Would you paint this antique sewing box? Help me!

Question

This antique sewing box was a gift. I'm not sure of its value? I want to do more of a shabby chic look in a new shed that is being built for me. This will be one of the items I want to incorporate in the space.

Elizabeth Nance · Answer

Myself, I would not paint it....

Cecelia Mavis · Answer

I have the same box and have wondered myself about painting and repurposing it. It has lost some of the original screws so I am debating on turning it into a wall shelf set??

Anna Ibarra · Answer

I have two, both I got when we were overseas. I often wandered about this also. Haven't done it but I go back and forth.

Drprof · Answer

Hi Ana,
I have one just like it that I got at an estate sale. Yours looks in great condition like mine. All I did was clean it well with Murphys oil soap and then used Method Furniture Cleaner from Target, It smells like almond oil, delicious. I think that it would lose it's value as the one you have is worth about 200.00 dollars here in California, or more. Maybe try to find one that is NOT in good shape and chalk paint it. Although, I have never seen one in bad condition, I think women of the past really took care of them! Good luck.
Mary

Shari · Answer

Programs like Antique Roadshow have conditioned many people into believing IF IT'S OLD, IT MUST BE VALUABLE. Old does not automatically equal priceless. Whenever there is a question of whether something has the potential to be valuable, I generally turn to eBay and search prices of similar items. Professional eBay sellers usually have a good understanding of what things are truly worth, as well as what most people are willing to pay. This style sewing chest is not unique (nor is the contents). My mother, who was an avid sewer (and garage sale shopper) her whole life, had two of these chests which I'm sure she bought at garage sales and I, in turn, re-sold them at a garage sale after her death. In addition, eBay currently has quite a few of them listed for sale and the asking prices run the gamut with the most expensive ones topping out at around $250.00. However, when you look at the completed/past eBay listings, the sewing chests that sold typically went for $150 or much less. Prices in black means the item was not sold. Prices in green indicate a sale at that price (or less if 'Best Offer' was accepted) http://www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?_from=R40&_sacat=0&_nkw=norway+sewing+box&LH_Complete=1&rt=nc If you would prefer to paint the sewing chest so it fits your decor better, I say DO it! More than likely it will never be considered a 'priceless antique,' at least not in our lifetime, and you can't really ruin the value of something that has minimal value to start with.

Swan Road Designs · Answer

I wouldn't exactly call it an 'antique.' Old, yes, but not an antique. As for the contents, I don't see anything particularly unique. I've been sewing for about 50 years and recognize everything in your photo.

As for what to do with the sewing box, it appears to be in quite nice shape. I think the only thing that should be done with it is to give it a good cleaning, a nice waxing with a good-quality paste furniture wax and...enjoy it.

Pam Park · Answer

I have one of these- same exact thing. It is about 40 years old. It isn't even vintage yet [50 years + ]

Becky · Answer

If you know you can do it justice, go for it. If not, wait until it hits you.

Cathy · Answer

They appear to sell for about $150 as is. If you paint you may hurt the value. Maybe use some scrapbook paper and removable tape?

Susan Bishop · Answer

Just by asking the question, you've revealed what you really want to do. If you liked it brown, you wouldn't have asked the question. Make yourself happy -- paint it. There was a time when every home had one of these. They're not rare by any means. People have conditioned themselves to worry about value, whether it exists or not. Are you going to preserve something for some nameless stranger who may or may not someday want to buy your item, or are you going to do what you want and enjoy it yourself?

Shelia Harry-Netherton · Answer

please don't paint its beautiful t way it isThey don't make them like that anymore

Beth N · Answer

It is a lovely piece as is and in such great condition, I would not paint it if it were mine. But it is not mine. Unless you are concerned about the current or future value if you re-do it, I always say, it belongs to YOU, do what makes YOU happy with it!

Gerald Skipper · Answer

NO, I would not paint.If it has any value it would be lost. Wipe it down with a good furniture oil,rub it in real good and keep it dusted!!

Diane Wickham · Answer

No! Too beautiful a piece! I agree it's worth out ways trying to 'improve' it's looks.

Esther · Answer

Yes, me if I had this I would. It's not like a valueable antique that painting will reduce the value of it, I also like the idea of stencil it . Did you paint it by now ? Would you post the transformation ?

Jacalyn · Answer

I would leave it as is.  But the. I'm an old Norwegian.  :)

Eva · Answer

I have one very similar to it and plan on painting it with sewing decals or shabby chic style... haven't decided which one yet... but good luck with your choice, sewing cabinets are beautiful either way!

WendyLou · Answer

This is a very solid piece of furniture. The amount of workmanship that went into that piece then, is not generally replicated now. Most things produced today are disposable. Now, having said all that, you are the owner of this piece. Whatever you decide to do will be the right thing for you. If you are concerned about value, don't paint. If you are not concerned about value, do whatever your little heart desires!

Colleen Baugus · Answer

If your going to keep it I would do milk paint

Lily Schlender · Answer

I would clean it and polish it like some of the previous comments mentioned. I would take some nice fabric or paper and line the boxes. the items inside I would take everything out and put your own sewing items in. old thread is old. some of the notions are just basics. If there's something special in there keep it, otherwise donate it or give it away. finally if you do paint it you will probably have to take the boxes apart to get under the hinges?? maybe make a handle cover with some nice fabric similar to Longaberger basket handles. enjoy, it's a nice sewing box.

Flo · Answer

I have one of these and toyed with the idea of painting it but decided to leave its original dark walnut color. These date back to the 1960's and 70's. They are wonderful chair side. They are of dubious value so no harm done if you want to paint it. ....Another old Norskee. Have fun.

Sklevorn · Answer

No I wouldn't. Rub down with oil

Nancy · Answer

I am an antique dealer in Michigan. In perfect condition (on a good day). $100-$150.

If it needs work (and on a bad day) $40. I purchased the same exact maker this summer at an estate sale for $$16. I restored it and I have priced it at $60.

Nancy · Answer

Forgot to mention, there are several styles and sizes made by Strommen.

Nancy · Answer

Very popular in the 1950s. Some made of maple. Some have rivets. Cheaper models have screws. Some were often made with balsa wood interiors (similar to chipboard). Paint it if you love it. I restored mine to its darker stain color. They are easy to find on ebay and priced a bit higher than those sold at auctions or estate sales. Not usually priced over $200 on ebay as I mentioned in previous post. Show us your finished shed and projects. Good luck.

Nancy · Answer

Strommen and Hamar are towns in Norway, Bruk usually means factory.

Jcraw · Answer

Think too about using for makeup and nail stuff or fun spice cabinet

Mary McDonald · Answer

Hi. I'm just thinking what I would do and if it were me I may paint it down the road but in the meantime I would sit on it for awhile (ha, not literally!) ,incorporate it into my existing home somewhere and use decor to accentuate and show off the style, like pieces of decor from that era that would look cute on top.

BUT. That being said..you do whatever your heart desires! Good luck!

Nancy · Answer

If you paint it you lose the value of the antique

What is more important to you it being antique or a piece you created

Catherine Finch · Answer

Instead of painting it why not stencil something fun on the top and then applying some hemp oil to it to bring out the wood

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