Expert: Kirk Ryan - 4/8/2010

Question
I have decided to have my late grandparents old oval shaped table, sideboard and six chairs which are currently covered in pink velvet (they are in the french style), they are currently mahogony and look so dated and dull in my modern/vintage mixed home which has white walls throughout. I have decided to have the chairs re-upholstered in a mushroom colour and am so undecided on the table, chairs and sideboard. Should I go white shabby chic, block white or black lacquered? I have been saving so don't want to get it wrong. Will the mahgony come through the white, will the black date quickly??? HELP!! I can't find any website with pictures of this sort of furniture so I can see waht the finish would look like.

Answer
I think the black might be a good idea. Your concern with the white is correct, eventually it might fade and you would see the dark underneath. Since Mahogany is naturally dark, a dark stain over it would suit it best. You could even consider a different tone of Mahogany or dark brown wood to re-stain it with.

What about having someone sand them down a bit and then have a nice Rosewood stain applied? A nice dark rosewood would be awesome! Black furniture is in right now, I can't guarantee how long that will last. Black and white furniture comes in, and goes out again very quick. I work with Teak and Cherry woods which many people find timeless. I also deal quite a bit with Rosewood and I also think it is timeless as well.

Good luck with whatever you choose. If you need an example of what the rosewood could look like, please see my website ---->   http://www.forminteak.com/gallery.php?gallery=Bedroom&page=4

There are also some nice rosewood pictures in my dining room pages.