I feel the same way about old things whether they've come down to me or are treasures I've found. They bear a silent witness to the daily lives of others before me. I hate to change them too much and if I do have to change something I try to make it in keeping with the original. It's been interesting to see the range of opinions this chair has elicited on the board!
Originally Posted by Up North
Originally Posted by Ragann63
Not sure you really want my opinion! You can tell by my avatar I like old things - I can't imagine painting this chair white! So sad. I agree with sewnsewer, many a true antique has been ruined because the owner wasn't aware of what they had. Although I wouldn't care for what you are doing, I wish you luck if you choose to do it!
I like old things too and most of my furniture is antique but it is pretty beat up! I love it like that!! That white ring on the end table is a reminder of my supervisor who sat her glass there, Scatch on the glass of the coffee table of a vase or child playing, rubbed off stain on a chair, A well loved and use piece of furniture. I do not refinish any of mine, I have recovered the chairs tho. I polish with lemon oil. I think it is your chair and for $5.00 you can do what you want, it will be lovely. The finish does look to be in good shape tho. My bed is about 150 years old, just a small amount of lemon oil and it is in great shape. I love to think about who may have used that bed all those years ago.