I don’t know if it’s a word, but it’s still a real decorating offense, in my book.
I see “overpainting” all the time when I walk through consignment store booths. I’m sure you have, too. A piece of furniture that’s been painted for the sake of doing something to it, whether it needs it or not.
I found this old school desk at a thrift store a couple of weeks ago and thought it would be fun for my kids who come home from school and play school almost every day.
When I posted it on Instagram, I had a few people ask if I planned on painting the desktop. I was surprised because the top was actually what I loved about it most. To me, there’s something priceless about using things in your home that have a little bit of history—even if it’s not necessarily your own story. Sure, this old school desk isn’t exactly an heirloom, but thinking of all the kids who sat in this seat, bored to tears during a class, carving into the top the initials of someone they’ll never marry, makes me smile.
I really believe you can paint the life out of a piece of furniture. Not everything needs to be fixed or improved upon. Deciding what does and doesn’t is the trick. There’s something rich about furniture that shows signs of its history, even if it’s in the form of marks, scratches or questionable carvings from years gone by. And, I love how one, good, unpainted piece can warm up an entire room.
image from my post here
source unknown; found here
Have you been guilty of overpainting?
I was just at one of my favorite antique malls yesterday and there was a new booth that had nothing but painted furniture. It looked as though she just piled up a bunch of random pieces and sprayed them all at once the same shade of white. It was pretty sad as some of the pieces looked as though they used to be pretty cool. Of course, I can’t throw stones as I have a few painted pieces as well. :)
I was just thinking the same thing this weekend as I looked at endless pieces of furniture that had been chalk-painted into oblivion. Sometimes the end result is lovely, but sometimes it just takes all character out of the piece. Totally agree- know when it does need it and when it DOESN’T. :)
“Chalk-painted into oblivion”–I know exactly what you’re talking about :)
Pretty sure Annie Sloan would have been horrified with some of what I saw- know when to say when, people! ;) Have a great day!
Amen!
Agreed! I have noticed an abundance of (poorly) painted furniture on Craigslist lately which saddens me. They’re pieces that I would have loved to own if they had been left alone! (It’s one or two sellers in particular, and I wish I could tell them their painting is a disservice!)
YES!!!! I’ve followed your blog for years, but I had to come out of lurking to let you know how much I agree with you!!! I cringe when I see some of my favorite bloggers painting the life out of everything. Even if the piece is a little beat up, and the wood isn’t in the best condition, it has CHARACTER. I keep yelling, STEP AWAY FROM THE SPRAY PAINT! :)
Anyway, so glad to see I’m not the only one out there who thinks this way. I love you blog and just wanted to say keep up the great work! :)
Glad you came out of lurking :)
i’m not really into the rustic look of some pieces, but i do love natural wood. i recently got a table at goodwill and was going to paint it, but instead decided that i love the natural wood grain. i’m so happy that i decided to keep it more natural.
— jackie @ jade and oak
I’m with you on this! Sometimes a good piece of furniture just needs to be left alone. Your kids will love that play desk!!
I am not guilty of overpainting! I am a bit tired of seeing all the painted pieces. When it is done well, the pieces are beautiful but when done poorly, I want to scratch my eyes out!
Yes, I do agree! I have a friend that shops antiques with me and everything she points to, she says it would look cute painted. ha. I like the worn, original with some history much more than fresh paint.
I totally agree with you Emily! I have been trying to find a perfect dresser for one of our guest rooms and every time I see the right size it is painted bright blue, green or white! I love a good natural wood piece to warm up any space! Thanks for a great post! Can’t wait to see where you put that sweet little desk.
Everything in moderation people…including spray paint! I love pieces that have that patina of life, like your little desk…so cute!
I’ve had this huge beautiful solid-wood desk that I got for $100 on Craigslist for 2 years now. It’s name brand but old, (it would new retail for about $2000 – I don’t know what the lady was thinking who sold it to me but she wanted it out of her house!) Anyhow, it’s worn and chipped and I really wanted to paint it white or grey – which would look nice – but my husband (who won’t let me within 100 feet of a paintbrush) refused and said I would ruin it. So here it sits. Now after reading this post from you, my decorating guru, I might reconsider.
Oh my word. I haven’t seen a more honest post lately. I am a flea market vendor/dealer and I often paint pieces of furniture. Sometimes, it’s to bring out some of the detail or because I would absolutely love to see it “in color”. However, I have been painting furniture for years and believe I do have acquired the skills to “do it right”. We had a show yesterday and a lady shopping in my booth had a chair painted a loud obnoxious color and it was clearly an old piece. What made it worse?? She had it upside down in her cart and we could see the beauty of the old wood that was half @ss spray painted and my husband commented on what a crime that was. I had a couple of minutes to walk around and noticed the same thing. Just randomly painted pieces for the sake of painting them. What pushes me to paint a piece is if it has had lots of damage (especially veneer) and my husband has to break out the bondo to do major repairs. Then, I don’t feel bad painting it. However, on the flip side, I had a gorgeous, in pristine condition, Tiger Maple dresser that I took unpainted to countless shows. It NEVER sold, so I ended up using it in my bedroom (unpainted) and love it. Honestly, not one piece of unpainted furniture sells anymore. Unfortunately, for a lot of wood furniture, the blog world everyone painting everything. I’m thinking the paint-everything trend will slow and we will again love our wood furniture. Hopefully, there will be some unpainted furniture left for wood lovers.
I’m that person who goes to the flea market (Canton TX) and is irked that every piece I want has been brush coated and distressed in some unfortunate way. People are looking for a cheap buy, and often the pristine natural pieces don’t fit the bill. But wood will come back around!
Yes! Totally agree, Emily!
I’m glad to read this because I love the character of things. I almost never ever paint over anything, and have kind of been feeling “bad” about my lack of desire to paint things.
I 100% agree! I miss seeing stained wood:)
Yes! Yes! I have seen some beautiful wood pieces painted, just for the sake of the painting trend. I have a feeling that we will see alot of furniture being stripped (of paint) a few years from now.
Totally agree. Some things can be freshened up, or made unique, with a little paint. I have an old Target table in my entry that I painted a few years back. It was generic and I purchased it for the lines/size, intending to paint it from the start. I still get compliments on it, and people still ask me where I “found it”. It was cheap and, in my opinion, the glossy paint and a change of hardware made it look more expensive and less like a “straight-off-the-shelf-at-Target” piece. On the other hand, I had been looking for a mid-century modern dresser for my son’s room for ages on Craigslist. I can’t tell you how many I saw that made me want to cry. Mid-century painted with chalk paint and distressed to “shabby”! UGH. After 6 months of looking, I found a beautiful set coming out of the home of a woman heading to a nursing home. I drove more than an hour across town and begged the man to hold it for me! A little oil and TLC and it is gorgeous! Some pieces are meant to sing naked! :)
I’ve been guilty of buying things that have been over painted with plans to strip them…
Love this post. It makes me sad when I see old beautiful furniture (or trim) that has been painted, even if it does fit in with the room. If I find something in good shape, or even OK shape, I don’t paint it. If I don’t know what to do with it, I don’t paint it. I’ve also painted just parts of furniture–I have a vintage bedside table that has a neat stain inlay on the drawer but the top was in terrible shape, so I painted the top only. I agree with you about things having stories and wanting to feature that; isn’t that one of the big draws of shopping at antique and thrift stores?
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Could not agree with you more! It drives me crazy to go into antique or consignment stores just to see all kinds of chunky wooden pieces of furniture that have been painted. I don’t want that painted mess. I want traditional wood with flaws. It’s the best. I even bought a pair of painted bamboo twin headboards just so I could strip the paint and let those babies thrive in all of their wooden glory! Here they are: http://xolindsay.blogspot.com/2013/05/diy-refinishing-headboards.html
Yes! There is an area where I live that has markets once a month and the booths are often filled with really poorly painted furniture. enough is enough! i think it’s an issue of ratio and taste. all wood in a room can be heavy and dull, but all painted (especially when done badly) can be cheap and tacky looking to me.
You always say what I think, but in a very nice way. Ha!
Thank you for posting this! I can’t tell you how many times I walk into a flea market, antique store or consignment shop and see pieces that are painted just for the sake of doing something to it. I always think to myself: “I would have probably purchased that if it hadn’t been painted.” Now, some of the pieces may need painting, but I wish they’d let the buyer decide if that’s the route we want to take – instead of them getting all “creative” with a can of paint and trying to antique the mess out of it. Ok, off my soap box. Needless to say, I couldn’t agree more!
I so agree! I resell vintage furniture, and over the last year I have come to love and appreciate all the different qualities of worn and storied wood! Some pieces would be a breath of fresh air revived and painted, but some need to be left alone.
On my blog I try to avoid “paint-bashing”, because I know that the chippy chalk-painted look is a personal preference for many, but I also try to explain why I would not ever paint certain things! My personal pet peeve is when someone “shabby chics” a midcentury piece with glorious lines… It’s a little hard not to get up-in-arms about that :)
About a month ago I wrote a post called “Would I Paint It?” about pieces pulled from my furniture archives in the hopes of sparking some fun discussions! If anyone wants to come over and voice an opinion, I’d love to hear it! http://www.thegatheredhome.com/2013/09/would-i-paint-it.html
Ahhhh the shabby chic-ing of midcentury furniture drives me crazy! Whether you are in the paint camp or not, that style finish makes so little sense on something mod. At least the gloss look or color blocking is in keeping with a lot of the styles and fashions of the time during which those pieces were built. So with you on that one.
I agree with you Emily. I only try to paint furniture that has basically no value anymore if left on it’s old finish, that way I know I’m giving it love rather than dooming it to obscurity!
There is a huge trend away from natural wood tones right now, so this post has made me happy. I thought I was the only one cringing at all the anti-wood sentiment. Re-doing your kitchen? White cabinets are the ONLY way to go! Find a cool table or cabinet? Paint it some bright color so it pops. Have built-in wood bookshelves dragging your room down? Paint them white! It makes me sad to see so much beautiful wood destroyed this way.
I agree with you! Natural wood can be so beautiful – I cringe when a pretty piece is painted. That being said, some pieces NEED the paint! Here is a photo from my guest bedroom with a piece we inherited from a great aunt. It would be a tragedy if it were ever painted. http://www.pinterest.com/pin/242983342369161914/
There is a huge trend away from natural wood tones right now, so this post has made me happy. I thought I was the only one cringing at all the anti-wood sentiment. Re-doing your kitchen? White cabinets are the ONLY way to go! Find a cool table or cabinet? Paint it some bright color so it pops. Have built-in wood bookshelves dragging your room down? Paint them white! It makes me sad to see so much beautiful wood destroyed this way.
I totally agree! Too many painted pieces in a room looks like a bowl of skittles.
Let me join the chorus agreeing with you! The warmth of natural wood pieces really adds beauty to a space. And not every piece of wood furniture needs painting. I have painted furniture that could have been refinished, because that was the look I was after. And I have painted some that would have been too difficult to refinish, and I have refinished some wood pieces. The blend is so much better! Some wood pieces have gorgeous patina, something painted wood will never have. And it’s a shame to destroy that. Although I admit, I prefer painted cabinets to wood-finished in the kitchen. That’s just me…..
I love a mix of painted an unpainted stuff. It seems too like there’s a style of furniture–especially the 1970s chunky, heavy, weirdly speckled finish–that looks worlds better painted, and then there’s other stuff like gorgeous tiger oak that should never be touched with a paint brush. I have a space in the Sweet Clover Barn in Frederick, MD, and I’ve worked in a shop that sells vintage furniture, and the disheartening thing is that furniture “in the raw” is so often passed over! As businesswomen we’re often faced with a very difficult choice — leave something unpainted because we know it’s gorgeous as is and shouldn’t be painted at all, knowing it may sit for a few months, or paint it knowing that it’ll likely sell the next time you’re open. It’s not just the vendors doing something to it for the sake of doing something to it, it’s partly the consumers that don’t necessarily see the value. Thanks so much for this post, the more bloggers show examples of painted AND unpainted furniture in the space, the easier our job is as vendors!
Paint is good for fixing up an old piece of wood furniture that needs too much repair work. But old wood pieces that are either gently worn or have character shouldn’t be painted – like you said, their charm is in their history and wondering about the people who owned & used the piece of furniture. I’ve sanded down and restained some old pieces that turned out beautifully.
I suspect that the trend to slap chalk paint on everything is going to end eventually.
Oh, I couldn’t agree with you more!! A friend of mine just bought a beautiful armoire and it has the most amazing wood grain, I told her I hoped she didn’t paint it. haha! I have seen so many beautiful pieces that get painted, like you said,”just for the heck of it”, and it makes me sad too. I think bc there was a huge kick of painting furniture, a lot of people just assume, painting it white with some trendy pattern on it will make it look better. Makes me sad :( And just an FYI, I have been in love with your desk in your office, for like ever.
Amen!
I completely agree with you!
Knowing when and when not to is the key!
There is just NOTHING like time worn lovely old wooden patinas…. giving a sense of history and usage. On the other hand, when a piece is beyond the saving point and the next stop for it is “curbside” — then yes, by all means, see what a coat or two of paint wll do!
GREAT POST!
Amen!!!
I agree. Some wood pieces can be brought back to life with some sanding and staining. I think at some point we will look back on all the painted furniture and say wow that is so 2012/13.
Finally a blogger who thinks wood is beautiful. I can’t tell you how many times I have seen a lovely antique piece of furniture ruined by Annie Sloan paint. Oh and by the way, your blog last week about paying $12 for a magazine, I’m with you. I hardly even read the magazines I receive in the mail. I prefer to go to pinterest or google what I need. I enjoy your blog. I would say it is one of my favorites. You are so down to earth and your home is beautiful!
Thank you, Joi!
I agree, however, as someone who lives in a 101-year-old house with tons of untainted, dark woodwork, I’d like to point out that it’s not just furniture. I’ve been banned from painting the trim in our house white (my preference) and can hardly find ANY images of spaces decorated in my style with dark trim. Everything is white. If there’s dark trim, then the room is usually decorated really craftsman-y (yes, I made that word up). Help!!
*unpainted, not untainted
Okay, maybe I need to amend my statement above. I do like white trim. Sometimes you have to do things while the husband is away. I’ve always said it is easier to say I’m sorry than to ask for permission. My boss use to hate that, but oh well. By the way, I’ve been married for almost 27 years. He will get over it. If not, at least you have your white trim.
I completely agree and think the unpainted, loved items, mixed with the shiny new make a wonderful, homey, eclectic mix!
Citristrip might be a good investment! :)
I couldn’t agree more! Great post.
Guilty, as charged. But I’m in rehab for it….27 more days.
Maybe you’ll get out early for good behavior :)
My heart always jump a little especially when I see people paint beautiful mid-century modern pieces. There just so much warmth and history in those pieces. I have an old wooden high chair that we all grew up sitting in as babies and now my own. I had thought to paint it but am so happy I didn’t.
Emily I agree, I have painted a few pieces, however I love my antique English pine lowboy and my mahogany armoire with gorgeous carvings! Great little school desk.
xoxo
Karena
2013 Designer and Artists Series
I’m with you Emily. I love the look of a well loved and well used piece of unpainted furniture. I think you can have both painted and unpainted for an eclectic feel to a room, which is totally my style.
Kristi
I so agree with you. There are some things that should NEVER get painted. It would be a crime.
It’s not only just the painting over of a piece of furniture but the thick globs of multiple layers of paint that bother me.
A pet peeve of mine is when others post a link to their blog. Nothing like trying to ride the coattails of a successful blog.
Naz–Are you feeling a little spunky this morning? I kind of like it ;)
And, yes–globby paint layers are the worst.
I know i’m probably repeating every thing that’s already been said. But, I was just in an antique/vintage mall the other day and I thought to myself, “Wow. I love painted furniture, but these people have Annie Sloaned the daylights out of everything!” There are some gorgeous painted pieces, but there were too many there for my eyes to take in.
on the other hand, my husband does often accuse me of wanting to paint everything white…so I guess i’m the pot calling the kettle black!
ps–I don’t often comment, but wanted to say that I look forward to your blog each day. it’s fresh & friendly. :)
I do have to add, though, that there are some tones, colors and finishes of wood that I just can’t stand. In that case, I’m all for painting it white or something else!
I totally agree. I have a Mid Century Ranch home and am new to the whole Mid Century Modern Design, but I am horrified that so many people are painting these pieces! They are so beautiful. It should be a crime:).
Emily, it must have been that second cup (or was it a third cup) of coffee that got me all “fired up” lol.
Stained wood against a neutral wall is my happy place. There’s a time and a place for painted stuff, but I think stained wood should reign and strong colors should be mostly restrained to fabrics. At least that’s my preference!
I have overpainted at times, but I am learning to mix painted items with natural wood and I love it! Sometimes, a piece just looks better in a coat of white or cream paint, but some things are better left in their natural, imperfect state. My family room was getting a little too painted looking so I brought in my mom’s antique dresser and it looks so much better! Great post and I am in love with your desk!
I agree 100%. This whole chalk paint fad has gotten completely out of hand. What’s sad is that so many people are painting every wood piece they can get their hand on and eventually there will be very few pieces left in their original state. On the other hand- there is a resale store here in town that looks like 90’s Craig’s List furniture & Chalk Paint had a babies. It’s every horrible 5 piece bedroom set from the 1990’s painted with chalk paint- hello people, not even chalk paint can fix bad furniture!
As bloggers, we are def guilty of this…anything for a good before and after! I recently inherited an old telephone table, or gossip bench as some call it. The seat fabric is def going bye-bye, but I’m really hesitating painting the frame…not because it’s worth money, but I don’t want to steal the life from it. Problem is, it’s a terrible orangy brown wood!!!?? Sand and restain?
Exactly what I thought about my sisters coffee table….so we sanded and stained instead. Sometimes wood really helps warm up a room.
Ah, a voice of reason. :)
I am glad you wrote this blog post. It seems in an effort to provide character and highlight details, everyone is painting. I think the painted items are no longer unique and have become the “norm”.
Embrace the distressed wood that comes from age rather than sandpaper!
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I personally would only paint the cheap woods of today. I have a lot of antiques handed down to me from 3 generations and I love all the “REAL” wood. I have received so many compliments on them asking the history. If they were painted, there goes the value immediately!!!! I kept the antiques for a reason!!! To keep the monetary value intact and the sentimental value!!! I have told my kids, I will come back and haunt them if they paint them after I die.