Looking for a quick and easy way to transform or update an old table? Why not paint the legs?
It's a super simple makeover process and if you use chalk paint there's almost no prep involved.
That one change gave me some clarity that I couldn't seem to find before I swapped it out.
Of course now it's prompted me to make some other alterations in the room.
For example, on Tuesday, the rain showed up.
So I grabbed a paint brush and decided to paint the legs on the small end table, that has served as our coffee table in this tiny room for over 20 years.
It fit the old room style perfectly.
However, I had my doubts about it once the floral wallpaper went up and when that red rug went down, I knew it needed to go.
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| See The New Rug |
Not being one to toss anything, I settled on a makeover instead...using paint.
The ultimate transformer.
It was a super quick DIY, one that even a beginner could accomplish with ease.
Here are a few other paint transformations using chalk paint so you can see what I mean:
How To Paint Table Legs
The prep was simple. I started by putting down a drop cloth, to protect my wood floor, and laying the table on it, upside down.
Then I wiped it down with a damp paper towel to remove any dust or debris.
Since I was going to use chalk mineral paint, that was all the prep I needed to do.
Chalk paint is the greatest invention for a lazy crafter (like me!)
There's generally no sanding or stripping required, it covers well and it's easy to apply.
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| Dixie Belle Chalk Mineral Paint |
For this project, I used Dixie Belle Chalk Mineral paint in Buttercream. You can make chalk paint, but I've found that professional formulas just hold up better long term.
It's what I use to paint glass, as well.
It's a very soft white, which I knew would blend well with my decor.
I started by brushing it onto the legs, following the grain of the stained wood.
Spindles are a nuisance to paint, but with a decent brush, the work goes fast.
I made sure to catch any drips and blend the paint well.
If it felt too thick, I just gave the table a quick mist of water and continued painting.
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| The Water Mister |
This table took about 3 coats, and I let each one dry fully, about 2 hours per coat, before adding another.
To make sure my brushes didn't dry out, I put them in zippy bags and popped them in the fridge between coats.
Worked like a charm.
Now, I was eager to get the table into the room, so it hasn't been sealed yet. I'm not a fan of wax, so I'll probably give it a coat of Dixie Belle's Gloss Sealer. I want it to have a shine to match the tabletop.
Otherwise, I could use my go to Dixie Belle's Satin Sealer or I could use the spray shellac that I shared on my headboard post. I love this product and it would be fine for the table legs.
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| See The Shellac Here |
I wouldn't put it on the top, since it's not super hearty for heavy use.
In the meantime, I am in love with the way my old table looks in my new room.
The lighter legs anchor it to the rug and tie it to window seat cushion and wallpaper.
It's perfect.
It really changes the entire look of the room.
And since the day was dark, dreary and cold and it felt like fall, that was enough for me to put my beloved green velvet valances back up over the window seat.
Yes, yes, I know, some of you commented that they're too heavy and dark for the room, but frankly, I adore them.
They add weight, drama and contrast to the room, making it feel warm and cozy.
Just the way I envisioned it.
And it's only taken me a year and a half to get here.
With a lot of help from my friends.
And little bit of paint.
😉
Are you a fan of painted furniture?
Happy Decorating, Friends!
It took you lots of work but it was worth it! I'm a fan of painted furniture and have a few pieces here that are painted. Your table looks great and the whole room is filled with that cottage vibe!
ReplyDeleteKim the room has come together beautifully. The red and green balance each other nicely. And those white legs add lightness to the room. Well done and oh so cozy!
ReplyDeleteLove it. That table is too adorable. I heard the Dixie Belle paint is nice. Glad to see you had it make your piece really nice. Have a great evening. Hugs. Kris
ReplyDeleteJust right! I love your green velvet valances and the fact that you do is reason enough to hang them!
ReplyDeleteDeanna Rabe
The room looks perfect! And it's nice to change things up throughout the year. I'm thinking I'm going to bring fall out a little early this year. I'm in the mood.I usually wait until Labor Day but I think I'm going to start next week. Are weather has cooled off for a while at least so it feels right. Of course as as soon as I do it will be back in the 90's but at least it will be fall inside! And with Denver, the weather changes in a heartbeat. It could snow on Labor Day. You just gotta do what feels right!
ReplyDeleteNow it`s complete and now the Valances look perfect they do not look heavy at all they give the room a sense of complete togetherness
ReplyDeleteHey, Kim, I did the same thing to our pub table several years ag. Definitely an upgraded look. Good job.
ReplyDeleteIt's beautiful Kim! Your whole room looks like something out of Calico Corners! Professionally done, I mean. I can see why people ask you for help decorating. I love all the put-togethers.
ReplyDeleteHi, LOVE IT!!! Yes, I am a fan of painted furniture. We will be doing a big change a roo in our bedroom .. maybe in November, otherwise it will wait until the new year. I have some night tables I plan to paint. :-)
ReplyDeleteCarla
Love the white table legs! I so need to do this on my small wood kitchen table.
ReplyDeleteLove the new look. Paint is amazing. As you know I love painted furniture.
ReplyDeleteWhat a beautiful transformation, love chalk paint, it makes things SO much easier! I always love seeing what your creative mind is up to! It does the heart good to create! Thanks for the inspiration!
ReplyDeleteKim, the wait was really worth it. The table looks beautiful and adds the perfect touch to the whole room. I accidentally clicked something and just the pic of the whole room came up so I could appreciate it much better and wow, it is so cohesive and beautiful..Great job well done, my friend..xxoJudy
ReplyDeleteI love painted furniture, but I am always afraid to attempt it in my own home. You did a spectacular job Kim. BTW, I personally love the green velvet curtains, so rock what you love. We have velvet in several of our rooms, they keep the heat out in the summer, and the cold out in the winter. Just makes perfect sense to me. Your room looks lovely, but all of your ideas always turn out perfectly.
ReplyDeleteThat was a beautiful transformation, Kimmy! It looks perfect with everything else in the room. And I love your green velvet valance! Gorgeous and adds so much to the look!
ReplyDeleteWhat a great transformation of your table, Kim. You’ve inspired me to paint my kitchen table base, but I don’t know what to do with the top. As for your valances, I totally love the look and how the green matches your sofa so well. Your new rug is so pretty, too. Wish you lived close to me so you could help me!
ReplyDelete