Coffee Table Makeover

I was lucky enough to get this coffee table from another Buy Nothing member. It came with scratches and drawings on it. The finish was worn in a few places as well. However, it was a very sturdy piece AND it had a drawer for remotes and such. Tables with drawers are like dresses with pockets – they are just better.

Before

As with anything used, I began by cleaning it well and making sure no repairs were needed. I sanded the top of the table to remove the marks and so it would be smooth. I wasn’t sure what the look would be in my new house and so I did the table in a simple, versatile style. I painted the top with clear, matte Minwax polycrylic. I painted the bottom of the table in off white. I replaced the wooden knob with an old gold painted knob.

After #1

TIP A quick and easy way to update a piece of furniture or to give cabinets a new look is to replace or paint the knobs or pulls.

I really liked this simple look. I kept the table that way for months. On a long snowy winter day I decided to paint the table again, so it would match a bookcase I had just refinished. One of my go-to favorite colors is Annie Sloan’s Amsterdam green chalk paint. Needless to say, I had some in the closet so I got to painting.

TIP If you find a paint color you like, buy more than you need. You can use the paint for touch ups and to create accent pieces that coordinate.

After #2

Once the table was painted (it only needed one coat, which is why I love Annie Sloan paints), I mixed Annie Sloan clear wax and Old English scratch cover for dark wood to finish the piece. However, once the table dried I decided it could use something extra. I used my fingers to rub gold acrylic paint on parts of the table leg to add interest. The final result brings more color into the space without being overwhelming or distracting.