It’s pretty good feeling when someone brings you a haul of furniture, simply because they believe you can give it new life. My dad presents me with projects because he has faith in my abilities – both my parents do. In his current line of work, many project pieces cross his path and he texts me with potential. Lately, I have turned down items left and right. For some reason, this time I took in a few of them because…well…who could resist? See that vintage side table among the loot?
That, my friends, is today’s project piece. It is begging me (really!) to relieve it from the nightmare it’s stuck in. Oh, and just so you know, I did turn down other furniture in this same haul because I really didn’t want any more furniture – yes, really. haha!
So take a closer peek at this forlorn piece.
The table has great lines. It appears to be well built with solid brass hardware, and also appears to have been smothered in some messy primer application. Poor thing…
NO FEAR! {{lady in cape appears with dramatic music playing}}
In all seriousness (as if I’m ever really serious), I totally planned on just painting over that mess and letting it be done. However, if you know me in the least, I seem to take on the weirdest challenges that get me in trouble from time to time. ahem.
FIRST STEPS
When I set the table out to take the before picture, something caught my eye and literally made me gasp. My in-head dialogue: “Was that a pattern I just saw in the top? Could that be a gorgeous veneer I see?” No joke, I grabbed my sander on the spot, even though I had no time to sand, and here is what I saw…
…for real. Quickly, I ran inside to show my kids because the appreciate this kinda thing, and sent a picture to my dad. I now knew that I had more work cut out for me. It would be worth it, right? How could anyone cover that up?!
After a whole lotta sanding, I had the top where I liked it. However, I was worried that a few spots might be too thin after I had to sand to get out that primer. The truth would be revealed when I stained the top. I hold my breath and break out my favorite Provincial Stain to dress up this gem.
NEXT STEP
Okay…so the stain went on well and as I suspected. Unfortunately, veneer ended up being a hair too thin for my liking in one spot in particular. The raw spot jumped out at me and I may have pouted like a toddler that didn’t get to play with the big kids. Ah well.
What to do next? Improvise.
There was no way I was going to cover up that veneer, so I decided to hide the flaw while adding some dimension to this vintage side table. See the spot right inside the taped off area on the bottom left?
To remedy that flaw, I chose to use my neutral beige color to give this table some dimension on top. In addition, the base of the table got a couple coats of it too after some fixes.
COOL GOO
While the top was curing, I cleaned the rest. Unfortunately, one of the brass caps for the feet was missing. I searched high and low online and came up empty handed with a replacement. To solve my problem, I went to a product I used on my Art Deco vanity chair seen HERE. I can’t say it enough…Plasti Dip is AMAZING.
I wanted to protect the vintage side table feet, as well as give them some heft. Then, I dip the foot in the container, and it’s done. So cool! FYI, I just use sawhorses to prop up the table while I take care of the feet.
LAST STEP
Now, while the top and feet are curing, I tackle that awfully tarnished hardware. I have thing for solid brass and it has to be showcased. To tell if it’s the real deal, just use a magnet. If the metal is magnetic, it’s not brass or is plated brass. I carry a magnet in my pocket for testing metals, like brass and silver, while out #trashure hunting.
All I did to this beautiful hardware was polish it with another favorite product called Bar Keepers Friend. Works like a dream on most metals, and keeps my porcelain in my house shining like new and is so affordable. Just look at that brass shine!
Next, I added a bit of dimension with brown wax, gilding wax, and antique white paint.
THE REVEAL
Now it’s finally time to show you what this vintage side table looks like. woot!
After I gave the table stain and paint on top, I used a matte poly to finish it up. You’d never know it was the same table, right?
Next, for a pop of fun, I used soft blue on the drawer. It’s fun to take a peek inside, isn’t it?
Not to mention, now the hardware gets to shine as it should.
MORE FINDS
In addition, another little #trashure find I want to share one of my favorite books. This book stole my heart the minute I found it in a box set out for trash along with many others. Can you believe it was printed in 1895?
The ornate embossed cover will get your attention, but wait until you see the inside. So full of a lost art, in most instances, in our society.
Not long-ago folks gave books as a treasured gift. People would enjoy them and hand them down from generation to generation. With that in mind, it’s easy to see why. Isn’t the artwork fantastic?
It’s so important to cherish items from our past. Whether it’s a book or a piece of cast-off furniture, like this vintage side table, there is much joy in appreciating them. Likewise, what fun it is to see them revived, restored, and renewed.
Happily, this table has been donated to a local ministry to aid people who are leaving the Amish order – part of my Finding Home program.
Boho Ruffled Bag ~ $55
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Oh, and in case you’re wondering, I donated the headboard to a local ministry, and the other chest is now a fun pop of color seen HERE.
Additionally, I invite you to pin and share this vintage side table makeover. You just never know who will need the inspiration to uncover another beauty and restore it to a new life.
Up next, you will see what I do with this fun lot. tee hee! Take a peek HERE.
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Also, more projects like my vintage side table:
Just love the vintage table. The lines are so pretty. Another inspiring piece Larissa!
Thank you, Jennie. I’m so glad I decided to take it.
My dining room chairs!
Love the way you gave the table new life. The first thing I would paint with the brushes is a desk I just found.
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That will be sweet! 😀
That turned out to be GORGEOUS! I have faith in you, too!❤️
You are the best, Grace! 😀
Love your table makeover; LOVE all vintage books with character…now lost.
I just love to find these things. They are true #trashure! 😉
Love your creative imagination and how you transform pieces into purpose?! A girl has to have good tools for the job at hand! I have a vintage rocker standing on the sidelines that I’d love to repaint with Zibra brushes! Loving your blog!
You are so right, Cheryl Makes it fun too. Thank you for the love!
The table turned out awesome. Also great book ya go there. I’d paint my large office desk if I won the brushes.
Thanks! It sure is. I have many and it breaks my heart to know many books are long gone.
Would love to try these brushes.
You will love them!
Table is beautiful love the inside of drawer also!
Had to add some bit of color to it. Woot! 😀 Thank you, Lori.
The table looks great! I was worried when I first saw it, thinking someone had attempted to do a shabby-chic look and gave up, or did it too fast to really care. It certainly looks like a keeper after you finished it! I really appreciate how you still honor the beauty in things, yet hide the imperfections with a touch of love. Thanks for all you do!
It was such a mess that I giggled when he showed me the pic and knew I had to help it. tee hee!
Again you outdid yourself. What a beauty! This table looks magnificent. Hats off to you.
You are so kind to say so, Della. Thank you!
Turned out lovely, but I wish you’d shown what you did to the feet– was the plasti-dip just to make the foot appear to have a “cap” on it? Did you paint over it as well as the brass covers? Just wondered…Thanks so much for your wonderful blog, btw. It’s one of my favorites.
Thank you. I just dipped the feet, as I mentioned. There weren’t enough caps, so I took them off. You can see how I did it in the linked post too.
You are amazing. I just want to crawl into your head and have the visions you see on things like this.
hahaha…you might be scared! I’m nutty like that. hee hee!
How could someone do that to this beautiful piece? I’m so glad you sanded the primer off to see the reveal. Gorgeous, just gorgeous! Ar Keepers Friend has been in my arsinol for many years now. What would I do without it! Lol
Great makeover!
It did have much damage to it and is why I went through the veneer accidentally. I’m sure they were trying to save it, but… 😉
Gorgeous! It may be my favorite piece yet! Thanks for sharing your work with us……..so inspirational! xo~Alicia
I have so many things I would paint if I won that awesome brush set!
Wahoo!! You are so fun, Alicia! Thank you.
Oh my! I did not see the beauty under all the primer. It’s a gorgeous piece! Thank you for rescuing it and sharing it’s transformation.
I would have loved to see my face when I saw it. haha. So cool!!
I love your makeover! Can’t wait to see your next project. Thanks for a chance to win the Zebra brushes.
Thank you, Mariah. So glad you like it.
That hardware ????! The whole color palette is just beautiful.
I know…wow! I just had to make it shine again. Yay!
Beautiful makeover! I could use that wonderful set of paintbrushes to repaint my mishmash of furniture after an upcoming move. I already know there will be many scrapes and scuffs during the move process ?
Thanks! I think we all have those kinds of pieces. ahem. 😉
I would paint an old vanity I have
The table is beautiful and love the details and you saved her. Duck egg blue painted inside is pretty.
Love Bar Keepers Friend too. It truly is my friend.
Illustrations on the book are pretty
Enjoy your day
Cindy
Thank you so much, Cindy. It’s fun to try.
Love the painted area on the top. Great idea to hide that worn spot. Just picked up a quite worn head/footboard with pineapple finials for our someday cabin. It needs a good makeover.
It was killer that I had to hide it, but glad I figured a solution. Thanks!
Beautiful makeover!! Thanks for the magnet tip..just put a small one in my purse so I’ll be ready next time I’m out thrifting!!
Thank you, Carolyn. You are a gal after my own heart! 😀
Well done, as always!
You’re sweet to say so, Kim. Thank you!
what a transformation! who’d have known, seeing that mess?
I was excitedly surprised! 😀
Amazing makeover….i have cabinets to paint!!
Sounds like a plan. 😉
That table turned out so lovely! I have a thing for old books as well. There are never enough of them! Thanks for sharing.
They just don’t make them like the used to, that’s for sure.
Another fabulous outcome , as usual. You always seem to see something good in every piece you refinish. It is truly a gift. And yes the right paintbrushes make the difference. I have used a Zibra brush befor but need to win the entire set. They’re wonderful.
You are sweet to say so, Mary. Thank you!!
I would finish a bookcase project with those brushes!
Love the tip for fixing a missing leg cap! I’ll have to look for Plasti Dip and Bar Keepers Friend the next time I go to the hardware store. I found my own “trashure” last week. Someone put two Ethan Allen mirrors on the curb. They are 20″ wide x 40″ long and are so heavy that they had a metal rod attached to serve as a “leg” behind a dresser. I’d say they are Federal style since they have an upturned curved section on the outer edges of the top frame. I added some wood embellishments to give the top some dimension. Annie Sloan Chalk Paint and dark wax gave it a great antique look. The one I finished is perfect to hang over a Bombay chest in my newly updated living room. Thanks for the inspiration!
Thanks! So many cool tools and products out there. Ooh…sounds like you have some fun on the way! 😀
Great vision! Love how you saved this!
Thank you, MaryEllen. I love that you love it! 😀
Larissa, you are so talented. Love the side table and I look forward to your blog everyday.
God Bless.
You’re the sweetest, Peggy. Thank you!
Wow, the poor little lady was just a mess! I love how you brought her back to life and updated her!!! Her brass pull is just gorgeous too!
It was for sure! 😀 Thank you, Kaycee.
OMG, absolutely stunnung. You rock no nobody else!
aww…you made me blush! Thank you, Janice.
Very cool table. Your fixing of the flawed top was so creative!
My girls need to paint their bedroom furniture!
Thanks!
I have a table I’d like to paint.
Amazing transformation, who would think there was something so beautiful underneath that primer!
I sure was surprised. Yay! Thank you, Lisa.
Am so glad you saved that lovely table. One question and one tip: Why did you sand first instead of trying a stripper (such as Citristrip) first that would remove no wood? Tip: I also love Bar Keeper’s Friend, but find brass cleaned with it will rapidly tarnish, AND lacks any patina in the crevices. After cleaning with Bar Keeper’s Friend, I rinse and dry thoroughly, then apply a thin coat of Brasso and buff like crazy. Leaves a protective wax that slows down tarnish reformation, and also creates a darker patina in the recesses of design that highlights the details. Keep up the inspired work!
Thank you. Citristrip doesnt’ remove the primer from the grain. I have used Brasso since a child cleaning my parents brass railing. It is so toxic with fumes I don’t like to use it, plus it leaves a film much like Bar Keepers so that both require buffing and I find that the build up can be annoying. 😉
I’d paint an old credenza.
Lovely remake on the table. The finished look was worth all the hard work. Isn’t Bad Keepers Friend great? I am amazed at the number of things that it will clean without damage.
Thanks! And yes, it sure is. So many uses. 😀
The relief that little table must feel. Thank you for rescuing it. You did a beautiful job.
tee hee! I did too. So fun to see it come to life.
Great transformation! Who except you would have been able to bring out that gorgeousness under that hot mess! Thanks for the magnet tip. I have several furniture pieces that need to be painted so would love to have some good brushes. Thanks for the giveaway and the inspiration!
It was meant to be, Debra. Thank you!
I absolutely love what you did with the table. Fantastic !! I just bought some Bar Keeper’s Friend for my kitchen sink (white) but it doesn’t seem to be doing that great a job. I will try it on some metal items that need to be spruced up and see how it does.
You are awesome to say so, Kelly. Thank you! Maybe try a scouring pad, the blue kind that doesn’t scratch. That’s what I use. It could be your sink has it in the enamel too.
Hi there,
Decided to enter your contest. lol
The first thing I would paint with those brushes would be my bedroom dresser. It has great lines but definitely needs some updating. Thanks,
Yay! Sounds like fun!
I love this table!
It reminds me of something my posh sister would have to display her vintage hat and books-with-saucy-titles. Awesome job!!
She is a kindred spirit! tee hee!
Beautiful makeover! I love how you compensated for the veneer issue. Btw… I have a 1957 Lane cedar chest that I would definitely use those Zibra brushes for!
oooh…sounds like a fun project! 😀
So much better! It looks happy now 🙂
So fun to hear. Thank you!
I can’t believe it’s the same piece. What a beautiful transformation.
So crazy, isn’t it? Thank you, Nancy!
lovely! you never know what you’ll find under paint! love the table, but really adore the book!! I have a lot of little tables, so that’s probably the first thing I’d paint.
It sure was a hoot to see it come to life. Thank you, Patty.
I love your design on the table. So creative. If I wee to win the brushes I would tackle a 19 50s wooden magazine rack I recently got at an elderly lady’s yard sale. She said she bought it new at J. C. Penney’s! I told her I would make it look new again. I, aalso, love the antique book. I am a teacher and have found several ‘teacher guides’ over the years and love to read them and have a good laugh. They often describe the teacher’s duties of arriving early to start the fire in the woodstove, filling the water bucket, and cleaning the outhouse! I’m so glad to live in ‘modern times’.
thanks! I really wanted to save it all, but had to do some sort of fix. That sounds like fun!
I love that you were able to save so much of the top and that you found a way to showcase it!
I still can’t believe you passed on the other goodies though! I was so wanting to see what you were going to do with that lovely headboard.
I was racking my brain to figure it out. tee hee! Thank you!
I love your book! I sort of collect the old books that have a picture of an old fashioned lady on the cover (I say sort of because I actually read them and don’t keep them just for appearances, they have be fun reading as well). My next project is painting a couple night stands that I use as end tables in my living room! 🙂
They are such fun to read. Like opening a window into another world.
Larissa, the table is beautiful.
Thank you for saying so, Nancy. 😉
What color is the bottom painted? I saw about adding the dimension, but didn’t find mention of a color. You really transformed the piece!
It’s the same as the top and I linked to the color with name in my post. It’s called Putty and can be found here. Thank you so much!
Oh how I wish I had a place for that table. BEAUTIFUL!
Me too! 😀 It’s available in my shop.
You brought this table back to the life it was meant to have. The beautiful old book goes well with the the now beautiful table
Thanks so much for saying so, Tita. It was quit the fun surprise under that primer.