Antique Wicker Before & After

You won't find a lot of before and after paint jobs on this blog. In the first place, painting is not my thing. And in the second, I prefer an original vintage paint finish with authentic patina over faux. We have Mr. Cottage to thank for this lovely transformation.

This antique settee came to auction from Pennsylvania, and dates from the early 20th century. I got it with a matching side chair and rocker in perfect condition a few years ago. I first offered it in my shop as a set, and then later priced each piece separately. A wicker loving patron of the shop was lucky enough to take home the rocker at a very good price.

You have to understand that wicker is not a New Mexico thing. We have verandas and patios rather than porches, and old wicker must be protected from the elements. It's also an odd style thing for these parts, so it was a bit of a hard sell. I valued the original paint finish on it even though it would not have been my ideal choice and was a challenge to sell. In umber and brown it was more suited to an Adirondack setting than, say, Cape Cod. We always imagined it would be perfect for a mountain cabin anywhere.

Long story short, we decided to keep the last two pieces, and they were put in storage when we closed up shop. We actually furnished a rented cabin with the side chair and a few other small things that we took up with us one summer.

Here are a few before photos of the original finish. . . .

I forgot to show the settee before we started, but it was the same as this chair, and with the same okay (but not really for me) fabric. (Not original.)

The chair is next to be painted.

I was very, very happy to find muslin beneath the cover in good condition. I'm going to keep it this way for now and only change up the seat cover with fur, lace, or a coverlet a la Jeanne d'Arc Living style.

There is a small impression in one cushion from an item stored on top of it for awhile. Storage is murder on furniture! Don't do it unless you just have to. 

I got this coverlet this summer in Santa Barbara at Antiques Center Mall on Hollister after seeing the identical pattern in JDL magazine. 

Paired with the Pinecone Hill shams I got at LaurieAnna's this spring.

We used Behr exterior semi-gloss enamel Ultra Pure White. We had an overcast afternoon threatening rain so I took some quick photos under the canopy to share with you.

SWEET!!! I'm just thrilled with the change.

Thanks so much for stopping by!

I hope it's a great week for you!

Jacqueline

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Between Naps on the Porch~Metamorphosis Monday

Savvy Southern Style~Wow Us Wednesdays

My Romantic Home~Show & Tell

French Country Cottage~Feathered Nest Friday