I see no reason at all why you shouldn't paint it. I think it could look wonderful. The exact treatment and colour would depend on what's going on in the adjoining rooms, and perhaps the creative flair on more savvy repainters than me. I hope they come in with suggestions. Can you post pictures of adjoining spaces so we can see the style and colours?

I like the chest way more than the crystal lamp. But I see details of the stairs showing so I believe you that it feels busier, in your house, than what you expected. I would probably paint it but not be happy that I had to do so.

I agree with blueskiesinnm that I like the chest more than the lamp. I live in New Mexico too, so maybe it's a regional thing. You must have liked the chest when you bought it, so I would hesitate to start out by painting it. I would try Briwax in a darker color to even out the color. It is a paste wax that you apply and then buff. I've used it on all of my Mexican rustic furniture to give it a slightly more refined look. I would also consider a different lamp. I would go with a metal based lamp to pick up the hardware on the chest. A metal lamp could easily be spray painted to closely match the drawer pulls.

On thinking more about it. I had a stain situation like yours that was too busy. I put a glaze on it and it really calmed it down. The glaze had a white/yellow hue but when applied to the wood it didn't look white. What it did is even out all the business going on. You could choose a glaze color that matches the wood work on the stairs.

I agree that the lamp may be throwing me off. I really wanted to use the lamp because my uncle sent it to me from Ireland when I got married. It doesn't really fit in my other rooms, but I thought it could be a nice entrance piece. I like the idea of glaze or toning down the treatment.

Here are pictures of the dining room to the right and study to the left when you enter the foyer.

I like the cabinet. I think the big problem with the lamp is the shiny brass base. You have a beautiful crystal chandelier in the dining room, so I think you should spray paint the brass base the color of the metal in the chandelier.
Put a dark (maybe black or espresso) shade on the lamp, and then it will tie the black furniture from the study and the crystal from the dining room together in the entryway. Once you add artwork to the wall above the chest, and some knickknacks or flowers next to the lamp, it will work out just fine.

What a great idea. Of course, I shiver at the thought of painting a Waterford crystal lamp! BUT, it would definitely tie in the other rooms. I was thinking of a dark shade as well. I tried gray, but it wasn't enough of a pop. My neighbor thought I should add some greenery to the chest. Haven't found anything yet. Also, we used to have an antique mirror on that wall. Kids have gotten used to checking out their outfit/hair on the way out, so I was thinking about a mirror. Any thoughts?

I think at this point, if you just bought the chest and already are considering painting it, you should exchange it for something else.

I agree with SandyC. Also, the chest is way to big for the wall. It looks jammed in there. There should be some space on either side of the chest. I think the crystal lamp is not an appropriate weighty choice for the chest.

I was at a few HomeGoods stores yesterday and there were many greyish chests available.

I tried to return it the week after it arrived, but the furniture store will not take it back (I ordered from a Hooker catalog and they say it was a special order). The chests I found at Home Goods and other places were very narrow. With the high ceiling I wanted something to fill the space. Maybe I should list on craigslist and start all over. I need to find a spot for that lamp and it doesn't really fit with what I have in my house. Hate to keep it boxed up. I liked the Curations Limited Baxley and Alden chests, but others thought it was too plain.Baxley Chest

Sorry to hear that. Perhaps you can use it in another room, a spare guest room, den, office? Make sure to measure your space before searching for another chest. It needs to be less wide.

oops. Picture did not attach:

Hmmm, that looks a little more lie a dresser with the four drawers. Is it the correct width?

The space is 40 inches wide.

Like both chests pictured. I think the one on the left is more of a fit with our furniture. Will it fit?

If I haven't lost track here altogether, Beverly's posts are really nice, but that one on the left -- it's even more busy than the one you have got. I like the suggestions of waxing, etc, to tone down the pattern on yours, which I think fits your space very well. And the design of yours is really good. And you know what? I like your lamp a lot. It can work on that chest. But I agree on toning down the metal to a bronze colour. You're not splashing paint on the Waterford Crystal, after all!

Thanks Rina. I am so stressed out about it all. I looked forever for a distressed chest with simple lines and got exhausted and just ordered because I was tired of looking! The finish looked nice in close up pictures, but in my house it feels too busy. The thought of trying to sell it (it was almost $1000) bums me out, but I don't have another place for it. Your comment supports that other side of me that just wants to "make it work". Toning down the lamp and finish might work. I am going to look into blueskiesinNM and ritting28 ideas. I see how the width is a little too big, but I can live with it if I have too. This is my first time using Houzz advice section and I LOVE IT! Thank you all!!

By the time you accessorize it all, the chest size will be fine. It has presence, which you need in your entryway.

Don't even try a DIY on a Waterford lamp! Find another place for it. Accessorize with simple, solid color items (less texture, more contrast) and you'll be fine.
I don't love the finish on the chest, but you wanted a "distressed" look to start with, so there much be a reason why you chose this one. Try working with it for a bit. It nothing "works" - then consider painting it. This is just a visual idea to get you started. A silver bowl might work better :-)

Is there some reason the chest cannot be returned for credit?

Any of these chests from Wayfair could have worked and all but one is less than $400

I don't know why they have such a strict policy on returns. I could have gotten it at Wayfair and returned! I try to buy at local furniture stores to keep them in business, but this experience tests my goodwill. :)

I don't care for the finish either, because it is busy and detracts from the lovely bones of the piece, I would keep it and use it! My suggestion would be to paint it a very neutral, colonial dull shade of blue. Something with gray, turquoise undertones. When you get done, you could try very gently dry brushing on a little bit of soft black and wiping it off. You cannot go wrong! If you apply a little too much or decide you don't like, "erase" it by painting on more of the neutral blue. Consider changing the hardware to a soft black iron in a very plain style. I would definitely use that beautiful crystal lamp. Give it a simple black shade. It would give it instant sophistication and the touch of brass would become an asset. Stop beating yourself up. The chest is a beautiful lady done up in the wrong makeup.

This is a postscript to my post. I think the chest would be beautiful with a tall rectangular mirror in a simple wood or metal frame (I think soft black), display your lamp on the side. OK. I'm done.