To Paint or Not to Paint...

I do this all the time - once I get my paint brush out, there is NO stopping me and I find myself painting just about everything in sight.. well maybe not everything, but darn near close!  ;-)

Yesterday, I repainted ALL of the mirrors in our stairwell, WHITE, for a more cottagy look and I rehung them in different places. I'll share those soon. Now my attention is directed to our courtyard - where many of my thrifted treasures are right at home....

My question for you is - should I paint this rusty old table and chair set, and if so, what color? Red? White? Blue?

I promise NOT to paint Maggie - although she has been known to walk around with a little bit of paint in her hair when Mommy is in one of her painting moods!  ;-)

AND, speaking of red, white, and blue - may we remember ALL those who have served and who are currently serving our beautiful country so bravely and selflessly this Memorial Day (and every day).

Thank you, thank you, THANK YOU.

Comments

[all things bright and beautiful]

I think red like that fabulous red wrought iron chair:-)

[Rachel Going]

HHhhmmm, I would go with red,I think. Happy Memorial day to you to sweet Kim. xorachel

[Nancy]

I painted a similar set an antique red, and it looks very nice.

[Sher]

After seeing that ladderback chair, I vote: RED! ;-)

[Kelly]

I would think a lovely bright blue. Red is my favorite color, but I think the blue will set off the other red items you have. Plus, putting red geraniums on top of the table if it were blue would be beautiful. Let us know what you decide!! :)

[Kimberly C.]

I vote red, as well. I bet it'll look very festive.

[Wendy]

Hmm... I think blue!

[Angela (Cottage Magpie)]

I probably wouldn't paint because I love the rusty, chippy look. But if you're going to paint, I'd probably choose white. Although I thought the person who suggested blue to contrast with your red items had a good idea. Sorry--that's not really helpful, is it? Heh. Anything you do will look cute, I'm sure! Can't wait to see how it turns out!
~Angela :-)

[Rhoda]

Hey, girlfriend! I'm so behind, but had to come by and catch up with one of my favorite friends. Love this little set, too cute! I'm thinking that an aqua blue sure would be pretty out there next to your yellow house. You've got red accents too, so really any of those colors would work. I know you'll make it perfect.

Oh, I was so happy to see pics of Shannon (she even posed for you!)LOL. What a cute couple they make. Glad ya'll had a great b'day celebration.

Hugs to Maggie AND you!
Rhoda

[Monkey Giggles]

Your courtyard is so pretty. Your new table looks like it it fits right in. I would leave the table rustic. I painted mine and regret it. Now I need to paint it every year. Keep us posted.

[Jo]

I love the set as it is, but it would look great painted too. My vote would be for blue. If it were me, I'd probably think about painting it, but never make a final decision ;-)

[Karla]

I'm partial to red. The one red chair you showed us kinds just pops out! I love it!

[Jill]

White! Then add bright red and aqua cushions on the chairs. For a minute there I thought you were asking about whether to paint the fence - I'm glad it's the table and chairs you meant. The fence is just perfect as it is!

[Karen]

Oh, I think I'd paint it red. Your yard is just the style I like - all those vintagey accents. Love it - want to see more!

[PamperingBeki]

Either red or aqua. :) I'm completely in love with aqua right now and can't wait to paint my brown porch swing with it.

[Dena]

Hi Kim,

My first thought is red because it's my favorite and I think that's what I would do...but that pretty pale aqua blue would look very lovely too...can't wait to see what you decide :)

Hugs,
Dena

[Vanessa Greenway]

Hello! I think the rusty adds a lot of caracter to this table. I also have something similar to yours and after thinking of what color to paint it I've just decided to leave the way it is. I made myself some cushions for the chairs and a tablecloth. You're welcome to check it out on my blog! Have a good day! Vanessa

[Brenda Kula]

Red or blue, or white for that matter would be lovely. Tina over at Cherry Hill Cottage (Texas neighbor in a town nearby) has some red wrought iron ones that are just too cute!
Brenda

[Beverly]

I think I'll vote for red. Red would look perfect for all seasons and holidays.

[jenny b harris]

I love your outdoor spaces! I've always wanted to repaint my garden furniture in a French blue... think Provence in summer. A friend has hers that way, and it looks amazing. Blue would go wonderfully with all your favorite accent colors, like in pillows or a quilt tossed onto it. Since it is a receding color, anything would pop put against it. Right now my tables and chairs are white, which is nice but I'm ready for a bit more personality. Can't wait to see what you settle on, I'm sure it will be fabulous!

[suzy]

A fresh coat of paint would really brighten that set up. And you've probably got it painted already! xo, suzy

[Nikki Brey]

I think you should paint the table red with white chairs. Maybe even put a little white on the detailing around the table and if you want to add red to the back of the chairs that would look really great. It would be a custom paint job! Although I don't know if you want to do that much work, but it would pay off. Happy painting!

[Miss Jean]

I have a table set similar to yours. What treasures! I had mine powder coated in white. It's a special process they use (ask hubby if you don't know) that makes it forever rust free. I had mine re-done in white. That way whatever I recover the chairs with will match. That's what I would do if I were you.

Thanks so much for your beautiful sentiments. As a military Mom I appreciate it so much.

[Vicki K]

What about a lighter blue - like robin's egg blue? Then you could still add color with accessories/table cloths in red or white or pink or green. It's sort of a Cath Kidston color palette that way.

I love Miss Maggie the color she is.

[Catherine]

I love the color you painted the bench. I have an old bench just like that and was thinking of throwing it out until I saw yours painted. That soft color would be beautiful, but red would be fantastic too. That shot of red among all the green foliage would really pop!
Hugs,
Cathie

[Kat]

Kim

I'm voting for red :-)

Have a safe and wonderful Memorial Day. There's a great video at the end of my last post honoring our "warriors". It's worth watching.

Hugs!
Kat

[Lorelei]

I would paint them sunny yellow and put then some red cushions with small white and yellow flowers on the chairs.And something hand-stiched in the same colours on the table.

Lorelei from Germany

[Joyce]

Kim, your courtyard seems lovely and comfortable. Red seems to be the color of choice for the patio set, but I would opt for white.

With white, you could "accessorize" for the season or holiday with floral arrangements, placemats, cushions, tableware, etc.

You could add some additonal painted pieces, such as the red chair, for a pop of color.

I vote for white! But whatever you choose, I'm sure it will be spectacular, as all your creations are!

[Tracie]

Hi Kim,
I wouldn't paint it. I love the chippy look and thinking some of those worn parts are where someone dear rested their hands time and time again. I'm sure whatever you choose will be quite lovely painted or not.

And yes, thank you to all the veterans for the choice to paint or not to paint among so, so many other things every second of the day.
xoxo~Tracie

[Lynn]

I vote for white table, red chairs, and seat cushions with plenty of blue and yellow in them.

[perryjane]

The table and chairs are fun as they are, but I think I like the idea of happy red. Your other chair is such a knock out in that red. It really "pops" next to the white tub. You can never have too much of a great thing. Whatever you choose, it will be wonderful. Have fun! Thanks for the fun post. perryjane

[Josephine]

I would either leave it as it is or go for white. It looks as if red is winning this poll, however :)

[Hasmin]

Aloha Kim! I love the rusty, chippy look, but I also like the "white paint" idea. You could give the chairs a little punch of color with lovely colorful cushions!

[Lovely]

Another vote for red!

[Kathy :)]

Hi Kim,

YES God Bless our wonderful troops !!!

I say paint the set white use color for the accessories !!! I am sure it will be wonderful whatever you do :)

Hope you had a nice week-end,
Kathy :)

[Theresa @ Take A Sentimental Journey]

Hi Kim, I would paint it white, then your cushions could be any color.

[rue]

Hi Kim :)

I think white would be perfect, but I'm a little sentimental over that set because it's like the one my grandparents had and theirs was white ;) It even had yellow cushions like those on the seats.

Miss Maggie looks awful cute under there :)

Thank you for mentioning our brave men and women. It means a lot to men like my husband Rich.

Have a wonderful Memorial Day evening.
hugs and love,
rue

[Susie Homemaker]

Hello to you!

I love it! When I close my eyes though I see it in AQUA! Hurry up and choose so we can see the outcome! Sooo exciting!

Best Wishes,
Susie

[melissa @ the inspired room]

Hi Kim. If it was me, I would paint it (I don't like the idea of people pulling out rusty and chipped chairs and getting some old lead paint or rust on their hands just before dinner!).

But I think powder coating is the way to go, the finish will be tough and durable and make life much easier for you!

Happy projects!

Melissa

[LeAnn]

Hello sweet Kim,
I vote for painting it. Yes I love the chippy shabby look but you and I love color and especially outside with our yellow houses. I painted the adirondack chair on my porch a color called Beach Bike Blue and put it on my front porch with my red vintage furniture and I love the combination so in answer to your question, I vote blue, it would be so cute with the yellow cushions.

Toodles,
LeAnn:)

[sherry]

You painted the red mirrors white, I think the white table should go red, that is my vote!!!

[Tara]

Absolutely a dark forest green so it is a part of the landscape and any accessory you put on it becomes the focal point!

[Betty @ She's Sew Pretty]

I vote for blue too! Carola at Boxwood Cottage has a garden with beautiful blue accents everywhere.

[daisy cottage]

Thank you all SOOOO much! I am loving your ideas and GREAT suggestions!
Sherry, I didn't paint the red mirrors in the dining room white.. they are still red and probably always will be! ;-) I DID paint the mirrors going up our staircase white.
xo,
Kim

[Fay Marie]

Hi Kim,
I vote white. Any and everything goes with white so you wouldn't have a problem blending other colours in, whether it's a tablecloth, cushions, dishes, placemats, etc.
Happy Memorial day.

P.S. Please don't paint Maggie.
Fay Marie

Oh, dear friend, I would NEVER advise YOU of what to do with your pretty things. You are so good at it and I know your set will be lovely when you decide. Now...if it were MINE, knowing me, I would paint it white..a pretty white. Then, being outside, I think large stripes of bright blue and white would be adorable on the chairs...then a hugh pot of RED flowers on the table...oh, yes, I can see it all now...
Can't wait to see what you do...then, knowing me, I will want to do the very same thing to MY iron patio set....
I am so sorry I always want to copy you but your house is so cute and I just love it all...and I just can't help it.
Again, thanks for the info on the tiles...we are going to start the project next week. Mine won't look nearly as charming since my kitchen is little and old but those black and white tiles will be stunning, I think.
hugs, bj

[Rose]

I have one thing to say Dear, RED!!! You can't go wrong!

[Heather]

Hello! Thank you so much for stopping by my blog and leaving such sweet comments! I felt like the First Lady had come to my house for tea! Your blog, pictures, taste in decor, and home have been more of an inspiration to me than you will ever know! I just recently started decorating in cottage style and your blog has been like my bible!!
Oh you sound like me! Once I start painting I can't quit either!! My hair has a permanent white streak in it I think!! I personally love the rusty look and I love red, but looking at this set I think it would be fun if the table was white and each chair were a different color! Red, blue, yellow, green.......... too wild maybe? I know that no matter what you decide it is going to look amazing! Can't wait to see what you decide!!
Thanks again for your visit!
~Heather :)
P.S. Your little Maggie is adorable!

[Tina]

hmm..why not paint the table red, then mix it up for some fun..paint the chairs bright sunshiney yellow, or..vice versa.
Or..you could paint the table white and 2 chairs red, 2 chairs bright yellow.
Or...paint the table sunny yellow and paint 2 chairs red, 2 aqua blue.See where this is going? lots of possibilities with the color pallette that you have in and around your home.
but..I know you'll figure it out..you have a great sense of style and color.
good luck/have fun.

[hazel]

RED Red RED ! What a beautiful space!

[Penny @ Lavender Hill Studio]

I vote for the blue color you have been adding inside your house. I think it looks great with the yellows, reds and greens!
xo
Penny

[Dana]

Your courtyard looks shady---I think a red patio set would be perfect out there. Your little red chair you shared in the photo just stands out so well in that color. I love your old bathtub with flowers in it--so charming.

I love it as it is, but if you are going to paint it I say red. And I know Aqua was not a choice, but I am loving aqua lately!
Barbara

[Diane]

I'm glad that you haven't changed Maggie's color. She's perfect just the way she is. As far as the table and chairs - I think you should paint them white. Have a beautiful day.

[Hooked on Houses]

I think I'll vote for red. But I also like the idea of a robin's egg blue that someone else suggested. Either way, can't wait to see how it turns out! -Julia :-)

[maria]

A wonderful french blue!!

[Connie Lenden]

Sometimes I bring fabric napkins out and place all the different color all around. It's a start! I would just match it up with other furniture you have out there. You have great taste, anyway, so go for the paint can!

[Rosemary]

Hi Kim,
I am partial to red, but I'm sure which ever you choose will be beautiful.
Rosemary

[Reynie]

Hi Kim, what about yellow to match those pretty flowers in the flower bath tub?

[Darla]

I love it! I would paint it red.

[Tina Kay]

I love to visit your blog! It has inspired me to do things around my place. Thank you! And to answer your question, I REALLY love red. But a blue, I thnk, will look blissful!
Have a great day!
Tina Kay

[Donna]

I like the rusty look, Kim, but I also think it might look pretty in a soft blue and then pop it with colorful accessories and pillows.
Good luck!
Can't wait to see what color you choose!
Hugs,
Donna

[Nikki]

Hi Kim! I vote for red, but I'm envisioning a bright apple green as well. It's a darling set no matter what you do or don't do to it! Love your blog~
Nikki

[christy in georgia]

I vote for red chairs with yellow seats -- oh, so cute!

[Cassie SHella]

I am a person who normally likes clean white patio furniture, HOWEVER, your patio looks so wonderful with all of the color that I think you should paint them red. It will look fabulous! But it really doesn't matter what color you paint them because everything you do always looks fantastic! Thanks for giving me my little dose of relaxation for the day. Cassie

[Rosie's Whimsy]

I am late to this dance.....and this is so unlikely for me to say....but I would paint it the blue of your mantel! I am not a blue girl but this color has captivated me and I think it would look great outside as well!

:-) Rosie

[lulu]

what a lovely area..Whatever color you choose, it will be beautiful..

[lisa]

Kim,
What about painting the table white and the chairs a robin egg blue color? Or how about a nice cheery yellow?
Whatever you decide i know will look great! I am so happy to see Ms Maggie! She is just such a beautiful little girl!
Have a blessed day!
hugs, lisa

[Melissa Lewis - Off The Wall]

I see you have gotten lots of lovely comments and opinions already. I must say, I love all of your painted pieces, as I am a huge fan of painting things myself:)

But I think I love your wrought iron furniture as is. There is something so sweet and charming about the way it is now. Hope you let us in on what you decide:)

[karen]

Oh, I think that red is very nice. I envy that you can paint so beautifully. Every time I have tried to paint furniture, the drips dry showing. I am hopeless and yet I dream of being able to refinish my grandmother's secretary someday. Your place is always full of inspiration. Karen

[nel]

I love the idea of the blue, a lovely colorful surprise in the garden. Have fun with it whatever color you choose.

[Ana.]

Hi Kin,

You're painting? I look forward to seeing!

[Kelly]

I think I would have to agree with everyone that voted for aqua! That sounds pretty for Summer and would look pretty with the rest of your colors! Kelly

[Cynthia]

I vote white. That way you can accessorize with color. I love the picture frames hanging on the fence. I am going to hunt for some at the thrift stores and steal that idea. Thanks for the inspiration!

[dianna]

i just adore your blog, such wonderfull colours everywhere. i pop in every day to see what you have done. x

[Domestic Chic]

I it will look great what ever colour you paint it , cant wiat to see it.

[Rhonda]

Hi Kim, I saw you kitchen featured at Rue's blog, and just had to come over and check out your entire space! Everything is just beautiful here...your colors are so cheerful and pleasant! You are one talented decorating lady! ;)

~Rhonda

[Janet (Shabbyfufu)]

I am a rusty chippy gal myself (lol!) so would leave them just the way that they are. You find the greatest things Kim! ~XO~ Janet

[sally]

I will paint them white, and use the red or blue for the chair cushions. I am one of those people constantly changing things, so I will make 2 sets of cushion covers for the chairs, one set of red and the other blue. This way I can change the whole feeling of the set to match my mood by simply changing the covers. You can also have some placemats in red or blue to match the cushions. BTW, I love white! Great furniture!

[Donna]

I agree with the aqua - but a really vibrant shade - I love turquoise right now. Although, red does seem to be you!! Just be sure and let us see the results.
Thanks

A soft blue. Cool and refreshing. Just think how pretty it would look with a pitcher of lemonade....pale and sunny yellow.
But never fear...whatever color you decide will be charming. ;)

[Glenda ~ manyfondmemories]

Well my suggestion is white with pale blue peeking through. Like you painted it white years ago and the paint is peeling and showing blue underneath.

You have such a refreshing site to look at.

Ciao
Glenda

[Claudia]

I love the red chair you already have and would never have thought to paint the set red. I bet it would look adorable!

[Joy at Cupids Charm]

Ooh, I'd vote to paint the table and chairs white. Then you can use any color on it when setting the table. I am sure what ever you do will be WONDERFUL! xoxo ~ Joy

[catherine]

Hi Kim,
As always, Love, love LOVE everything you have been pulling together lately and painting!
The mantel, the wine bar, the thrifted chairs, oh my!
SO much fun...and perfectly styled as usual too!
Can you come work for me? hee hee!
now about your paint, can I put my vote in?
I would paint it a nice pale robins egg blue so it won't clash with all of the green in the yard, and nature.
it will offer a *cool* rest for the eyes
when your florida temps hit the highs, and
make a calmer impact on your space.
even though you know I LOVE that color red, I think blue would be perfect, plus it's a complimentary color for green and looks fabulous with it!
I would also probably give it just a bit of a rub, to let that fantastic rust of the old
patina shine through!
O.k., that's MY longwinded two cents for the day!
big smooch!
xoxo
catherine

[Darlene]

I also vote for Robin's egg blue. I think the color would look lovely on the graceful lines of the patio set.

[~ Stephanie Bradley]

~ Good morning Kim,
I woke up this morning, checked my ebay, then you and Ms.Maggie. Lovely pics and I would most DEFINATELY paint the table/chairs a french blue, cornflower blue, then for the chair pads the Wilendur red rose tablecloth print!! That color would be so easy on the eyes and it would make all your yellows and reds & greens "POP"!!! Your courtyard looks so quaint and cute cottagey, Oh can I come over for a sweet glass of lemonade and cookies?
XOXO,
Stephanie

[Joan]

Hi Kim,

Thanks so much for visiting me. I LOVE your blog and it looks like we have alot of blogging friends in common. I love painting things also, just got done painting my wrought iron outdoor furniture and I have those plastic adirondack chairs from the grocery that I am painting red, white and blue for the 4th. Only have the red one done so far. Thanks for visiting and I'll be back because this is such a lovely place to visit.

[Ruth]

Hi Kim~
How about red with a bright yellow and red seat cushion in a wonderful vintagy old tablecloth fabric? That would look so sweet and fit the style of your home so well!!
Whatever you decide, I am sure we will LOVE IT!!
xxxooo Ruth

[Seeb]

I vote for white or cream or very very light green even it's not in the list.hope to see you

[bethany]

I think turquoise looks beautiful in the garden and in contrast with red and yellow!

[Katie]

I have to vote for WHITE...with colorful cushions! I think white paint would make the set look so CLASSIC and so CRISP out there in your garden patio, against all your plants.

[mom2fur]

I vote for all 3 colors. Blue table top and chair 'seats,' red edges, white curlicues!

[Donna]

Hey Kim,

What a hard decision to make. I know it will be beautiful whatever you do with it.

I think I would probably go with a white and then sand it off a little to make it look antique. I would probably go with some type of padding in the bottom of the chairs and then tie something on the backs. Not to frilly, and just a basic chair pad.

I love the antique quilt you have in the background and the pot on the table! Something to coordinate with that would be beautiful, in soft shades of jade, rose, cream,soft yellows, . . .

Can't wait to see the finished product!

I have something on my BLOG from yesterday and today that you may be interested in.

Thanks Kim!

Donna

[M~]

I just dropped by from Rue's after seeing your beautiful kitchen....and couldn't resist voting for RED on the patio set :o)

[jessica]

I love the red chair so my vote is red! Happy painting!

[Jan]

Probably a bit late with my vote -- but I would love to see that pretty garden set in fresh clean white. Then you could add wonderful vintage-style oilcloth for the seat cushions. And of course -- a bright red umbrella overhead! And all those wonderful colors in your china and surrounding flowerpots and flowers!

Jan at Rosemary Cottage

[Kimberly]

Just popping in from lurking to vote for painting it red. Enjoying your blog as always!

:)
Kimberly

[Ana.]

Hi Kin, already I am impatient to see as it were its work! ;-) Happy weekend!

[Sweet Cottage Dreams]

I just painted a set "Leafy Green" and I am very happy with the results. Have to do a post on it to share with y'all. Miss Cherry Hill Cottage used a sweet tomato red on her set and inspired me to paint mine. I bought Rust-Oleum spray paint and used Leafy Green. They have a wonderful selection of colors and you can find the paint at any hardware store. Mine came from OSH. Whatever you decide to do, I am sure it will be fabulous!!!!! Hide Maggie!!!

xo
Becky