Need advice re whether to paint dining room chairs

13 years ago

Several years ago I inherited a beautiful place on the beach in eastern Canada. I have parted ways with most of the more formal furniture and am gradually converting it to look and feel more like a cottage. There are many lovely antiques, most suitable for the cottage. The exception is the dining room table and chairs. Very good condition, including striped velvet seat covers in cream and blue that suits my colour scheme. The chairs and table are more formal than I would like, but I do not plan to replace, at least for now. I am thinking about painting the chairs cream, perhaps with some distressing, and having slip covers made for the seats, perhaps in a cream and navy stripe (which I would remove when I occasionally use the cottage during the winter). I would leave the table as is. What do you think? I have attached several photos. If you recommend I do paint the chairs, any suggestions how to do it?

Featured Answer

Judy M

13 years ago

http://houzz.com/photos/3110511

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Comments (17)

PRO
User
13 years ago
Yes, it will work with your design aesthetic Investigate Annie Sloan Chalk Paint - it will give you the tools to create this finish.
PRO
Carolyn Albert-Kincl, ASID
13 years ago
Shabby chic comes to mind as the look that your dining set, as beautiful as it is, could take on. Or perhaps you could sell it as it is and buy something more cottage friendly. It is a beautiful set! The other things I see in your photos are not very cottage like. Are you sure that's the direction you want to take?
Carolyn Albert-Kincl, ASID

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aschades
13 years ago
They seem too nice to paint. They also seem to fit nicely with the rest of the place. I found 6 chairs by the side of the road and painted those for our house on the waters of coastal North Carolina. I think they are perfect now (but they were not as nice as yours to begin with....) perhaps try recovering the seats in a funky way before you commit to paint, which cannot be undone...
bullydogsmom
13 years ago
This is a mahogany chair that I painted with Annie Sloan duck egg blue. Is a paint that is very easy to work with. No priming required.
B Monroe
13 years ago
I agree with Joanne chalk paint. They will give a lift to your dining table.
Judy M
13 years ago
I like the casual seat covers on these chairs.

http://houzz.com/photos/335188
Mj Dav
Original Author
13 years ago
Thanks for the great comments. Carolyn, the attached photos may give you a better sense of some of the other furnishings which are more cottage- like ( I have removed personal photos which are usually on display).
PRO
Carolyn Albert-Kincl, ASID
13 years ago
last modified: 13 years ago
I would change the chair upholstery to a casual fabric and then add a cottage rug. With the abundance of wood finishes you have , I would choose to paint something, but it would not be the dining room set. It might instead be the chest in the first of three photos posted above.

The addition of rugs will make a world of difference.
PRO
Linda Zaff Architecture, P.C.
13 years ago
The table and chairs do seem very nice as is. Have you considered selling the set, since you say it's too formal, and buying something with more of a cottage feel for a dining set?
Mj Dav
Original Author
13 years ago
The blanket box, which I use as a TV stand is already painted. Originally from Quebec and about 150 years old, it has the original blue paint, which nicely complements the turquoise ceramic gas stove. See attached photos.

I got rid of most of the rugs which were too formal but like the idea of adding one more suitable for a cottage, as well as changing fabric on the chairs. I'll wait till I choose the rug till I select the fabric.

Eventually I will probably find a new home for the dining room table and chairs. There is a matching china cabinet, currently in the basement, as I favour the older, less ornate china cabinet shown in the picture ( I have another antique one in the kitchen eating area).

Thanks for all your help. My first time using Houzz Design Dilemma. Will not be my last!
Geneviève
13 years ago
I'm reluctant when it comes to paint furniture in perfect condition , I would paint the walls instead in a warmer colour rather then painting the furniture ,even change the fabric if you like but leave the wood alone.
Mj Dav
Original Author
13 years ago
Yes, I hear you and others loud and clear! Will leave the wood as it is and lighten the look in other ways.
PRO
Maguire
13 years ago
last modified: 13 years ago
Your gorgeous set is far more valuable as it is, don't devalue it. Normally I'd say "It's yours, you do what you want!" but not in this case. Sell it for a pretty penny to someone that will adore its warmth, then find a set to paint with a tenth of your profits.
Interesting timing of your post. I love chalk paint and I just painted a little footstool I found roadside for the trash a couple days ago. I thought the carving was beautiful and even though the finish was fine, I used French Linen on it. The next day I found one exactly like it sold for $1,200.00 at auction. Unpainted. : /
Please don't paint your beautiful set.
PRO
Maguire
13 years ago
Oh sorry, mjdavies, didn't see your post until I posted. Good news. Thanks for letting us know.
PRO
Carolyn Albert-Kincl, ASID
13 years ago
last modified: 13 years ago
Bravo! And I love the old painted trunk!
pagosapamie
11 years ago
I don't understanding why everyone is telling you what fine furniture it is. It is a set of furniture from the 1930s. It is veneer and wasn't very expensive when it was new. Thats the bad news. The good news is: ITS PERFECT TO PAINT! Didn't you just love that picture of the blue chair that bullydogsmom posted? How perfect for your beach house! Please don't be afraid - just do it.