How much work is this all going to be? from Old House Web
(Image credits: Nasozi Kakembo) If you’re dealing with a space that is especially dark, painting the woodwork a glossy white can really give the space a boost. 3. For further reading: Old House Renovation: Paint or Stain? (Generally speaking, the older and grander your house is, the more likely it is that the woodwork was originally stained.) Do a little research and take a look at similar homes from the same time period to get an idea of what the woodwork in your house might have originally looked like. To say that painting wood is a controversial topic here at Apartment Therapy might be a wee bit of an understatement. If the space is brighter, stained woodwork can make interesting architectural features really stand out. Conversely, you may love the look of painted wood, but re-painting all the woodwork in your house can constitute a serious project. 2. What is your style? 5. What condition is the woodwork in? What kind of light does the room get? The mere mention of it is enough to send our normally placid commenters into a warlike state. It’s important to think about what your house wants and what will best suit its style. If you’re thinking about stripping and staining woodwork that is currently painted, try first stripping a small, inconspicuous area to get an idea of what you’re dealing with. What is your home’s style? If you’re having trouble deciding between painted or stained woodwork, here are five important things to consider. 4. Lots of dark-stained woodwork can make a room with low lighting seem heavy and oppressive.