What to do with this 60-70's buffet console

Question

I don't know why but I really like this piece because there is so much I can do with it that I don't know which to choose. I think I've decided on painting it, then distressing it to a contrasted color. Because it's so narrow, I think it would be perfect for my entryway, so I would like it to be an eye catcher. Any thoughts or suggestions?

Hannah V · Answer

Perhaps something along these lines? http://www.hometalk.com/diy/kitchen-dining/kitchen-dining-furniture/milk-painted-antique-buffet-3448370 So many amazing possibilities! Also, @Vintage Charm Restored by Lori Young and @UNFOLDED have some fantastic paint inspiration!

Cherie · Answer

I would first try to get rid of the spindles either by prying them off (probably difficult) or cutting out the panels they're on and replacing it with plain wood. Then I would use homemade chalk paint in your color choice to go with your home; maybe antique it a little. I think the spindles are really the only eyesore on this piece! (other than the finish). Oh, and change out the handles.

Niki Hart · Answer

I would cut out the spindle panels, leaving just the frame, put chicken wire on the back of the area where the spindle panels were, paint and distress, and change the hardware.

Loretta · Answer

why not just leave it as is? I think it looks awesome. I would simply decorate it up with either a table runner or a few doilies and a house plant or silk plant, a crystal vase and a nice ornament.

163130 · Answer

I like Hannah's suggestion and once painted the spindles will look just fine but it does look like the perfect height for that big TV behind it and would hide all the clutter and wires that TV's always accumulate.

Georgia Garrett · Answer

If you have the painting skills this is one time I'd paint something. If you are familiar with MacKensie Child's work; this would be an awesome way to paint this. I'd use contrasting colors on all the details. Just look it up on the internet. You would have a real knockout piece.

Carrie Fletcher · Answer

I would suggest simply painting it with chalk paint (a nice, medium gray would be beautiful), and updating the hardware (Hobby Lobby has some beautiful cabinet pulls with just small touches of sparkle).  That way you bring it into this decade, but keep it's vintage charm.

Gloria Duy · Answer

Why don't you leave some wood and paint some black like this. http://www.hometalk.com/diy/paint/furniture/antique-sideboard-no-2-what-s-your-preference-1926728

Andrea · Answer

I have bedroom furniture that is the same finish and I find it hideous. I like the milk paint idea.

Kelly · Answer

Thank you for all of your suggestions. This is what I ended up doing. I've only used grey, black & whites chalk paints so I wanted to steer away from them & make this a versatile eye catcher as an entryway piece or possibly a media cabinet later on. I also did not want to remove the spindles because that would take away it's character & leave it plain. So here it is!

Kelly · Answer

I hope you like it. I wanted to be a little daring with the color since I'm always using neutral colors or staining. I wanted a bold piece that would be an eye catcher in the house. I still have to polyurethane it but I think it turned out okay. :-)

Kaylene · Answer

It is absolutely beautiful... wonderful job!

Lillian S · Answer

I think it's awesome. Leave it as it is.

Barb Kukkonen · Answer

Depends on what your style is! I would paint it in Victorian style! Spindles a different or pastel colors from main color so they stand out!

Buster Evans · Answer

Looks GREAT! you did a great refinishing job and kept the integrity of the piece! Very updated sleek and stylish! If you had another matching set of those candle sticks for the other side with the tallest to the outside and down to the smaller to the inside then a centerpiece.... OR Just Photos on either side and the 3 candlesticks in the center...
 Very beautiful finish !

Laura Finley · Answer

I have one that looks somewhat like that. It is the bottom of the china cabinet. I took them apart, used the top for china and other keepsakes, sitting it on the floor. I painted the bottom piece black and used it for my TV stand. Works great. Right after I done this, I saw a top used this way on a tv show. in my space, it worked....

Kelly · Answer

Hi everyone, I posted pictures of the after in the comments somewhere. Look for the posts in my name. ;-)

Mary Bryant · Answer

I absolutely love the red , its just beautiful !!!

Rena · Answer

Take off the dated middle doors and replace with paned glass ones, paint the whole thing color of your choice, maybe add shelves in the middle section to show off any displays through the glass doors.

MaryAnn B · Answer

very nice, I did this several years ago with a 'record cabinet'.  I wanted mine to be a little Asian looking so did some 'Asian' writing and hung tassels from the knobs. New hardware would give it an entirely different look.

Kitchen Kelli · Answer

Just wonderful! I think it was a great transformation and then for the entryway. What a fabulous piece and I love the colors!!

Renee · Answer

What color red did you use? Did you use black or bronze for the distressed color? I love the way this turned out!

Linda · Answer

I love the red color. I should think it would go with anything. Awsome. When you say a black wash, do you mean black wax?

Kimberly Schoffler Boynes · Answer

that awesome looking

Kelly · Answer

Thank you!

MaryAnn B · Answer

Here is the one I did several years ago, I was going for an Asian flair, so mine is more red and more gloss. It was also done with red. black and gold paint. The top and kick plate was stippled mahogany gel stain.

Kelly · Answer

Very nice, MaryAnn B. Sorry, i just saw this. I'm not getting all of my notifications as I should be. Very nice job!

Rosemary Miller · Answer

I had a smaller one given to me (only has the middle doors). I put it on a counter top in my sewing room for sewing supplies. It holds a 32' tv on top. Dark brown stain on it, if I ever decide to do it over, would use a much lighter stain on it.

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