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Farmhouse Drop-Leaf Coffee Table with Typography

Last, but not least, it’s time for Round 5 of my #trashure curbside haul makeover fun. Yay!! I’ve worked through those other 4 projects with much fun. However, today is all about that little coffee table getting transformed into a farmhouse drop-leaf coffee table with whimsy.

Curbside Haul #4 Makeover by Prodigal Pieces | prodigalpieces.com

To catch you up to speed you can see the other projects listed below:

  1. Antique Pie Crust Table
  2. Hunting Scene Shelf
  3. Farmhouse Chest of Drawers
  4. Grain Sack Antique Chairs

Vintage Drop-Leaf Table Found Curbside by Prodigal Pieces | prodigalpieces.com #prodigalpieces

As you can see, this table is in sturdy shape.  The leaves function as they should, for the most part, the legs and skirt are solid. However, it has that weird mermaid on it and other wear.

Damaged Drop-Leaf Coffee Table Top | prodigalpieces.com

Being that it’s solid wood, that means potential. I know I saw that all the time, but wood is such a resilient medium. If you can’t restore it, you can at least fix it and paint it. Right?

DIY TIME

As you can imagine, the first thing I pulled out is my sander. That mermaid didn’t stand a chance. mwahahaha…

Sanding Damaged Coffee Table Top | prodigalpieces.com

Just to show you what a sort of before and after looks like… Here’s the leaves sanded with the center panel left as-is.

Partially Sanded Coffee Table Top | prodigalpieces.com

It’s lookin’ good, don’t you think?

Once I sanded off the top, it was time for choosing the finish. The table still had a bit of wear with dents and scratches, though very minimal. So to embrace those flaws, I decided to give it an aged appeal. Much like my farmhouse desk rescue seen HERE.

TIME FOR STAIN

In order to do that, I chose this reactive stain I’ve used before.

Weatherwood Stain for Drop-Leaf Coffee Table Makeover | prodigalpieces.com

You guys…this stuff is awesome. It works with the tannins naturally occurring in the wood to age the wood lightning fast. So instead of waiting for years for this table to age, it happens in minutes. Take a peek at my upcycled treadle sewing machine to see what I mean too.

First, I use a micro foam roller and pan to soak the wood with the stain. No worries about toxic stinkyness because this stuff is 100% awesome. Just roll on in even coat following the grain lines, and let it do its thing.

Applying Weatherwood Stain to Vintage Drop-Leaf Table Top by Larissa of Prodigal Pieces | prodigalpieces.com

There’s no wiping it down once applied, so that’s a bonus too. I love LOVE to sit and watch this stuff work.

TYPOGRAPHY FOR THE WIN

Next, I set about creating a typography graphic to use on the top. You know I love working with typography and this big ol’ round top was begging me for some whimsy. That’s where my $10 thrifted overhead projector comes into play again. No joke – this is one of the best ten bucks I ever spent. I love this thing! You can see how I’ve used it for other projects in these past posts.

I am aiming for a farmhouse style drop-leaf coffee table, so that meant an old advertisement would fit the bill. Since I enjoy creating my own, I did the layout in my software, then printed on overhead projector sheets.

Here is my table ready with graphic projected. Do you see how that stain perfectly aged the wood?

Projecting Typography Graphic onto Table Top | prodigalpieces.com

All I needed to do was spend about 15 minutes transferring the graphic, and then paint it in.

Transferring Typography Image onto Table with Overhead Projector | by Larissa at Prodigal Pieces | prodigalpieces.com #prodigalpieces #diy #furniture

Painting Vintage Typography on Farmhouse Drop-Leaf Table Top | prodigalpieces.com

Then once the paint was dry, I apply a gray wax to the table’s outer edge to add depth. For the rest, I added two coats of a matte poly to seal it all in. To ensure a good bond, I let the first coat cure, then used super fine steel wool to create tooth, and then a tack cloth to clean off debris. That preps my surface for the second coat.

Applying Matte Poly Topcoat Farmhouse Drop-Leaf Coffee Table | by Larissa of Prodigal Pieces | prodigalpieces.com #prodigalpieces #diy #furniture #home #homedecor

PAINTING THE BOTTOM

Now that the top is finished, it’s time for the base to get a new look. Since I’m, again, aiming for that rustic farmhouse drop-leaf table, I went with a red milk paint. It’s the same paint I used on this antique desk and will add that pop of fun I’m after.

Using Red Milk Paint on Vintage Drop-Leaf Table Makeover by Larissa of Prodigal Pieces | prodigalpieces.com

I apply only one coat of paint and then am ready for the finishing touches. Next, I use an older brush to apply the same gray wax I mentioned above to the base.

THE REVEAL

My curbside find is now ready to debut the farmhouse drop-leaf table I was after. Ta-da!

Rustic Farmhouse Style Living Room with Drop-Leaf Table by Larissa of Prodigal Pieces | prodigalpieces.com #prodigalpieces #home #furniture #homedecor #diy #vintage #farmhouse

Farmhouse Coffee Table with Typography by Larissa of Prodigal Pieces | prodigalpiceces.com #prodigalpieces #diy #furniture #farmhouse #handmade #home #homedecor

I’m so pleased with the outcome and can’t say enough how glad I am that I found this little gem.

Red Rustic Farmhouse Style Drop-Leaf Table by Larissa of Prodigal Pieces | prodigalpieces.com #prodigalpieces #furniture #diy #home #homedecor

Rustic Farmhouse Coffee Table with Drop-Leaf Sides Created by Larissa of Prodigal Pieces | prodigalpieces.com #prodigalpieces #farmhouse #home #homedecor #diy

The red isn’t RED, but rather a rustic, time-worn look.

Rustic Farmhouse Living Room with Handmade Decor | See more at Prodigal Pieces | prodigalpieces.com #prodigalpieces #home #homedecor #furniture #vintage #farmhouse

Milk-Painted Farmhouse Coffee Table by Larissa of Prodigal Pieces | prodigalpieces.com #prodigalpieces #home #furniture #farmhouse #diy #home #homedecor

Was the typography needed? No. However, it sure makes it a fun conversation piece, doesn’t it?

Handmade Vintage Typography Coffee Table by Larissa of Prodigal Pieces | prodigalpieces.com #prodigalpieces #handmade #diy #home #furniture #farmhouse #vintage #homedecor

Cozy Farmhouse Living Room with DIY Decor by Larissa of Prodigal Pieces | prodigalpieces.com #prodigalpieces #diy #home #homedecor #furniture

Here it is so you can see in full view the work I did. However, there isn’t a meaning behind it. I simply tried to pick up a vintage vibe.

Farmer's Market Coffee Table for Farmhouse Decor by Larissa of Prodigal Pieces | prodigalpieces.com #prodigalpieces #diy #handmade #home #farmhouse #homedecor

If you’d like to own this table, you can find it and much more available in my online shop. (SOLD) Sign up for my newsletter below for instant discount on your first purchase.

  • Magic Linen Beige Waffle Blanket available at Prodigal Pieces | shop.prodigalpieces.com #prodigalpieces #bedding
    Magic Linen Waffle Blanket ~ $130

SHARE

Additionally, pin and share this farmhouse drop-leaf coffee table. I’m all about inspiring you and others to give DIY a try.

This farmhouse style drop-leaf coffee table was left for the trash, but Larissa of Prodigal Pieces saw fit to make renewal happen. See the full DIY tutorial at Prodigal Pieces | prodigalpieces.com #prodigalpieces #diy #furniture #home #homedecor #farmhouse

Up next, I am super excited to share my next episode of Reduce, Reuse, REFASHION. Come join the fun HERE.

Reduce, Reuse, REFASHION series hosted by Larissa of Prodigal Pieces | Come learn to create for you and your home | prodigalpieces.com #prodigalpieces

To get these DIY tips & tricks in your inbox, be sure to sign up for my newsletter. PLUS, you will get your FREE Furniture Buying Checklist and special discount to my shop. Until next time!

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Also, more projects like this farmhouse drop-leaf coffee table makeover:

How to Emboss Furniture with Stencils by Prodigal Pieces | prodigalpieces.comFrom Pinterest fail to farmhouse style, these thrifted finds were turned into farmhouse kitchen canisters. DIY tutorial by Larissa of Prodigal Pieces | prodigalpieces.com #prodigalpieces #diy #farmhouse #home #homedecor #homedecorideas

Comments

  1. Cindy says

    Wow is the word that popped in my head first. I agree what was up with the mermaid? She had to go.

    I love the graphic and how much character it added. The stain is amazing too. I can’t believe no wiping and the wonderful look of the wood it leaves.

    You rocked it.

    Cindy

    • Larissa says

      tee hee! I think maybe a kid had some fun. oy! Thanks so much, Cindy.

  2. debra says

    Gorgeous! Another great makeover!

    • Larissa says

      I had such fun and I’m tickled you like it too. Thanks so much!

  3. Shelley S says

    We had that same coffee table in my mom’s house growing up! It was a hand-me-down from her sister, and was finished in a similar medium maple color. When my mom re-married, she and my stepfater compromised on very different decor styles by sending a lot of their furniture to the basement rec room, and getting new upstairs, in a dark pine, but there was no cpoffee table and we missed one. When he was a teen, my brother stripped and refinished that table in a dark pine as a wood-shop project for school for mom for mother’s day. I couldn’t bear to get rid of it, but have no idea how to lighten it. And apologies in advance, but I die a little every time a wood piece is painted. I LOVE that you left this one in a wood finish!

  4. Paula says

    Great job! So glad that you rescued this little gem and made it shine. Looking forward to your next endeavor. It looks “sew” fun!

    • Larissa says

      Thank you, Paula. This was fun and I’m super excited to introduce you to my friends and our fun projects. Yes, sew fun! 😀

  5. gwen says

    Love it Larissa! i was just spying my TWO o/h projectors yesterday – i definitely need to use them!

    • Sam - Raggedy Bits says

      Wowzers!! What an awesome transformation!! Love your clever idea of the overhead projector and the gray wax is a stunning finish!!

      • Larissa says

        How fun to hear. Thanks! Have you ever tried the overhead projector, Sam?

  6. Marie says

    Oh my I must try that weathered stain! I’m a typography lov’n gal too and I love how this vintage farmhouse typography plays so well with that gorgeous weathered top! Of course red being my favorite color, I’m swooning over the base too. Pinned 🙂

    • Larissa says

      Yes, you should! The easiest thing to use and it is chemical free. Thank you for the love, Marie.

  7. Patty Soriano says

    SO awesome! love this low round table. As always, you never disappoint with your creativity and drive, Larissa!!

    • Larissa says

      Patty, you sure do know how to make a gal smile. Thank you bunches!

  8. Susan Homeroad Stevenson says

    Oh my gosh that is amazing Larissa! I love the graphic! I’ve gotta try the projector method on furniture, I love to hand paint!

    • Larissa says

      You will LOVE it! I bet you either have or can get your hands on a projector easily, miss teacher thing. 😉 Hugs!!

  9. Becky says

    Um… well, no surprise that THAT sold instantly! Gorgeous!!! You did an AMAZING job on this one! Everything about is is A#1!!! I love how the top came out!

    • Larissa says

      haha! You made me giggle. Thanks! I needed that, Becky. 😉

  10. Kaycee says

    Hi Larissa,
    I love what you did with this poor ole curbside castoff! I love the stain color and the red milk paint with the wax!! Looking forward to your new group post too!

    • Larissa says

      I had to giggle when I saw the stenciled mermaid. Just too funny! Thanks so much for showing me love, Kaycee.

  11. Wendy Burchik says

    Another stunning project, Larissa!
    Just when I think you can’t get any better you turn out projects like this!
    I picked up an OHP at a garage sale recently so that I can try something like this myself, now I just have to figure out how to make the sheet that is used on it, lol. I don’t suppose you feel like making a post on that?

    • Larissa says

      Well, that’s fantastic to hear…I try! Thank you for that, Wendy. You can do it!

  12. Jean says

    Love the make over. I also grew up with that same coffee table. I have a scar from it on my leg where I bumped into the corner of it when it was dropped down. When it was new, these maple table had very sharp edges. It would have been in the mid 1950s when my parents had this furniture. Maple was the rage, even the movie stars had it.

    • Larissa says

      Oh no! Yes, maple was quite the thing, then oak. haha. Love some wood furniture!

  13. Abby says

    Wow, I love how this came out!

  14. Veronica says

    Wow! Where did you find the graphic ?

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