In our house, furniture "lands" in a spot because A), it's a temporary filler, or B)Dr. Gollum and Bandwith got fed up with my wishywashyness, set the piece down, and vanished into the Man Cave.
This little French display (above) case is an example of A and B.
Here is a side view. While the finish "matches" another chest,
the scale was a little off.
I waited and waited for a bigger, handsomer piece to come along. That's the thing about decorating.
Waiting.
A view of the other major pieces, dark but not matchy in period. I am very inconsistent about matchy, as yall know.
My favorite antique dealer called and said she wanted me to see an armoire--not an antique, just a pretty piece. She's moving, and couldn't use the piece anymore. The price was just too temping, in the $500 range, so Dr. G and I went over to look at it. (He doesn't trust me to make decisions about Big Pieces, because I lean toward Shabby Chic, and he's into Chic.)
But he liked the chest a lot. It even has a display light, with a roomy drawer. I can take all of those dishes that are hiding behind the puddled drapes and put them into an actual cabinet. The armoire is wider and taller than the little French number (which will fit beautifully in the upstairs hall).I love how the curved glass doors echo the curves in our front door.
However, I just don't know about the finish. Its nearby neighbor, the low, fussy French chest, doesn't need any competition. It's in a "keeper" position. The armoire would be lovely against the terra cotta wall, but the right paint color could make it a knockout. 
So, I ask you, my darling bloggers. To paint or not to paint?
I won't be making any rash decisions, seeing as I'm not s'posed to be decorating until after the Deadline, but a girl can think and dream.
Carol Edwards sent me a picture of a painted armoire, saying, "Something tells me that this chest didn't arrive in the showroom looking like this."
Is this gorgeous or what?!
So, I ask you, my darling bloggers. To paint or not to paint?
I won't be making any rash decisions, seeing as I'm not s'posed to be decorating until after the Deadline, but a girl can think and dream. 
69 comments:
It would be gorgeous painted, however I just LOVE the finish that is on it and thing something a little lighter in color would be gorgeous in the room. I can't wait to see what you decide. Hugs, Marty
Unless the patina is fabulous and it hasn't been touched in the past I would say paint it. What a great price.
I agree with the vote to paint. I am not a decorator...admire those with the gift... But I just think it would be too busy otherwise. What a great piece and price!
What a beautiful piece! And the way the doors match the doors in your entry, means it was mean to live at your house. I think you should put the piece in place in the room and see how it looks with the color of the walls and other pieces, then decide what to do with the finish.
When something mirrors another favorite piece, I'd grab it before that one of a kind disappears!
Afternoon, Dear Gollum! Oh, my goodness, what a pretty cabinet! Oh, honey, I love it! It's pretty as it is, but painting it black might just make it a knockout! Love the curves of the wood between the glass like your doors! Can't wait to see what you do to it and what you put in it! Do you really have dishes behind your drapes puddling on the floor! :)
Be a sweetie,
Shelia ;)
I think you are right about the right wall color. I think painting it would be awesome. Can't wait to see what you decide!
I love the lines of that piece, and I think painting it would make it fabulous. Go for it!
De lurking here..I love your front doors! That is really great how it goes with them and I also say paint lol...Can't wait to see what you do with it :0)
I love it, Paint it why not!!! You have a beautiful home!!!
Paint it! Paint is like makeup for furniture.Sometimes even that big curio needs a little makeup to gussy it up.
Right now I am down with my back because I spent all day friday painting a small curio fast, just so I could put get dishes off the floor. So I am right there with you.
Look at my post to see my painted project.
I vote to paint it but not black like the other piece in the picture. I would go over the top with gold gilding but that is just me. Your dining room is so formal and each piece is elaborate in its own way, since this piece is large but nice and open I reallly would go all out with gold, maybe a base of a terracotta/red and gold leafing , I know that sounds scarey but once you antique the gold leafing I think it would look amazing. Just my thoughts, but I know what ever you choose to do it will be amazing, your home is a showplace, be authentically golllum and you won't go wrong. Kathysue
This is just a beautiful piece! My vote is not to paint it. I love it in its original glory. What a find! And how neat is it to know a dealer who thinks of you when she is ready to downsize. Your dishes are jumping up and down in anticipation!
Wow - I would have to think about that. Beautiful piece.
Glenda
My answer on this surprises me because I almost always say - don't paint.
But, even though it is exquisite as is, I say - paint. I believe that will work the best with the other pieces in your room.
Why.....In order to produce, a girl MUST think and dream!
Yes...by all means paint it...and maybe even paint the inside a wild wacky unexpected color (because there is not too much inside, right? Mostly mirror?)
I think the piece is calling your name. Shhhhh. Listen. Can you hear it?
How funny....that picture she sent you is from my blog! It's in a shop called Vintage and Vogue! It's such a beautiful piece. Most of their furniture is used and they paint it but they told me that piece is new and can be ordered so it does come like that!
I think yours would look beautiful painted! It also looks beautiful the way it is too! I guess I'm not much help! Your home is soooo gorgeous! I just drool every time I come here!
Paint! No question about it. I love how the lines of the front match your front door - it really speaks to me when there are repeated architectural and decor elements like that in a home. Although I think the current finish works in your house and in the room (love that romantic no flash picture of the dining room), I think the black paint on the other piece is the perfect model for you - it give your husband the 'chic' he likes, and gives you the antique shape you like. A win-win!
Wait - did you buy the piece? Or are you still waiting and thinking?
So is it already in your house? If it is, try letting it sit in the spot you want it in a look at it for a few days to see if it will clash. Sometimes, that gives you the shade of stain or paint that would compliment the rest of the room. Good luck, it is a beautiful piece!
I love that armoire!
I'm in favor of painting it but I love the pretty drawer at the bottom. Would you paint over that? Pretty lines on it, whether you paint over it or not!
Great find!
I would vote to paint it because the way it is now I don't think would go in your gorgeous dining room. BUT, I would put it in there for awhile and see what color you want IT and also if you want to apint the wall it will be on.............. does that help????? Your home is so gorgeous I am positive you will make a STUNNING decision!!!! Hugs, Pinky
Gollum, it's wonderful! The lines echo your doors and make both of you happy so buy it!
I vote to paint it, but I like to mix painted furniture with wood. Sounds to me from what you're saying that you love the lines of the piece but don't think the finish works with your other piece. It sounds, too, that you love the color of the piece your friend sent you. So I vote to paint it. I can see it being a neat grey color (kind of like the aged French pieces) or black. I have a large painted black cabinet that I love. I have never regretted buying it for one minute. Go for it!
Hope this helps...
XO,
Sheila :-)
Oh Golum, I don't know, I like it the way it is, but like the others said before me, I would place it in the room first and watch it. ~ Robyn
Hi Michael,
I like the painting idea...but can't picture it painted all black for your dining room. Your dining room is soooo gorgeous and elegant! Now, what color to paint it or how to finish it...ummmm, I'm not sure. It's a great piece, though! Susan
I think you should paint it. It's beautiful now, but it will be a knock-out with paint.
The piece is lovely as it is. However, after seeing the room where it will live, it would look better painted.
Jane
I don't think it can compete with the beauty of the French piece, so I vote for paint or a new spot. The curves are so perfect near the door! Men must be all made from one mold :)
Oh I have seen this piece before....starts with an H?! Can't think of the name right now. I used to paint these lovely designs on furniture! LOL! I vote to paint! Fabulous price! It will look gorgeous no matter what you decide...how much work do you want to do? That's how I usually decide...and will Dr. Gollum and Bandwith come out of the man cave long enough to move it out again after you have lived with it in there awhile and then decide to paint it? LOL! I'm always at my husband's mercy to move things around...he's on a business trip now and I can't wait until he comes home to move a huge mirror than I cannot lift alone! Have fun with it! Luanne
I love it as is but love love love the black one and know that would be even more pretty painted! But either way what a gorgeous piece! That is such a hard one to decide!
I didn't realize the pic I sent you was from Cindy's blog. No wonder I saved it and loved it. This is what I tell clients who are nervous to paint a piece of furniture. (it's ususally the husband who is doing the squawking). That piece of furniture will be perfectly safe under a coat of paint. I do feel that once you've painted THIS piece, it probably wouldn't endure a "stripping" back to the original since it's already a painted piece. I do love the shape of that beauty and am happy that it made it's home with you! It was definitely calling your name.
It's GORGEOUS either way! :)
Thanks so much for the comments! I love that the picture came from Cindy's blog. Because of this, I am even more inspired to paint it. Yes, I did buy the armoire--swooped down ASAP.
I love the piece just the way it is, but I think it would be equally beautiful painted black. Why don't you try it for awhile, as is and then you could always paint it later, if you are not happy with it. Love & blessings from NC!
Gollum...thank Goodness you bought that, it is meant to be in your house...but to paint...I have seen companion pieces to this and I don't think you'll regret painting it. It is a hard to know...though...good luck!
Definitely PAINT IT! You'll take it from pretty to SPECTACULAR! Love Carol's color inspiration too. She's spot on! ☺ Diane
Im liking the paint idea.
Its a great find-- thanks for taking us along.
TTFN~~Claudia ♥
For what it is worth...it is very charming the way it is and would make a fabulous focal/show piece in any room. However, if it is going into your dining room, and will not be the focal/show piece, it could use a bit of help to blend in.
Such a great price for that piece. If it were in my neck of the woods, the price would be near double and everyone would think it was a fabulous bargain! Everything is so inflated here. Hope you already purchased it!
I always enjoy visiting your beautiful blog, so inspiring!
Tina
Hello....I think that is a hard decision...when I paint something, it is something under the $100 buck price range. If you love the piece - move it in the house - see
if it "grows" on you and if it speaks or whispers to you "paint me, paint me" - then do it....
Hugs ~ Kammy
This piece has great lines and is a gorgeous, impressive old gal -- but I'm not crazy about its current makeup job -- paint it! It's not a period piece, so you won't be destroying value; go for it. A slightly off-black paint job will chic it up. It will look great in your beautiful dining room.
Cass
Please do paint it but leave the painted drawer front below. Smashing. Peggy
Yes, paint it!!! And may I offer another bit of advice? I'd love to see a more substantial rug at your front door - something more in keeping with the grandeur of your house.
PS - you can find decorative painters who can paint your new piece to match the other pieces in the room.
Paint it. Black would be pretty, but I think a beautiful ivory with a coating of dark wax to age it would look spectacular against the dark walls and work beautifully with the pale rug.
Dear Gollum~ ~ ~
So glad you bought it no rush to get it done though. I too must think about it but I'll be back with my opinion. Everybodys got one, right?
I've got a buffet that is just screaming to be painted it's so ugly but still it sits in the sunroom, ugly till I decide what I really want to do with it. Just so you know it's almost a year since we moved into this house!!!
Yikes, I had better decide.
Make it a wonderful day. . .
~ ~Ahrisha~ ~
Well, it's good for a gal to take some time to think things over. I'd probably paint it.
Brenda
Beautiful piece. I'm in the camp of putting it in the room and letting it kind of tell you what it needs (does that sound crazy?). I also agree about not painting it all black. Good luck!
Christi
What a gorgeous piece! My thoughts are I think it would look great painted the same cream color as the bottom drawer, and leave the drawer as it is with the lovely hand painting and the gold trim too.
But I'm sure what ever you decide it will be wonderful!
I'll be waiting with great anticipation to see what you decide!!
Take care,
Sherri:)
Ooh, it's beautiful M, and I vote to paint! Ooh, I just know you're going to do it, and probably before you deadline. Now I just have to wait and see what color/finish you choose!
Justine :o )
I agree with Kammy. Live with it in your home and see how it looks against your wall color and lighting. Your furniture is so elegant and stately, though I love to paint furniture, it may become too casual for your space. Either way, it would be beautiful.
Paint it out girl! Either way, it is bee-u-t-ful, but I think it would look better painted. Good luck & keep us updated!
I say have someone stain it for you to complement your other furniture. I also like the idea of adding gold leaf to the trim areas for accents. It will be gorgeous in your dining room. Good luck with your deadline!
PS. Sorry - that was me above. I logged in with the wrong Google account the first time I left my comment.
Paint.
Unless it is the original finish that is spectular in person and came from an 1800 french castle.
Paint! More color is always a good thing!
Hi Gollum,
What brand and color is the terra cotta dining room? It is perfect!
As for the cabinet, how about a faux Biedermeier finish that would pick up the tones in the French piece and your darker woods, too?
Thanks so much! L509
Love it!! Paint it:)
I am running around trying to catch up with visits, so I am a tad late, arriving here!
I say paint!! It's a wonderful piece. Painted, it will be fabulous!
Yes, yes, paint, paint
Paint, paint, paint! I love the piece but the flowers on the bottom make me think of stenciling and makes it looks a little dated. But I love painted furniture and mixing it with stained. I have a mountain of things in the painting process right now; 5 bookcases, a dresser, small antique side table, and so on. Feel like I should buy stock in Benjamin Moore!
oh it's beautiful! I say paint it!
This piece is gorgeous, and just perfect for your home. But I'm going go ditto the majority and say paint that baby. But I like the idea of letting it sit in the room and tell you what color to paint it. I know whatever you do will be fabulous! Kathy
Paint, definitly paint.
And thanks to you, I now have several cans of spray paint, all used.
I think I would paint but whatever you do will look fabulous.
Gretchen
* You deserve a break today..." Sooooo, Gigi, get out the paint brushes, kiddo!!!
That pic from Carol "did" it for me (and I'm sooo glad this great piece didn't get SOLD before you got down there to scoop it up! WHEW!)...
I've missed you mucho!!!
Hugs,
Linda *
Hi Gollum, Great find! I agree with Pinky, and love that the lines match your doors. I'd go with paint but maybe wait to see how it looks withthe other pieces first to decide.
This must be the deal of the century! It has such beautiful lines, and I almost think paint would make the lines even more lovely. I'm a litle distracted by the paint colors, but I may be ADD! It's a beautiful piece and will look pretty no matter what you do or don't do to it. I'll look forward to seeing what you do! laurie
Paint! Paint! Paint!
I vote paint-black paint to be exact.
Cheri
www.itssoverycheri.blogspot.com
I think I would maul over it a couple of days; but I am leaning toward painting it.
This piece is georgous.
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