Often one of you reaches out to me about a piece of furniture that’s been in the family over generations. Typically, the question is, “what should I do to make it mine?” Honestly, that’s a hard answer to give because I don’t know the emotional ties, family agreements, and so on. However, I often say do what you like if it’s yours. For instance, let’s say this antique half round table is a family piece.

I’m calling this one my Cinderella story, but Cinderella lost her slipper. She’s a beauty, isn’t she? Sadly though, her loose slipper isn’t the only flaw. The top also has damaged with moisture at some point.

DIY TIME

All this just means that #trashure fairy Larissa needs to revive this tired piece. First, I need to get that lost slipper back on. Most would just slap some glue on there and wish for the best. However, I like to look closer. I notice the dowel is worn, and also that the hole is wider than the dowel.

To begin with, the wood glue won’t do the trick. I need to swell the wood to make it fit tight again. I can soak the dowel in water, or use a water reactive glue like Gorilla Glue. That does the trick beautifully. Also, two feet on this table have split overtime. No worries though. They are solid and it does not need repairs. They just tell a story.

NEXT STEPS

Now that Cinderella is ready to go, I begin the makeover by sanding down the damage and wear. Fresh maple ready to go. Much better! You can also see how I updated a similar style table without painting in this post.

I want to keep true to the era, so I use a hickory gel stain to give it a rich color.

Then, while that cures, I begin on the bottom. What suits this style is a soft antique white. I could have went funky with this like I did on this antique table so many of you love.

PAINT TIME

Using a round brush is the best choice for the intricate designs. It allows you to fill in by swirling instead of brushing back and forth which creates globs and drips.

Last, but not least, I use a satin poly in three coats for the top. Plus, I add highlights to those carvings on the base.

THE REVEAL

Here is my Cinderella all dressed up for the ball.

I’m not only smitten with the outcome, I’m also glad I gave this ol’ gal my love.

Notice that those curved pieces are flipped on each side. One is up and one is down. Maybe someone made a repair?

Now that you’ve seen the before (which in all honesty I could have tossed a doily on it and it’d fit in my home), are you rethinking something you own? My goal is not to convince you to paint, but rather make your own home story. Before deciding, do your research. Will it devalue the item? Does the value matter to you or your family?

If you’d like to add this antique half round table to your home story, you can find it and more available in my online shop.

In addition, pin and share to inspire others to create their own vibe in their home.

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Also, more DIY makeovers like this antique half round table: