Good Old Pieces that are Not Painted

Thursday, March 29, 2012

It occurred to me the other day that I post a lot about painted furniture.  A lot.  Although I do love the fresh new look paint can bring to a dated piece of furniture, I also have a big appreciation for nice old pieces that aren't painted.  I have some myself - (gasp!)  Here are some of my favorites


This picture is from a few houses ago.  I got this piece when I first moved to Chattanooga and I love it just like it is!

Another great old piece I've had for years, currently living in my guest bedroom. I think this is Birdseye Maple.

This is a very old pine cottage style headboard.  Its in my guest bedroom.  I decorated this room to my mom's taste.  She stays here more than anyone, and I wanted it to feel special to her.

I posted about these Mid-Century armchairs when I bought them a few months ago.  Not sure what kind of wood that is, but it's in impeccable condition and I wouldn't dream of painting them. The seat cushions are another story.  I am going to save the needlepoint seats but go over them in a more modern fabric.

Amazing old wardrobe I've had for over 15 years.  It is incredibly useful now because Project Dollhouse has no coat closet.  I placed it just off of the foyer in our family room and it holds all of our jackets, sweaters and backpacks.  The big drawer at the bottom is full of gift bags, wrapping paper, tape and bows.  

I love the woodgrain pattern of this piece.

A recent find.  This unusual jewelry box brings a much needed masculine element to my girlified master bedroom.  It also plays "Lara's Theme" from Dr. Zhivago.  I love that movie and it makes me think of Julie Christy and Omar Shariff.  

This is another piece I may have bought for the hardware....

Do you have any favorite pieces you won't paint?

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20 comments:

Kathysue said...

Glad to see the beautiful wood pieces remain original. I have several that I will not paint. I love the patina of an older piece, it looks like satin to me. I have to touch it and glide my hand over a beautiful piece of wood. I don't mind a painted piece or two in a home, but too many, is over kill of a good thing, Happy Thursday,
Kathysue

Laura@happyroost said...

Lovin' the wood! Wood has an untouchable beauty of its own but even I get the urge to paint things! :)

Laura
HappyroostBlog.com

Jade @ Flip Flops + Pearls Design said...

I am with you! Sometimes things are better left alone!

Nuha said...

love all of the dresses..especially that amazing wardrobe. i've been on the hunt for one just like yours

http://nuhasofiyan.blogspot.com

heather (love your space) said...

You have some very cool wood pieces! While I, too, love a painted piece, I do not think it should be the default, and love that you've left these all alone. (Plus, every room needs something natural, and with everything painted, you lose that.)

Splendid Sass said...

There are some pieces that I can't paint because of their natural beauty! These pieces are amazing, Kim. Your home is lovely.
Happy Thursday.
Teresa
xoxo

Unknown said...

Hi Kim!
Yes I think some very special unique pieces should be left unpainted... one needs just the right mix of the two, or maybe just one painted piece per room...
Hope all is well, and best wishes on your business!
Nancy
Powellbrowerhome.com

STARDUST said...

I liked the Jewellery box so much! And yes you're right... some times we should leave the old to shine in its beauty!

HAMPTON HOSTESS said...

I love the mirrors in the first two photos--so much character and style. Hope you still have them and are enjoying them! Best barbara

Taylor Greenwalt said...

I have some old pieces that I just love. I couldn't never paint them. Old pine 1800 pieces. I love some of your pieces.

The Vintique Object said...

So glad to read this post, Kim, since I am such a lover of wood! Love that last piece you showed in your room.

You have me a great idea too for a stool I have with needle point. I was going to tear it off, but why not go right over the top of it. Thanks!
Camille

jeanette from everton terrace said...

I do. I have a 1930s Birdseye Maple bedroom set. It was in my daughter's room when she was little and now it's in the garage. I haven't been able to part with it yet. I love that wardrobe and the jewelry box is fantastic. Great find.

Ashley said...

It's easy to see why you'd keep these pieces as is and not cover them with paint. I mean, birdseye maple? It's a spectacular design straight from nature.

Have a great weekend, Kim!

Anonymous said...

Dark wood is beautiful. I have my room in dark wood.These pieces you have are beautiful.

Sanity Fair said...

I love unpainted wood - but my desire to make everything "match" has undermined just leaving well enough alone on a few occasions!

Jessica said...

I think alot of designers don't really appreciate the look of natural wood. These pieces are absolutely gorgeous, I thinks its wonderful you kept them as is.

elizabeth@themustardceiling said...

I agree, some pieces are best left alone. I painted my grandmother's Chippendale chairs to add a bit of whimsy to them, but I have a piece my dad made and my parent's first piece of furniture they bought after they were married. I couldn't imagine painting either piece. I love them as they are.

SHERRY HART said...

Kim....I am afraid nothing is safe around my house :)

SHCInsideOut@gmail.com said...

I prefer a sleek lacquer or painted surface however I am with you that I do have a few pieces I would never paint. One is a pine armoire I bought when we first got married, the other an antique dresser with a white marble top that is perfect. I do however have a corner unit that is distressed and interesting but I am on the fence about painting it - so that is my latest dilemma - to paint or not to paint. Nice post.

Unknown said...

Gorgeous pieces!