To paint or not to paint, that is the question...

It was one of those beautiful thrifting moments.  You know, when you walk into a shop, and see something you've been after for ages.  You just have to have it... even though you haven't seen the price and you can't think where you will put it.  And then I saw the price...... £25.  Can you believe it.  That's why I've still left the price sticker on the mirror...  I just couldn't believe my luck.

To be fair, it is rather scuffed up, as you can see.  Nothing a little restoration won't take care of, but the question is... do I 'shabby chic' it up and paint it white.. or do I leave it.  I've sat staring at it for ages.. and I just can't decide.  What do you think?

Comments

[Paula]

I think it would be good left the way it it and then you could put a lovely vintage lace dressing table set on it or something similar. It would stand out much better than against white. Just a thought.

[Michele C]

Great purchase! I have a similar quandry - to paint or not to paint the beautiful wood paneling that runs throughout my house and is making it hard for me to decorate around! I don't think I would really paint it, but I want to. However, I might paint that little bureau. It would be pretty cute all white.

[Liz]

Paint it! I recently had a similar dilemma with a chest of drawers and eventually painted it. I LOVE it now. I used F&B bone and distressed the edges. Go for it!

[Mignon]

I use to be into the Shabby Chic. But when I do it looked like I went to a garage sale.I still like Shabby but not for me.It still pulls me in when I see Shabby items.
I think if you took a nice light wax to spiff it up and the scratches would look more aged then. It's a beauty.

[Samantha]

I adore it! It is beautiful. The shape of the mirror makes me smile! I say oil it down with some lemon oil, that will hide the scratches long enough for you to decide. I'm always scared to paint wood furniture! xoxoxo, Samantha

[MyBigMouth]

Definately paint it!
Remember,if you dont like it,you can strip it down and start again.That might seem a pain but,at least you know you'll be happy with the results!

[kathy]

Hello - I understand your predicament. It is an absolutely gorgeous piece of furniture and for an incredible price too. However, I think I would paint it. Why? Because it is an elegant piece and feel it would look so pretty and elegant painted. I have found a fab colour from Homebase called Contemporary. Now, I am a huge F&B fan but this paint is wonderful for painting wood. If you want to see it in action(!) look on my blog - I (Oh OK my hubbie) has used it on our dresser and my work table in my office. Good luck with whatever you decide! Kathy

[asti]

Get the paint out....you KNOW you want to !!

[laurie]

PAINT IT! PAINT IT! PAINT IT! For years I was afraid to paint furniture because my Dad had brainwashed me about wood and its natural beauty...the grain, knots, etc. I finally escaped that mindset and have ALOT of painted cabinets, dressers etc. They add a happy look to my house. It would be adorable with a fresh coat of paint. Post what the final product looks like.

[Anyone Can Quilt]

What a find! It's beautiful. I have a dresser that I've been debating painting too. I'm now trying to decide to paint it white, or a lovely celery green...or light pink...or blue...I'm no help at all. :)

[perryjane]

Do have the courage to paint it. It will be a stand out piece. You will love it. It's true--you will. perryjane

[Barbara]

I vote for paint. (Then again, I'm not the one who would have to paint it!) But I think it would look great. What a great find!

[Jasmine]

Wow, what a great bargain.
I think you should paint it,either white, cream or Duck egg Blue.
i really don't think you will regret it!
x

[French Knots]

It's hard sometimes to decide to paint wood but I think it would look fab painted, what a bargain!

[dottydesigns]

I say paint it, like someone else's comment, my Dad brainwashed me into keeping wood as wood but I love the transformation of paint. I do love wood but I think paint is definately the way to go. x

[Gill]

Oooh what a dilemma! It's really scary painting wood furniture, some look better left as they are and yours is a beautiful piece. Depends on the quality of it, is it well made and worth preserving? Otherwise I think I'd paint it, you only paid £25 so won't have lost a lot if you hate what you've done, and think how stylish it will look with a coat of Farrow & Ball!

[Debbs]

Hi there - for some inspiration, ideas or just to give you the nerve to paint I really recommend this blog http://romantichome.blogspot.com/
This lady is THE expert in painting things white!
Good luck. Debbs

[Louise]

The only thing that worries me about painting furniture is if it turns out to be a really valuable piece, but painted is more the fashion for now. I am no expert, but how about rubbing it down and staining it a colour? x

[joanna]

Thats a lovely piece of furniture. Have a look into tung oil. I stripped the old varnish from a chest of drawers and rubed this in and the wood has come up lovely, but them I like a mixture of painted and non painted furniture, look forward to hearing what you decide

[Kristy]

Paint it!! Maybe a lovely muted green rather than white or cream though?

[Jennie]

ohhh I don't know! But whatever you do with it, it will look fabulous!

[Cece Marie]

What a lovely piece and such a bargain! I have come to the conclusion that I pretty much adore anything painted white but in order to limit myself and avoid a all white home (not that that would be all bad!) I have decided to only allow myself to paint the furniture I got a very good deal on. That way, someday if I ever tire (doubtful this will happen but who knows!) of all white furniture I can at least find solace in knowing that at least I only painted the pieces that were bargains anyways. Oh, and no painting family heirlooms or I will never hear the end of it from my Mother! ;)

[Muffin]

Why not paint it in bloomsbury style instead of shabby chic? You can be more creative that way and if it doesn't work out, then paint over it just like the bloomsbury artists would have done.

[Clare]

If it were a "good" or interesting wood I would restore it but as it looks like it's just standard dull brown I would definitely paint it. I painted a dull brown wood framed mirror (probably off a similar dressing table) duck egg blue and then crackled it with a creamy white on top - looks absolutely gorgeous and always receives loads of compliments.