Vintage Console Table

This was a custom piece.  It looks so basic, pretty outdated, and a little rough around the edges. 

I constantly have this debate with myself about continuing to refinish furniture or just to move on and do something else (I love politics!).  Sometimes I am so overwhelmed by all the projects I have that the stress seems to outweigh any benefit I get from painting.  But, I still can't see a piece of furniture like this and not think it could look so much better and make someone happy!  And, that, my friends, is why I am still painting!  

 Before

The top is pretty rough and has some pretty deep water stains. The veneer is chipped off the front piece, and it's just looking a little drab.  

This piece is actually all cherry veneer. The finish on it hid all the grain. 

This is what the top looked like when I sanded it down.  I know, right?!  I'm not sure if the top is cherry, too, because I've never seen a grain like this in a cherry piece, but it sure did feel and act like cherry when I stained it. 

I was a little sad because my client wanted a dark top and I was afraid the dark stain would hide a lot of the grain.  It did, but it is still a beautiful piece of wood!

 After

She said her kitchen was pretty neutral and we decided a little color would be nice.  She showed me an inspiration picture and we went from there.  I love how this table has so much more character and presence now.  I don't think you would walk by it and not notice it. 

 Can I tell you a little secret?  These side angles are always my favorite.  I've done about 500 pieces of furniture in my day and a smooth finish still makes me want to reach out and touch it.  I always run my hands over it because I just love how it feels under my fingertips! 

The grain isn't as pronounced as it was before, but it is still gorgeous.  I used to freak out if there were any marks in the wood after I stained the top (you usually can't see a lot of things in wood until you get the stain and clear coat on).  But, now I just embrace those small imperfections and tell myself this piece of furniture is not new.  It has a history and a story to tell.  I don't want to erase all of that with my orbital. ;)  Anyhow, when you're working with veneer you can't sand too deep or you'll go right through and that makes me cry.  I don't like to cry. 

I love these antique brass knobs. I'm always amazed what a difference hardware makes!