I would probably do a variation on white, such as dry brushing with white over a grey. I think yet another painted white piece would be boring but I don't see a wood stain blending well in here.

Yikes. Sad to see the Jenny Lind bed painted white. Don't do it to a family dresser as well. I don't think it will look odd being wood toned. You simply need to adorn it with some accessories that are white and have pops of pink and red like a cute quilted runner. Do you have any scarves, beads, or boas for dress up that you can hang on one of the metal pieces that come out of the mirror? Would also add a little playfulness to it. You are a sweet grandma!

I think stained would add some contrast to the room and would be fine. Also, you will greatly reduce the value of the dresser if you paint it.

If the piece is valuable, you would consider that in your decision. The chances are better that it is one of those old but lovely pieces with sentimental value. It would be very pretty refinished in a pastel or accent color for the girls' room.

I think it would look beautiful as is in that room. The contrast as mentioned would be nice. Love the look as is. Just my humble opinion. Such a cute room for the grands!

Hi

I love a contrasting piece. If you are not concerned with the piece's value and like risky and bold, I would paint it a rich hot pink. Annie Sloan chalk paint has a great pink that would look fabulous. Use a little bit of dark wax over the pink.

I'm suggesting pink because I see it In The room but if you have grandsons then I would not go there!!

Best of luck !

KHB Interiors in New Orleans

Please do me a huge favor and follow us on Houzz!


https://www.houzz.com/khbinteriors

I love the look of white with dark woods! I think it would look great as is.

Chalk painted dresser with wood top

I don't think this piece has any great value. I would guess it is a "copy" in Victorian style (maybe late 20's to early 40's) and has no intrinsic value. It is not an antique...vintage...at best.

So, if I am correct in my estimation of value, go crazy with paint.

As for the bed, I am not seeing antique...where did you get it...any provenance? From your photo, it looks like a repro.

Please don't paint. Natural wood will look refreshing in this "chalk paint world."

The top looks like it would need refinishing. If it were me I would do whatever I wanted to enjoy it, unless you find out it has great value, of course. I love the style. It may have been a salesman's sample. I think maybe a turquoise shade instead of white would look nice. Have fun!

Keep it/refurbish as grandma had it.

It's a very clever idea to use this as a nightstand! I agree with those who say keep it wood tone. I like having some wood toned accents and pieces in an otherwise painted room to kind of ground it. In addition to putting light accents on this wood piece, you can also consider adding a few other brown/wood pieces in the room, maybe some baskets, or a wood framed chalk board, or wood bowls or candlesticks, etc.

It is a beautiful dresser and I agree with those who have said it would look lovely as it is (wood, NOT painted) in that room.
If the top is damaged, you could try Howard's Restor-A-Finish which will NOT strip it or destroy its value.
http://www.howardproducts.com/product/restor-a-finish/
If it was me, I would restore the top of the dresser and leave the rest as is (as opposed to painting it), and I would also strip the paint off that beautiful bed and stain it in a dark shade similar to the dresser.
I actually have the exact same headboard in it's original dark wood and it is gorgeous.

It's lovely but I don't see it it that room...as the odd man out..
It's rather dark and heavy looking to be in there with a lot of white and pastels.

I've been in a similar situation. My suggestion would be to paint it as you like. My parents purchased a Victorian couch in the 50's from a very old woman who purchased it used.

I"d say your antique side table is genuinely antique. My first thought is to refinish with a wood stain of a shade you like in the space. If you'd rather paint it, do so. I do not believe you are concerned with the value.

I never understood keeping a piece because of value. Unless you found a Louie the XIV side table, don't worry.

Vintage or antique, the bedside table has been loved for a very long time by others before you, as is and will most likely be loved long after you. If someone chooses later to strip and refinish, they will do as they please.

I used to try to keep everything wood and realized I can only "handle" so many wood peices in the decor. It was getting boring, From there, kept a few accent pieces. combo paint and wood on others and straight up painted still others.

I attempted to strip an antique dresser that had been painted and found what must have been decades of paint. It was fun to see what previous generations in our family had painted it and really hard to get it off. It became a naturally distressed piece that told many stories and we enjoyed them.

enjoy, have fun and take care.

" My suggestion would be to paint it as you like "

Melissa Larson OP's original question was 8 years ago...........