Mockingbird Hill Cottage

Mockingbird Hill Cottage

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You are here: Home / kitchen / Your Opinion, Please?

Your Opinion, Please?

July 13, 2010 at 3:38 pm by Claudia

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?

Filed Under: kitchen, kitchen island 65 Comments

Comments

  1. Jenny S says

    July 13, 2010 at 3:55 pm

    Could you paint just the legs and leave the top wood color? I think that would be awesome!!

    Reply
  2. The Quintessential Magpie says

    July 13, 2010 at 4:22 pm

    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 :-)

    Reply
  3. The Quintessential Magpie says

    July 13, 2010 at 4:25 pm

    P.S. Those chairs are wonderful! I would consider having someone glue them professionally rather than buy others. They are NEAT! If I were nearby, I’d buy them from you!

    Reply
  4. Stacy says

    July 13, 2010 at 4:30 pm

    i LOVE the paint idea!!!! brighten things up

    Reply
  5. Brenda@Cozy Little House says

    July 13, 2010 at 4:31 pm

    Why not? I love that kitchen island!
    Brenda

    Reply
  6. debbie says

    July 13, 2010 at 4:37 pm

    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

    Reply
  7. Marsha (Sassy Mini Dolls) says

    July 13, 2010 at 4:37 pm

    Go for it!! I agree with Jenny, paint the legs first and leave the top as is. See how you like it. You can always paint the top later!

    xxoo

    Reply
  8. stefanie says

    July 13, 2010 at 5:00 pm

    oh, you know what you need to do!!! paint it it will be gorgeous!!!!!!

    Reply
  9. Snappy Di says

    July 13, 2010 at 5:09 pm

    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

    Reply
  10. Tallulah Belle says

    July 13, 2010 at 5:17 pm

    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 :-(

    Reply
  11. Tallulah Belle says

    July 13, 2010 at 5:17 pm

    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 :-(

    Reply
  12. GWENDOLYN says

    July 13, 2010 at 5:18 pm

    What if you painted the legs white and the top a turquoise blue? Yummy!
    Blessings~
    Gwen

    Reply
  13. Norma says

    July 13, 2010 at 5:20 pm

    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!

    Reply
  14. Paula says

    July 13, 2010 at 5:37 pm

    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:)

    Reply
  15. the gardeners cottage says

    July 13, 2010 at 5:38 pm

    hi claudia,

    i’d paint it in a minute. i think it will look a lot nicer in your white kitchen. in the words of nike – just do it.

    ~janet

    Reply
  16. Lynn says

    July 13, 2010 at 5:43 pm

    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

    Reply
  17. Into Vintage says

    July 13, 2010 at 6:03 pm

    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

    Reply
  18. Frog Hollow Farm Girl says

    July 13, 2010 at 6:05 pm

    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!

    Reply
  19. Susie Homemaker says

    July 13, 2010 at 6:07 pm

    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

    Reply
  20. The Pleasures of Homemaking says

    July 13, 2010 at 6:11 pm

    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

    Reply
  21. sissie says

    July 13, 2010 at 6:13 pm

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

    hugs
    Sissie

    Reply
  22. birdie blue says

    July 13, 2010 at 6:21 pm

    paint it!

    have the loveliest day.
    ~molly

    Reply
  23. The Garden Bell says

    July 13, 2010 at 6:48 pm

    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

    Reply
  24. Dogwood says

    July 13, 2010 at 6:48 pm

    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

    Reply
  25. Sherry from Alabama says

    July 13, 2010 at 7:21 pm

    I vote for painting it, that is unless you have a husband like mine that thinks it is a sin to paint wood. :)

    Sherry @ A Happy Valentine

    Reply
  26. Olive Cooper says

    July 13, 2010 at 7:21 pm

    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

    Reply
  27. Karen says

    July 13, 2010 at 7:38 pm

    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.

    Reply
  28. Ozma of Odds says

    July 13, 2010 at 7:59 pm

    …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

    Reply
  29. Michelle@Fromhousetohome says

    July 13, 2010 at 8:11 pm

    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

    Reply
  30. Jillian says

    July 13, 2010 at 8:14 pm

    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

    Reply
  31. kibbygirl says

    July 13, 2010 at 8:20 pm

    I love the look of your kitchen island so I say go for it.. for what its worth :)

    Reply
  32. Rose Garden Romantic says

    July 13, 2010 at 8:38 pm

    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!

    Reply
  33. Connie says

    July 13, 2010 at 9:03 pm

    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

    Reply
  34. Terri says

    July 13, 2010 at 9:04 pm

    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

    Reply
  35. Elyse says

    July 13, 2010 at 10:19 pm

    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

    Reply
  36. LizlovesVintage says

    July 13, 2010 at 11:21 pm

    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

    Reply
  37. fitty's pinky rose cottage says

    July 14, 2010 at 12:03 am

    I’d go for painting the table white! match with your kitchen..

    Reply
  38. Rella says

    July 14, 2010 at 12:07 am

    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

    Reply
  39. Annesphamily says

    July 14, 2010 at 12:26 am

    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

    Reply
  40. There I Am. says

    July 14, 2010 at 6:25 am

    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

    Reply
  41. Ana says

    July 14, 2010 at 10:12 am

    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

    Reply
  42. Kim says

    July 14, 2010 at 10:37 am

    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!

    Reply
  43. LemonyRenee' says

    July 14, 2010 at 10:47 am

    Go for it! Make it your own. You will love it all the more and that is, afterall, the purpose of having “things.”

    Reply
  44. Debbie says

    July 14, 2010 at 11:01 am

    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?

    Reply
  45. Debbie says

    July 14, 2010 at 11:04 am

    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!

    Reply
  46. maria says

    July 14, 2010 at 11:15 am

    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

    Reply
  47. Zuzu says

    July 14, 2010 at 11:25 am

    Paint it, Claudia! :) It will be gorgeous!!!

    Reply
  48. Country Wings in Phoenix says

    July 14, 2010 at 11:56 am

    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

    Reply
  49. June says

    July 14, 2010 at 12:30 pm

    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

    Reply
  50. Sares says

    July 14, 2010 at 1:14 pm

    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!

    Reply
  51. Georgianna says

    July 14, 2010 at 1:28 pm

    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

    Reply
  52. AshTreeCottage says

    July 14, 2010 at 1:43 pm

    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

    Reply
  53. Betty Jo says

    July 14, 2010 at 1:56 pm

    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. ♥

    Reply
  54. vintagesue says

    July 14, 2010 at 4:41 pm

    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

    Reply
  55. cindy the cottage chick says

    July 14, 2010 at 5:43 pm

    Paint it paint it paint it!

    Not that I have any strong opinions or anything :)

    Reply
  56. Shari @ My Cottage of Bliss says

    July 14, 2010 at 8:01 pm

    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

    Reply
  57. Linda (More Fun Less Laundry) says

    July 14, 2010 at 9:27 pm

    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

    Reply
  58. Lisa says

    July 14, 2010 at 9:32 pm

    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

    Reply
  59. Mary says

    July 15, 2010 at 12:00 am

    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!

    Reply
  60. Alaina says

    July 15, 2010 at 7:48 am

    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.

    Reply
  61. Jan says

    July 15, 2010 at 9:44 am

    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.

    Reply
  62. Monica@The White Bench says

    July 15, 2010 at 11:49 am

    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.

    Reply
  63. nonnie says

    July 16, 2010 at 8:42 pm

    PAINT IT!!!

    Reply
  64. dana says

    July 17, 2010 at 5:50 pm

    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

    Reply
  65. Maryjane-The Beehive Cottage says

    July 19, 2010 at 2:48 am

    I think…go for it! It will look beautiful white!!! I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE your kitchen island!!!

    Hugs,
    Maryjane
    xox

    Reply
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I live in a little cottage in the country with my husband. It's a sweet place, sheltered by old trees and surrounded by gardens. The inside is full of the things we love. I love to write, I love my camera, I love creating, I love gardening. My decorating style is eclectic; full of vintage and a bit of whimsy.

I've worked in the theater for more years than I can count. I'm currently a voice, speech, dialect and text coach freelancing on Broadway, off Broadway, and in regional theater.

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