Do you ever feel like that no matter how hard you try, your good intentions never seem to work out? Here’s my story (and I’m sticking to it): my kids need clothes, right? So, I like to hit garage sales to save money, but it somehow never turns out that way. Why is it they have to stick other things in garage sales that would distract you from intended mission? tsk. Seriously. I was only going to look for clothes and then this coffee table just had to be there.
It was only $20 and it begged for new life. And boy, did I have the darndest time getting that thing to fit in the back of my suburban. Those gorgeous legs just didn’t want to fit! I even borrowed the owners drill to try to remove them, but no such doing.
Finally, after flipping it this way and that, I got it to only stick out my hatch. whew! So with my 6 kids and table in tow, I headed home with this coffee table and…yes, I did get clothes. ahem.
The coffee table had been worn pretty well on the top and the finish was flaking off. However, I saw oodles of potential in that gorgeous burled grain. Also, did I forget to mention those curvaceous claw foot Queen Anne legs? They simply looked like they needed to be the star of the show.
First, I brought out my favorite sander to take the old finish off and reveal that stunning grain.
NEXT STEPS
Then, since I had no intention of painting that wood, so I pulled out one of my favorite stains, Early American. You can see my past project using that color in these posts.
After the stain had dried, I used a satin finish poly for the topcoats, and then it was time to tackle the legs and skirt. Since the skirt had damage that had to be repaired, I chose to paint. But I didn’t just coat it all. Instead, I did a whitewash. You can see the detailed explanation to this method as I explained on my own kitchen table.
Last, after applying the whitewash and letting it cure, I used a bit of sandpaper to lightly distress the edges of that woodwork to make it pop.
THE REVEAL
Here is that forlorn coffee table made new…
Likewise, the top is so lovely and that grain is now showcased in wonderful form.
I’m so happy that this table has found a new home from my online store.
Score for me on the table making it home. And score that I did end up with some clothes for my children. Ha!
In addition, I invite you to pin and share to inspire others to see past the flaws of certain items and give them new life. It’s the least we can do.
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While you’re at it, here are more makeovers like this French country coffee table:
Larissa, I’m so happy to hear that your family had a nice Christmas and that you are feeling better. I really like the wood grain on the top of that table. It’s really pretty.
Thank you, Bonnie. 🙂
I found a similiar table in someone’s trash because the 4 glass inserts were missing. Any suggestions?
I find so many items out of my business category, that I finally started a separate FB page for them:)
Score! You could just have new glass cut. It isn’t too expensive. You could also tile some boards to fit in there, use chalkboards, etc. Many options…have fun!
Glad you’re feeling better! How lucky you are that garage sales still happen during the winter in your area. Ours only happen from May through September, depending on weather! Love this square coffee table. The top especially is gorgeous! Happy New Year!
They are few and far between now and mostly inside…if you dare. 😉 Thanks for stopping by, Gwen!
Ugh ye olde garage sale booby trap! I thought they only happened in my neck of the woods n am glad to hear it happens to you too despite your resolve to stay focused on what you went to buy. I always think It was meant to be n can see in this case it was, it looks like a totally different table!
Yes! It happens to the best of us and I believe for obvious reasons. 😉 Thanks for the love, Kari.
Larissa the top of that table is gorgeous and I really like the way you have white washed the bottom. I’ll have to try that technique at some point in the future. It looks so soft and elegant. Hope you are enjoying the Christmas season!
Thank you, Mary. And same to you. Have a wonderful New Year!
Love the burled top coffee table and “I” want to do a white wash on the back of my oak china cupboard this winer to make my blue/white dish collection show up. It an old oak china cupboard that I would never paint on the outside. So glad you did not paint the burl. I love your blogs. You inspire me with your ambition and living “outside the box” with your family.
That sounds like a great idea, Sherry. I’m so happy you enjoy my work. 🙂
Nice find. For $20, I’d be figuring out a way to squeeze it into the vehicle too. You made that gorgeous top shine and what a difference between the before and after.
Thank you, Marie. The new owner loves it and that’s what matters most. 😉