Do you think it's unethical to paint over finished wood shelves?

Question

I have just bought two wood shelves which form an entertainment unit. They are an attractive wood finish in a fairly dark colour. I am painting our living room walls a golden yellow, with red-toned accents. The colours are very nice, and I am contemplating doing the shelves in the yellow, so it looks like a built-in.

Do you think it is esthetically wrong to paint attractive wood shelves? I have nightmares from my childhood when people used to paint shelves and they looked really cheap. On the other hand, I have seen a lot of decorating shows where they paint all the wood, and it looks really nice.

What do you think? Good idea, or not?

Answer 1

I love painted wood! If you choose the right color, they could look great.  There are some kooks who feel it's "unethical" to paint over wood, but I think murdering and lying and cheating are unethical...not painting!  

Answer 2

as long as they are not built into the walls or the house fine.but if they are built in shelves that go with the house i would not touch them.in a few yes the look will go out and you will have a hard time stripping the paint off the shelves.or if you go to resell your home that could be a down point to selling your home.

Answer 3

You know, before you paint the entertainment unit, try on a piece of wood about the same size and use that instead, you will never get the original back to match.  good luck.

Answer 4

I don't think it's unethical to paint finished wood shelves, not even esthetically wrong....try one shelf and if you don't like it, strip it down.