Remember that half the joy of achievement is in the anticipation.

Monday, April 13, 2009

To paint or not to paint? That is the question

Here is my old corner china cabinet. I love this piece and how I'm the third generation to own this beauty. It's got dings, it's got scratches and it's not in the best of condition, but it has been well loved and has withstood many changes and quakes. It still has it's original paper label that shows the furniture company who made her as well as what "number". My dilemma is in whether or not I should paint the old girl, give her a make over and gussy her up a bit. I had considered re-finishing her, but with as big a clan as I have here I'd be worried and stressed that she'd be mauled again, yet in her current state she just seems to yell out for some love and attention. I've thought that with paint it wouldn't matter if she was handled, dinged again or scratched as that would just add to her all ready amazing character and maybe one day, when the young un's are older, she will get refinished but for now? "If" I do decide to use paint, I'm thinking something like a colonial red (like the red in my pantry plaid which is really crimson) or a nice vintage or antique white....sigh*
So, does she get some make up or do I leave her as is? Your thoughts?

14 comments:

Dixie said...

A wise friend, who just happened to have been a rare antiques dealer for over 50-years once told me... as it regards the painting or refinishing of furniture... "make sure it's not a rare antique whose value would be diminished if changed; if it's just sentimental... it won't make a differance... but many a fine antique has been ruined by the slathering of a faux finish..."

that having been said... I love red!

Faye said...

I THINK THE ANTIQUE WHITE! I WILL BE CHECKING FOR UPDATES TO SEE WHAT YOU DECIDED! BLESSINGS, FAYE

Anonymous said...

I love the red and think it would really "pop" and be the focal point of the room!

The Raggedy Girl said...

Rechelle:

This is so funny to me because I have a wall of cabinets in my little dining room and the wood is sort of nice but I wonder almost every day if I should paint them red. This is the reason it takes forever to get anything done around here. I think I would paint it.

Have A Marvelous Monday
from Roberta Anne
"The Raggedy Girl"

Anonymous said...

Hi Rechelle. I love your old family passed down corner cabinet! I think you idea of red is marvelous! Since it belongs to you and will continue to be passed on down to your children, doesn't really matter if it's painted or not! If you love it then do it!
Make sure you show us when you're finished!
Be a sweetie,
Shelia ;)
p. s. - I have a little china hutch in my breakfast room, not a family heirloom or anything, just a little cutie I picked up off Craislist! But I'm like you, I've kept it woodene and am now thinking about painting it! I want want to paint it red too! :)

JoAnn ( Scene Through My Eyes) said...

I vote for the antique white - such a great look.

Bella Della said...

As the current red spray painting queen I think you know what my answer is! :)

Anonymous said...

I say paint.... :) It's a really nice piece!!!

Have a Great Day!

Just A Gal

Robin Johnson said...

If it were up to me I would paint it. It's not so much the color that makes it special it's where it comes from so make it work for your home. Red would be wonderful!

Jerri at Simply Sweet Home said...

I love this cabinet. My mom has a similar looking piece. And I actually think the dings add character and charm. But if you want to fix it up, I would suggest just refinishing it rather than painting it another color. It preserves the original charm of the piece and helps it to hold its value in the eyes of collectors and antique dealers.

Cottage Rose said...

Hey Rechelle; Wow what a great cupboard. I guess if it were mine I would paint it. Just think how beautiful it would stand out in the corner. With is being so dark you really can't see it. So you go girl and paint away, and show off it's beauty..

Hugs;
Alaura

Laura said...

Guess what someone whose blog is named White Spray Paint would say?

Laura
whitespraypaint.blogspot.com

(Paint it!)

GARAGE SALE GAL said...

hI rECHELLE,
Paint it!!! I like the idea of white!!! Clean,simple and it would go nice in your "dream" kitchen.
Love the vinyl wood floor idea also.
Have fun. We have a "wood" floor in our kitchen and it is GREAT...it's like pergo, but not that brand and with our 3 dogs..it looks and wear great. Hubby put the floor down by himself about 3 years ago:)
Can't wait to see how it all looks.
You are a BUSY one.
Warmly,
deb :)

Heidi Pocketbook said...

I'm thinkin' red☺

ps Love the vintage metal tray on the top!