Coffee Table Makeover
Today I’m so excited to share my all-time favorite painting transformation I have ever completed: my coffee table.
This piece started out as another one of my Craigslist finds. It was really scratched up so the seller gave it to me for $40 and he brought it to my house. I loved its unique look with lots of wood detail. However, in its original state, the piece just looked tired.
The cement blocks are what I propped it on during the painting process. My criteria for a coffee table was lots of storage for my children’s toys, a more simplistic look, and a large size to fill the center space of our L-shaped living room. While I didn’t love some of the things about the table’s look (I’m a more stream-lined gal) I had no idea how well it was going to turn out...
After working on this table for a week straight, the finished project was perfect!
One of the trends I wanted to try with this piece was black detailing. The coffee table had so many crevices and corners, not to mention scratches and characteristic knobs, that I wanted to bring all of that detail to life. I wanted to accentuate its geometric design. I filled all the lines of the piece with black paint and wiped away excess. I painted all the handles to make them stand out as well. This finishing touch took more time than the three coats of poly, but it made all the difference.
Now my coffee table is funky, modern, and colorful. It is the showpiece in my living room and the central hub of our daily life. It is used as a foot rest, a laptop desk, a snack bar, a toy chest, and more. It commands attention in the room and wow does it get it! I have gotten countless compliments on this piece; I think it is one of those things people see and love but aren’t sure if they are bold enough to have in their own home. Well, if you haven’t figured it out yet, I am bold.
I’m so pleased you stopped by to check out this coffee table makeover! Want some more inspiration? Check out this lime green dresser and this kids playset. Loving the teal color? Find out how I mixed this custom color myself and check out the other place I painted it in my home.Remember to pin and share!
Hi Melissa, LOVE all of your stuff and your style! Maybe in another life we were sisters– just kidding! However, I have the same light fixtures in my L-shaped hallway that you have in your kitchen. I am 75 (almost 76) and unfortunately not in the best of shape . I just wanted you to know that you have given me lots of good memories of painting, repurposing,etc. Sorry, I do not do Facebook, Pinterest, etc. God bless you and may ALL your dreams come true. Wish I could see a picture of your lucky kids. JOY!
Thank you Karin! How sweet! You can learn more about me and see a picture of my kiddos here. Thanks for stopping by and leaving a comment. It’s people like you that inspire me to keep blogging!
Melissa
Hi Melissa,
I love the way your coffee table came out! I actually have a coffee table I bought off of the Facebook garage sale groups I’m getting ready to paint and am trying to decide on color(s) and paint type(s). What kind of paint did you use on this coffee table, if you don’t mind me asking? Also, did you sand down the coffee table at all before you painted it?
Thanks Rose! Yes, I did sand it down thoroughly before painting and put on a coat of my favorite primer
. I would highly recommend doing more prep work so your paint job can last on a piece of furniture that gets a LOT of use. I think my coffee table gets more beat up than my kitchen table!
The paint I used I actually mixed myself – you can read a tutorial for how to that here: https://www.welcome-to-the-woods.com/how-to-mix-a-custom-paint-color/
This is because the paint was found free at my local HHW facility. The paint I used was latex based, semi-gloss and claimed to have high durability. It has held up really well over the years and I recently even painted my front door with the same paint. (https://www.welcome-to-the-woods.com/front-door-refresh-paint-turquoise/)
Thanks for stopping by and asking your great questions!
Melissa
How did you keep the black crevices from getting painted “green” like the rest of the table? I am new to this, but I want to do something very similar to your table.
Hey Lynda! I have a video tutorial that I did on my Facebook page I think will answer your question: https://www.facebook.com/welcome2thewoods/videos/vl.190075361732888/2010002825907257
I filled in the cracks afterward and wiped away the excess. You could use black acrylic based paint, gel stain, dark wax, or a variety of other things to achieve this look. Good luck with your project!
Melissa
Hi! I am wondering how you kept the blackened crevices from being painted “green,” too. I am new to this but I want to use your idea.
Hi there! I know this is a long shot, but is this table for sale by chance?
It is beautiful!
I would be willing to sell it, but I have no idea how to ship something solid wood like that. Do you live in central Minnesota?
Melissa
Hi..just came over from Hometalk where I saw your bathroom..again. Stillloving it! Now I am seeing your table..I did the same to my 8$oak dining table from restore. It is aqua and whit. So fun ! And yes I painted our front door in calif…teal! And my kitchen tile is …teal! The thing is..everyone and everything looks good in teal..or beach colors..ocean colors. All accessories go with it too! What an amazing color and dramatic difference. Good for you! Very nicely done!👏👏👏🤗🤗🤗
I agree – teal is a very bright, uplifting color! 🙂