How can I update two Italian Louis XIV tables?
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My father gave me these two beautifully made tables. They are carved wood with a painted glass top in pristine condition and I would love to keep them in the family. Is there any possible way to update these? Would I be insane to put paint on them or should I just part with them? Please send your ideas! Thank you!
Can you live with them the way they are? Would you like them changed in some way? What would you do with them if you decided not to keep them? Those are the questions you need to ask yourself. They are very elaborate. What's your personal style? I think they are lovely, and would be a fabulous fit for a large, formal entry, a nightstand next to a large bed, centered on a window with a large vase of flowers, or used as end tables. They will never not be what they are in style. Yes, the finish can be refinished, but will you like it? When I am truly torn about painting I take a picture of what I am thinking about painting and then go on the apps all the major paint companies have and try "painting " the item. I try neutral colors, pops of color, etc. until I decide if is what I want to do. Behr and Sherwin Williams are two of the sites I have used.
I wouldn't do anything without having them appraised first. Then get recommendations from the appraiser. They could be worth from $500 to upwards of $10,000. BTW, Louis XIV was French not Italian and they do look French to me.
If you aren't happy with the tables the way they are why not sell them and use the money you make to buy exactly what you want? Their are auction houses that will do most of the work for you and they have a large number of clients. They generally charge a small commission. Bet your dad would want you to be happy with whatever your decide.
I love those tables. If you find out how much they are worth and decide to keep them, you can always spray paint them to match your home décor.
Even if you get them valued, that does not mean someone will pay the asking price. Antiques are not in high demand anymore. You can test the market first if no interest and you dont like them as is, paint them to suit your home. I have held on to antiques for years collecting dust and taking up space.
This is a situation that is becoming more and more prevalent. Heirlooms that were of great value to previous generations are now winding up on sales floors. Current generations have downsized and their tastes are different from the past. More streamlined. People are inheriting households of stuff, like doll collections, china that can't be put in a dishwasher or a microwave, heavy bulky furniture, etc. in addition to their established households. It is not working too well. Parents often think their children want these items and place on it the following phrase: " Don't let this go, keep it in the family". This has happened to me, this was the attachment to the dining room table, years later I asked my elderly mom about the dining room table she gave us, she did not even remember it. If it is of value (sentimental or $) to you and you truly like them and want to keep the tables, then you can consider very fortunate. The beauty of them is just as they are, in the eye of the beholder.
I would definitely get them appraised before doing anything. If they are not very valuable, then, by all means, update them to something you like. With all that detail, painting and distressing would be beautiful.
if You aren’t concerned with lowering the value, consider adding a dark glaze. Metallica are very popular on our area with a dark glaze.
Nichole: check out my table redo! ..and it was FUN!
https://www.hometalk.com/diy/living-room/furniture/1960s-coffee-table-into-2020-44255352
1960's Coffee Table Into 2020
Painting these would certainly be one way to update them.
If they are not tremendously valuable I would do whatever you want! They are pretty busy, but they might look good in a satin finish with an antiquing to bring out the details. I'm not a big fan of gold, so if they are very valuable as is, I'd most likely sell them.
I would leave them as is as much as you can! They're lovely, and changing antiques around usually reduces the value and desirability of them on the resale market. I'd only recommend it for really damaged pieces.
Hello there,
I would leave them as is, and if I wanted to know the value of them incase I wanted to sell, I would either look on sites such as eBay or get a valuation from a dealer or antique expert or three!! If I decided to keep them, but could not live with them as they are, I would consider going over them with a chalk paint and rubbing off to let the gold detailing shine through. That way, if they were ever wanted to be returned to all gold, it might not be too difficult a job to do! Best wishes.
Hi ! First I was going to say look up the value , but that is only if you think you might sell them in the future ... But you say you want to keep them in your family ... In
that case do whatever you want to them , that will help them fit in with your home's design style , good luck !!!
If they are not to your liking then put them up for sale on one of the many sites online. Painting them for yourself if you don't really want them would be a big mistake as if you get tired of them the next owner would have a nightmare of a time trying to remove the paint you added with all of the detail work.
Hi I would polish the wood and make it the centerpiece of the room. Add pieces color to the top on the glass that blend and complement. Possibly something in softer tones
I would definitely paint them and use glaze or wax for all the detailed areas. They would be beautiful. Check out pinterest for info. on how to do this properly depending upon what type of topcoat they have. They will need cleaned well before painting; this process is called "PREP." Good luck.
What beautiful tables, it would be a shame to do anything to them since they are in pristine condition. But if you must I would stain them definitely do not use chalk paint or any paint on them.
I paint everything but I would seriously get these appraised first. They look rare!
No I wouldn’t touch them put. Tablecloth over them that’s it
Wow thank you so much - I’m so grateful for u all!! Deep down I don’t want to part with these pieces of my childhood.
I love the chalk paint idea to kinda fit into homes simple modern look, but I need to find out what they are worth. I don’t want to destroy them!!
How do I find a reliable person to tell me how much they are worth?
BTW, It took THREE of us to take the larger table to my basement. Furniture this strong and beautiful is so rare but I can’t take it somewhere to be estimated.
thank u so much for your help!!!!!