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Your Opinion, Please?

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I’ve had a project in mind for a while. Something that won’t cost much…but might provide a big bang for the buck, as they say on HGTV. Remember my kitchen table? I bought it from Heidi. I love that it is round, that it has leaves and that it has beautifully shaped legs.


Whoops! Just ignore the hammer on the chair. The chairs will eventually go because they are too rickety. I’ve tried gluing them to no avail. Here is a closer shot of the legs:


The finish on the table is not in great condition though you don’t necessarily see it in these photos. I’m thinking of painting the table. There, I said it. Something like the color of my kitchen island.


Painting the island really made the shape of the legs and all the detail on the other side of the island pop. I think it would do the same for the table. The present stain seems so dark in my light-filled kitchen.

What do you think?

Comments

  2. Oh, Claudia… you asked the wrong person. I’m from the generation of people who stripped paint! LOL!

    What is the age of the table? It looks to be a nice antique. Because of that, I would hesitate, but that’s just me.

    In all fairness, I have some painted pieces so don’t think I’m opposed to it. If you love a painted look, I would go for it. I love that look, too and occasionally think I need to paint my table, but I always chicken out.

    I don’t paint family pieces because they will be passed on to other members, but I will take liberties with a piece that is already painted or one I buy that isn’t something that I’m afraid I will find out later on the Road Show is worth a zillion dollars untouched. ;-)

    The other day I saw a very nice turn of the century (early 1900’s/late 1800’s) piece that was painted a cottage blue green. At first, I was stunned, and then I really liked it. I tend to have more of a masculine sensibility sometimes in decorating, loving wood and texture and things like croquet sets and oars and navy uniforms, but I do love an occasional painted piece.

    Go for it if you think it will make your heart go pitter patter. Take a picture of it first, and color it in on a computer program and see how it looks. Then decide.

    Does that help? I’m afraid I might have confused you more.

    XO,

    Sheila :-)

  6. DEAR CLAUDIA,
    MY MR. SIMPLY WOULD JUST CRINGE AT PAINTING WOOD BUT I WOULD IN A MINUTE…I THINK IT WOULD BE STUNNING THE COLOR OF YOUR ISLAND AND I LOVE THAT BASKET ON TOP OF YOUR TABLE. IT WILL TAKE A LOT OF WORK WITH SANDINGS IN BETWEEN…I JUST MEAN IT WILL BE TIME CONSUMING BUT ME PERSONAALY, IF MY MR. SIMPLY WAS GOING TO BE GONE FOR A COUPLE OF DAYS, I WOULD DO IT. I NEVER REALLY HESTITATE WHEN I DECIDE TO PAINT…LOOK AT THE OUTSTANDING PAINT JOBS REBECCA DOES AT THE GATHERING PLACE…SHE PAINTS DARK WOOD AND THE PIECES ARE STUNNING WHEN SHE FINISHES.
    BUT YOU MY FRIEND HAVE TO DECIDE….YOU SHOULD PUT UP A POLL…I AM IN FAVOR OF IT.
    HUGS
    SIMPLY DEBBIE

  9. Well, I live with a husband who doesn’t want paint on any of the wood. I on the other hand would paint the table. Love the island btw!!

    Di

  10. That is a beautiful table Claudia…I love the leg detail.

    I love it just as it is but I’d also love it painted. It has such great shape I think it’d look good either way.

    Not much help am I :-(

  11. That is a beautiful table Claudia…I love the leg detail.

    I love it just as it is but I’d also love it painted. It has such great shape I think it’d look good either way.

    Not much help am I :-(

  13. I can hear the sharp intake of breath and rapid heartbeat of those who love polished wood! However, I’d ignore all of that and go for it with the paint option :) I do agree with the comments above though that doing the base first and leaving the top to see if you like it that way is a good idea. Have fun!

  14. That’s a gorgeous table Claudia! What I love most about it is the shape…circular and those legs, yummy! I say paint away girl! My sister had a similar table and painted it a taupe color, did a little distressing then did the top in a faux leather…it was gorgeous! Wish I had a photo to show you but that was years ago, she has since painted it again, white!! It looks great… I say have some fun with it!
    hope that helps:)

  16. Such a beautiful round table! I’d paint it to match your island! Sooo pretty!! I had my hubby paint our oak table black not too long ago, and now, I’m thinking about painting it a shade of white! Paint is a wonderful thing! Love your chairs too! I’d also find someone who could professionally glue them so that you’d be able to still use them.. ☺

    Blessings,
    ~Lynn

  17. First my disclaimer: I will paint just about anything that doesn’t move. Including tile.

    That said, a little paint would certainly lighten the feel of the table and it wouldn’t even have to be the same color as your cabinets. Woo-hoo – the options!

    And of course the best thing about paint is once you’re ‘over it’, you can change it. Have fun – can’t wait to see what happens here. -amy

  18. Hi Claudia, hold your breath and paint away! I know how you feel, that it’s almost sacriligious to paint over a beautiful wood table, when years ago we labored at stripping paint off of anything and everything. I think the soft off-white creamy color that I think I see in your kitchen would enrich the lines of the table legs, and the table top would look so new and bright. Go for it girl! Ciao, bella!

  19. If you paint yours, I’ll paint mine. I have been struggling with the same dilemma…
    But, I think we both know what we really want to do. :)

    Warm wishes,
    Susie

  20. That’s a really beautiful table – nice lines. I think painting it would bring those lines out. I would paint the legs first and see how you like it. I painted my dining room table a few years ago and just love it. However it was a long process because you have to let the paint cure in order to be able to use the table without being fussy with it.

    Manuela

  21. Hi Claudia,
    I would paint it to match your island. I think it will look lovely. Maybe you can save the chairs.

    hugs
    Sissie

  23. Adore the white island, but it may be just too much white. How’s about a crackled teal on just the legs, leave the top wood. Or black on the legs. I don’t really know…. we need to see more of the room….he-he

  24. wow, your head must be spinning with all the vaired comments. i say paint the legs and keep the top wood color. you could always add a light colored table cloth if you want to lighten things up a bit. whatever you do will look great. you know i love your home. i bet you are so happy to be home.
    Dogwood

  26. First I love the island. I have a similar buffet that is unpainted and I am longing to paint it. I would paint your table definitely.
    Great legs babe my Joe would say.
    hugs☻olive

  27. Paint it, absolutely. I see a pretty shade of turquoise, or even a red. Total contrast but compliment to your island and light-filled kitchen.

  28. …Claudia ~ Live in the now!
    It would be lovely with a little lace runner down the middle and a beautiful bowl of luscious cherries in the center(inspiration thought)…you will love it painted!!
    ~ and later…much later ~ you can always strip it back :)
    I say YES!!
    xo, Rosemary

  29. Go for it! Although, I’m not sure you want my advice, I love painting things. I’d say plan to use a sealer though if you want to paint the top too. I tried to get away with not sealing mine but before long the paint took on a coffee stain that I can’t get off. So I need to recoat it and seal it with paint sealant this time. Have fun, can’t wait to see it finished!!
    ~Michelle

  30. It depends on what you want to do with it someday. If you seem to chang your mind often and move on to different things…then don’t paint it. It will be worth more as is…(the antiquer in me just had to say it)

    BUT on the other hand…if you are going to keep it for a long time that way then go ahead, paint it!!!!! It would look lovely with your kitchen.

    :0)

    Jillian
    Bella Rosa Antiques

  32. That table will looks gorgeous in white!! I’ve been wanting to paint mine for years, but keep putting it off. Not much gets done around here with three little guys running around. Maybe someday! Can’t wait to see yours finished!

  33. I’d love to see it in white but someone blogged recently about it being hard on the top so she just did the legs and it turned out gorgeous. She stained the top fresh and it truly was awesome. I’d love the whole thing white but I’m going to do mine with just the legs white, sweets.
    xoxo,
    Connie

  34. I am of two minds about it. I love the idea of it white. Yes I do. But then there might be too much white. And there is value in a wood’s natural beauty. Especially if the table has it’s original finish. Instead of painting it white. What if you had antique white runners or a table cloth on it?
    Just a thought,
    Hugs,
    Terri

  35. hi claudia!

    i would paint the table. i think it will be awesome. any chance of tightening up the chairs and painting them, too? you could sew something adorable for new cushions, too.

    i am thinking of doing a similar advice post soon — about painting my living room armoire.

    xo
    elyse

  36. Claudia, I can’t believe we have the same table!!! I am thinking of painting my chairs white. Spoke to my Hubby last week for his input. N/A, I guess that’s good. I’ll have to post my pic of my table for you to see on my blog.Yes, you need new chairs. I bought mine at the Salvation Army in N.P I love WHITE!!!! Good Luck, LizlovesVintage

  38. Totally. Start with the legs and leave the top alone for a few days…and then GO FOR IT. Considering what you did with the island…..it would look great.
    And I agree with another gal here, the chairs are fabulous and you could have them professionally glued.
    fabulous table!!!

    xox Rella

  39. I like the kitchen island and think the table would look lovely matched with the island. Great table and the legs are so beautiful and detailed.Anne

  40. I would never paint that gorgeous table, but oddly, MY husband would! LOL. (He painted our kitchen table’s legs a beautiful shade of forest green. He stained and sealed the top. It looks great!)
    We have the same hardware in our kitchens…
    xo

  41. Good morning Claudia,
    It was so nice to hear from you again…Seems like it’s been a while since I’ve been over for a visit…Anyway, love, love, love your table and I think painting it the same color as your beauitful island is a great idea…I agree, the lighter color would help show off the detail on the table’s legs more. Let us know what you decide :-) Have a wonderful day my friend.

    Hugs and Kisses,
    ♥Ana

  42. I would totally paint it, but I will slap a coat of paint on most anything :) It is a beautiful table- can’t wait to see which way you decide!

  44. Hi Claudia…I would definitely paint the table! You are absolutely right on this one. It IS too dark. The other thing I thought of is stripping the top down to the bare wood and finishing that and painting the rest of the table the same color as your island. By the way, I love your kitchen cabinets. I am about to redo mine. Did you do them yourself? What color white is it? Oh I just had another thought….the top of the table could match the color of your wood floor OR your counter tops?

  45. OOPS!….I forgot to tell you…there are people that reglue chairs professionally. In my town the cost is about 35.00 per chair. We bartered with this guy and got all of ours done. It is a heavy duty glue that lasts a lifetime. They take the chair completely apart and reglue every section. But!…Your chairs may not be as sturday as you like regardless….just the way they are made maybe? Good luck! God…you have the cutest blog and house!

  46. Goog idea of you to paint it,it will make your kitchen a lot leighter.
    I would also paint the top of it.
    Hugs
    Maria

  48. Good Morning Claudia Sweetie..
    I say PAINT IT! PAINT IT! PAINT IT!

    Now have you considered painting it and maybe roughing it up a little to let some of the dark show through? You could have the best of both worlds.

    I can’t wait to see it finished. I know it will be awesome. Pictures, pictures, and more pictures please.

    Oh and I love your island. It is just beautiful. Thank you for asking and thank you always for sharing.

    Country hugs and so much love, Sherry

  49. Claudia if it were mine I would have to paint it. I love it now, but painted would really make it stand out. My daughter just bought a gorgeous table that only the bottom part of it is painted and the top is left and it is so pretty.
    I think you should paint!!!
    hugs

  50. I say paint it too.You are so right that the lighter color will really bring out the details. I think it would look spectacular painted the color of your island!

  51. Gorgeous table, Claudia! I actually have the same dilemma right now. But I’ve convinced myself to paint it and am happy with the decision. Now for the time to do it! Hope you are enjoying some lovely relaxing time back at home. xo – g

  52. Here’s my thought …I would paint the table to match your island. You could re-glue the chairs, but if that’s a problem, replace them. Whatever chairs you decide to use, I would either paint them to match the shades over the sink, or (and I like this a bit better) paint them to match that darling blue bowl on the island.

    Love,
    Susan and Bentley
    xxoo

  53. What a gorgeous table and yes, I would definitely paint it. Those chairs are gorgeous too and perhaps you could have them professionally glued. I have an oak rocker that is way over 100 years old, passed down through my hubby’s family, that I can’t keep glued so am planning on having it professionally done. ♥

  54. where is the brush??? oh…i had a friend say one time that anything you wish to paint…you should paint. why not? it would look amazing….
    you want to trade kitchens? you can have the government quarter’s kitchen that is small like a bathroom and i’ll take yours!!! that is fair? no? haha.
    i love your kitchen. it is stunning.
    good luck with the table. you will love it either way.
    sue

  56. Yep, add me to the “paint it” side of the debate. It will be beautiful! I also agree you might want to leave the top dark for now and see how you like the 2-tone look before you proceed. However, I did that with a thrifted dining table I bought and it didn’t take too long before I decided I wanted it all white. Only trouble was, then it was more than a year before I was able to paint the top because we had no other place to eat. I didn’t mind standing in the kitchen to eat for a couple days while the paint dried and cured but I didn’t think my husband would be too happy about it so I was finally able to get it painted when he had to go out of town for a few days.

    If you have time, check out this post I did about a beautiful line of pastel furniture by Coastal Living and Stanley Furniture. It might give you some ideas:

    http://mycottageofbliss.blogspot.com/2010/05/coastal-living-collection-by-stanley.html

  57. Hi Claudia–PAINT IT!! You will never be happy looking at it if you don’t! It would look fabulous in a bright or pastel color–I don’t think it even needs to match the island! I’m sure you will make it great. Linda

  58. Oh go for it! You will love it! I never have the nerve to do thing like this! I do have a bedroom set I will paint just need to get it done!
    Can’t wait to see what you do!
    Hugs, Lisa

  59. Glad you’re home again – I need to catch up as I’m back also.

    Yes, I would definitely paint it Claudia – think the island color is super so go for it!

  60. I am one of the ones who you would hear in the background chanting “paint it, paint it.” I am with Jenn, if the top is really nice and for a nice look, leave the top wood and paint the bottom the same as the kitchen, did I see WHITE? Good luck in you decision.

  61. I am a little late to the party, but I first have to comment on the hammer in the chair!
    We used to live in an historic district with other urban pioneers where we all became quite proficient with hammers and other tools. The homeowners were also all known for throwing lavish and formal parties. One evening, we walked into our neighbor’s home for a very formal party. The floral centerpieces were fabulous, the food was divine, there was a hammer and screwdriver sitting on the living room sofa, and no one even gave it a second thought!

    As much as I love things that show age, and my house is filled with dark finished family pieces, I think your table would look fantastic with just the legs painted and slightly distressed.

  62. Definitely. I love the airy and bright look, it looks too dark to me in your room. Maybe I’d go for a different color for the chairs, brown or aqua, like your board in the background. Pillows in matching textiles with those around your room (cannot see from the pic!).
    Thanks for your sweet words. I’m very stressed too, I’d need a vacation!
    Take care, dear Claudia.
    Monicax.

  64. CLAUDIA!! OMG….(now I’m commenting about your island) ….. I LOVE it! What a brilliant idea, to use an old buffet as the island!!! It’s wonderful! Now, I’m an antiquer from waaaaaay back, and I used to be of the DON’T PAINT IT opinion..but not any more!! I think that table would look amazing painted white. Those legs are wonderful….and it will pull your two areas together!!!

    SO CUTE!!! L, Dana

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