Chalk paint is said to be easy enough... sanding some on the edges...

The color depends what wall color is, and what you want to go with it.

Idk if you'll glam and lacquer - then maybe a dark bronze/pewter/grey.

Or entry could be spot for a pop of bright red.... etc.

Saw one just like this for sale £290.00 ( $376.00 ) maybe sell it ..seems a shame to paint it

I wouldn’t paint it, it’s so great as is!

It has a nice patina that painting will diminish. I would find a way to use it as is. Not all decorative elements in a home need to match a certain color scheme. Some items are best appreciated for their authenticity.

Use fabric to make a runner to lay over the top and sides.

I re-read, and you want vintage - what about it doesn't fit with your place?

Just a current discussion:

https://www.houzz.com/discussions/1157138/what-color-should-i-be

I would try staining it first..that will reinforce the age element...then if you want you can rub on and rub off some metallic paste for a metallic patina....this will add some highlights with out destroying the aged feel

The metal circle i would rub a little with a metal polish to bring out the detail.as well as any other metal pieces...hinges,etc.

If you like and want to preserve the look ....a light clear spray of a matte finish coat will protect the new finish invisibly..

Thank you everyone for your comments! I think I just am not a red fan in general and have been seeing many Chinese parchment leather chests in like a bone/ivory color instead which I really do like. I don't really think there's a way to achieve that or any w/o ruining it so I'm going to try and change some of the things around it to make it look more clean and modern. I have a black/white cowhide next to it, a Peter Beard print, and some Schumacher leopard linen pillows a vintage gold mirror also nearby and it's all looking a little thematic, heavy and dark. Needs some color although I'm not a color person really! The cushions are yuck! Agree with you @Patricia Colwell Consulting! Any thoughts on what might look better? I'm in a small NYC apt but have a nice sized foyer relatively. See aother view which shows the space in full

I love, love, love your cowhide rug! This looks like a nicely put together space. The trunk appears to be a bit large for beneath the table, maybe even a tripping hazard. As one who is currently recovering from a seriously sprained toe from accidentally kicking the metal leg of our weight bench, I'm especially sensitive to that sort of potential hazard right now. I do think letting the space below the table remain clear and open will be a better look overall.

Thanks! I searched forever for just the right one! I think the perspective is a bit funny in the picture. The table looks very empty without something under it but maybe I don’t like the trunk bc it’s an awkward fit. Thanks for the feedback.

I agree about the trunk.but i also know people who live in small spaces have a different perspective on space...as the foyer is unusually large it also crossed my mind to wonder how that space could be designed to be more useful...but it is grande entry and that has aesthetic value in a small apartment,too

Tho’ I would look for a new spot for the trunk as well

I agree - and then the table and art might look 'leaner'...

what's above the bench?

I think the colour o the trunk is nice in your room, it adds some warm.

Maybe a dumb idea, but what if you turned it on it's (long) side? It would fit better under your console.

Interesting concept Jen...kinda like a suitcase

I think Jen's idea is a great one ... at least give it a try and see how it looks. Now that I see the trunk in relation to the rest of the room, I really like the somewhat earthy feel it brings in with that wonderful old color. I would definitely not consider painting it.

If you paint it, you will lose the Chinese characters/writing on the front of that. I would want to preserve that. I think putting a clear coat on it might be the best way to go, if you must change it.