corner cupboard

Anyone can slap a coat of paint on a bit of furniture and, unfortunately, they often do. At Barnaby’s we understand that selecting the right piece is important; you can’t make a silk purse from a sow’s ear..

Preparation is key: the item is sanded, if necessary, and double primed before the top coats are applied. Sometimes a sub colour is used which shows through the finish as highlights. The aim is to build texture, with up to six layers of paint, without losing the clarity of any carved features.

Finally, the piece is aged, distressed, worn, cajoled and bullied until it gets that shabby chic look. Everyone does it differently and no two pieces ever turn out quite the same (though we do our best to match when required..)

We always hold a range of english and french style shabby chic furniture but are happy to provide a service painting your furniture.