How to Give a Garage Sale Coffee Table a Vintage Look
Hi everyone! It’s Friday–woo woo! Any big weekend plans? I asked for a special birthday present–a day alone. Yep, one whole day, to do with as I choose, to turn off the phone, lock the door, and walk around naked if I want to. Well I won’t be doing that, but you know what I mean.
My family’s schedules are such that I rarely have more than an hour or two alone. You ladies with small children, I know, would kill for even 30 minutes alone; I hear you. I remember those days well. But, I’m trying to really concentrate on growing my blog and learning how to make some income from it, and I could use a little peace and quiet.
So, my family has granted my birthday request: Saturday is mine, all mine. It looks like I may have 9, or even 10, hours to get some work done, and maybe a project or two. Which is a nice segue to today’s project: giving my coffee table a vintage look.
I’ve been slowly bringing my living room into the 21st century–giving it my best shot anyway. I started with the mantle, giving it several fun looks here and here, until I’ve settled on this look (scroll down), for now.
I added a French-style chair that I painted along with a side table that received a complete makeover, including a clock face (one of my favorite projects to date!). Finally, my coffee table got a chance at a makeover.
Some of you are yelling at the screen, “What?!! You painted your beautiful Queen Anne style, cherry table?!!” Yep, I did. I bought it ten years ago at a garage sale for $20.00, and ten years of kids and a dog have not been kind to it.
The surface bore all kinds of scratches and even a gouge or two, plus all of the wood furniture in that room was dark, too dark. It’s time to go lighter! So I gave it one coat of True Value paint in “Classic Gray,” or what I would call, “Antique White.”
I paid $4.00 for a quart at the Habitat ReStore. I thought I was going to have all kinds of bleed through because of the dark stain, but thank the Lord, it didn’t. I’m so glad I took the chance and didn’t use any primer.
After the paint dried (and I had distressed the edges nicely), I covered the entire surface with my homemade dark wax and let it dry for about 15 minutes. Then I buffed the wax out with clean cheesecloth.
I was just about done, smiling to myself with pleasure at how things were looking, when I encountered a problem. One small patch, on the edge of the table, about 3″ x 6″, would not hold the wax. Like nothing. Nada. Rien. Niets.
I had waxed and buffed the entire table, legs and all, but this one patch remained, pure “Classic Gray.” I spent several days reapplying the wax and letting it dry, only to have it wipe off again. Hmmm. How could I fix it?
First I took the table off the perch where it sat while being painted and set it down in the living room to sort out my feelings about the color. Guess what? The wax made the table top just too dark!
So, I decided to be brave and paint right over the wax with the original “Classic Gray,” leaving the edges waxed and distressed, ditto on the legs and apron. Afraid the contrast might be too great (and that the paint might not stick), I held my breath as the paint dried.
Well, not really, because it took about an hour for it to dry completely. But once it did, I really liked it and it sticking to the surface like a dream. And when I placed it in front of the couch, I loved it.
You get the idea from this photo, right? The top is just paint–no distressing and no wax, (just a couple of coats of clear paste wax to protect the surface a little).
The undarkened surface is the perfect contrast to the darker edges and legs.
It goes nicely next to my French chair with it’s painted upholstery.
While it took me a few days longer to finish then I planned, I’m so pleased with how it came out. Next in line for a make over is the matching end table. I’m going to get rid of the excess dark wood if it kills me!
Thanks so much for stopping by today!
If you enjoyed your visit, I hope you follow me by email.
Sign up and never miss a post.
Let’s connect!
Facebook
Pinterest
Blog Instagram
Vintage Shop Instagram
Twitter
Bye for now,
LOVE it!! I prefer painted furniture now over the dark wood of past years. I have no problem painting over it either (we painted over a whole room of cherry paneling!).
I feel the same way, AnnMarie–thanks so much for the encouragement 🙂
Well happy birthday – enjoy your special day.
My daughter bought the exact same table at an estate sale and painted it in a cream color and distressed it. It’s one of my favorite pieces in her house.
Hey! I guess I did alright then, Kim, didn’t I?!!
Have a Happy Birthday…..enjoy your alone time….I think I may request that for my Day. I am retired but a Mom to 7 spoiled Shih Tzu’s.
Great job on the table…..even though you ran into a problem the end results worked out….sometimes it does not work that way…..I have had to do a complete start over on one of my projects. I am new here and really enjoy reading your blog.
Thanks, JB! Glad to pass on a good idea…seven dogs?!! I guess you do need a break 🙂 SO glad you like my blog–so sweet of you to say–
It looks GREAT! I think sometimes a piece of furniture knows what’s best and it tries to let us know… your’s was being stubborn and not taking the wax in one little spot to let you know!! …. lol… I’m kidding of course… kind of!
Tania
Thanks, Tania!! I agree 🙂 Sometimes it know–
It has a great updated look now, Diana! Very pretty!
Thanks so much Linda 🙂
Happy Birthday Diana! Thanks for sharing such great tips on your blog. Your blog has quickly become my favorite. Your business tips are so helpful and the recipe you provided for homemade dark wax is one I’ll be sure to try.
Thank you Dorothy, and you’re very welcome for the tips. I’m somebody’s favorite–that blesses me!! Thanks for stopping to chat–let’s stay in touch 🙂
A whole day alone is a wonderful birthday gift. Happy Birthday Diana, enjoy!
Joy
I’m so looking forward to it, Joy!
I had that exact same coffee table all through law school up until a few years ago! I got it for free when my law firm (where I was a clerk) was moving to a new office with all new furniture. It was painted an ugly brown! I stripped it and brought it back to its original glory. THEN…one of my apartment-mates spilled a whole bottle of nail polish remover on it! I cried! It stayed that way (looking pretty bad) for years. Then one day my husband unexpectedly pulled over for an estate sale and I bought an already-painted-white (and distressed) gorgeous coffee table for $40. (Seems steep but let me tell you it was worth it!) My old table is still stored in the basement. (My legs come off, do yours? It makes for much easier storage.) I love what you did with it, great color choice and distressing! You know how I love white — can’t wait to see what else you paint! xo Kathleen | Our Hopeful Home
That’s crazy!! We are obviously women of good taste 🙂 Yes, the legs do come off, but with the paint job, probably not a good idea–lol. I’m not sure if I’ve ever seen your current coffee table–sounds awesome, and $40 for any piece of good furniture is a major steal in my book.
A day alone is indeed a gift. Hope you get a lot done. Love the way your table turned out. I have one exactly like it that I picked up at a garage sale. I’ve used it as is for a while but I always planned to paint it. Hope mine turns out as well as yours.
I’m sure it will Sharon!! Can’t wait to see it–
Thank you for sharing your coffee table redo at the Snickerdoodle Create~Bake~Make link party!
Love the coffee table! What a great idea to paint the top as you did! It is beautiful!!!
Thanks Beverly–so glad you like it!
Happy Birthday, Diana! Mine was today and my two daughters took me out for dinner for Indian food–yumm! And considering that they each have two small children, getting them all situated with Grandpa and Dads was a mean feat!
I love the way the coffee table turned out. I have a lot of dark furniture in my LR and I do need to do something to lighten and liven things up. Most of the things are family antiques so it is hard for me to think about painting them. Like an old up-right piano, a curved glass china cabinet, a huge regulator wall clock with big brass pendulum that was my grandfather’s, etc. I have finally gotten rid of the old, bland, grey carpeting and will have the oak floors refinished soon, hopefully. Also am trying to brighten things up with some pillows and a patterned area rug for the floor. But painting the furniture—I just can’t do it—–yet!
Sweet–what a lovely way to spend your birthday–Indian is my absolute favorite! I hear you about the family heirlooms. I only have one in the living room, so I may be able to keep it as the only unpainted piece. It was my grandmother’s secretary so it’s pretty special. I think you’re right though, pillows and carpeting will make a world of difference. Have a great weekend, Naomi, and Happy Birthday!
Happy birthday Diana! I hope you enjoy your day and get a lot done. Your table looks gorgeous. I’ve always preferred painted furniture and white is pretty timeless. It has that lovely shabby chic look.
The table looks wonderful. I bet you can’t wait to do the end table.
Some pieces deserve to get a new life. I remember when everyone was filling their houses with the cherry reproductions—and wondering how long would that be in favor. Like everything else, it seems to have a cycle max of thirty years. Great job, and I’m sure you will love having it for another bunch of years with its new ‘dress’. Grins, Sandi
Happy belated Birthday, Diana! What a great gift. Your coffee table turned out great!