Erin Shuford Strips Paint From Old Furniture to Reveal Hidden Natural Wood

Paint on a wooden piece of furniture that has sat in the same corner for years often hides the natural grain beneath. Rather than throwing out an old nightstand or sideboard, giving it a makeover can save money and give it a new lease on life. But which looks better: natural wood or a fresh coat of paint or pattern?

Erin Shuford, who shares furniture makeovers on an account called “refurbishedish,” stripped away the layers she disliked to reveal clean, bare wood. The results, however, divided social media. Some argued that stripping the color from the first piece should be considered a crime, while others thought the finished look was more elegant.