This summer I came across that kind of piece. It was a beautiful vintage "Lane" coffee table. Both ends were dropleaf. Very cooool!!! After a bit of research I discovered it was from the "Acclaim" dovetail series from 1959 - 1963. They are very collectable. Wish I had done my homework before I sold it for a song. This is what I did with this great little table.
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| Sold |
I lightly sanded the top & stained it to match the original color. I didn't want to paint over the cool dovetail detail. I found the perfect graphic from "The Graphic Fairy". It's a french post card. Then I applied a few coats of clear wax. I just love the way the wood feels after it has been waxed & buffed.
I took this table to the market & had several comments on it. Most everyone loved what I did to it, but there was the one lady who was a die hard antique lover. She couldn't believe I had "written all over that beautiful mid century antique!!!" What can I say, I had a different vision for the table. I love the way it turned out. A few hours later another lady came by & had to have it. I even helped her load it in her car. She was thrilled with it.
A couple of weeks later my mom found the matching side table. I did the same application on this one.
So have you ever had the "Great Debate" to paint or not? I would love to hear your opinion or story.
I love what you did with the tables - perfect! Yes, it''s often difficult to decide whether to paint or not. For me, I think it depends on the condition of the table and how old...some "antiques" you just don't want to mess with too much! Welcome to blogging! I found you through Debbie's Blogging and Blabbing! Am your newest follower. Happy New Year!
ReplyDeleteCindy
Love your table~That is one of my favorite graphics, great job! I'm your newest follower, stop over and visit when you have time
ReplyDeletei think you made the perfect choice for these tables! it's subtle but still adds character!
ReplyDeleteI never would have put a graphic on either of the classic Lane tables. You have destroyed the beauty of the pieces.
ReplyDeleteI think this every time I paint over something. I just think that to me I need to be happy with the piece, what's going to happen to it if I don't want it anymore. Is it going to end up in a landfill, and maybe if I paint it someone will like it. It's certainly a big decision sometimes. Maybe research is the answer.
ReplyDeleteI love the way these tables look now, but I do have issues that are a holdover from my life in the 2nd half of the last century, when I spent much time with paint remover, cleaning paint off inlaid/gorgeous wood/lovely shaped furniture. Made me nearly cry to see what had been covered over with paint. But the experience of discovering what was under the paint was sometimes a big joy.
ReplyDeleteThese simple decorations can be removed by the next generation but one. (Figuring 2nd gen. daughters will have other hobbies). I, however, am still trying not to do too much to the pieces that might have collector value.
It's way more fun for me to take a dog of a piece and turn it into a princess/prince. Yes, I do name mine. Sigh......
Now if i just had enough time/talent to do a blog so i could share Hal, Antoinette, Shirley, etc.......Too much to do, too little time left. Bigger sigh.
And Dee, there will always be nay-sayers, no matter what we do. Life is like that. As you have found out. Just don't let them know your address....LOL