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Should I paint this or buy new?

4 years ago

A few years ago I did an update of my beach house dining table and chairs with fabric and new chair cushions. It still looks fine, but I'm feeling like it's time to face the music and do something better. The house is an open floor plan and this area takes up 1/4 of it, so something great would really make an impact. Here's the dilemma; the table is the perfect size, and the chairs are solid and very comfortable. The set was made by Richardson Brothers in the 80s and their stuff is high quality. So in terms of function, it's great. But I am so over the oak look. I have not attempted painting oak, but imagine it's not easy. And the table has a pedestal that is very ornate (think country kitchen 80's), and the chair legs have some detail on them too.

Here are some photos of the table and the rest of the first floor. This is a comfortable place, full of repurposed/thrift finds. I have no illusions of winning any design awards here, but I would really like something that looks like it belongs.

Thanks for your thoughts....just need some fresh eyes I think!

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Comments (5)

decormyhomepls
4 years ago
I love your place. Cozy, comfy and inviting. I am far from a pro, just know what appeals to me. Having said that, what about just painting base of table and chair spindles and legs white? The 2 tone is very popular where I live (by the beach). Here’s a picture to give you an idea
jjam
Original Author
4 years ago
Thanks decor; that's a good suggestion. In this case I think we'd still have to do something with the table top since the finish has seen better days. It could be a good look but don't think it would be easier either, since the base and the chair legs and backs have a lot of detail so would probably be the hardest to paint. I appreciate your kind words about our place...we really relax here and want to keep that feeling with whatever we decide about the dining area.
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Jilly
4 years ago
last modified: 4 years ago
I agree with decormyhomepls’s compliments. Wonderful home!

Tough decision. I may be totally off the mark, but I think you’re feeling guilty for wanting something new and different, when what you have works perfectly well. I’ve experienced that many times! But I always found a new home for my pieces, and felt good that they were still being used and enjoyed. I get the sense you really do want a more radical change than just painting it or whatever, and there’s nothing at all wrong with that! Or maybe you’re worried a new set won’t be as good and you’ll miss this one?

If you do decide it’s best to keep it, and you’re feeling up to changing it, I’d look up tutorials for doing a ceruse finish on the tabletop and painting the base (any color, doesn’t have to be white), and then maybe new chairs for a change? Ceruse is a very cool finish, and to me, perfect for a beach house. I did a search for ‘ceruse oak tables’.

There are lots of styles of chairs that would look great mixed in and freshen things up:

Love this Tommy Bahama chair:

Nice Hekman chair:

But honestly, I’m thinking you really want a new set. :)

I love this PB one:

https://www.potterybarn.com/products/banks-baluster-extending-dining-table-seadrift/?catalogId=84&sku=3611636&cm_ven=PLA&cm_cat=Google&cm_pla=Furniture%20%3E%20Dining%20Tables&cm_ite=3611636&gclid=EAIaIQobChMI8uSu-ojh6AIViIbACh2PHw6yEAQYAiABEgL5JPD_BwE

And Aarhus one:

https://www.arhaus.com/furniture/dining-room-furniture/dining-room-tables/wilhelm-white-marble-top-dining-table/

I hope you’ll update us!

ETA: You probably have, but searching ‘oak table makeover’ brings up a lot of ideas, too, if you decide to go that route.
jjam
Original Author
4 years ago
Oh, jinx, be still my heart...I love the Tommy Bahama one too! I would have to find it and sit in it before committing to it but, oh that is a great look. I live in NC though so I'm sure that's doable. Thank you! I do think you are right; I feel a little guilty about wanting something new because we've always wanted to make the beach house comfortable and not about turning it into a "model home". But that chair would really pull the look together. Right now I really, really love the other three sections of the room and it's wide open. So if I could get the other piece to fit I'd be in heaven.

If I can't get DH to agree on a new one, my thought is to paint the table something bright and happy, like a lime green. Then spray the chairs white. I could be happy either way really.

Thanks for the inspiration!
Jilly
4 years ago
I like your ideas, I’m excited for you! Green would look great! You have to show us “afters”. :)

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