to the masses. Good luck!
Country Design Home
on Jan 21, 2015
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Thank you Sue. I am contemplating repainting but wanted to just say that this color is almost impossible to photograph correctly. It really isn't as blue as it looks, it actually leans towards a grey-based blue. After doing some research, it seems that it might just be a slow market here in KC, as there are a number of similar items (some even in greys!) that aren't selling either.
Julie Benson-Grant
on Jan 21, 2015
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I love the way they look. Maybe the right person just has not walked in.
Eileen Smith
on Jan 21, 2015
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I DON'T DISLIKE IT! BUT PERSONALLY I MYSELF WOULD GO FOR GREY COLORS! :)
Jay Howard
on Jan 21, 2015
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I would not make changes yet. They are beautiful. I agree that staging would help. Definitely do not place them all together (you probably did that for the pic only). Any of the pieces would be great in a sunroom, the dresser pieces would be great in an entry way or hallway. Also great as tv console or small buffet. Good luck!
Tracy
on Jan 22, 2015
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Thanks Tracy! That photo was taken simply for the sake of this question. The pieces are actually listed separately and are simply connected by "see other items by this seller" type of a link.
Julie Benson-Grant
on Jan 22, 2015
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sage green goes with almost everything
Tammy Harmsen
on May 05, 2016
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