apartment therapy changing the world, one room at a time

I often hedge my guilt for purchasing items that cost a whole lot because they are "original", "classic" or "authentic" by saying they have resale value if I ever get tired of it/can't keep/need money, so I never alter.

Hmm. Well, I'm not against altering an original, but why would you? The whole purpose is that you are getting something iconic...something that has withstood time better than, say, your poster of Farah Fawcett. There are so many good knock-offs out there, why not use them for your experiments?

As a former collectibles dealer, I think it is foolish to alter (and hence completely devalue) a valuable, iconic piece. You might as well light your money on fire. The only situation where it might be appropriate is on a damaged piece. Otherwise, yeah, knock yourself out on a knockoff.

But that red painted table is so beautiful! I wouldn't mind a paint job if it looked like that

Superbeetle is right. Alter knock-offs if you want to customize. The same goes for antiques.

i see nothing wrong with it. The Saarinen base is lacquered. The design of the base has nothing to do with the color. It has been available in several different colors since its inception (it's currently available in 3- one of which Mr. Saarinen had nothing to do with) and with about a million different tops..... This is a design that is about shape and scale. There are lots of classics that have been available in many different finishes, many of which have been discontinued and changed over the years (herman miller pieces spring to the mind) you can't forget that while these are wonderful pieces of design, they are also furniture and they are made to fit into our lives, not the other way around.

I don't see the problem if it makes the owner happy. You (non-specific you) may not like it, but it's not your thing to alter, so oh well. I just finished painting an antique desk white, and I don't feel bad about it. It was veneered an ugly blonde, but had a nice shape. I should be allowed to make the surface of a nicely shaped item look better.

I like the red table base. It would be hard for me to do, because I'd have to save for so long to get something so nice! But if you can get it and you want to alter it, I see no reason why not to. If you're buying to collect, and get return on your investment, I would say you probably wouldn't even have the urge to alter, so then don't. It's probably beautiful to begin with. But if you're buying for yourself, and your self wants a red laquer base, then by all means - you bought it, make it what you want!

I think that it is ok to customize, but I really cringe when someone with no painting skills tries to paint an Eames plywood chair. I have seen it so many times. A good color change can do make an incredible impact, but only if it is done well. When it is done badly, that person should be cast off of the island. Practice on the knock offs and sometimes just learn to live with the wear and tear of an old piece. I buy old pieces because I love the physical record of time on a piece of furniture. That is why I do not refinish pieces, unless refinishing it would better protect the life of it.

The red looks HOT