So we moved into this house a few weeks ago and out in the garage/shed is an antique vanity. The landlord said that whatever was out there was ours to do with whatever we pleased. So I've decided to redo it myself and sell it. I am not sure what direction to go, though. I know I want to make it for a teen/tween girl. I love the idea of pink and black with cute accents in either animal print or damask pattern. But I'm also thinking a more shabby chic theme like pastel pink with flowers. I see both types online and they sell for quite a bit, so I know either way I'll make some money, which is why I'm doing it. Which would you choose? The vanity is in an art-deco style from like the late 40's/early 50's. It's got 3 drawers on each side and a circle mirror.
I appreciate any input. Thanks!
***ETA - I have to fix a couple of things on it, so getting it appraised "as-is" would not give it any more value. I have to fix a drawer and 2 of the original drawer pulls are broken, so they all have to be replaced.
You might get more people interested in the 2nd choice. Not everyone likes bold animal prints. But a shabby chic could be good for many ages or guest rooms.
Good luck!
Wait-it's probably safe, but you should first have the finish tested for lead.
Less is more. Shabby chic in a pastel or neutral. I wouldn't even add the flowers. That's something the buyer can do if she wants to later.
Unless the finish is in super bad shape I woul leave it alone. Talk to a few antique dealers and see if you can get an appraisal as is. I have a beautiful art deco vanity from the '20 or '30's I found at a thrift store for $60. I left it as is because I love antiques. I know it was worth more than I paid for it I just happened to luck out on the price.
I saw an article on Yahoo yesterday that suggested shabby chic was done with. I'd go with the bold solid colors for a teenage girl's room.
Before you do anything to it... I would really get it appraised perhaps, to see what it is in terms of value or history.
Because, it you paint over that, you will ruin the original value of it. And being it MAY be an Art Deco piece, I would really get it appraised, first.
Being it is an antique.
And being it is an antique, I wouldn't touch it, unless I knew... it had no historical value.
Art Deco, is not from the 40-50's.
Art Deco is a period, in the 20-30's.
Do you ever watch "Antiques Roadshow" on PBS? That's where we've all learned: Never, ever touch anything until you appraise it first!
Listen to those saying to get it appraised before you touch it. It could be valuable as it is, and redoing it could destroy all the value. Since your interest is in selling it anyway, find out first if you would make more keeping it as is. Be sure to get to a reputable dealer who has experience in furniture from the 40s and 50s.
ADDED: You say that getting it appraised as is would not "add any more value" because it needs drawer pulls -- do get it appraised as is. Not sure why you think a few missing drawer pulls and a wonky drawer would put the value at zero, if it's got intrinsic value. It may indeed be worth nothing but once the paint is on it you'll never know. BTW, many appraisers will come to your house so you wouldn't have to haul it to them.
Pink is a pretty strong color - a lot of teen girls shy away from it because it screams "GIRL" so loudly. Perhaps a tiffany blue?
I would go for a deep red for my daughter...a cool "asian" looking red. Her dresser is that color actually...it really stands out.
