Average But Inspired

Inspiring creativity with crafts, DIY, and home decor projects.

by

A Tired, Worn and Scratched Coffee Table Gets a New Look

Last September I purchased a small coffee table for $5.  I had been bitten by the furniture painting bug and was scooping up forlorn pieces, like this one, left and right.

Chalk paint table makeover // Average But Inspired

And then I stacked those pieces in my garage.  And they sat there.  Through Chiberia and Polar Vortex 2013/2014, through the mess of my basement remodel (which turned our garage into a storage unit), and through all of the wonderful summer days that are just about over.

My husband threatened to throw them out if I didn’t do something with them.

NOOOOOOOOO!

Needless to say, I got to work and chose to start with my coffee table friend.  I took photos of the makeover along the way, but managed to lose or delete them somehow.  So I have no “work in progress” photos to show you – just before and afters.

But you probably don’t care about those photos anyway, do you?

So let’s cut to the chase and I will show you what this coffee table looks like now.

Chalk paint table makeover // Average But Inspired
A little happier, don’t you think?  
Chalk paint table makeover // Average But Inspired
I painted it with two coats of Americana Decor Chalky Finish Paint in “Primitive.”  This was my first time using store-bought chalk paint, and I have to say I really liked the convenience of it.  No mixing and no mess – it was super quick and easy to use, which I loved.
 
Once my paint dried, I gave the table a light sanding to distress the finish, and then I taped the top and painted a red grain sack stripe down the center to add some color and fun.  
Chalk paint table makeover // Average But Inspired
I finished it off with a coat of SC Johnson Paste Wax and called it a day.
 
Now I just need to find someone who wants to take it off of my hands before my husband does. . . .
 
– Bre

Comments

  4. Karen Marie Kedzuch says

    Bre,
    I just found your blog from Creative Spark Link Party. I love what you have done to create your up-cycled table. You have a new follower.
    Have a creative day,
    Karen Marie
    Dragonfly & Lily Pads

    Reply

  5. Annie Dugan says

    Love the originality. Just exactly what IS a “grain sack stripe?” I have a bench/coffee table that I want to bring to life and am willing to learn about anything new. Thanks, Bre

    Reply

    • Bre says

      Hi Annie! Well, I believe the grain sack stripe is the pattern that appeared on feed bags way back in the day. It’s characterized by a thick stripe in the middle and thin stripes on the outside. They’re great to replicate in painting because you just need a straight line and some painter’s tape! Perfect for a coffee table or bench. 🙂 In hindsight, I think this coffee table kind of looks like a surfboard since it’s rounded, but I think a grain sack stripe would be awesome on a bench or a rectangular coffee table! 🙂

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Pegboard for Kids: DIY Art Creation Station

If you’ve got a blank wall and kids who love making art, then this pegboard for kids is just what you need!   With some inexpensive pegboard and some colorful paint, you can make an adorable art pegboard that gives your kids a place to create their masterpieces, and keeps all of their art supplies neat […]

Colorful DIY Glass Jar Lantern Craft

This summer I’m determined to make the most of my yard and patio, and I know many of you are feeling the same!  A great way to make outdoor spaces more inviting is with accessories, like outdoor pillows, pretty planters (try these DIY Modern Planters!), and ambient lighting.  Speaking of which, this DIY glass jar […]

That One Time I Used Pushpins as Nailheads . . .

Friends- You may or may not remember the awful table “makeover” I showed you a couple of months ago.  The one where I used a Sharpie to draw a crooked and wobbly herringbone pattern on the top of the table. Embarrassing. I think I’ve redeemed myself though.  It looks a lot better now, thanks to […]

Modern Vintage Bathroom Makeover Plans

I just finished my DIY kitchen makeover, so it only makes sense that I would jump right in to another large makeover project.  Ha!  Truthfully, I am feeling the push to make over my kids’ bathroom because it’s also our guest bathroom . . . and we actually have guests coming to visit this summer!  […]