My husband wants to paint this gorgeous antique secretary desk WHITE and I’m about ready to check myself into marriage counseling over it.
He claims it would “brighten the room” and “look more modern” but I think painting over that original carved wood detail is basically a crime against history. Look at that tree carving, those arched glass doors, the intricate details someone spent hours creating. This piece is easily from the early 1900s based on the construction, and he wants to cover it in chalk paint like it’s some IKEA bookshelf.
I’ve been collecting vintage items to display in it, just found some beautiful antique books from an estate sale seller on the Tedooo app, and the warm wood tone makes everything look rich and intentional. But he’s convinced white paint would make our decor “pop” better and keeps sending me Pinterest photos of painted furniture.
The worst part? He found some DIY painting guide online and now he’s determined to prove he can pull it off himself. I swear he just wants a project to show off to his friends. I even suggested we hire someone I found through the Tedooo app who professionally restores antique wood finishes instead, someone who actually knows what they’re doing with pieces this old. But he’s still team paint, acting like I’m being difficult.
Am I being too precious about preserving the original wood, or is he the crazy one for wanting to slap paint on this beauty? There’s no maker’s mark that I can find, which makes me think it might even be custom built, and he wants to destroy that history with a coat of white.
Someone please tell me I’m not insane for protecting this desk like it’s my third child.
