It’s not often that I get to find pieces that are story-telling. What I mean is they are styled in a simple way that speaks to my home style. Take this little vintage farmhouse table. The turned legs are so pretty, and the scalloped skirt give it just the right dynamic. Even the faux drawer with brass bat-wing pull adds to it. However, it needs a little help from my tools.
It’s definitely apparent that the top has the most wear and needs TLC. No problem, right? In addition, I believe I have a thing for small tables. I did a little shopping…hee hee.
DIY TIME
First, as you can imagine, I’m eager to break out my sander to see what I’m dealing with. I already know it has much wear, but I’m curious about staining. The wear is just a bit more than I expected, but all goes well after some elbow grease helps me out.
Then, after sanding, I clean it up and apply a reactive stain with a weathered wood finish. As for the skirt and legs, I want to refresh them a bit and add dimension. In order to do that, I begin with a pretty boring base color.
That is so that I can add a layered look similar to this antique buffet I did a few years ago. Next, once the base color cures, I use a soft white to create the glazed effect. Also, while that cures, I apply a mix of water and gray paint to make a wash to make that weathered wood look a darker gray. I wasn’t happy with the outcome of the stain and a DIY does what a DIYer does best…make your own.! Finally, I apply a matte poly to the top to the top to give it a protective finish.
THE REVEAL
It’s definitely looking better and it has even more of a story now, don’t you agree? This vintage farmhouse table is suited for most any room in your home as accent table, side table, or even a nightstand. Also, I’m totally smitten with the outcome of not only the gray stained top, but also the whitewash of the legs and skirt.
So, maybe would you have done a different style? The legs and design sure lend it to a rustic/cottage vibe, but you can always do whatever you want. That’s half the fun of creating your own home story.
If you’d like to make this a part of your home, you can find it and more available in my online shop.
SHARE
Finally, you know that my goal each and every time I post is to inspire you. Maybe you have that hand-me-down piece of furniture from Great Aunt Ida that you tucked in the attic or found a sweet piece at a garage sale that you’ve put off working on. Make it your own and have fun! Plus, pin and share so others can be inspired too.
Before you head off, you can see what happens to the other two tables in my haul in Part 2 and Part 3 (tap text for details).
UP NEXT
Up next, it’s Reduce, Reuse, REFASHION time. HEAD HERE to see what happens to this sweater. eep!
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Also, more furniture makeovers like my vintage farmhouse table:
Who couldn’t use a little table?? And this one is so versatile…especially with the neutral finishes! Love!! ?
They fit in most anywhere. Totally fun finds too. Thanks, Rebecca!
I love the look! Could you tell me more about the “reactive stain”–or link me to a post that explains? Just beautiful, and I’d like to get that effect. Thanks so much.
Thanks! Sure thing. It’s a stain that works with the tannins in the wood to age it quickly. There are weathered colors, black, or even browns that give an aged appeal. You can see how I’ve used them in these past posts HERE.