This post was written in collaboration with Sherwin-Williams ®.


The other day I was at a thrift store (please tell me you love a story that starts out like that as much as I do) …

….and I found this table.

It was tucked away in the corner next to a brass mirror that looked like it came from an episode of the Brady Bunch and a row of miscellaneous vases.  The edges were covered in snaps and a Laura Ingalls calico skirt.

I introduced myself and asked if it wanted to come live with me.

And then?

Just for fun.

Just because I love a paint challenge.

Just because I never met a possibility I didn’t like.

I painted it three different colors and styled it three different ways with Sherwin-Williams Emerald Urethane Trim Enamel.

Here’s my one table with three different looks.

Paint color number one.

Stardew SW 9138.

Isn’t it pretty?

Don’t you love the whisper of the color?

I thought it would look perfect with gold and white and buffalo check and books and so I styled it like this:

And here’s the finished table.

Yes, please.

I love the how the neutrals pop against the background of the color.

Blue is pretty.

Blue is soft and welcoming and goes with almost anything.

But what about purple?

Paint color number two.

Mature Grape SW 6286.

That paint color looked like it needed rustic wood and a pallet clock and books and a schoolhouse chair and leaves and so I styled it up like this:

I think this is my favorite.

It feels so fall.

And those are just leaves I cut from the yard.

Here’s the finished table.

Don’t you love the gray with it?

A purple like this is colorful.

And striking.

And looks like a party.

But what about red?

Paint color number three.

Radish SW 6861.

Hello, statement piece.

I thought it needed a little vintage and a gray shelf and antique water markers and leather and gray plaid and a vintage white bench.  So I styled the table like this:

I love the bench with the table.

I love the red with a hint of vintage.

I love the stool and the gray plaid.

Here’s the finished table styled.

I’m so happy I met the table.

I’m so happy we became friends.

But here’s the thing.

I love all three colors, but I have to pick one.

Can you help?

I need another opinion.

Which one is your favorite?

Which one would you choose?

disclosure:  This post was written in collaboration with Sherwin-Williams.

All opinions are my own.

Please see my disclosure page for more information.

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Comments

  1. Image for Sandra Sandra

    I do love a story that starts that way! Also love a happy ending. They are all beautiful, but my favorite is the grape, which is odd, because purple is definitely not my favorite color. I'm pretty sure I have never painted anything purple. But I love what you've done. I might have to rethink purple!

  2. Image for Michelle Michelle

    I always, ALWAYS choose blue! I'm just a blue kind of gal. (but in a good way!) However, the purple really catches my eye! PS. I just received your book in the mail...yay! Can't wait to curl up with some cocoa this Sunday afternoon and start reading!

  3. Image for Liz Thomas Liz Thomas

    Blue! But I would also love a purple if it was as pale as the blue!!! It would work with all the Blue accessories as well!

  4. Image for Deb Deb

    The question is, are you using the same style your new/old home as you used in your old home? If so, definitely the blue. It's you. But if your changing it up a bit, definitely the purple. The reason? I love that radish red color, but the way you styled the purple is pure class.

  5. Image for Sheila Pearson Sheila Pearson

    Personally, I'd go with Sherwin Williams Envy (6925). Its a green I'm wanting to try on my table like yours - you go first in case I don't like it 😉 Can't wait to see how you style it so I can copy. 🙃 P.S. I like the blue option here, but that purple is growing on me!

  6. Image for Julie Briones Julie Briones

    Blue... I'm partial to light and bright... and this is more neutral, too! The color is perfect for my white/blue bedroom! LOVE!

  7. Image for Lynn Mosher Lynn Mosher

    Wow! Too cool, KariAnne! I learned to love blue (and white) from my mother. I think she was Queen of blue and white! ;) Though I'm not too fond of the metal chair. If I had to choose which one speaks to me of you and which one I would choose for me (though I'm not a fan of gray), I would choose...RED! That is a gorgeous red! You're the best! Always! :D

  8. Image for Julie Julie

    I like them all, but my favorite is the blue. It is so soft and striking all at the same time. My only change would be the chair. I think the chair is too large for the ensemble....seems to detract from everything else. Something a bit smaller would be my choice....but of course it's totally your choice!!!! ;) ;) ;) Just love the table...period!!!!

  9. Image for Sandy Sandy

    Interesting that most liked the blue. They are all beautiful colors but I’m getting a little tired of seeing blue everywhere. I loved the grape. Such a pretty color as well as being something a little different.

    1. Image for Cassandra e Cassandra e

      I was having a difficult time choosing blue or red. And "radish" makes the red even cuter! But your idea Cathy is brilliant. Yes!

  10. Image for Carrie Carrie

    I have to agree with the majority...blue is for me...with the clock....or the shelf....or geez...I love all of the items you added to each colour! You are truly amazing KariAnne:o)

  11. Image for Nan, Odessa, DE Nan, Odessa, DE

    RED!!! The shelf and stool are as cute as the table. Only YOU would paint a table 3 times. I would be lucky to tackle it once. YOU go girl

  12. Image for Maureen Ryan Maureen Ryan

    I go for the Blue -- I just love it. So delicate and approachable! BTW, congrats on the new / old house and looking forward to watching you update it! What fun!

  13. Image for P. Jean Champoux P. Jean Champoux

    Golly, I just "uncovered" a long-covered wooden telephone seat when I cleaned out the basement. Your 'trials" have inspired me to include it somewhere: in my scheme of things but I'm going to be very choosy with just ONE COLOR. Suspect it will be an aqua, or yellow.

  14. Image for Mah Mah

    Hey, the last one you painted! See that is what I would have done, painted the last ,my favorite! Really they are all great colors!

  15. Image for Celeste at Penultimate Home Celeste at Penultimate Home

    If that table were going in my home, I'd choose the red for my downstairs family room. Actually, I would paint it a gorgeous navy or black for my living room. It's a little hard to choose a color for your new (old) home because we haven't yet seen what the decor is becoming yet. Having said that, the blue feels familiar to what we know of your home. I know whichever you choose is going to look great.

  16. Image for Fonda Fonda

    I even love the names of the paint: Mature Grape and Radish. Divine. I think either one of those could be an accent in my hallway. I'll have to keep them in mind.

  17. Image for Amyks Amyks

    Oh my, I love them all and purple is not usually a color I like, but that one really spoke to me! So, I guess the purple one is my favorite. PS. I came here via Rambling Renovators and your story about going home, and you sucked me in. I will be following along with your new adventures and wishing you "God Speed"

  18. Image for Babette Babette

    I love the blue! They are all stunning, but to me it looks a little gray also. I also love how you styled it. Awesome seeing it in 3 different colors. Love! I also love the sign art and I’m going to get me one! Xoxo

  19. Image for Beverly Beverly

    I really like all three looks, but my favorite color is the red. But...(did you know there was going to be a but?), I think I would like the styling you used with the blue used with the red instead. I know. I know. Sorry for the confusion. But, you did ask me. haha

  20. Image for Nancy Nancy

    The blue....but put the little white stool underneath. And then place the white chair near the Christmas tree....with a brightly wrapped present with a tag that says “Don’t Open ‘Til Christmas”.....

  21. Image for Marty Oravetz Marty Oravetz

    Oh my word. I have a hard time painting anything once, so doing it three times blows my mind. Love them all

  22. Image for Betty Bakeer Betty Bakeer

    I am sorry my dear but I only like two of them and the other one is purple. I think the blue and red are lovely and it just depends where you plan on putting the tablelLove your new,old home. It is a dream home and you are so familiar with it. Lucky you. Enjoy your painting. It i so much fun isnt it. luv from snowy Ontario,Canda. Cold and windy too.

  23. Image for Pam Pam

    The purple table.....it's a gorgeous color and so original. It has personality and a happy vibe. Blue is kinda getting to be everywhere all the time. The red is great too, but that purple is special. Love that chair with the purple table too..... and oh my goodness I want that clock. Your blog is so inspiring..

  24. Image for Carrie Carrie

    As much as I'd like to choose a different color from time to time, I always tend to gravitate towards blue. But I love the dried leaves on the purple table and that cute handbag on the pink table!

  25. Image for Darling Lily Darling Lily

    I'd like to see it stripped down to the bare wood with a waxed finish and fancy crystal knobs, but the blue took my eye first. However, the red would be the equivalent of perfect red lip for your house!

  26. Image for Susan Susan

    All three colors are great for a little accent table. I am still making up my mind between Stardew and Radish..........

  27. Image for Paula Paula

    I like the purple one best...total aside😊purple is my favorite color. And I like the complements you added to set it off...so nice. You do a wonderful job, Karianne!

  28. Image for Kris Kris

    Red, then blue as the runner up. I love it when you do this. Fun to watch the picture build. I'm easily entertained. ;)

  29. Image for Vicki Vicki

    Purple, of course! Such a nice compliment to so many colors and will likely coordinate well with whatever colors you choose for the rest of the furniture in your new (old) home. BTW....Reisling (a very light green) paint by Porter Paints would look terrific with the purple color. Check it out when you are out drooling over paint colors :)

  30. Image for Maureen Maureen

    I'm not usually a purple girl, but this is so fetching! Love the way you styled it and it's unexpected. So I vote, purple. But I'm right there with the commentor who would like to see green. <=

  31. Image for Stephanie A Wethington Stephanie A Wethington

    Karianne, what can I say? You have done it again!! Like most of the others I love all three!!!! However, I believe you just made me decide what color I want to paint my bedroom furniture. I love the red!!! I must admit I am a red person!! My daughter gave me new bedding that is teal and after I saw your table I saw my furniture red with that teal!!! It will pop!! Thank you so much!! xo

  32. Image for Robin Robin

    Purple is my favorite color but it's a little loud. The blue is so soft and doesn't scream; it whispers. I like accessories to be noticed.

  33. Image for Diane | An Extraordinary Day Diane | An Extraordinary Day

    Ha! You totally made me laugh, KariAnne because my answer would be which one did you paint last? That would be my favorite because there is no way I would go to all that work again on the same piece... said by a gal who just finished painting a chest, an end table, AND an upholstered footstool and has one more piece waiting in the wings. ;) My favorites are the blue and the red, but my husband would pick purple. The bigger question.... any hints on where you might place this dressing table?

  34. Image for Polly Polly

    Red!! Especially with Christmas coming! Blue would be my second choice and I'm definitely not a purple person.:(

  35. Image for Cindy Jones Cindy Jones

    I vote for Stardew. It's a color I could live with year round. Of course, if you painted it red last, I might leave it red til after the holidays!

  36. Image for CK CK

    EIther red or purple! I think a bright color adds something special to a room. The blue is beautiful, but I see it everywhere. I think we’re headed for more color in our lives, after years of pale, whitewashed colors.

  37. Image for Judy Howell Judy Howell

    I definitely like the blue table best. But I love the pallet clock! Did you make it? If so, please do a DIY post on how to make it!

  38. Image for Trina Trina

    The blue fits your style of home, but I am partial to the purple. That is my favorite color and it looked fantastic with that wood chair. Can't wait to see the final choice.

  39. Image for Rebecca M Rebecca M

    I love blue and white..........HOWEVER that purple looks fantastic! I am not a fan of purple, I own nothing purple, purple is so far off my radar it doesn’t even exist to me. But man! Purple looks fantastic! Hmmmmmmm, I guess I’m rethinking purple!!! Have a great one!

  40. Image for Sherry Sherry

    I’m tired of blue! I want purple because purple is bold, a little “extra”! And I think that’s great in a world of spineless furniture! Just my thoughts....I have purple accents along with soft sage green in my girly guest room. And my children went to a small university with a purple horned frog. TCU!!

  41. Image for Linda Linda

    First choice - Stardew, second choice - radish, third choice - grape. I believe you when you say you’ve painted it three times (but I can’t help but wonder if it’s that a photography or computer trick sorry to say!). That said, I vote for the color you painted last!

  42. Image for Botanic Bleu Botanic Bleu

    KariAnne, Red! said the girl who loves blue, as in Botanic Bleu. 😉 I picked red before reading any of the comments because I think it will be fantastic to decorate at Christmas time. Greenery on the shelf, small tree on the table, and stacks of presents on and under the little white bench. Judith

  43. Image for JC at the uncommon pearl JC at the uncommon pearl

    Well, let's see. Red would match your lips and you would look great together as you write out your next blog post. The deep shades of purple with cool decor scream Autumn time, but my absolute favorite is lighter blue table with the linen colors, mixed with whites and grey. It's soft, calming, and is neutral enough it can be styled for any season. Do tell us soon, what you picked.😊 Your progressively changing pictures are super cool!

  44. Image for Jill Jill

    Definitely the blue! But the red is a cute runner up, especially with Christmas coming ( and the adorable gray plaid blanket). Super great thrifr store find!

  45. Image for Lori in Missouri Lori in Missouri

    I choose the purse! No, seriously, I love the blue. As an art teacher I always tease (and sorta not!) that my ideal job would be to sit around all day naming paint chips.... Sherwin, are you listening? Thanks for your inspiration!

  46. Image for Sharon H Sharon H

    Miz karianne, I think that if you are going to keep this table for yourself then the color you choose should be as rich, bold and dynamic as YOU are. (I'm seeing RED here!) Otherwise, you will just end up painting it again.....and if you do that, consider a gorgeous black with maybe some gold leaf accents....that'd be kinda classy. LOL Hope your day is a sassy one!

  47. Image for Jan Fusco Jan Fusco

    Looks like the majority are going with blue. But to me blue is overdone. I'd choose red! Every room needs a touch of red. My second choice would be purple then blue.

  48. Image for Cora Cora

    Love the blue, but if you end up using it in one of your girl's rooms - then the purple as an accent with gray is soo cool!

  49. Image for Sue Sue

    The paint colors you chose and the three stylings are amazing and I like all three; have to ,though, stick with the most neutral for me and that would be number one.

  50. Image for Leslie Watkins Leslie Watkins

    Stardew had me from the start! And I'm staying faithful to my first love with that one. Great job with them all!

  51. Image for Elaine R. Elaine R.

    Love the blue...one of my favorites. The other colors look lovely but I'd chose the blue and since my fav color combo is blue & green I'd probably add some green to the area. You are wonderful...not only in decorating but your writing is like getting a letter from a friend! I need to get your book!!! Blessing, Elaine R.

  52. Image for Shawna Shawna

    So cute! What color is it now? If red, I'd keep it that way for Christmas then go back to blue afterwards. Love your style.

  53. Image for Naomi S. Naomi S.

    Well, I'm going to go with the crowd and say blue, blue, blue. I do like purple, too, but for this piece in my home the blue fits in the best. Do you know what this little piece was originally? When I was a girl I had one very, very similar. My mom stained it and my grandma sewed a pink "skirt" for it. She also covered an old nail keg with the pink material she used for the skirt for a stool. It was a dressing table with a mirror hung over it for putting on make-up, styling your hair and general primping! I think yours was once a dressing table, too, because of the shape of the top and the fact that it was wearing a "skirt" when you found it. I've been looking and pining for one of these for a long time. I've seen several in various places, but never at the right time with the right price. But I'll keep looking! And when I finally find it maybe I'll paint it blue....or purple....or PINK!!

  54. Image for Sue Johnson Sue Johnson

    Absolutely ❤️ The soft blue! It comes together so beautifully paired with the grey, white and gold you chose!

  55. Image for Kaye Kaye

    Blue hands down......but the red is cute....depends on what is close.....blue goes with everything...love you're blog😘

  56. Image for Jill Jill

    Purple. Everybody uses blue. Purple makes a serious statement. It says, "someone bold, creative, and fun lives here."

  57. Image for Michele Michele

    I don't tend to ever like color, haha - but SW is always my go-to paint of choice. I like the blue best - though I am late getting to answer that - but I see it in green, or black. : - ) Beautiful paint, and you painted it so much that if you distress it some of those colors will come through a little - which could be very very cool! What a great wee table. Can that little downward piece be removed?

  58. Image for Rebecca Rebecca

    This article was so much fun to read and see develop. I could hardly wait to see the next one. All three were so completely different....good job! I’m going to have to choose the red one. #1...it reminds me of your lipstick! I’m not one to sit on a bench but with a back on a chair, so I’d have to change that aspect. What a fun time reading and seeing your creativity. Thanks to you and SW!

  59. Image for Tina Tina

    Blue is my favorite color & I like the blue. But I really like the purple, especially with the gray walls! So, if it is for your house & your walls are going to be gray, I say purple. :-)

    1. Image for Ellen Ellen

      I have a similar table - not a desk - that I love. It is cherry and likely more than 10o years old. It is one of my favorite things. I am not one of those wood 0nly, but it is one of the pieces I would never, ever paint. A portrait of my great-grandmother sits on it.

  60. Image for angela angela

    you send me the table then you would not have a problem on the paint color. ha-ha I like it blue as blue and green are my two favorite colors.

  61. Image for Rebecca Turner Rebecca Turner

    I thought I loved the blue until I saw it in radish. Wow! In that color it stands pretty & proudly alone, without a skirt...but I couldn’t help thinking how fetching she’d be in a see-through skirt...because you see, I have a “dressing table” very much like yours. Mine has three drawers, with wooden arms that fold out, and a kidney shaped top, with glass overlay. A huge round mirror accompanies the table. This piece was passed down to my sister-in-law from her maternal grandmother (my husband’s grandmother) but it was wasting away in a hot garage, so with permission, I rescued her. My girl needs some radish paint & a swishy skirt! (She originally had a quilted, rose bud print, under glass, with matching chintz skirt.)

  62. Image for Lanita Anderson Lanita Anderson

    Purple is my favorite color, although I've never painted anything purple....... I do love the purple, especially with the clock, but I also love the red. Oh my! I think because you would be able to use/decorate with it at Christmas.....so many possibilities!! At any rate, it was a GREAT find.....I especially love the two little drawers on the side! :)

  63. Image for susan b susan b

    That mature grape is beautiful - but I don't know where I'd use it in my house so I'd probably go with the pale blue. Not a red person..... That's a great desk and I want a thrift shop like you have!

  64. Image for kathy kathy

    What Mary S said! And, what Betty Bakeer said! I am shocked by the number of people who chose purple. What!!!! And, I do love a story that starts the way this one started! I repurpose and sell lots of things. Anything I paint that shade of blue sells in a skinny minute. Did you REALLY paint it three times?

  65. Image for Libby Libby

    I have this EXACT SAME TABLE. I used it for years in a guest bathroom, but now it's sitting in my little "waiting for some kind of project inspiration" shed. I never really thought about painting it, but you've given me some inspiration!!

  66. Image for Delilah Delilah

    I love all of the colors you chose but blue is my favorite! I have a question: do you strip the piece before you paint it each time or do you just paint over it? Thanks!

  67. Image for Machelle Machelle

    I like them all for different reasons, but if I could only choose one, I would say the blue one is my favorite. Even thought purple is my favorite color, purple comes in third in this situation.

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