It really depends on your personal style. If it were in my house, I would paint it. I also like the idea of painting the inside shelves for a nice pop of color through the glass.
This is definitely an old piece and I think it would be a shame to paint over that burled maple - it's beautiful! I'm fairly sure this was a buffet with the curved glass displays on each side. How lucky you are to have leaded, curved glass that is unbroken! Please don't paint it.....
This is totally a personal preference thing. What is your decorating style? What would look better in your home? Painting would certainly update the piece.
Hello. I would just follow your own decor aesthetic and the furniture style already existing in your home. It would be beautiful either way it needs to match what you have existing.
If you care to see with chalk painted vintage and second hand furniture looks like this bloggers gallery might be a good one to check out. The white and gray furniture’s do tend to look beachy.
WOW... love the glass! I would do 2 toned. The burled maple is an expensive wood. My hubby is a woodworker so I am reminded often not to paint over different types of wood. lol. However, I doubt that all of the wood is burled maple. Check out what different types of wood look like. Whatever is the cheaper wood on the piece(if any), paint a different color and keep the burl. Leaving the beautiful expensive wood will add to the beauty. See how beautiful this 2 tone piece came out:
I would leave as is, if it is in good shape, but consider replacing the hardware. It doesn't appear to be original. However, if there are issues then I would leave the faces of the drawers and doors as is and paint the other parts navy. But if you are doing it for your personal use and not considering sales value, paint it to please your personal decor and taste.
It is 2 toned! Beautiful! I agree with Kathy, change out the hardware.
If you wanted to dainty it up a bit, glass door knobs mounted on the base would do this plus complement the glass doors.
Another thought is to put down some cut to fit pretty fabric or paper on the shelves and then add the glasses. Not to glue or apply sticky paper, that might damage the shelves.
You are so lucky to have such a nice piece of furniture, enjoy.
If you are concerned about the VALUE of the piece, do not paint it. If you, like me, don't worry about the value and want to enjoy the piece during your lifetime to enjoy by all means paint it with chalk paint. So easy, dries fast, usually just two coats and a whole new look.
You absolutely should do whatever you want to it. Your own personal style, really the look that you love needs to come first. This piece I think would make a great opportunity for a paint and stain combo like the ones in this link: https://www.grandmashousediy.com/paint-stain-stunners/
It’s quite interesting looking. What look do you like? The easiest change would be to add new hardware. Painting it of course is an option - if you painted it I’d go dark - with your light walls it would stand out. :)
Hi Chrisdee, if you love the piece and want to make it modern, how about painting it with chalk paint? You can pick a fun color and have it match modern decor!
Agree with Ken. Part of the beauty of this piece of furniture is how the tones of wood and the direction of the wood grains have been used to highlight the unique shape of the individual parts.
IMO if you were to paint over it, this attractiveness would be lost.
Thiscis a nice old piece that looks to be in good condition. From what I can see looks to be from the 20s or 30s. Do not paint it. It will ruin its value. I cannot see the hardware but they look replaced but not sure.
Thanks everyone for the comments, they all sound great but I think I may have to go with the leave as is and maybe see if I can replace the hardware. It does look lovely but I didn't know really if it was a good piece or just looked good. Thank you again all
Such a pretty piece. Since you have decided to leave the finish as is, another way to to update it and to make it feel less dark would be to wallpaper the inside. It would really help show off your glassware, best part is its always reversible.
I agree with doing what fits your style. If you want to preserve its antique value, don’t paint it. Otherwise, you can paint it to reflect your style. You can also try decorative changes that don’t involve painting the piece. You can add a table runner to the piece, some faux modern greenery and some other modern decor on the tabletop to make the piece look more up to date.
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Your comment...
It really depends on your personal style. If it were in my house, I would paint it. I also like the idea of painting the inside shelves for a nice pop of color through the glass.
Leave it as is. It looks beautiful!
This is definitely an old piece and I think it would be a shame to paint over that burled maple - it's beautiful! I'm fairly sure this was a buffet with the curved glass displays on each side. How lucky you are to have leaded, curved glass that is unbroken! Please don't paint it.....
I agree. It's gorgeous!
This is totally a personal preference thing. What is your decorating style? What would look better in your home? Painting would certainly update the piece.
Hello. I would just follow your own decor aesthetic and the furniture style already existing in your home. It would be beautiful either way it needs to match what you have existing.
If you care to see with chalk painted vintage and second hand furniture looks like this bloggers gallery might be a good one to check out. The white and gray furniture’s do tend to look beachy.
https://www.confessionsofaserialdiyer.com/diy-gallery/
WOW... love the glass! I would do 2 toned. The burled maple is an expensive wood. My hubby is a woodworker so I am reminded often not to paint over different types of wood. lol. However, I doubt that all of the wood is burled maple. Check out what different types of wood look like. Whatever is the cheaper wood on the piece(if any), paint a different color and keep the burl. Leaving the beautiful expensive wood will add to the beauty. See how beautiful this 2 tone piece came out:
https://www.hometalk.com/43843158/vanity-set-makeover-breast-cancer-awareness-month-tribute
Good luck! Check out other 2 tone projects on Pinterest and Hometalk. You will be surprised what you can do with it.
Vanity Set Makeover - Breast Cancer Awareness Month Tribute
I would leave as is, if it is in good shape, but consider replacing the hardware. It doesn't appear to be original. However, if there are issues then I would leave the faces of the drawers and doors as is and paint the other parts navy. But if you are doing it for your personal use and not considering sales value, paint it to please your personal decor and taste.
It is 2 toned! Beautiful! I agree with Kathy, change out the hardware.
If you wanted to dainty it up a bit, glass door knobs mounted on the base would do this plus complement the glass doors.
Another thought is to put down some cut to fit pretty fabric or paper on the shelves and then add the glasses. Not to glue or apply sticky paper, that might damage the shelves.
You are so lucky to have such a nice piece of furniture, enjoy.
The dresser is beautiful as it is please don’t paint it you’ll destroy any value enjoy it and keep it safe
If you are concerned about the VALUE of the piece, do not paint it. If you, like me, don't worry about the value and want to enjoy the piece during your lifetime to enjoy by all means paint it with chalk paint. So easy, dries fast, usually just two coats and a whole new look.
Leave it alone.
You absolutely should do whatever you want to it. Your own personal style, really the look that you love needs to come first. This piece I think would make a great opportunity for a paint and stain combo like the ones in this link: https://www.grandmashousediy.com/paint-stain-stunners/
It’s quite interesting looking. What look do you like? The easiest change would be to add new hardware. Painting it of course is an option - if you painted it I’d go dark - with your light walls it would stand out. :)
Hi Chrisdee, if you love the piece and want to make it modern, how about painting it with chalk paint? You can pick a fun color and have it match modern decor!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CIknlNHYWtI
I would give it a nice coat of fresh paint and new hardware the unit will look like new!
Agree with Ken. Part of the beauty of this piece of furniture is how the tones of wood and the direction of the wood grains have been used to highlight the unique shape of the individual parts.
IMO if you were to paint over it, this attractiveness would be lost.
Thiscis a nice old piece that looks to be in good condition. From what I can see looks to be from the 20s or 30s. Do not paint it. It will ruin its value. I cannot see the hardware but they look replaced but not sure.
Please do not paint.
Thanks everyone for the comments, they all sound great but I think I may have to go with the leave as is and maybe see if I can replace the hardware. It does look lovely but I didn't know really if it was a good piece or just looked good. Thank you again all
Vintage curved glass sideboard. Value $200 - $500.
https://www.google.com/search?hl=en&tbs=simg:CAESiQEJDH6ZZK6q7JYafgsQsIynCBpiCmAIAxIo5QqDDfYM8wznDOYMkxjhCugK4Q-BPoI-3ifVNeQ10TXmNeU14TXWNRowbnVCkRDvHOgWm1H_1tDobRwXk6zrLZsGkrtuZ-GckLyQDbZR0inymW9uLo6eZF1ndIAQMCxCOrv4IGgoKCAgBEgT9Wc2HDA&q=vintage+curved+glass+sideboard&tbm=isch&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwiBnM7J5O7rAhWPl60KHeuMAxIQsw56BAgEEAE&biw=1280&bih=590
Such a pretty piece. Since you have decided to leave the finish as is, another way to to update it and to make it feel less dark would be to wallpaper the inside. It would really help show off your glassware, best part is its always reversible.
Hi Chrisdee: I love the way it looks! It seems to be old, maybe a good cleaning and waxing will make it look a bit better.
I hadnt thought of waxing, thank you
You could paint and distress it by following this tutorial: https://do-daddy.com/how-to-antique-furniture-with-paint-and-stain/
Hope this Helps! Jeremy - https://do-daddy.com
I agree with doing what fits your style. If you want to preserve its antique value, don’t paint it. Otherwise, you can paint it to reflect your style. You can also try decorative changes that don’t involve painting the piece. You can add a table runner to the piece, some faux modern greenery and some other modern decor on the tabletop to make the piece look more up to date.
You could also add large colored glass or decorative ceramic knobs to give it a new look.
This is how one blogger updated her dresser with glass knobs: https://somuchbetterwithage.com/updated-furniture/