Earlier this week I showed you I took a curbside changing table my dad salvaged for me and turned it into a cart. I promised I would be back with more of my dad’s haul for me, and today’s the day. Out of the loot below, I’m tackling that table and turning into a farmhouse side table. Let me show you how easy it can be to update your home into the farmhouse style.
Okay, so this table is not only showcasing that gorgeous orange stain (insert sarcasm), it is also standing on a broken leg. (aka. hot mess) See the back left?
The top was scratched to oblivion because it is made of pine with a veneer to boot, but was solid enough it could be saved. The turned legs and decorative edging, though falling off, was enough to make me try to save this piece.
DIY TIME
Now let’s look at the broken leg. At some point, someone did a really bad repair job by drilling in four screws after removing 1″ chunks around the perimeter. I assume they were trying to get the damaged leg off.
This was where I was like, well…let’s see what we can do. So I use my drill to back out those screws to find this…
Okay, so that’s one jerry-rigged table. ahahaha… Well, only thing to do is remove that bolt and give it a go my style. To solve this leg dilemma, I used my spade bit and drill to make new holes that would house a solid wood dowel.
This would give me the tight join and support I was after for our farmhouse side table. After using some wood glue and wood filler to repair the damage, I clamped it all together to dry overnight.
Once all was dry, it was time for the fun part. Woot! My sander came out to play to see if I could save any of that wood top, but alas the pressed board had been peeking through too much. This is where my littlest couldn’t wait to join in. She knew just what to do and grabbed a rag to wipe it all down.
She’s so proud of herself. awww… Then it was time to add a soft white to tone down that punkin’ orange.
BRING ON PAINT
My paint brush also comes in handy to refresh this orange little beast. Looking good already, wouldn’t you say?
Little girl got her apron on and even asked for her bandanna to “protect her hair”. She’s rockin’ it. And I gotta tell ya that that’s the best part about this paint – safe to use around my kids and so easy to apply that even a toddler can do it.
Once two coats were applied and cured, little girl and I distressed the paint to give it dimension. Then, I applied a poly topcoat to give it long-lasting protection.
REVEAL
Ready to see our new and improved farmhouse side table? Here it is!
It’s looking refreshed already. It has that look we’re after by just updating the paint and pull. I happened to have a spare antique glass knob that suit this just right.
Little girl even helped me pick out some wallpaper from my vintage stash to line the drawer. She’s such an awesome helper!
I’m certainly pleased with the outcome with the leg repair and hope you are too. Just goes to show that a bit of TLC can go a long way. No need to break the bank to get the look you’re after in your home.
You can find this table, the pillows, and even a few other goodies available in my shop.
Magic Linen Waffle Blanket ~ $130
Do pin and share to inspire other to get the look their after by rolling up their sleeves and having at it. It’s so much fun to share!
Up next, that sad looking piano bench in the pile above will be getting new life. Head here to see that bench and see what those wooden pieces became here.
Be sure to sign up for my newsletter to get these DIY tips & tricks in your inbox. PLUS, you will get your FREE Furniture Buying Checklist and special discount to my shop. Until next time!
Also, more DIY projects like this farmhouse side table:
The table looks great and I loved seeing your little girl in her apron & bandana. So cute
I couldn’t help but smile at her. She had at it and couldn’t be stopped! haha..
Great makeover! I tried Dixie Belle paint and really liked it. The Gator Hide protective finish is a new one to me and looks to be a great product.
Of all the paints I’ve tried out there, this was had me oohing out of the jar. Glad to hear you like it too, Paula.
Great save. Your daughter is so precious. Would you believe I discovered a very similar table that I forgot I had under a pile of stuff in my garage? It must have been a popular design back in the day. And Dixie Belle paint is fantastic!
Great minds hoard, I mean find, (ahem) alike! Yes, it sure was a popular style. Glad to hear you love Dixie Belle too!
The table turned out beautiful with the Dixie Belle Paint. I would refinish a table that also has the orange finish like your table did. PS Your daughter is adorable helper.
Love your mad fix-it skills!
Mad is right…mwahahaha!! 😀 Thank you.
I have a hutch and I’m thinkin that drop vloth is probably just the right color!
ooh…so many possibilities!!
Sweet makeover! Thank you for the details on the fix also. 🙂 Have to get some clamps for sure. Your daughter is over the top adorable. 🙂 Love the paint and just the right amount of distressing. Thanks for all the tips!
I need more clamps, the heavy duty kind as my hubs keeps breaking them! haha. Thanks for the love!
Oh, how I love what you had done to that cute little table.
I have a small 3 drawer dresser and is in desperate need of a make over.
Thank you for this giveaway opportunity
Pinned
Thanks!
Thanks so much! Sounds like the perfect project piece.
Love how you figure out how to fix broken things. I would make over a buffet with the paint.
It’s kinds like a challenge and brain exercise for me. I love it. Thanks for the encouraging words. 🙂
I love the look, I am always trying to decide whether to paint or save the wood tone. I know you say you save wood when you can. Does it sell as well as painted? The first thing I will paint is. A sofa table
I always go by value first, damage, then sellability. I prefer a wood/paint combo myself and so do my audience. But, when done right both sell well. Paint is still hot, but I see wood coming back in.
I have two end tables and a coffee table that need this paint ?
Perfect!
Looks so much better! Every piece of furniture that my dad made has that AWFUL orange stain on it. I can’t find enough paint to cover it all! 🙂
hahaha!! Too funny!
Nice
Thank you.
What a fantastic make over/repair! Thanks for showing your repair work, so informative. Keep up the great blogging.
My absolute pleasure, Judy. Thank you!
Inspiring!
Fantastic to hear. Thanks!
Great job as always. I have some end tables crying out for a Dixie Belle makeover as well!
Thanks! This paint is not only good, but a vast selection of colors, stencils, stains…so much to love!
That table looks so good now! Another orphan rescued and given a 2nd chance! ?
I have an old chair that needs to be redone so I’d paint it first with Dixie Belle paint if I won! Thanks for the chance to win!
Wahoo!! Thanks, Cecilia.
ADORABLE!!! Am thinking about using that color on my chair!
It goes with anything and is such a soothing soft white.
Your daughter is lovely. And so is the table!
Thanks on both accounts. 🙂
I’m inspired. I have a coffee table that needs this look.
Sounds good!
Larissa,
Love the new look of the little kitchen side table! I admire your creativity and hope to purchase some Dixie Belle paint to use on a small drop leaf table that used to be my grandmother’s. Here’s hoping I can do it justice with some guidance from your posts. Your little Miss is a cutie!
We had a blast working together. Thank you!
Beautiful finish, and your little girl is so cute in her bandana and apron! She put a smile on my face this morning. I have an entire huge king bedroom suite that looks like this table “before!” I’m going to use my home right sprayer on it, thank you so very much 🙂
She cracks me up, and so reminds me of me. haha!! Thanks Lee Ann.
I love the table the paint color was a good choice. And your daughter is so cute I just want to hug her!!
It matches most anything and is why it’s a favorite. She is a doll!
I am glad I am not the only one who likes to rescue “hopeless” furniture. It’s not that I am super green or anything, but I do enjoy making something out of nothing. Freebies are the best! You did a wonderful job on this table and what a difference can be made with a little work, and some quality finishing with good chalk paint. Keep up the good work! I enjoy the blog, it is inspiring.
They kinda find me and beg me for new life. haha! Thanks so much, Dana.
Your table looks perfect! You and your Daughter did a wonderful job. I am working on my second desk I think Dixie Belle Paint would do nicely!
Thanks for the love, Deb. We had such fun!
This is a great little makeover!! Paint truly makes a huge difference. . . . and. . your sweet “baby” is getting to be a big girl!! She is darling.
Yes, she sure is…sniff. Thank you, Karen. 🙂
Beautiful restoration! As usual, you do AWESOME work! Thanks for sharing with us!
You made my day, Angie. Thanks!
I love this makeover and the photos of your little sweetie-pie helping are just the best! My son has 2 of these side tables that I bought at an auction several years ago. You’ve given me hope that I can update them to look like yours. They look fantastic!
That sounds like the perfect project, Kathy. So fun to give them new life. 🙂
Sweet transformation!
Cute little apprentice!?
To be honest, I have never used Dixie Belle paints, I do love the smooth coverage!
Thanks for the giveaway!?
You will be blown away, literally. So cool!
What an amazing transformation…you are so talented! I enjoy your blog so much and the inspiration it brings. I recently bought a beach cottage (my future retirement home) and have filled it with rescued craigs list finds…including a queen-size bed with beautiful carvings on the head and foot boards. I plan on giving it a makeover…and it would look so beautiful painted with a “beachy” Dixie Belle color.
High five to you, Vanessa! That’s half the fun of creating your home story. Enjoy!
Your little helper is so adorable! Love that she wanted a bandana and apron – precious. Oh, and the table looks good as new too, better than new!
I had to giggle over and over at how serious she was. So fun to have my kids working beside me.
Great transformation, I would have probably passed this one by. would love to try those paints!
You will love them, Anna. Thanks!
It looks lovely now and you had a great little helper!
Fun for us both and a sweet memory for me. Thanks, Carrie.
I love seeing these transformations! So inspiring! Thank you!
I have a china cabinet and a dining room table that I am going to do soon.
I’m so happy to hear it, Alicia. Thank you!
Love the table! I have a similar table and coffee table of the same style that would look great with the farmhouse style. Love the chunky legs! Your little helper has a great role model in you, learning how to re-love and re-use, and make it beautiful. Thanks for all your inspiration!
They really are fantastic pieces, especially for those chunky legs. We had fun giving this one new life. Thanks!
I’m a beginner. I’d paint a small, wood, picnic silverware caddy I picked up at a garage sale.
That’s a perfect way to start. 🙂
Larissa, All your work is the fabulous and all I can say is Dixie Bell paint is awesome as I use it on all my projects.
Good to hear! I love it too. Thanks, Kathy.
Loved seeing how you repaired along with your little helper! I love to paint furniture, but don’t like the repair part! Great piece 🙂
It can be a doozy sometimes! Thanks so much, Sue.
Love the side table. You are so talented and creative. I loved the redesign you created with the changing table. How do you think these ideas up? Just amazes me what you do!
It is absolutely like a game for me to figure these things out. Thanks so much for giving me encouragement.
I love your make-over! And your helper. Makes me wish I had one too, 🙂 I have a “pumpkin” side table that needs some help. I think the drop-cloth color is just the ticket. Thanks for the inspiration!
They are the best! All my guys are such huge help. Couldn’t do it without them. Have fun with that pumpkin! 😀
Your pieces are always beautiful, but it’s the way you display them that makes them I-have-to-have-that gorgeous! I just finished redoing my mud room walls & stairs, so now I need to paint some shelves & maybe a footstool to put in there!
Awww…that means much. Thank you. It takes much time to do it, but I love it. Makes it all the more fun.
Love it and your little helper!
Thanks so much, Melinda!
Larissa I have a similar table with the narrow grooves cut into the top. I want to fill in those grooves and paint it. Need something on the top that will help to fend off cat claws. Can’t keep the kitties off this table in the middle of the living room, so I’m hoping there is something that will protect the finish.
the Pin It entry says “DIY arbor” but I’m guessing you meant the table. ???
Fixed it! Thank you.
You could used wood filler, but depending on the reason for them it may crack over time. A good epoxy would do it.
I have a couple of “Trashures” I’ve picked up and wanted to repurpose for outside…this post is inspiring me to FINISH at least one and cover it in GATOR HIDE!
Wahoo!! Sounds like fun, Kathleen!
I love all of your makeovers! I can’t believe you can fix all that broken furniture yourself. If I win, I’d paint an end table as well!
It’s kinda like a challenge and I love to figure it out. Thanks, Vicki!
Outstanding repair job and finished table. Love your little helper – looks like she’s following in mama and sibling’s footsteps! Would love to win the Dixie Belle paints as I have several projects I would like to work on.
She is so anxious to do it. Now I have to hide and paint! ahahaha…
Ohmygosh your daughter is a mini you – so adorable! I have tried Dixie Belle paint and am really liking it. I would like to paint my bathroom cabinets. Thanks!
haha…she sure is in more ways than one. I’m happy to hear you like it too!
Larissa, you and your little girl did a wonderful job on this farm house style table! I especially love how you involved your daughter in the makeover and not having to worry about nasty chemicals! Awesome job girls!!!
Loved your table. I really like that color and i want to use that color on a set of side tables i have.
Thanks! You can’t go wrong with white. 🙂
I have two off those exact tables at home. I’ve been wanting to paint them. I’m just scared to do the distressing part!
No worries, Stacey. That’s the easy part! You can always paint over it and try again.
So cute. Both your little girl and end table. I would love to try Dixie Belle products. I have lots of things to paint.
Thanks! I am partial to the girl. hahaha. 😀 You will love them!
I love seeing your furniture flips, you’re very creative and it inspires me to try more! I’d love to give Dixie Belle a try, possibly to paint the built-in cupboard in my guest bath or my vintage pantry door.
That’s what I’m all about Kyla. Thanks!
This was an inspiring project and your sweet wee helper just made it that more special. I have three vintage cabinets in my kitchen that badly need new lives – preferably in a very soft wedgewood blue chalk finish.
I treasure these times with my kids. So fun!
Not only is your table great.I love the wooden box on top with all of the cubbies.&Your little in her apron and bandana adorables.
Love a wooden tote to no end! 😀 Thanks, Cheryl. She is my sweetie.
Love the project, simple but so dramatically different. Little girl is so sweet trying to help. What beautiful memories she is making!
I would paint a round table that just got dumped in my garage because it didn’t fit in middle son’s new college apartment 😉
She is such a great helper and knows so much already. Thank you!
Another A+ makeover Larissa, but every bit as impressive is the assistance you get from your family — toddlers included! The Dixie Bell paint looks amazing and I have just the dresser screaming to meet it!
They are such wonderful help in so many ways. Thank you, Kelly.
What a perfect outcome to an “I’m still good” piece of furniture. Your little girl is precious & you are truly blessed!!!!!!!!
Woot! Happy to hear it, Charlene. Thanks!
Hi Larissa, Drop Cloth is one of my favorite Dixie Belle colors,too. Such a soft white that seems to fit every where I use it. It has transformed many a roadside rescue, around here!Also, luvin Duck Egg at the moment. Wish I could hire your helper! She’s such a serious worker.
It goes with anything and any style. She sure is a hard workin’ toddler! 😀