The French Provincial Cabinet - To Wallpaper or not to wallpaper?
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Pajunka on Aug 31, 2013What about some soft paint color instead? I'm thinking everything you want to display should be organized on the shelves first. Then test some wallpaper behind them or under them to see if the paper is just too much with all your things in there. Your precious memories and objects should pop out first, not the finish behind them. Cheers!--MelanieHelpful Reply
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Brenda @ Cozy Little House on Aug 31, 2013I would paint it first and then decide.Helpful Reply
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Bonnie Dedrick Britton on Aug 31, 2013I would leave it alone.Helpful Reply
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Shari on Aug 31, 2013Depends on whether it is for resale or your own use. If for resale, I'd say keep it as neutral as possible (no wallpaper unless it's something without an obvious pattern, like grasscloth). If it's for your own use, it would depend on what you are going to put in it. If you are using something like all white ironstone or milk glass, or clear crystal, a patterned wallpaper could be pretty and add color and interest. A printed wallpaper with printed dishes would probably be a bit busy for my tastes. I actually have a china cabinet almost exactly like this. I painted it white and used a super pale shade of pink on the back wall to accentuate the miscellaneous pink rose china pieces I display in it.Helpful Reply
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Jeanna on Aug 31, 2013I wouldn't touch it. It looks to be in good shape.Helpful Reply
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Porta Verde Studio on Aug 31, 2013I'm actually surprised people like the natural wood finish. In my area, they sell for much more with a paint finish and I will be re-selling it. I've tried to sell these in really good shape unpainted and it's hard to get a sale!Helpful Reply
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Gloria Duy on Aug 31, 2013I removed the shelves of my cabinet and put fabric on the back, then put the shelves back in. I sewed a little pocket at the top like a curtain and hung it on a stretchy rod with rubber tips. I just love it and change the fabric out a couple of times a year. If you could do that with yours in a trendy, cute fabric I bet it would help it sell. Especially when you tell the person they can change it out. I'm for painting it, especially for resale!Helpful Reply
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Sfg178760 on Sep 01, 2013I think you know what resells...and I agree this piece is not HOT right now as is! So, a paint job to update it is needed and although I like the wallpaper back---I think you should do it a complimentary color to the rest of the piece, but something fun (Light grey, light blue, light orange, mint???).Helpful Reply
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Kim Hall on Sep 01, 2013I agree with the vote for paint! I am loving light grey right now, so upscale and classy looking! what about matching fabric with French words? can't wait to see what you come up with!Helpful Reply
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Bonnie Dedrick Britton on Sep 01, 2013chalk white paint would look good.Helpful Reply
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Tanya @ twelveOeight on Sep 01, 2013I love the look of a super light color (like Bonnie suggested-white) chalk painted and a mock-distressed wood in a grey tone backing would look so pretty on the back. I have seen wallpaper and other materials like this out there to cover then interior back then put it back on after painting...Helpful Reply
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Patricia Presto/On The Surface on Sep 01, 2013To continue with your hand painting (or spraying) it in gray or blue - why not continue the "custom" feel to it and stencil an allover subtle design (fading in and out) on the back instead of wallpaper?Helpful Reply
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Sia@South 47th on Sep 01, 2013@Porta Verde Studio What about a colour group like this one by painted cottages? Can't wait to see this one Jacqui!!Helpful Reply
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House Of Hawthornes on Sep 01, 2013I have a buffet with similar lines. I painted it turquoise. Sort of wish I would have done a two tone look - maybe wooden top and painted bottom, but no way I'm stripping off the paint on the top now. If gray is big in your area, you might consider that color. Gray is not hot in Ohio yet, so it's not a big seller down here.Helpful Reply
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Marci N on Sep 02, 2013If you are hesitant about changing it why not wallpaper some boards that fit in -maybe even cardboard would work and use that as the backdrop that way if you don't care for it or you decide to sell it in the future its an easy change back.Helpful Reply
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Thea Green on Sep 02, 2013painted or not, it is still a nice piece. Nice idea would be to buy some of those place mats and use as a background.Helpful Reply
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117135 on Sep 02, 2013I would paint the outside a cream or gray and paint the inside a great accent color that would make the items inside stand out! If you do the wall paper or material on the inside make it a neutral pattern, to busy would hide the items displayed on the inside!Helpful Reply
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Sarah Jackson on Sep 02, 2013I think if you choose a small print fabric or wallpaper it will not distract from whatever would go inside. I would paint the inside to match the rest of the hutch but was also going to suggest you applythe fabric to a piece of cardboard so it can easily be removed if the buyer prefers the paint instead. I like the idea of giving THEM the option.Helpful Reply
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Carol King-ricca on Sep 02, 2013Use chalk paint. Less sanding. Check out Anne Sloans chalkpaints and tutiorials. A pattern in back would look lovely.Helpful Reply
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Julie B on Sep 02, 2013Don't paint it!!! Use a darker stain on the wood if want, but please don't cover such a beautiful wood piece of furniture with paint. It makes me so sad to see someone take a wood piece and paint it white. If you want to paint something, it might as well be made out of plywood. This piece is beautiful with the wood.Helpful Reply
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Gloria Duy on Sep 02, 2013Reply to Ruth James, here are pictures. This was an old cabinet that I used to store canning supplies in. I painted it white for my sewing room and left the shelves dark. I guess this would only work if the shelves come out.Helpful Reply
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Eliana Roseberry-Cano on Sep 02, 2013mine was not a French cabinet, but here Is what difference wall paper can make. I think, take your time finding the right paper for you and it will be a knock out! See the transformation, find it at "Why Not Redesign" on FacebookHelpful Reply
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Jane Burkhart on Sep 02, 2013@Pointa Verde Studio-- Paint the cabinet any color and do a different color for the back of the cabinet. Not crazy about wallpaper. I like to see a white cabinet with a different color inset.Helpful Reply
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Cheryl on Sep 02, 2013By painting it, it becomes a focal piece in a room assuming the other furniture in the room is likely to be stained. I would paint it an updated green that is between a sage and chartreuse, neutral but updated and distress with brown undertones. For the back I like the fabric curtain idea that is interchangeable. There r a lot of beautiful yet subtle prints that will not take away from what is displayed. Look at fabrics intended for curtains.Helpful Reply
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Eliana Roseberry-Cano on Sep 02, 2013thank you Suzie W.Helpful Reply
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Kathleen Bell on Sep 02, 2013love it and can't wait to see it finished @Porta Verde StudioHelpful Reply
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Frankie Laney on Sep 02, 2013If you are painting it to sell, I would be hesitant to include a print on the inside. What about using something in the yellow or mustard colors? I could also see this in a beautiful rich red with a touch of antiquing. You could add a little French country with bead board paper on the inside. You could also do a mock up with paper covered cardboard to show an alternative to a prospective buyer.Helpful Reply
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Maryjc27539 on Sep 02, 2013Have you thought about putting mirrors on the back wall?Helpful Reply
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Cheryl @ Artzzle on Sep 02, 2013Hi. Until you make a more final decision; try this. Measure the separate areas and make foam core pieces in those sizes. Then you can 1. cover the foam core in pretty material pattern(s), 2. wallpapers or 3. even use wrapping paper or paint. My hutch has mirrored back sections and I use this treatment in varied places, leaving some sections mirrored and some not. It's inexpensive, doesn't have to be permanent and is a quick fun way to get a new look.Helpful Reply
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Kris on Sep 02, 2013It would all depend on the buyers taste. Do you have samples of wallpaper you're considering? Maybe you could show them to your customer? Below is a pic of the cabinet I painted for our dining room. I used textured wrapping paper and secured it temporarily so it can be changed when I get tired of it.Helpful Reply
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Linda B on Sep 02, 2013I like the color. But not the inside.Helpful Reply
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Julie on Sep 02, 2013Your idea of calm neutrals is a good one for resale. What has worked for me is keeping to the same neutrals two shades apart for outside and inside. Customers are looking for one of a kind pieces in small shops otherwise they'd be at the big chain stores. Wallpaper gives a busy look before you ever put one single piece in it and is very taste specific. Your talents will give this piece new life!Helpful Reply
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Gwen on Sep 02, 2013i have not read all the posts but I saw on Pinterest where a lady bought some wrapping paper, held it up using tape, used a razor to cut the edges, she did not paper the edges nor the front. But it did make an impact and would be easier to change out and not as permanent. Also another person used wallpaper but did use small tack nails to hold in place just on the back. The wrapping paper sounded easier! But neither post made them a permanent bond. I'm standing Dollar tree mirrors in the back of my deep bookshelf/display and it looks better as it plays offs light. Good luck!!!Helpful Reply
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Nancy J Goldwire on Sep 02, 2013By all means, wallpaper! I love old pieces that have been painted.Helpful Reply
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JANE on Sep 02, 2013I was given almost the identical piece & it matches my other furniture. It was in excellent shape, but so dark inside & I wanted to display pictures & nick knacks. I didn't want to light it, but instead purchased light wall paper & pasted inside..it shows up everything inside nicely.Helpful Reply
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Kris on Sep 02, 2013@porta verde studio Thank you for the nice compliment :)Helpful Reply
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Cheryl @ Artzzle on Sep 03, 2013I'll take a few today. Hard to get good ones though because of the mirrored portions. I'll get back to you soon.Helpful Reply
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Cheryl @ Artzzle on Sep 03, 2013Having trouble uploading.Helpful Reply
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Cheryl @ Artzzle on Sep 03, 2013I'm doing a post on a similar project later this week on my site at Artzzle, if you want to see more. The covered sections in hutch are 2nd from bottom right and top left. Hope this helps.Helpful Reply
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Valerie on Jul 28, 2014Porta Verde Studio, I know your post is from a year ago, but I too have a hutch from Eathan Allen that my parents bought in 1960. I never liked the color of the wood, maple so I had painted it years ago. Now I have a large kitchen and I am stripping it to finish in espresso. The top of the hutch has glass to see into it. I picked out a subdued pattern wallpaper, installed it onto the back of the hutch and bought LED lights on timers. In the evening it lights up a little showing the paper in the top of the hutch. I love redoing something old to something new. I am sure your piece looks great!!Helpful Reply
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Michelle Hamill on Jul 28, 2014I'm sorry I didn't read all the replies so if it's already been suggested I apologize. Use thin foam board cut to size for the back and wallpaper that. If you change your mind later you can remove them or redo them.Helpful Reply
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Judy Adams on Sep 16, 2014I do like to idea of wall paper inside the cabinet . I have done this before and its a winner , Use a lighter color, but not white. I used some paper in a beige with french writing on it inside a cabinet and it was a knock out . Go for it and try the paper inside by taping a piece inside just to view it , see if you like it . If its the right one, go ahead and paste it in. Good luckHelpful Reply
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Mag1120776 on Feb 09, 2015Use bead board wall paper. Bead board never goes out of style.Helpful Reply
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Lois on Mar 30, 2015Wallpaper yesHelpful Reply
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Betha on Apr 19, 2015Perhaps paint backing a slightly lighter Colour I have seen wallpaper on a similar project and did not like it very much . Depends on what the individual likes good luck with your projectHelpful Reply
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Shirley Midgett on Apr 22, 2015I saw someone "wallpaper" the backs of built-in shelves by cutting poster board to fit and wallpapering the posterboard then just putting it up with double sided tape. Easy to remove.Helpful Reply
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DebFA on Apr 23, 2015I recently saw a beautifully made-over piece similar to yours. It was painted turquoise and had a metallic/turquoise print wallpaper applied to the back. The piece was stunning. Though this color would not work in everyone's home, it was perfect for this beautiful historical home. I say, "Go for it!"Helpful Reply
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Eugenia Read on Apr 23, 2015Test the poster board and paint or wallpaper idea. You can remove if necessary and cheaper. Be careful though you don't want it to be tacky looking. For a classier look, consider, thin mirrored tiles would help attract the light and show off the pieces on display.Helpful Reply
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Funnygirl on May 15, 2015Planning to do the back of my hutch with map picturesHelpful Reply
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Barbara Valenti on Jul 04, 2015I think if its not too busy it would look great. Saying that because it might distract from the items you want to put inside. Good luck! Repost when you are done, I want to see... I am nosey!Helpful Reply
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Betha on Jul 07, 2015I have seen wallpaper didn't like try a mirrored look certainly gives a dimension to the interiorHelpful Reply
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Charlotte Wood Eckel on Jul 15, 2015I think it depends on what you're planning to display in there. Are you putting out a set of dishes with a pattern or solid pieces? I have a hutch very similar to that and I'm going to paint the backboard rather than paper or mirror it. That way I can display anything.Helpful Reply
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Jilljhbg on Sep 21, 2015pale gray or blue sounds great it will help a lot but only on the back wall, (in case you change your mind later.Helpful Reply
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Susan N on Sep 22, 2015Mirror it. You'll never get tired of how it looks...Helpful Reply
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Diana Deiley on Feb 23, 2016I'm a wood person, but, I would go with a two color combo. Maybe aqua on the exterior and Kelly green on the inside. All depending on placement of piece and items to be displayed. Navy and White are always classic. Best of luck. Love the piece.Helpful Reply
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Suzanne on Aug 17, 2016Go for it! It will be gorgeous.Helpful Reply
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Helen on Aug 17, 2016Check out ALL the furniture painting on this site. I've seen some really beautiful ones. One, in particular wound up with blue/gray metallic on the whole thing. It was also stenciled in a "raised" open stencil in gold. Quite elegant. There are many ways to do it and I'd browse through the refurbish/renovate furniture. Something on that order should get you to many posts and instructions.Helpful Reply
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Lisa Stornant Slusarski on Sep 14, 2016Don't touch it! It is beautiful as is.Helpful Reply
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