Some of you know that I bought this pair of chairs a few weeks ago on Craigslist. Here's the photo that was posted on CL -- you can't tell in this picture but the fabric is a 60's green and it's not in that great of shape. Getting them re-upholstered is on my to-do list. Matt thinks they look like old lady chairs, and even though I love the shape and design of them I have to agree that they'd look a little more modern with some updates. A few weeks ago I tried to stain them a lot darker and it looked FAB -- but the wood wouldn't take the stain so I had to strip it. Nightmare central.
So I've been throwing around the idea of painting them a glossy black. Some people I've mentioned it to are horrified because the wood really is beautiful -- it's just a little on the lighter side which makes it look more old-fashioned.
I'd love to hear your thoughts -- am I crazy for wanting to paint over the wood? I'm nervous that I'll regret it. I'm thinking of upholstering with a cream velvet and putting pillows in this fabric on them.
Here's an inspo pic for keeping the wood:
And for painting them black:
Would love to hear your thoughts!
Paint 'em black!!
ReplyDeleteI usually say paint them black! But I need to see the space before I can weigh in. Show a picture. I think these are absolutely fabulous though and have major potential!
ReplyDeleteI am so torn on this one. My first instinct was to say paint them black but after seeing the first inspiration picture I think I prefer the natural wood and it would make your life eaiser just to leave as is. I actually love the old wood. I know it will look great whatever you decide!
ReplyDeletelike them natural maybe with a cream leather (or pleather)instead of a velvet. Totally mod
ReplyDeleteWhatever you do I will love them!
Love both options really! but I would suggest living with them a little longer in their original wood color until you are 100% sure of what direction you want to go. And I love the pillow fabric! Sorry I am no help! And I love love the chairs!
ReplyDeleteMost people are horrified at the idea of painting wood, but I for one am always on camp paint (when necessary)
ReplyDeleteTruth be told though, I like both options!
I'm no help, eh?
I am totally on board with the glossy black + Bengal Bazaar fabric!!! Do it, do it, do it! haha
ReplyDeleteThis is tough because I like them both ways! But I do think every room needs a touch of black. It just adds that classy touch. So if you don't have much black in the room, go for black.
ReplyDeleteCan't remember what the rest of the room is like. I know you have a lot of gorgeous gold pieces and that the rest of the room is more updated so these could be a great natural element to the room. Can't wait to see what you decide!
ReplyDeletethose chairs are AMAZING!! im with the others.. you should paint them glossy black!! so lucky! xo. ashley {a {little} dash of ash}
ReplyDeleteOh Natalie, this is a tough one, I like both options, on one hand the contrast of vintage and new could be interesting, on the other hand, the black paint would go beautifully with the fabric....hmmm...maybe I'm leaning towards painting..
ReplyDeleteI say paint them! I'm not in love with the look of natural wood, and I think black would definitely help to make them look a bit more modern.
ReplyDeleteYou are not crazy, I'm totally an advocate for painting over wood if you want to! I think it def depends on the space, but if you really want them black and are only holding back because you think it's crazy, then just go for it!
ReplyDeleteGorgeous shape to the chairs, that is a tough call. The original wood is really lovely, but with your fabric choices black would be very chic. I say go black!!
ReplyDeleteThat's a hard one but I say black. :)
ReplyDeletePaint 'em! Also i think they'd look fab with a upholster job of leopard pony hair...!!!
ReplyDeletexo Carina
www.AllergicToVanilla.com
Those kind of remind me of my craigslist chair! I say paint them, because it will definitely make them look more modern and with the fabric you are looking at, the black will be a much better contrast.
ReplyDeleteI say paint them!
ReplyDeleteooh this is a toughie... i'm all for a nice lacquered look, but to ensure you don't regret it, can you reupholster first and then decide? you might like how it looks with natural wood once you have a great fabric on them.
ReplyDeleteI love the black look, and I think you can always strip the paint if you don't like it. But like Ashley Nicole said, try the fabric out first and then see how you feel. I'm jealous you found these in the first place!
ReplyDeletepaint it! i find light wood unattractive. those chairs are AWESOME! black and a nice punchy (pink ikat graphic?) would be GORGEOUS!
ReplyDeleteI agree with the masses here... I would totally paint them! The black and cream will be divine, and you can switch out pillows as you please. I think they'd also be awesome in a kelly green or true red.
ReplyDeleteUmm PAINT THEM!! Go for it!! I think it'd look totally amazing and some fantastic pillows to go with it - sensational!! I'm jealous you found something actually worth buying on Craigslist!! The Dallas/FW Craigslist always kinda sucks :( anyway, good luck! Let us know what you end up doing!
ReplyDeletePaint them black!
ReplyDeletePaint them!! Black would look really cool.
ReplyDeleteIsn’t That Charming.
I know when we painted our hutch black I never looked back. Granted it wasn't real wood, but it really makes a statement in the room now. Ahhh decisions!!
ReplyDeleteWith that fabric, I say paint them black!
ReplyDeleteI always love to have a bit of natural wood in a room, and every photo I have seen you post of these chais I have a had the feeling they need to be left as is and simply reupholstered. I love the look of the wood!
ReplyDeleteTHE CHAIR! oh my gosh, amazing. I say paint them black! I think it's a bit more glamorous than wood
ReplyDeleteDef Black!!! I'm so jealous of your craigslist finds, ohio CL is horrible! So excited to see what you end up doing to them!
ReplyDelete