China Cabinet
Hello all,
I just wanted to share some photos of a piece of furniture that has been in our family forever and has been passed down from generation to generation…
It has been through a lot of dings… bangs … bruises… but it is gorgeous all the same ….
I actually need some advice …..
Look at the photos … look at the glass on the right hand side…. and dont mind the relfection those are the lace curtains I am putting up soon… in the meantime … see the glass window on the right hand side… the decorative trim is missing…. my question is this…. would you ?… see if you can find someone who can duplicate the trim…. remove it from both windows … try to make both windows look the same ie … cut the right side to match the left…. or leave as is?
Would love everyones opinion on this ….. Any input would be most welcome…
Photos below:
Click to enlarge:
Perhaps one day I shall paint it but I truly love the beautiful wood grain in the piece…
HUGS AND CIAO FOR NOW!!
JO
June 10th, 2010 at 12:01 pm
Hi, Jo!
I’m on a bit of a blogging break, but when I saw you had posted, I had to stop by.
If this piece is an heirloom and you want to maintain its integrity as original, I would restore it.
If you’re OK with a bit of change, I would have the wood on both doors match. If the design on the one that is damaged looks nice and is salvageable, I would cut the other to match. If it is too damaged, I would remove the woodwork altogether. This will open up the view to the items you place inside the cabinet.
Years ago, I purchased a cabinet that had similar wood work on its glass doors. It had an upper and lower connected design. One of the doors was damaged like yours. I decided what part of the design I wanted to salvage from the damaged door, and then made the other door match. I have not regretted my decision, but my cabinet wasn’t a family heirloom either.
I think that the main force guiding your decision should be whether or not you want to preserve the original look, or is it Ok for you to make this piece truly your own, and play with it a bit.
I hope that helps.
Hugs!
Nancy
June 10th, 2010 at 10:16 pm
This trim is so beautiful, I would be inclined to have it replaced if it’s not too expensive. Beautiful piece!
Hugs,
Christi
June 11th, 2010 at 2:49 am
Hi Jo
First of all, DO NOT paint this piece, it is beautiful! I repeat NEVER PAINT IT.
I would certainly try and restore it. Not sure over your side of the world, but over here, we have many Wood Turning and Wood Carving Clubs, sometimes older retired people in the clubs, mainly doing it for a hobby, not really out for making a huge profit out of it. That could be an option for you
Good luck with it and please share any end results!
Gail xx
June 11th, 2010 at 3:49 am
Greetings from Scotland! I’m with Nancy. If you want it to remain “authentic’ try to find a woodworker to duplicate the left door’s trim. If you just want a lovely family piece, go the easier route and remove all of the trim from the side sections and enjoy!
June 11th, 2010 at 8:54 am
Hi Jo,
This is a beautiful china cabinet, I simply love it. I agree totally with Barbara, I would leave the trim alone and not change the integrity of this piece. I wouldn’t paint anything either…I personally would see if I could hire someone to duplicate the woodwork, if not, I would leave it alone, I would never take off the details on the other door. Beautiful piece…enjoy it!!!
Ruth
June 21st, 2010 at 6:50 am
Hi Jo,
Looks like everyone has wonderful advice!
If it were me, I’m too cheap to go getting a new piece made. I would probably try to get the left side (when facing it) cut away to be the same as the right side. And don’t paint it! lol!
Natasha
June 23rd, 2010 at 3:07 am
Well I would try and get it restored if it is a family heirloom, try and match the missing piece and get it replaced. I wouldnt paint it either. I think family heirlooms should not be messed with!!
alicia