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Why oh why didn't you leave it in it's original splendor? :(

Initially I wasn't too keen on the top...
...then I read that you found it without a top, so it makes complete sense to me why you tiled it.

I think it's a pretty amazing transformation - and I applaud you for using the original brass hardware.

Great job! Now, can I have it?!

Would you consider using a glaze to highlight all that great detail. It's gotten lost a bit...
Otherwise, great job on a very tricky piece of furniture!

I wish in addition to the original brass hardware, you had left the original finish and just restored the top.

I agree that this piece of furniture was very nice and even valuable (it was made almost a century ago!).
Why did you paint it? The texture was so nice!

He painted it because this website is a little too encouraging.

At least there's no hearts. I'd have painted it black, maybe, but I do like the tile top. But, why Buff 'n' Gold brass hardware?

yes, I liked it as it was too.

Pretty piece, pretty color.... but I would only do that to a piece that was ruined and in need of refinishing... I would die to have that cabinet in the before stage! This is coming from a person who "tries" to collect antiques when possible and has friends in the refinishing biz. That's just where I'm coming from.

Compliment: In the blue paint, it looks like an Anthropologies piece.

I love this!

The before was lovely also, but you've managed to revive a damaged piece.

I agree that the new paint finish doesn't show the details as well as the original finish.

I have a room the same yellow color, and a similar-sized wood dresser. I'm now convinced that I should paint it the same color.

Okay, but does every antique really need a coat of glossy paint in a trendy color so it looks like it came from Pottery Barn?

It was a beautiful piece and I'm glad it was rescued and given a little tlc even though I'm not a fan of the tile or the hardware or the color.

It has such romance as it was such a romantic piece..
I understand wanting some color and I admit a year ago I was really into wanting to paint everything I almost bought from a thrift store turquoise.
I have to say I am a bit over it now.

I hate to defend my design choices...but the piece in it's original condition was very ruffed up! Once I completed a fair amount of sanding I realized that paint was the better option.
I really try let a piece speak to me then go from there.
I have refinished other antiques and prefer to leave them in original condition when possible.
I like the idea though about using a thick glaze to highlight the texture and add depth instead.
Perhaps on a future piece I will give that a try!
Hilary

I think if it had an antique glaze, dirtying it up a bit, would improve it. It looks a bit to shiny-new for my taste. I think it is always a difficult choice when faced with a piece in poor condition. Do you work like the dickens to bring it back or do you repurpose it. I think mostly it depends on the piece. For mass produced items, it is almost always perfectly acceptable. But if really pushed, it is completely up to the owner. If the piece works painted and tiled and she or he loves it, then it is a successful piece.

beautiful & i'm glad you've saved this gorgeous piece of furniture!

Kelly Wearstleritus kills another piece of furniture, and Krylon fans rejoice.

I love the after and agree with kaisertizer in adding a glaze to bring out the beautiful carvings.

«Once I completed a fair amount of sanding I realized that paint was the better option./i>»

yes, that makes sense -- but why that hideous blue? why glazing?
I would've painted it ivory, leaving it matte as, despite what you say, glazing doesn't bring out any carvings at all -- just look at the before/after pics, and you'll realise that the beautiful carvings were much, much detailed and visible in the before photo.
as for the tiled top, that just doesn't match with the rest of the piece, I really don't know what to say apart from that I reckon you spoiled the piece rather than upgrade it...

Yes I have to say that the original soft white color worked much better with the piece's carving. As for the tile I think either modern retro or actual 1930's neo-moorish patterned tiles would have better matched the piece's style...

Congrats on having a piece you love and that you have put much thought and work into it but I feel that painting it such a matte bright colour takes away from all the lovely detail. perhaps you were going for that look but I can't help but thinking that going of the details or at least the edge of the detail with a darker shade of the colour or the colour with a bit of gray in it would also look quite nice. The job on the tile is very nice too although I don't personally like the choice of colour, shape or style.

I saw the before photo and clicked through hoping it was the after. I was disappointed.

Great job on cleaning it up, but like others, I liked the original color and hardware much more.

Oh, my God, they killed Kenny!

I never have enough guts to repaint something old and weathered. Only once did I repaint an antique sewing machine stand. I lamented for months........until I finally sold it to someone else.

I agree -- the glossy uniform color combine to make this look like it's made out of plastic. You've lost all the detail of the carving. Maybe you can save it by trying the suggested glaze, but I wouldn't hold out much hope.

I don't object to painting furniture per se...but I really really really looooved the original.

I liked the original better.

Those who say that they preferred the original state of this piece did not see it in person -- sounds like it was not in good condition, and could not have been used.

I love the piece, and quite like the blue. However, I think it would be much lovelier with a slab of white marble on top. (sorry, but I quite dislike those tiles on top!)

YUK!!! THE ORIGINAL WAS FANTASTIC..THE LOOK OF AN AGED IS GONE. THE AFTER FINISH MAKES THIS PIECE LOOK SO CHEAP. THE CARVINGS DISSAPEARED!!!
THIS PIECE WAS SO BEAUTIFUL BY LEAVING IT THE ORIGINAL COLOR AND MAYBE SANDING SLIGHTLY SOME OF THE HIGH POINTS TO SHOW RAW WOOD, IT WOULD HAVE LOOKED LIKE A $300 BUCKS. NOW $5 ..SOMETIMES YOU HAVE TO LOOK VERY CLOSELY AT WHAT YOUR INTENTIONS ARE! SORRY...

Hilary, if it makes you smile you did the right thing.

Geez, everybody, it's not like she covered over Palaeolithic cave paintings. She rescued a piece of furniture that would have ended up in the landfill.

I adore your finished piece. I just purchased a vintage buffet myself with the sole intention of painting it this very color! I found this article while searching Google images for "refinished buffets" to get a bit of inspiration. I was not even a member of this site and just joined now so that I could comment. Everyone is entitled to an opinion and I just wanted you to know that I think your design choices were outstanding. I know some people desire to keep their antique finds in their found condition, but that is just not my taste. I recently finished painting an antique hoosier base a bright glossy candy apple red to use as an island in my kitchen, and LOVE IT! The piece was in the basement when we purchased our home and though I know there are many collectors out there that would like to give me a tongue lashing, in this economy with limited budgets, you have to be resourceful! If you love it, that is all that matters.