When NOT to Paint Wood Furniture

Hi Friends,

Today I’m sharing some examples of those times when I have decided against painting a piece of wood furniture.  I know this can be a pretty touchy subject with some folks, and I’m simply sharing insight into my own personal decision making process when I find a piece of furniture.  I am not shy about painting wood furniture, that is for sure.  That said, I have come across many pieces that, in my opinion, would not have benefitted from paint.  To me, they looked perfect “as is.”

Here are the questions I ask myself when deciding whether or not to paint:

1. Is the piece a valuable antique?
2. Is the wood in good condition?
3. Do I think the wood is beautiful?
4. Will painting improve the value?
5. Will painting make the piece more beautiful/desirable for sale?

Is the piece a valuable antique?

I am by no means an expert on antique furniture.  When in doubt, I always do a little research before painting or refinishing a piece of furniture.  There are certainly those pieces that will lose value if the original finish is not preserved.  Most, if not all, of the pieces I have come across do not fall into this category.

This oak tallboy is a fairly common piece, but nonetheless very pretty and collectible.  I immediately noticed just how gorgeous the wood grain on the drawers was.  This dresser had a perfectly aged patina with warm wood tones.  It was in great condition and just needed a little cleaning. No paint for this one.

Is the wood in good condition?

Many of the pieces of furniture I find are in very poor condition.  I commonly see pieces of veneer missing and a finish that is extremely scuffed, scratched and worn.  In those cases, painting can be a great option.

Below is a bed I found for my daughter’s room.  All it needed was a good cleaning and a bit of Howard’s Restore-A-Finish to make it shine.  I debated whether or not to paint this one.  I have seen many vintage beds like this that look fabulous painted. In the end, I decided to leave the original finish.  In my own home, I like a mix of painted and natural wood pieces in each room.  The mix adds interest, and wood tones provide warmth and depth to a neutral or mostly white room.

Do I think the wood is beautiful?

Like art, whether or not wood is “beautiful” is entirely personal.  What I consider beautiful, others certainly may not.   On the other hand, many people would be aghast at the notion of painting ’80’s honey oak cabinets. I would paint them in a hot second.  Just not my thing.

This small oak dresser was similar aesthetically to the oak tallboy above.   Just needed a bit of cleaning and something to bring back the luster.  To me, the wood looks beautiful, so I opted not to paint.

Will painting improve the value?

This antique buffet was one I picked up a couple of years ago. It was stunning in person, and I wish I could have more accurately captured that with my photo.  It was in amazing condition inside and out.  I did not paint this piece, and felt that painting would diminish the value and beauty.

Will painting make the piece more beautiful/desirable for sale?

Again, beauty is entirely subjective.  There are some pieces that really could be lovely either way, and deciding whether or not to paint can be a tough call. If the piece is for my own personal use, I consider what would look best in the space where I intend to use it.  In those cases where I plan to sell, I consider whether painting the piece will make it easier to sell. I also factor in the time and costs involved in painting the piece, and whether is makes sense for my business.  In other words, if the piece could sell for $200 “as is” and $250 painted, I would not paint.

This stunning Herman Miller dresser was one that would have looked lovely painted.  However, I decided to leave it as is, because I’m certain paint would have devalued it.  It was in near perfect condition inside and out, and probably the most beautifully constructed dresser I have ever seen.  Solid as a rock.    And, I did not want to cover up the lovely walnut inlay.  I believed someone would  appreciate the craftsmanship and the gorgeous wood.  It sold quickly in its beautiful original condition.

Those are my thoughts on paint vs no paint decision-making process.  I would love to hear what you think.