Windsor Armchair Makeover: Bare Wood to Glossy White

Spindle-back Windsor chairs are one of the best antique silhouettes for a painted finish — the turned spindles and legs catch light beautifully once they’re covered in a smooth, glossy paint instead of bare or dated stained wood.

Before: Bare Wood, Solid Bones

This Windsor armchair came to us stripped down to raw wood — structurally sound, with tight joints and no major repairs needed, but visually flat with no finish to speak of. Bare wood like this is actually an ideal starting point for a full color transformation.

Why We Chose Glossy White

Windsor chairs have a lot of turned detail — spindles, stretchers, and a shaped seat — that can easily disappear under a heavy or brushed-on paint. We sprayed this chair in multiple thin coats of glossy white to:

• Keep every spindle crisp and distinct rather than letting paint pool between them
• Create a bright, high-gloss finish that reads as fresh and modern rather than “antique”
• Give the chair enough durability for regular, daily use

After: A Bright, Modern Statement Chair

The finished chair keeps its traditional Windsor shape but reads completely differently in a room — bright, clean, and current, whether paired with a farmhouse table or a more modern console.

Is Your Antique Chair a Candidate for a Painted Finish?

Windsor chairs, ladder-backs, and other turned-leg antiques are usually excellent candidates for a painted or lacquered finish, especially if the original wood tone doesn’t match your space. See our custom painting & lacquer services or send us a photo of your chair for a free color consultation.

Send Us a Photo for a Free Estimate

Have a chair that needs attention? Send a few photos using the form below and we will tell you exactly what it needs, what we would do, and what it would cost. Estimates are free, and pickup and delivery are available across the Dallas area.

Prefer to talk it through? Call (469) 371-1468 or email Phil@TheEnglishRefinisher.com.

The English Refinisher – fine wood and furniture refinishing, by hand in Dallas, Texas. Serving Dallas, Wylie, and surrounding communities by appointment.