To Paint, or Not to Paint?

Have you ever had a piece of furniture that you just COULDN'T decide what to do with? There's sort of a stigma that if a piece of wooden furniture is in good condition that you will 'ruin' it by painting it.

When I paint, for a client or myself, I am usually painting pieces that are worn wood, or already have a layer of paint over them. Some I could strip down and re-stain, but oftentimes we choose paint because it's a) cheaper b) easier c) currently trending.

But when you have a beautiful piece of furniture is it a sin to paint it? The answer is - no. The truth is painted furniture has been trending for years, and it will likely be in style for a long time. Look at some of your popular big brands like PotteryBarn, Ballard Designs, Crate and Barrel and West Elm. They have loads of painted furniture. The only real dilemma is 'what's going to look better in my room?'. As long as you pick a neutral tone (white, tans, grays, black) it is going to stand the test of time. Not to mention, in 10 years if the trend sways from white to black, you can paint it again! Just be sure you pick a lasting color, no pink, lime green, blue... well, you get the picture people. If you're going for a 'cottage' style color you can do greens, blues, etc., but you'll want to do a more mild hue.

Here's a few ways you can be sure you pick a great color for your room. These tests work for painting anything!

1. The Sheet Test

Not sure if you like a black or white console in your room? No problem! Run upstairs to your linen closet, grab a couple big sheets. No, the color of the sheet will not patch your paint color exactly, but it will give you an idea of what will look best in your room. Lay your sheet over the piece of furniture. Leave it there for a few hours while you work around the house and glance in when you walk by the room. Does the white look to light? Does the black make a statement in the room?

2. Fake yourself out

So you like white, but need to see it another way. Grab a white piece of furniture from another room in your house. A bench, a coffee table, doesn't matter what it is. Put it in your spot and make sure you still like the color. 

3. Paint the Back

Okay so you chose white. Or maybe you didn't, maybe you chose white and tan and you can't decide what color will look best. One of the best wants to see what it will look like is test it on the back of the furniture. Go through the whole process. Try one coat, and then two, try a white wash, or maybe sanding on the edges. Figure out what you really like on the piece before you put it in a noticeable spot! 

4. Don't think about it too much

After all, it's just a piece of furniture. In hindsight you'll either paint it or you won't. You might paint it again, or wish you'd never painted it. But you might love it and feel accomplished about overcoming your fear and taking the jump! In comparison to life, it's not that big of a deal. So I say.. 

PAINT IT! 

Oh! As promised... we have an announcement to make! The winner of our virtual design drawing is...

MEAGAN KIERSEY!

Congratulations! I will be contacting you soon to arrange your consultation. :)