| Sometimes when you least expect it, you are swept | | | | you discover that your little table that you are so |
| off your feet with the magical charm that only an | | | | proud of is a very old shaker table that was used in |
| antique piece of furniture can have. In visiting a | | | | kitchens in the early 1800s. What should you do |
| second hand store in search of picture frames, you | | | | now? You had no idea that you had purchased such |
| run across an item that seems to speak your name. | | | | an exquisite antique that has charm and history. In |
| Not really needing another piece of furniture or | | | | addition, you have a collectors item that has to be |
| knowing what you will do with it, something tells you | | | | treasured. One thing is for sure, painting it definitely |
| that this piece belongs in your home. | | | | out. |
| It is a table, short and oblong with straight legs and a | | | | If it was a piece made in the 1900s or a |
| drawer directly below the skirt. Not knowing anything | | | | reproduction, sanding, staining and applying a couple |
| about antiques, you wonder what it is and why you | | | | coats of finish could do wonders for bringing out the |
| had such an attraction to this piece. The table is not | | | | luster of the wood. A light oak finish compliments |
| that attractive, rather plain with gouges in the top | | | | shaker very well. Shaker furniture is very easy to |
| almost as if it had been beat on with tools. No | | | | care for once finished with its straight lines and |
| matter, it will look great in your hallway once cleaned | | | | beautiful running grain. You decide to call an antique |
| up and holding a fresh spray of flowers. | | | | refinisher and get a professional opinion. |
| A fresh coat of paint in black or light tan perhaps, will | | | | A piece of antique furniture can be anything over |
| liven up this old, tired piece of furniture. Upon further | | | | fifty years old but also be over two hundred years |
| inspection, you notice that your table does not | | | | old. Before grabbing the sander, get an opinion from |
| appear to have any nails anywhere. Odd, you think, | | | | someone in the antique refinishing field. There are |
| however does it ever hold together? But it seems | | | | many excellent antiques out there that just need a |
| very sturdy regardless of the excessive scarring. You | | | | little fixing and touching up but having a piece of |
| still cannot get over the feeling of joy that this piece | | | | history is quite different. It could just change your |
| brings to you. Strange. | | | | mind about painting or refinishing that table you fell in |
| Calling on a friend that has a retail furniture store, | | | | love with. |