Top
Subscribe for free and never miss a post

Coffee Table Makeover with French Country Style

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.

Garage Sale Find Claw Foot Table | Prodigal Pieces | prodigalpieces.com

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.

Top of Queen Anne Claw Foot Coffee Table | Prodigal Pieces | prodigalpieces.com

First, I brought out my favorite sander to take the old finish off and reveal that stunning grain.

Sanded Walnut Table Top | Prodigal Pieces | prodigalpieces.com

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.

Rust-Oleum Early American Stain for Table Top | Prodigal Pieces | prodigalpieces.com

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.

Whitewashing Coffee Table Legs | Prodigal Pieces | prodigalpieces.com

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…

Claw Foot Coffee Table with French Country Style by Prodigal Pieces | prodigalpieces.com

Corner of Whitewashed Claw Foot Table by Prodigal Pieces | prodigalpieces.com

Likewise, the top is so lovely and that grain is now showcased in wonderful form.

Burled Wood French Country Coffee Table by Prodigal Pieces | prodigalpieces.com

I’m so happy that this table has found a new home from my shop.

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

Vintage French Country Coffee Table Makeover by Prodigal Pieces | prodigalpieces.com

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.  😉

Worn Out Coffee Table Gets French Country Makeover by Prodigal Pieces | prodigalpieces.com

Also, sign up for my newsletter at the bottom of this post to get the details in your inbox.

blog signature

let's get socialMEWE  |  PINTEREST  |  GAB

Also, more makeovers like this French country coffee table:

French Provincial Blue Dresser Set Makeover by Prodigal Pieces | prodigalpieces.comFrench Grain Sack Chest of Drawers by Prodigal Pieces | prodigalpieces.com

Comments

  1. Bonnie says

    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.

  2. Janet Huey says

    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:)

    • Larissa says

      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!

  3. Gwen says

    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!

    • Larissa says

      They are few and far between now and mostly inside…if you dare. 😉 Thanks for stopping by, Gwen!

  4. Kari says

    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!

    • Larissa says

      Yes! It happens to the best of us and I believe for obvious reasons. 😉 Thanks for the love, Kari.

  5. Mary-the boondocks blog says

    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!

    • Larissa says

      Thank you, Mary. And same to you. Have a wonderful New Year!

  6. Sherry Stuifbergen says

    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.

    • Larissa says

      That sounds like a great idea, Sherry. I’m so happy you enjoy my work. 🙂

  7. Marie from The Interior Frugalista says

    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.

    • Larissa says

      Thank you, Marie. The new owner loves it and that’s what matters most. 😉

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Client Love

I love it! Larissa is amazing. She listened to what I wanted and then she took care of the rest! This is my second piece I've bought from her and I'm in love! I highly recommend her.

~ Laurel

Prodigal Pieces
2020-03-21T21:34:13-04:00

~ Laurel

I love it! Larissa is amazing. She listened to what I wanted and then she took care of the rest! This is my second piece I've bought from her and I'm in love! I highly recommend her.

I love this cart, it's exquisite. The item was received in extremely secure packaging, no damage to the item. The delivery person was very professional and courteous. Larissa of Prodigal Pieces is so very amazing. A rating of 10 is deserved. Thank you, Larissa.

~ Stephanie

Prodigal Pieces
2020-03-21T21:39:34-04:00

~ Stephanie

I love this cart, it's exquisite. The item was received in extremely secure packaging, no damage to the item. The delivery person was very professional and courteous. Larissa of Prodigal Pieces is so very amazing. A rating of 10 is deserved. Thank you, Larissa.

I should have left this review MONTHS ago! I absolute love this lunch bag. I honestly carry this 5 days a week. It is the perfect size! Not only can you put your lunch in it, it can also hold your book. I enjoy reading at lunch, so I have all I need in one cute bag. Thank you so much Larissa!

~ Mikki

Prodigal Pieces
2020-03-21T21:43:16-04:00

~ Mikki

I should have left this review MONTHS ago! I absolute love this lunch bag. I honestly carry this 5 days a week. It is the perfect size! Not only can you put your lunch in it, it can also hold your book. I enjoy reading at lunch, so I have all I need in one cute bag. Thank you so much Larissa!

Awww…I love this sweet Cat with an attitude!! SO SO adorable! Well worth the money, and he will become a priceless treasure in my home! Thanks Larissa for always making your ideas turn into true treasures!

~ Sharon

Prodigal Pieces
2020-03-21T21:45:37-04:00

~ Sharon

Awww…I love this sweet Cat with an attitude!! SO SO adorable! Well worth the money, and he will become a priceless treasure in my home! Thanks Larissa for always making your ideas turn into true treasures!

Perfect purchase from start to finish! Absolutely adorable piece so creatively thought out. Packed with the greatest of care with lightening fast delivery. Very customer-oriented and friendly crafter. Could not ask for more! Thank you!

~ Deanna

Prodigal Pieces
2020-03-21T21:52:00-04:00

~ Deanna

Perfect purchase from start to finish! Absolutely adorable piece so creatively thought out. Packed with the greatest of care with lightening fast delivery. Very customer-oriented and friendly crafter. Could not ask for more! Thank you!
0
0
Prodigal Pieces