Featured Berkey and Gay credenza/sideboard

We have this credenza made by Berkey and Gay. It's quite nice but is missing alittle filigree on the front. This is in the lobby and the interior designer asked to paint this piece to lighten up the space for a more inviting area. Wondering if the piece is an antique or collector piece in which case we would just sell it and just pick up a used sideboard and paint it. (this is a non profit and the designer is donating her time)
Any advice?

 

I wouldnt paint it. Not that brown furniture is popular at the moment,but the finish on that piece looks pretty good overall. That trim can be easily fixed. If anything,a nice waxing would really make it stand out more . Selling it probably wouldnt bring much anyway. Thats a good,sturdy piece that will last forever. I would,however,replace those planters with some nice colorful Mexican ones. Its the amateur decorator in me.

 

If me, I would respectfully suggest the interior designer come up with another solution to "lighten up" the space that doesn't entail destroying an attractive, well made piece of antique furniture.

Debora

 

I personally would not paint it. It’s a nice piece that just needs a little tlc.

 

I think Johnny has the right idea!

 

Beautiful oak buffet by a respected name. Don't paint!

 

There. Definitive.

Debora

 

DISAGREES! from the anti-paint faction above, paint-decorated furniture is an early American tradition.
While it's true the above piece was never intended to be painted when manufactured during the golden age of oak (early 20th century) it's value/popularity now is very low.
Professionally paint-decorated furniture from previous periods is enjoying a renaissance of late and becoming quite popular in the marketplace with enhanced value.
Finally, paint is removable should that be desired at a later time.

 

I love it the way it is! Beautiful piece! Granted these pieces aren't worth much right now - but the pendulum will swing again and one day it will be in vogue! I'd lighten up the space by adorning it with some beautiful white tall vases or a long low white planter with a big white/pastel arrangement on it. Once painted; even if removed; will never allow the piece the value it once had with it's original finish! I'm with Johnny; paint the planters!


Cheerio Leslie

 

"Paint the planters! Paint the planters!"

An alliterative rallying cry to take up.

Debora