Dresser color...paint or stain?

Cj
by Cj
I have a set of orange-y dressers, one of which I want to place in my dining room, under a large mirror on the wall. One is taller, the other shorter and longer. I don't at all like the color, the walls are gray, trim off white, shades off white on the window, kitchen cabinets white, appliances white. Paint, stain, match color on the mirror with the dresser, trim....which dresser...short or taller....what? All suggestions welcome!
  15 answers
  • Z Z on Jul 30, 2015
    I would use the long one in a dining room as it would look more like a buffet. Seeing photos of the room in question would help. Without out one, I can only guess, as my vision of your description could be off. You didn't even say what color the frame on the mirror was. Black satin finish is always nice though and "I think" would work for you.
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    • Z Z on Jul 31, 2015
      @You're very welcome Cj. Please be sure to come back and share the room when you are finished.
  • Rita Fabro Rita Fabro on Jul 30, 2015
    I would paint the long dresser a rich velvety black using satin finish paint and change the knobs to something more glamorous. Black furniture is very elegant and makes a room look more sophisticated. Placing a lovely silver tray on top to hold candlesticks or other dining room essentials would be a nice touch too.
    • Cj Cj on Jul 31, 2015
      @Rita Fabro that sounds great, never thought about black. Chalk paint or some other type? What makes "rich velvety black"? Glass knobs maybe? Or paint the knobs on there a contrasting color? Suggestions?
  • Gayle Chestnut Gayle Chestnut on Jul 30, 2015
    I would use the long one in dining room. Your color scheme sounds good, however unless you've already added color I would paint it a "wow" color that you love. Something completely out of the box. Also, remove those knobs and add beautiful glass ones or something that you love. Toss your fears away and do something wonderful, you will love it.
  • Rae Rae on Jul 30, 2015
    Would definitely go with the shorter, longer dresser in the dining room. Maybe do a faux marble paint job on the top with charcoal grey or black on the rest of the piece & find some really pretty knobs to pull the look together.
  • Cj Cj on Jul 30, 2015
    should I paint the mirror frame the same color as the dresser? What about the carved line at the top of the dresser...contrasting color? The other color in the kitchen is darker green...a back splash that is not to be painted....maybe.... :P
  • Shirley Grantier Shirley Grantier on Jul 30, 2015
    I would use a different color for the mirror so it is not so matchy-matchy. I love the idea of the black dresser, and I agree...use the shorter, longer one. I am starting a similar project myself and painting an old buffet black. I personally don't like the idea of a contrasting color in the dresser, but it might be interesting to see how that would look. Maybe consider the color you decide for the mirror.
  • Denise Hardy Denise Hardy on Jul 31, 2015
    Hi - I like @Rae idea - longer dresser in the dining room. And a faux marble top for the other one with say glass or some other pretty knobs and paint it black - sounds good to me :)
  • Rita Fabro Rita Fabro on Jul 31, 2015
    Ok, here's what I would do. Gently sand the piece, clean it, prime it, paint with a flat black paint (pick up some paint samples and choose the black you like best), apply two coats sanding in between coats. Buy glass knobs (preferably fancy ones) and voila!!
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    • Rita Fabro Rita Fabro on Jul 31, 2015
      @Cj You go girl!!
  • Cora Brazell Cora Brazell on Jul 31, 2015
    Try the new chalk paint. There is no kilz needed. You do have to appy wax but it looks so pretty and is easyl
  • Megan Louise Megan Louise on Jul 31, 2015
    I'm currently working on a dresser as well! I always hate to paint over wood, but sanding down a detailed dresser isn't the easiest task. I agree with Cora- a nice chalk paint is the way to go! Is typically requires no prep work other than cleaning. For the dresser I'm working on I'm doing a mix of chalk paint and stain (I can't sand down some spots so they'll be painted), and maybe that's the solution here? A splash of blue would pop in your neutral space! Also, if you do end up painting them at all, I would definitely recommend using an antiquing glaze (rustoleum sells it by the quart at Home Depot). It pulls out any sort of wood grain or detail, so it would really show off the carved leaves above those first drawers. For hardware I'd go with something light and airy, like the glass knobs Rita recommended. Maybe even some of those Mercury-glass ones for a bit of character? Best of luck with whatever you decide to do!
  • Marie Cyr Beaulieu Marie Cyr Beaulieu on Jul 31, 2015
    Try using painters powder. You do not need to sand or prime. It is a really great chalk mix you add to any latex paint. It extends the use of your paint and dries in 7-10 min. No waiting for hours for paint to dry. Contact me on how to get this powder. I am a consultant for Chalky and Company. We also carry all of the finishing products like sealer, wax,gels etc. mareibeaulieu5@gmail.com
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    • Marie Cyr Beaulieu Marie Cyr Beaulieu on Aug 12, 2015
      @Debbie McGarrity Yes I can mail you painters powder if you wish to order some. It comes in two sizes small for $9 and large for $17 plus tax and shipping. Let me know if you want me to send you some. It would have to be mailed UPS.
  • Debbie McGarrity Debbie McGarrity on Aug 10, 2015
    Definately colour, the detailing in the woo would make a yellow or duck egg blue distressed adorable with vintage glass knobs. I'm not a fan of the rubbed oil effect just natural distress! Look at how this detailing like yours comes up.
  • Marie Cyr Beaulieu Marie Cyr Beaulieu on Aug 10, 2015
    Debbie McGarrity, I am looking into the ability to send you the painters powder product. We are not able to send as a company but as an indepndant consultant I might be able to. I will get back to you with an answer ASAP. Thanks Marie Beaulieu
  • Marie Cyr Beaulieu Marie Cyr Beaulieu on Aug 13, 2015
    Yes I can ship it to you. Not sure what the shipping cost would be but if you are interested I will definatly look into it.
  • Marie Cyr Beaulieu Marie Cyr Beaulieu on Aug 14, 2015
    Debbie, you can reach me at. mariebeaulieu5@gmail.com