If it's not really worth anything, is in bad shape and the person giving it to you won't mind, I'd say go ahead, if that's what will make it the way you want it.

that's my dilemma, not sure if it's worth anything, I am going to talk to the current owner today to see if she would feel that it would be sacriledge to paint it. It is going into a very light and airy space and would be taking the place of a 1940s radio cabinet, pics to follow

https://www.google.ca/search?q=painted+sideboard&client=firefox-a&hs=MGY&rls=org.mozilla:en-US:official&tbm=isch&tbo=u&source=univ&sa=X&ei=_ta4UduWJcfIyAGwyIGQAg&ved=0CCwQsAQ&biw=1024&bih=606
take a look at this site to see how your sideboard would look painted

I would paint it to a light color to make it look less "heavy"

here are pics of the space, ignore the temporary computer set up

It would go under the mirror

I wouldn't paint that piece.

No paint.. That is a gorgeous piece and it would be a shame to destroy that workmanship. If it doesn't work in your space sell it. There is absolutely a market for this piece.

this reminds me of Spanish furniture suites that were sold during the 60's.

If its in good condition, maybe help your friend to sell it. It wouldn't look good in your space anyway, you have a much lighter, beachy vibe. You definitely need a piece under mirror, but something a littledifferent

Something like these in a light color

Please do not paint....what a nice piece,would love to have it.

I'd say PAINT IT! It would give this ornate piece a whole new life and would look gorgeous in your home!

If the next person doesn't like the paint, he or she can strip it back to wood again! Go for it!

Yeah, I'd paint it. White to match the mirror?

I really appreciate the comments, it is not from the 60s but from before the 1930s, carved oak, and I am coming around to the same mindset that it's not right for my space, (although I could use the storage) I think I'll be on the lookout for something that sits more off the floor, longer legs, maybe shabby chic that wouldn't bother me to paint. The sideboard is very large, about 66 inches in length, and though ornate, quite beautiful, same length as the mirror, but I think would be too heavy as the space is long and narrow. I will pass on the comment re the market for this piece. Thanks again! Any suggestions for the space as well are much appreciated!

Love the fourth one I posted for you

LOVE IT mforr!

The character of this piece is that it is rustic and looks the way it does.... Please do not paint :)

Too beautiful to paint! Sounds like that is your conclusion!

Don't paint it!

If you don't like it "as is" sell it to someone who does, like me:)

only if you live in Canada darlenerunner, it weighs a ton as it's solid oak, the shipping costs would probably be equivalent to a down payment on a house :-)

they made bad furniture in the 1930"s also! Wasn't that period during the Depression. Each to his/her own taste I guess :)

Here is what was a very heavy piece, chalk painted with Annie sloan - underneath, old violet, on top, paloma. Silver rub n buff on all the antique bronze hardware and some of the detailed cornices near the top edge. The two tones really made the relief more apparent. Your colors in place of these of course - and don't mind the peonies near their end . . .

Where in Canada?

alberta

Never mind, Quebec:)

libradesigneye, that is a beautiful piece, the lines are completely different, it really lends itself beautifully to the paint treatment. That is the biggest part of the paint dilemma is that the sideboard is so ornate. I have a feeling it came to Canada from Wales in the 1930s, my friend is not sure how old it is.

I do think it would be great in your space painted - a pop of grellow - sw gleeful or pear green - soothing but a bit unexpected - really gorgeous. Do not hesitate to paint, but this one in your space wants to be all one color to do the orange grandma's sideboard thing - in your color scheme - the gleeful in a satin finish would be amazing. Take the mirror and turn it up and use it in another room - finding a piece like this when you need a big piece is too hard. Go for it!

darlenerunner, you live in a place that still has antiques, we have so little now, people are buying them and importing them (often from the east coast), but not selling them. :-(

libradesigneye, great idea...hmmm, I think I shall still talk to her re painting. I have other accents that are along the pear green. sea glass blues and greens, the hard furnishings in off white, and natural pine.

You know the saying ..You can't turn a sow's ear into a silk purse .

Still think, even painted, that this piece is too bulky for your space. :)

Sara, I'm from Quebec, but now live in the Chicago area. I was thinking "road trip"LOL!

Too bad you aren't closer to Santa Barbara CA-with all the Spanish Colonial architecture here that piece would be snapped up in a second!

LOL! anna dee, tell me what you really think! haha! It's funny, my friend just might agree with you.

rouxb, I was thinking the same thing, that being said, it is also the kind of piece we see in high end shops up in the rockies, as it's heavy and rustic it might be a really good fit for someone up there.

Paint that sucker. Paint! Paint!!

If this was to go on the wall where all the little things are now - the mirror wall, and all the rest was to go out (except shift the chair) I think it would fit nicely. Is it longer than the white mirror? Also, for practicality, you can save the dark wood top and paint all the rest pear green (since dark and pear work together) and that will help tie it to the windsor chair.

Yes, that was the plan - the chair stays, the stereo cabinet, and temp computer station, etc would go. It is exactly the length of the mirror.

Me again. Sell the piece to someone who loves it as is. You will make enough profit to buy a piece that fits perfectly in the space you will love.

A light silver leafing, perhaps? Maybe with over a tone of paint from your surroundings.

Or you could take it in an Indian direction by sanding, staining a bright color or two, sanding again, gold leafing the ornate bits, then waxing or sealing with a sheer light brown finishing stain.

Or just send it to darlenerunner or Darzy!

Thanks all for the great input, I've encouraged my friend to sell it or give it to someone who can enjoy it as is. I do think it has too much character to paint. So much great input has definitely inspired my creativity and now I will be on the look out for the right piece for the space! Thanks again!