Here’s the scenario: I walk into the thrift store and take a quick scan of the goods. My path of hunt takes me straight to a leggy gem. Here is the Queen Anne table I spied.
I quickly open the drawer to find “Broyhill” and dove-tailed drawers. Then, I kneel down to look under and find…yep…solid oak. SCORE!! A quick sniff-check is in order to make sure no nasty odors linger. none. Mentally I make note of the wear on top. Nothing I couldn’t handle, right?
Nervously I peeked around for the price tag – couldn’t find it! Shortly after, I motioned the gentleman working the floor to come talk to me. I sweetly asked, “How much is this table?”
THE BACKSTORY
He grinned and said, “Just set this out today. Ummm…$8??” I pretend to not flush in the face while my heart beats faster. Nonchalantly I reply, “Ok. I guess I’ll take it”. Meanwhile, in my head a voice screams out, “Doesn’t he know this is solid oak, Doesn’t he know that this is quality from Broyhill?? HAPPY DANCE!! However, this totally reminded me of my other Broyhill find. Do you remember my Brasilia treasure?
I put aside the fact that this orangey table was thanking me for rescuing it, and continue my hunt through the store. Thankfully, I found many more goodies that he was happy to let me take off his hands. Yes, it was a good day.
After I got the Queen Anne table home, I just kinda stared at it hoping it would tell me how it wanted to grow up. Ya know, to graduate out of that awful orange stain into something new. Finally, I played with a few color schemes in my head and even debated on refinishing it altogether. If it were for me that would be what I’d do, but since this is going to be in my shop, I decided to mix it up.
DIY TIME
First, my sander came out to play. It wasn’t long before I had the old finish off the top and I was ready for the next step. Bring on the fun!
I also wanted to update the hardware, so I filled the holes with wood filler and sanded down. Then, I drilled a hole for a new knob. Now we are ready to roll!
Since I do have a passion for wood grain, I had no intention of hiding that glorious top, but rather redefining it.
Then, with my brush and glazing, I apply a light coat following the direction of the grain. Likewise this grain is open and quite dry, I need to move quickly.
I then take a soft clean rag and wipe off the excess glazing working in the direction of the grain again. I let it cure for a bit and then move on to the topcoat. For this I use a matte poly for the final finish. Again, follow the grain, and brush on.
UP NEXT
Next, while the topcoat is curing, it’s time to tackle the legs, skirt, and drawer. I chose to do a soft contrast using a soft blue-green. Isn’t it pretty? And it goes on just perfectly with that fan brush spreading out as I work downward. I
Last, after applying two coats of paint and letting it cure. I decided to draw out that oak grain in a more subtle way by using a white wax. It’s easy to do, just brush on the wax in small circular motions, and wipe off any excess with a soft cloth.
THE REVEAL
And we’re done!
In addition, it looks so much better in the new look and I feel I maintained the integrity of the wood without that heavy grain being so bold.
In addition, I even added some designer wallpaper fun to the inside of the drawer, and an antique glass knob. Every girl needs some BAM! Right?
Likewise, don’t forget those leggy legs. I love the Queen Anne style tables! You can see my other favorites in these posts.
As I mentioned earlier, that this Queen Anne table is now available in my shop for purchase along with many other goodies. Also, keep in mind that we do offer combined shipping and 2 or more furniture items can ship for the price of one.
In addition, pin and share this Queen Anne table makeover to inspire others to break out of the orange oak mold and have some fun. You too can DIY!
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!
Karen R says
Great job as usual. I wish I had your vision.
Larissa says
Thanks, Karen. It’s fun to create.
ColleenB.~Texas says
Eight dollars for that table! Unbelieavable. You stole the thing for that price. You really lucked out girl. The table is gorgeous.
I do have a head and foot board bed frame that is need of a new make-over.
Thank you for this giveaway opportunity
Larissa says
I was floored! He sold another lovely piece to a lady for the same price. He was cleaning shop!
Jennie says
I LOVE the Queen Anne style. Guess I’m an old-fashioned girl at heart! Great job!
Larissa says
You and me both are old souls. 😉
Debrashoppeno5 says
Yes, I would pay $8 for that table, it is a classic. I love the makeover.
Larissa says
They sure are. Thanks, Debra!
Elaine says
I have two drop leaf side tables that are the cousins to that table. I’m not happy with my first makeover I did on them, and I was considering stripping the tops and starting over…after seeing your makeover I now am SURE that I’m going to!
Larissa says
It’s always fun to redo for update or save. Good for you!
Kelly - Endless Acres Farmtiques says
Love this! What a beautiful transformation! Isn’t it the best feeling coming across finds like this (for cheap!) ?! :):)
Larissa says
You ain’t kiddin’! Thanks so much, Kelly.
Jan Donley says
Cute! I love the window frame also! ?
Larissa says
I am a window addict! 😀
Alison S says
I’d paint my dining room table!
Larissa says
Fun!
Lezlie adams says
Beautiful! I love the blue.
Larissa says
Thank you. I do too!
Donna Marchlewski says
Pretty outcome. I have a table i may i paint.the same way.
Larissa says
ooh…sounds like fun!
Deb says
Beautiful I love it!
Larissa says
Thank you, Deb!
Meghan Seyller says
$8 that’s awesome! I love the blue it really brings out the great legs. I could use a Zibra brush to paint a wardrobe that’s in the way of my new dining table.
Larissa says
Total score, right?! I have one much the same. hahaha…
Carole says
Lovely! I love the Blue color!
Larissa says
Thank you, Carole. I do too!
Donna says
It’s a beautiful table! What a great score.
Larissa says
Thanks! It was a fun day for shopping.
Rebecca Drake says
Love the color on those legs!
Thanks for the giveaway!
Larissa says
I’m happy to share.
Rhonda says
#toolsoverjewles
Thanks for all the inspiration!
Larissa says
Yeah, baby! You bet. 😉
Alicia says
Oh! So beautiful! I love the soft blue color and white wash top. The crystal knob really makes it sparkle too!
Lovely!
Larissa says
Yay! I’m so happy to hear it, Alicia. Thank you so much!
Kathy E. says
I am sooo jealous of your great finds! There’s nothing like this around here, so I have to live vicariously through you. I have an older 2 drawer chest that I plan on updating this fall and the Zibra brushes would make the job so much more enjoyable.
Larissa says
I am happy to do the finding for us both. 😀 haha…just teasing.
Anita Ellison says
Love the Vintage Duck Egg and contrasting white washed table top. Very nicely done! I have an old cast off side table in the basement screaming for a face lift. That’s the project I would start with should I win the Zibra brushes! I believe I could make my piece stand out just as you have done making it worthy for the front living room! Thanks for sharing how you used the Zibra fan brush too, looks fun!
Larissa says
That sounds like a perfect project. Yay!
Anna Violette says
I love your table!! Beautiful!! I also am looking to refinish some end tables for our bedroom and a dresser for the hubbs!
Larissa says
Thank you! They are fun to do.
Brandi Kilpatrick says
Such a great makeover, Larissa! I have some oak tables that are the exact same color of the original, and you have given me the perfect idea for them! Thank you for sharing!
Larissa says
I’m happy to hear it, Brandi. I love oak, but sometimes the grain can be so heavy.
Brenda says
Love this! I’m always anxious to see which colors you choose for your projects. You nailed it once again! I have a waterfall dressing table that I would use the Zebra Brush on! I’m inspired!
Larissa says
Wonderful! I get nervous sometimes, but really have fun getting to play. Thank you!
Debra Wise says
Another great makeover. Thanks for the inspiration!
Larissa says
My pleasure, Debra. 🙂
Deanne says
Love the queen Anne table makeover…very pretty.
I have an antique buffet I’m ready to tackle if I only had these brushes! I hope I win! I hope I win!
Larissa says
Sounds good!
Julie Briones says
I really enjoy seeing your makeovers! You have a real gift!
Larissa says
It is fun to share and I feel so blessed to be able to do what I do. Thank you, Julie.
Yolanda Acevedo says
Totally love the after!!
Easy breezy color especially in a sea side cottage!?
Larissa says
Thanks, Yolanda.
Kathy Wells says
I too love to preserve the grain, especially on a beautiful oak piece. A Zibra brush would be super helpful in working on my next project, my Mom’s old buffet.
Larissa says
That sounds like the perfect project piece. Yay!
Jana Hodge says
I love love love the color combination…The Zebra Fan Brush applied the glazing so well, fanning out the glaze and also with your Gator Hide…the brush seems to have worked well for you being the wood was so dry…I would like to try one on a large round coffee table with a pedestal base that is old & dry…
Larissa says
All the products are so easy to use that it makes my work all the more stress-free. Thanks!
Emeryl says
I’m going to build some shelving for my room, and I’m definitely going to need to paint it, so that’s probably what I would do with the brushes!
Larissa says
Good for you!
Jane says
What an awesome makeover! I have a table just like this. I am unfamiliar with these brushes but I am interested in them.
Larissa says
I am a confessed brush snob (aka. super picky) and when I finally found these brushes after my favorite had stopped being sold in the U.S. I was so delighted!
Becky says
Oh, NICE!!! I love the colors, but that you left the wood grain showing too! Great choices! It makes me want to go out and paint… something! Not sure where to start, haha!
Larissa says
hee hee hee. That’s the spirit!
Sandy Koenig says
I really like how this table turned out. Good job.
Larissa says
Thanks for saying so, Sandy. I had fun.
Jenny Peickert says
I always luv the combinationss u use on your pieces of stain or glaze & paint. It really updates the piece. I am always re-doing some project so a fabulous brush would create a nicer finish. Blessings>>jenny
Larissa says
That’s wonderful to hear, Jenny. Thank you for the encouragement!
Jayme Coonce says
AWESOME! I love the addition of the wallpaper in the drawer – such a simple thing to do and has great impact. I also love changing out the hardware – another simple fix that totally updates and personalizes an already great piece. I have a couple of small dining tables that need re-finishing and updating – perfect projects for a fancy new brush. 😉
Larissa says
That’s my favorite ways to update since most anyone can do it. Thanks for the love, Jayme. 😀
Kathleen says
Wow…I see these tables often for sale, but never thought they could be redone so beautifully. I’m just getting started with me 1st “basic” Zibra brush. The fan brush might help me finish up a few of the “project pieces” staring at me…longing for their makeover!
Kaycee says
I love the softness of this table Larissa, such a sweet table now!
Larissa says
Thank you, Kaycee. I just had to soften the heavy grain a bit for the feminine look to shine.
Debi McNamer says
Love the new brush! I would use it on an old oak round table I have. Been wanting to change because I’ve gotten rid of all the oak and went to painted instead.
Larissa says
It sounds like you have the perfect project piece, Debi. It will be fun!
Pam in Illinois says
Beautiful! Great job. Not sure what I would paint first. I really need to paint my walls before I start anything else. 🙂 pam
Larissa says
I feel we might all have the same problem, Pam. hahaha… Sounds good!
Janina says
Love your style and color choices
Larissa says
Thanks so much, Janina.
Mary Gillis says
The table looks fantastic! What a makeover! She needed to be prettied up. I am just getting into painting furniture and will have to look into this fan brush that you love so dearly.
Larissa says
I thought it needed something to make it come to life. Thanks for getting it. 😉
Michelle says
I’ve never been a huge lover of tables in that style, but you made it look so fantastic! I love it!
Larissa says
Wahoo! I’m happy to hear it. Thanks!
Annette says
I would use it on an old end table I want to refinish.
Larissa says
Perfect.
Michelle says
This is so awesome!!!❤️?
Larissa says
How fun are you?! Thank you. 😀
Corry heinricks says
Love the makeover and the bargain find makes it even better ! And those brushes look lovely……would love to,try them out myself 🙂
Larissa says
Gotta love a good find for sure. Thank you, Corry! You will love these brushes.
Charlene says
Once again, well done!
Larissa says
Thanks, Charlene.
Rebecca - Knoxville,TN says
Love the the makeover and your color choices. My next project is an end table with ball and claw feet, and a warped top! that I pulled out of someones trash pile 😮 Will be a challenge.
Larissa says
I’m sure you’re up to the challenge! You go girl. 😉
Mary says
I love the finish on the outdated end table. I have a dresser very similar to your one dresser two projects item that I would use this new brush on. I have the triangle Zibra brush and I love it. I’m sure the new one will be just as great!
Larissa says
Sounds good!
Stephanie says
I like what you did with the table! So cute! I have an old sewing cabinet with similar legs that my husband’s Grandma gave me years ago and I’ve been thinking it needs some paint to freshen it up.
Larissa says
That would be fun!
Kiera Chambers says
I have almost the same table, only it came with the drawer missing and already painted black. I will eventually re-do it, but my next project is an old swing table that we are using as a sort of command center in our family room, I need to sand and re-paint that…so that’s what I’d use that brush on if I won!
Larissa says
Sweet! Sounds like it will be quite the fun piece and your others too.
Donna says
I love this shade of blue! I am almost finished wit my current project, an old secretary, and I have several waiting of course and could really use a new brush. Love your blog Larissa
Larissa says
Brushes are so handy and get lots of love around here. I hear ya! Thank you, Donna.
Kristina says
I really am in love with all of my Zibra brushes. I would love to try this one out! Thank you for the opportunity!
Larissa says
Wonderful to hear, Kristina! I am over-the-moon with mine. My pleasure to share.
Moonalisa Crabass says
I actually have two side tables, very similar to this one, that I will be painting for my mom’s sitting room. Would love to try the new fan brush on them!
Larissa says
Those sound perfect!
Sarah Ramberg says
Gorgeous makeover, Larissa!! And thank you for the giveaway chance!
Larissa says
My pleasure, Sarah! Hope you win.
Melanie says
I have a table just like this!
Larissa says
Awesome!
Molly says
You inspired me! I found two similar Broyhill tables only with oval tops and a much darker finish at a yard sale for $6.50 each! Cha Ching! I like the way you did the top of yours, so I’m going to give it a try. I love, love , love my Zibra brushes!
Larissa says
Total score!! They will be beautiful, I’m sure. 😉
Kim says
What color blue did you use?
Came out great!
Larissa says
It’s called Vintage by DecoArt. 🙂 Thanks!