Do you ever do something just because you want to? Like, eat an extra cookie, or take a drive down a country road…just because you want to. Those kinda things are liberties that can break a funk we are in, but the key is limiting it so it doesn’t get out of control. Well…in the last week I managed to acquire 6 large pieces of furniture all at once. ahem. So, you can bet I’ll be firing out some furniture makeovers in the next few weeks. haha! For instance, I’ve always wanted to work on another farmhouse drop-leaf table like this, so I bought it. Nuff said.
However, as you can see, it was loved on and not looking top-notch as far as the finish goes. But, if you can look past that to the potential that is there, you can see time-worn wear, and those beautiful turned legs.
You may wonder why I wanted to work on another farmhouse drop-leaf table…well, because they are so versatile. With the perfect use for small spaces it can be a dining table, used in entry as console, sofa table, entertainment console, coffee station, and even a desk against the wall. Seriously cool options with them. And…I wish I had room for one. Maybe one day!
DIY FUN
Because this farmhouse drop-leaf table top had been painted and worn, I just wanted to remove the topcoat to start new. However, I didn’t want to get rid of all the scratches, dings, and stories it had to tell. I lightly sanded it with my sander to bring it back to life.
After I sanded it, I wanted to create a little character on the skirt and base. I whipped out my handy Kreg Cabinet Hardware Jig and added a spot to add some hardware for a faux drawer effect.
I love this jig. No more messing with a tape measure to find center and hole spacing to get a pull or knob on straight. Lifesaver!
After all is prepped it’s time to add the finishing touches. I use my brush to topcoat the table top.
I apply two coats letting each coat cure in between and use a bit of steel wool and a tack cloth to promote strong adhesion and add to the rustic flair.
PAINT TIME
Now time for the table legs and skirt. I’m all about contrast, so I wanted to add a bit of fun using a soft blue. If you’ve seen any of my recent makeovers, you’ll know this is easily one of my favorite colors. See what I mean in these posts. I also give the skirt some color.
The skirt and legs get two coats, allowing each to fully cure. After that, I decided to use a gray wax to accent and protect. Then to apply, I use an older brush and just did the same as if painting. Applied, let rest and then wiped off any excess.
THE REVEAL
Well, shall we take a look at what it looks like now? I’m in love with it.
The color is one that goes with most any decor and gave this outdated table a little pep. By adding the bin pull, I feel it gave it more life even if there isn’t an actual drawer. These are the same bin pulls I used in my kitchen remodel.
And how about that top? The rustic pine left in the raw as far as stain goes showcases all those gorgeous marks telling a story of days gone by. Look how it opens up big enough to seat four. I’m over here cheering it on like, “Girl…you got your wings, now fly!”{{fist pump action}}
And then can drop down and functions as a desk even. I love a versatile piece of furniture that can do more than just exist in a space.
Likewise, if you love it, you can find it available in my shop along with many other goodies. Stop by to see and don’t forget to use your subscriber discount (see details below).
Magic Linen Waffle Blanket ~ $130
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Did you enjoy this farmhouse drop-leaf table makeover? I sure hope you did as I had fun sharing. Additionally, let’s inspire others to give their dated furniture some much needed lovin’, pin and share. Thank you!
Up next, I couldn’t resist this cute Bassett Mid Century Modern dresser. Can’t wait to show you the after! See the new look HERE.
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Also, more projects like my farmhouse drop-leaf table:
Beautiful. Especially like the top of the table.
That faux drawer; pure genius. Really gives it that something ‘extra’ special look.
It was fun for me to see it come back to life. I wish I knew the history. Thank you!
This is a beautiful makeover Larissa. Love the paint with the top. Beautiful.
Thank you, Christina. 😀
Love the makeover and also adore drop leaf tables – so practical. Did you use the grunge all over or just certain parts of the legs?
The hardware jig is now on my wish list. I recently replaced some handles on a dresser and “screwed up” (pun intended) three times despite measuring! I was so frustrated. The hole needed to be Exact and drilling just a smidge off caused issues. Btw, I recently purchased a kreg jig after reading your blog, and it’s awesome. Thanks for all the DIY inspiration!
Just on the legs, as the top had the Gator Hide applied. That jig is phenomenal at saving me time and hair-pulling! 😀
Very nice!
A couple of years ago I made one into a table for my preschooler. It’s been great!
Wonderful! I bet you use it often.
Love the contrast between naked top and painted torso….so pretty. I expect no less from you, Larissa. 🙂
Love a naked top…hahaha… Thank you for the ever-present love, Patty.
I want to order the 2 brushes you mentioned here. Not sure how to apply discount.
Diana, if you sign up for my newsletter you will get a coupon code that you enter in when you are ready to check out. If you need further assistance, please feel free to email me. Thanks!
Gorgeous! Adding the pull to the table gave it a special touch. So unique!! I’m not very tool savvy but thanks for showing the hardware jig. Looks like it makes things so much easier. I’m adding it to my wish list.
It was something I felt it needed for a little fun. So glad you like it. Thanks!
Gorgeous!!!
You’re so fun, Maria. I needed a smile. Thank you!
You totally nailed this! Again! Love your vision for “prodigals,” Larissa!!
You made my day, Sarah! Thank you for the hug. 😀
Beautiful new life to this piece! So glad that you left the stories!
My absolute pleasure as they have so much to tell. 🙂 Thank you, Paula.
I really like this table and that it looks so great without stain & just the gator hide! Great job!
Thanks! A little goes such a long way.
Love that you kept the character of the top. You are one talented and inspiring woman. Keep on keeping on.
Your words mean so much, Tess. Thank you.
Love how the table turned ou. I didnlt have much hope for it when I first saw it. NY parents has the matching coffee table to this back in the mid 1950s except it was round. Where their table dropped that edge was quite sharp. I’ve carried a crecent moon shaped scar on m leg from that tables drop edge for around 60 years so be careful.
Thank you.
You do beautiful work. Can I ask, how did you finish the side flaps of the table on their undersides?
Thanks!
Thank you, Joan. I did the undersides the same as the top. 🙂
Beautiful job again and love the drawer pull on the ends. I have a table like that (think mine is smaller) I got at a yard sale. This gives me inspiration to do it like that. Hope all is well in your neck of the woods. God Bless!
Fun! Yes, I had one smaller too and just love adding that bit of interest. We are all fine and dandy! 😀
Such a good idea adding the drawer pull. Say whaaat – did you say Grunge Wax? I love their grunge glaze so you know I’m getting me some wax now too! Pinned your lovely table
Thanks! Yes, hadn’t tried the glaze yet, but knew the wax would be a hit with me. Gotta get you some!
I love it! I have the nearly identical table sitting in our basement that my husband uses as his “temporary” holding space for his laundry. It was his grandmothers (my husband is 63) so it is pretty old. We have had it for 30 years. He grew up with it in his parents basement and likes to brag about how much that table has been through! “I even rebuilt my Harley on it back in 1974!”, so you can imagine the loving it has endured to the finish. We are in the process of down sizing and moving into a smaller home and much of his family’s furniture (a lot!) is in process of me refinishing and selling to pay for our next stage in life. This is one of the pieces that he just can’t bare for me to give up or touch in anyway. This is the perfect solution to keeping the memories AND the table to be used in our new home someday! Thank you as always for your amazing inspiration to me Larissa!
What a sweet treasure you have, Kristina. I often wish I had more of my family’s furniture, but you know how that goes. Enjoy!
Love the results on that table! I normally do not like any turquoise paint but this time, it looks lovely. ?
Thank you, Karen. It just complimented the natural top so well.
Hi Larissa,
My 14 year old son has bought his first piece of furniture to try and refinish and he has chosen a table that’s very close to yours. I was wondering if you’d mind telling me how much you were able to sell it for just to give us a point of reference, and whether or not it included the chairs. He’s too young to get a job so he’s trying this route to help save money for a car! Thanks!!!!
Congrats to him! My kids are on the same journey with one already with his own wheels. yay! I think it went for around $150-$175. I hope he sells it quick. 😉
Hi Larissa, can you send me your Amazon affiliate link please? I need that jig thingy. I have one that I cannot figure out how to use.
Hi Cheryl, I am not affiliated with that store in any way any longer. Email me and I will help you out. [email protected]
Hi, Larissa!! I’ve been needing to ask you, what brand of wax(es) you use – and still like? And, are they available at a store near you? Or, did you have to order online for them? I’m revamping a pair of chairs, and want to “age” them a bit.
Also, l really enjoy your pieces using vintage typography – where on earth do you get them?
Thank you for being such an inspiration to so many, and demonstrating such a sweet spirit – you make it look easy, but I’m pretty sure it’s not at times.
God bless you, and your family!!
Hi Marcy! I typically use Daddy Vans waxes and order online through their site directly. I’m so glad you enjoy my typography! If you mean “where do I get the designs?” I create them myself, for the most part, but if sourced elsewhere, I link in each post. Thank you for taking the time to make me smile.