Highly
coveted by designers and collectors, lacquered furniture is experiencing
another glamorous rebirth. Originating in East Asia over two millennia ago,
lacquer’s opulent roots were firmly planted into the archives of English
and American design by Thomas Chippendale, Thomas Sheraton, and George
Hepplewhite—the "Big Three” English furniture makers of the 18th
century whose ideas embodied and refined this golden age of craftsmanship. Lacquer
was brought to popularity once again by the 20th century’s doyenne
of decorating, Dorothy Draper, who applied the finish to her legendary pagoda
etagere and massive paneled doors. And its recently reclaimed status as a room-brightening staple has
resulted in a new tide of furniture restoration businesses, such as The Resplendent Crow, and numerous DIY innovations, such as Amy Howard’s lacquer spray paint. The dead
flat paint and distressed finish that characterized my dorm days is finally on
its way to the curb!
Above: Chippendale chair (new), pagoda cabinet (vintage),
and side table (new)
Total
transformation: Sucheta of The Resplendent Crow recently refinished and painted
my Bali Hai faux-bamboo nightstands a splendid kelly green. Painting with lacquer requires skill and Sucheta is a pro. I took note of her talent while browsing Etsy for vintage lacquered pieces and found her store. You can buy her already-glamorized vintage pieces or send her your furniture for refinishing and lacquering.
Before:
After:
