Asked on Aug 31, 2013

The French Provincial Cabinet - To Wallpaper or not to wallpaper?

I just picked up this piece which is made in 1960 and is solid wood. The colour of the wood is not that thrilling and it has a few dings here and there. I also need to replace the hardware. Since it holds no real value as a refinished piece, it would be a perfect candidate for a makeover. I think I may paint this in grey or blue in a satin finish but am wondering whether I should wallpaper the backboard in the china cabinet. I love that look but do you think it distracts from the items inside?
  58 answers
  • Pajunka Pajunka on Aug 31, 2013
    What 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!--Melanie
  • I would paint it first and then decide.
  • Bonnie Dedrick Britton Bonnie Dedrick Britton on Aug 31, 2013
    I would leave it alone.
  • Shari Shari on Aug 31, 2013
    Depends 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.
  • Jeanna Jeanna on Aug 31, 2013
    I wouldn't touch it. It looks to be in good shape.
  • Porta Verde Studio Porta Verde Studio on Aug 31, 2013
    I'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!
    • See 5 previous
    • Porta Verde Studio Porta Verde Studio on Sep 01, 2013
      @Jenny@birdsandsoap Being able to switch it out is a nice touch. I did that on a buffet I had with the drawer panels (pic attached). Maybe I can do one side in paint and the other in a pattern? Beth B's china cabinet is awesome. Love the metallic!
  • Gloria Duy Gloria Duy on Aug 31, 2013
    I 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!
  • Sfg178760 Sfg178760 on Sep 01, 2013
    I 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???).
  • Kim Hall Kim Hall on Sep 01, 2013
    I 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!
  • Bonnie Dedrick Britton Bonnie Dedrick Britton on Sep 01, 2013
    chalk white paint would look good.
  • Tanya @ twelveOeight Tanya @ twelveOeight on Sep 01, 2013
    I 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...
  • To 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?
  • Sia@South 47th 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!!
    • Porta Verde Studio Porta Verde Studio on Sep 01, 2013
      @Sia@South 47th Oooo.... that's lovely Sia! I've seen other pieces by that painter and they did one in white that was nice too.
  • House Of Hawthornes House Of Hawthornes on Sep 01, 2013
    I 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.
    • Porta Verde Studio Porta Verde Studio on Sep 01, 2013
      @House Of Hawthornes Gray is huge in our area right now. So is the muted blue. Turquoise is kind of on its way out. Black or White is always classic but it gets so boring. I wonder how many people are stripping their painted expresso brown furniture this year ;)
  • Marci N Marci N on Sep 02, 2013
    If 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.
  • Thea Green Thea Green on Sep 02, 2013
    painted or not, it is still a nice piece. Nice idea would be to buy some of those place mats and use as a background.
  • 117135 117135 on Sep 02, 2013
    I 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!
  • Sarah Jackson Sarah Jackson on Sep 02, 2013
    I 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.
  • Carol King-ricca Carol King-ricca on Sep 02, 2013
    Use chalk paint. Less sanding. Check out Anne Sloans chalkpaints and tutiorials. A pattern in back would look lovely.
    • Porta Verde Studio Porta Verde Studio on Sep 02, 2013
      @Carol King-ricca Hi Carol, I don't mind sanding and prepping. I don't think chalk paint would give me the look I want and I don't want to go to the trouble of waxing. Thanks for chiming in!
  • Julie B Julie B on Sep 02, 2013
    Don'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.
    • See 2 previous
    • Porta Verde Studio Porta Verde Studio on Sep 02, 2013
      @Linda B I wish you lived closer, it would save me a lot of work but California is clear across the country and then some.
  • Gloria Duy Gloria Duy on Sep 02, 2013
    Reply 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.
    • Ruth james Ruth james on Sep 02, 2013
      @Gloria Duy I see it now-----very nice----------I am going to try it on my glass front kitchen cabs in a color that will show my ruby red glass ware!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
  • Eliana Roseberry-Cano Eliana Roseberry-Cano on Sep 02, 2013
    mine 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 Facebook
  • Jane Burkhart 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.
  • Cheryl Cheryl on Sep 02, 2013
    By 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.
  • Eliana Roseberry-Cano Eliana Roseberry-Cano on Sep 02, 2013
    thank you Suzie W.
  • Kathleen Bell Kathleen Bell on Sep 02, 2013
    love it and can't wait to see it finished @Porta Verde Studio
  • Frankie Laney Frankie Laney on Sep 02, 2013
    If 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.
  • Maryjc27539 Maryjc27539 on Sep 02, 2013
    Have you thought about putting mirrors on the back wall?
  • Cheryl @ Artzzle Cheryl @ Artzzle on Sep 02, 2013
    Hi. 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.
  • Kris Kris on Sep 02, 2013
    It 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.
    • See 2 previous
    • Kris Kris on Jul 29, 2014
      @Anita K Thank you for the compliment! and YES it's metallic wallpaper!
  • Linda B Linda B on Sep 02, 2013
    I like the color. But not the inside.
  • Julie Julie on Sep 02, 2013
    Your 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!
  • Gwen Gwen on Sep 02, 2013
    i 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!!!
  • Nancy J Goldwire Nancy J Goldwire on Sep 02, 2013
    By all means, wallpaper! I love old pieces that have been painted.
  • JANE JANE on Sep 02, 2013
    I 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.
  • Kris Kris on Sep 02, 2013
    @porta verde studio Thank you for the nice compliment :)
  • Cheryl @ Artzzle Cheryl @ Artzzle on Sep 03, 2013
    I'll take a few today. Hard to get good ones though because of the mirrored portions. I'll get back to you soon.
  • Cheryl @ Artzzle Cheryl @ Artzzle on Sep 03, 2013
    Having trouble uploading.
  • Cheryl @ Artzzle Cheryl @ Artzzle on Sep 03, 2013
    I'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.
    • See 2 previous
    • Debbee Anthony Carlson Debbee Anthony Carlson on Jan 14, 2015
      @Cheryl @ Artzzle Love the mirrors!! Might consider that for mine. Would never consider wallpaper or gift wrap! I would love to paint my Hutch & Dining table but it's a gift from my family just over a year ago so it probably wouldn't fly!!
  • Valerie Valerie on Jul 28, 2014
    Porta 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!!
  • Michelle Hamill Michelle Hamill on Jul 28, 2014
    I'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.
    • LoriKindler LoriKindler on Jan 14, 2015
      @Michelle Hamill That is so smart! I am totally going that route on a cabinet I was given.
  • Judy Adams Judy Adams on Sep 16, 2014
    I 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 luck
  • Mag1120776 Mag1120776 on Feb 09, 2015
    Use bead board wall paper. Bead board never goes out of style.
  • Lois Lois on Mar 30, 2015
    Wallpaper yes
  • Betha Betha on Apr 19, 2015
    Perhaps 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 project
  • Shirley Midgett Shirley Midgett on Apr 22, 2015
    I 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.
  • DebFA DebFA on Apr 23, 2015
    I 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!"
  • Eugenia Read Eugenia Read on Apr 23, 2015
    Test 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.
  • Funnygirl Funnygirl on May 15, 2015
    Planning to do the back of my hutch with map pictures
  • Barbara Valenti Barbara Valenti on Jul 04, 2015
    I 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!
  • Betha Betha on Jul 07, 2015
    I have seen wallpaper didn't like try a mirrored look certainly gives a dimension to the interior
  • Charlotte Wood Eckel Charlotte Wood Eckel on Jul 15, 2015
    I 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.
  • Jilljhbg Jilljhbg on Sep 21, 2015
    pale gray or blue sounds great it will help a lot but only on the back wall, (in case you change your mind later.
  • Susan N Susan N on Sep 22, 2015
    Mirror it. You'll never get tired of how it looks...
  • Diana Deiley Diana Deiley on Feb 23, 2016
    I'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.
  • Suzanne Suzanne on Aug 17, 2016
    Go for it! It will be gorgeous.
  • Helen Helen on Aug 17, 2016
    Check 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.
  • Lisa Stornant Slusarski Lisa Stornant Slusarski on Sep 14, 2016
    Don't touch it! It is beautiful as is.