How should I update this hallway mirror and table set?

Marina Gonzales
by Marina Gonzales

I have this long mirror and marble topped table in my hallway. They are a perfect fit, but severely outdated (late 60s or early 70s). I have been thinking about painting the frame and the base of the table, but nothing comes to mind that I like! The main colors are gold and a sort of olive green with that speckly "distressed" look they always put on furniture of this era (I think it's called flyspecked?).


I don't really love the idea of painting them solid one color, but don't want to spend years painting all the details either. I do have some Rub n Buff in various colors that I have yet to try..


What would you do, I would love your opinions! Thanks :)

  13 answers
  • Gk Gk on Apr 16, 2020

    You could do some chalk painting and distressing and then add some rub and buff into the detailed areas. Lots of detail there to highlight.

    Here's an example.

    https://www.justthewoods.com/distress-painted-wood

  • Kathy Gunter Law Kathy Gunter Law on Apr 16, 2020

    You could antique the gold with a black glaze or if you have the rub & buff in a dark color.

  • William William on Apr 16, 2020

    Do the mirror frame in bronze or antique brass rub and buff or paint. Paint the table a charcoal or dark gray

  • Cheryl A Cheryl A on Apr 16, 2020

    I think your kitty looks adorable showing off your furniture!


    The top of the table seems to be marble?!?! here is a video on how to paint marble with chalk paint https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-RzpjUTWlkg


    you could paint the green colors a shade or two darker with chalk paint as well and leave the details in gold if you want. this is a chalk paint look for the mirror frame  https://www.google.com/aclk?sa=l&ai=DChcSEwim3Pn69O3oAhWHssgKHT7qBzgYABABGgJxdQ&sig=AOD64_2OIOU7W6Z9S25OZXJYjJDMSAttgQ&q=&ved=2ahUKEwi80u769O3oAhUOTN8KHZkgDK0Q0Qx6BAgOEAE&adurl=

    • Marina Gonzales Marina Gonzales on Apr 16, 2020

      Yes, the top is marble and I am not painting that part! I did think of leaving the gold and painting the green a more prominent shade of green.. the living room adjacent is a light green, so that would coordinate. Thank you!

  • Mogie Mogie on Apr 16, 2020

    I love high contrast and would paint the frame of the mirror black and the frame on the table the same.

    If you want to change the look of the mirror a little but still be able to somewhat see you could stencil a pattern on the mirror using a frosting paint.

    You could take the table and mirror out and replace with something like a narrow coat rack or even a bookcase. Both would add more storage and make that area more practical and welcoming.

    • Marina Gonzales Marina Gonzales on Apr 16, 2020

      Great ideas, I never thought of the frosted stencil but it is a nice big area that would really show off a design. Thanks a lot for the suggestions!

  • FrugalFamilyTimes.com FrugalFamilyTimes.com on Apr 16, 2020

    I would use Fusion mineral paint in a favourite color for all of it - except the marble. It wouldn’t be too hard!

  • I would paint them a darker color and distress the details with fine sandpaper to let the gold shine through.

  • Johnavallance82 Johnavallance82 on Apr 17, 2020

    Hello Marina,

    It is a super set, I would not want to alter it much, maybe just change the colour of the paler internal surround using a green or a pink or whatever colour suits your home. I would only use an emulsion or a chalk paint and use a small brush ?Artist!

    Best wishes

    • Marina Gonzales Marina Gonzales on Apr 17, 2020

      Hello, thanks for the reply! i also want to just make a subtle change, just to update the outdated look. May I ask why you suggest chalk or emulsion paint? I know chalk paint is the rage, but I am not familiar with emulsion paint. If you can explain a bit I will appreciate it!

  • Dee Dee on Apr 18, 2020

    I would paint it oil rubbed bronze and then use rub and buff in the Spanish Copper color for accents


  • Phaedra Phaedra on Apr 20, 2020

    From the pics it looks like the fancy bits are already gold. I would use a Gel Stain to faux grain the green bits and the legs. This would give the impression of a dark wood piece with gold trim. You might also use the Gel Stain on the gold bits. Wipe on. Wipe off. Leave a little in the cracks and crevices.


    Gel Stains are thick oil based stains that can be used to stain or faux grain various surfaces including paint. I like ZAR for my grain painting.


    Nice cat. BTW

  • Agnes Chrzanowska Agnes Chrzanowska on Apr 30, 2020

    it looks soo good already ... it all depends on how is the rest of the house home decor looks like .. I love it the way it is

  • Lindsay Aratari Lindsay Aratari on Jun 30, 2020

    I would paint them!