Do you ever get caught without your camera and you find a pot-o-#trashure? I was on my way to pick up my daughter from practice and drove by this ginormous pile of stuff that included several end tables, coffee tables, beds, etc. I didn’t have time to stop, but figured if it was still there on my way back home, I’d have a peek because I spied a vintage Heywood Wakefield side table resting on top.
If no one took it, I didn’t want it going to the dump. Upon my return, this table below is still sitting there and also many of the furniture pieces. However, I didn’t snap a pic until the next day when I drove by and that was all that was left. That makes my heart happy to see that furniture find a new home.
In the meantime, this is all I grab from my little adventure that first day.
No, it’s not a plant stand as it was apparently used for, but a gorgeous Mid-Century Modern piece that needs tons of TLC.
It has cracks (don’t we all?) and sunken in wood rings where the water made the wood grain condense. So sad.
REVIVAL TIME
First, with the table still assembled, I use my sander to take down the finish and get as much damage out as I can.
Thankfully, I am able to take care of much of the damage. However, there’s still much to be tackle. Gum, anyone? I have three or so portions to share. {{blucky}}
Then, as soon as I have the top shelf sanded, I take apart the table to I can get into all the nooks and crannies.
Obviously, wood filler is my best friend for those cracks and pits.
Next, I sand down the legs and shelf support pieces to reveal that gorgeous wood. While I’m at it, I replace the rusty metal feet with these new ones.
To finish the legs and supports, I use linseed oil to seal and protect them just like I did on these past projects.
Last, for the tops, I use my Zinsser BIN primer to seal in those water stains and prepare it for three coats of a white eggshell paint. These mirco foam rollers are perfect for a smooth finish as I show on this laminate dining table. Also, this primer is fantastic at not only blocking stains but also odors from cigarette smoke and mildew.
SAVED
While this classic vintage piece may have been left for dead, I am happy to say it now has many more years of use. Can you believe you can buy one of these in mint condition for $750?
This isn’t my first Mid-Century modern makeover with wood and white. You can see more here:
- MCM Chest
- MCM to Modern Day Chest
- Thrifted MCM Dresser Set
- Curbside MCM Dresser
- Color Fun MCM Set
- Broyhill Brasilia Chest
While the overall refinish has it back up and running, there is still slight residual spots where those deep water rings are.
And how about dem legs? That wood is too gorgeous to cover all it up, so with highlighting this fantastic design.
Likewise, with nearly all my makeovers, they are ready to help you make your house your home and can be found in my online store.
SHARE
Now it’s your turn… would you have rescued this Heywood Wakefield table from the trash? As always, my goal is to inspire you. I invite you to pin and share to inspire others to give sad pieces a new life.
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While you’re at it, here are more Mid-Century modern furniture pieces like this Heywood Wakefield side table:
Beautiful make-over. I remember my mom having matching end tables like that.
They are built to last for sure. Too good to pass up! Thank you, Colleen.
Beautiful! Love you left the legs natural.
Oh yes. I would have loved to revive the whole thing, but that damaged deemed a paint job. 😉 Thanks, Gina.
What a score! Too bad you couldn’t complete stain it as mcm pieces are in demand and this is a great one.
Yes, but loads of work too. They’ve been in demand for over a decade now and sell well for me whether painted or stained. But… this was about a rescue for me. 😀
My train has full on derailed if it ever left the station….. I think I can…..I think I can……ugh!
I’m so glad you saved this beauty Larissa! Those legs are amazing. Very groovy! MCM is one of my favorite styles but even though I am short I have a hard time getting up out of MCM furniture. My first thought on some of those darker spots was ash trey. I remember having similar tables when I was a kid.
exactly!! They sure are. This was plants as it had the potting soil still on it. haha. I’ve dealt with water damage before like this and it’s always a beast to remedy.
We saved a Heywood Wakefield coffee table and end table from my mother’s possessions. They’re hanging out in my basement awaiting the day my daughter finds her own digs. They are in perfect condition! I love how you rescued this end table. It’s really lovely!
That’s a treat for sure! I just couldn’t let it go to waste out there and being in such rough shape. Thank you for the smile, Vicki. 😀
We have a H/W dining table and 4 chairs from my in-law’s home, which we use daily. The set must be 70-75 years old. We have never restored the time-worn tabletop or the chair backs. Wish I lived near you! You brought that end table to a beautifully restored life!
That has to be a lovely set and will last f.o.r.e.v.e.r. I’m just happy I could revive this table. Thank you, Joanne.
I love a good MCM save. This table looks gorgeous now that you have worked your magic!
Me too, me too! Thank you, Mary.