DIY Coffee Table | How to Transform a Thrifted Coffee Table
Who likes a little DIY project? I do! I’ve been working on a DIY coffee table for a couple of weeks now and I need YOUR help! Keep on reading and ease my indecisive mind!
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DIY Coffee Table | From Trash to Treasure
I started this DIY coffee table project with the thought in mind that I would give you a full tutorial on how I transformed this beast of a table into a modern farmhouse beauty. I was all about showing you how easy it is and how much money you could save with this simple DIY project.
(After all, this beauty cost me $100!! New coffee tables this size easily range from $250-$500!) Then I realized that I used the exact same process on my dining room table refinishing project! So, I changed directions!
If you’d like to learn about how I stripped the top of this table, simply follow the tutorial here. After stripping the varnish off the top of this table I simply painted those curvy legs (the best kind) with Magnolia Kilz Brand chalk paint in Shiplap. If you’re interested in my thoughts on the Magnolia brand paint, I’ve written a review of it here!
DIY Coffee Table | The Process
Instead I want to walk you through the process of the DIY coffee table project, start to {almost} finish.
Here she is in all her refinished glory! Now, remember, I need your help! So keep reading because I’ve got a dilemma on my hands.
DIY Coffee Table | Where to Search
First off, let’s chat about where to look when you want to take on a quick DIY project. Think sources like Craigslist.com, Facebook Marketplace (which is where I scored this beauty!), Salvation Army, Goodwill, thrift stores in general, and don’t forget family and friends!
Parents are always a great source for old furniture hand-me-downs. (Thanks Mom for basically every piece of furniture in my first home!) 😉
DIY Coffee Table | What to Look For
You know how you always hear designers talking about seeing “good bones” in a house, furniture item or basic design? Well that’s what you need to look for!
Good Bones.
Good bones simply mean that the piece is structurally sound, has appealing design elements (like the curvy legs of my table), and has potential for modernizing. Or making it look old. To each their own. 😉
Specifically on my DIY coffee table, the first thing I noticed was the thick curvy legs and the simple molding accent. I knew that those pieces would pop after I got my hands on them and add lots of interest to the table.
DIY Coffee Table | What to Do
You’ve done your search, you bought your table for a ridiculously cheap price, and you’ve got good bones. What now? Now you make some decisions. Do you want to refinish the entire table? (There is a lot of commitment to stripping detailed pieces so know yourself and your comfort level!) Do you strip just the top or just the legs? Do you just paint the entire thing instead of stripping anything?
These are all questions to consider, keeping in mind that stripping (or sanding if you prefer) takes more work. Painting is the simplest option. But if your heart desires some contrast and interest then go for both!
Take your time, evaluate your space and your complimenting decor, and take a few days to mull over the decision. A hasty decor decision usually ends in regret and a second DIY refinishing project. 😉 So here’s where you come in!
DIY Coffee Table | What Should I DO!?
Ok ya’ll. I’ve taken my time. I’ve lived with it in my space. And I still don’t know what type of stain I prefer to finish this beauty off with! The pictures shown are with my DIY coffee table top completely stripped of poly and varnish. It is raw and natural in all its glory.
I like it quite a lot, but I keep letting my indecisive mind go back and forth on whether or not to re-stain the table top. So I need your vote! Leave me a comment below with your vote!
- Option 1: Leave natural as is and just put a coat of poly to protect the surface.
- Option 2: Stain Special Walnut
- Option 3: Stain Weathered Oak
- Option 4: Your own favorite go-to stain color!!
For now though, I will enjoy her in all her natural beauty. And yes, I do call my DIY projects personal pronouns.
It’s all up to you friends! Help this indecisive DIYer finish up my DIY coffee table. 🙂 Thanks in advance!
{Do one thing every day that scares you.} – Eleanor Roosevelt
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I am looking beyond the coffee table to the table by the fireplace with the white bracket on top. Which ever stain matches that is my vote. ?
That’s a great way to go about it! I always love to look at a space as a whole so thanks for your vote!!
I love it the way it is!!!
Thank you for your feedback Nina!! One for “keep it natural”. 😉
Option 1! Its beautiful
Thank you Michelle! So far we are tied! I appreciate your feedback!
I’d go with the suggestion of matching another stain in the room or going walnut. As beautiful as it is, the tone just seems a bit off for the room.
Thank you Beth! I’ve got two for a darker stain!
Option 1 !!
Thank you Jen! So far option 1 is winning!
Leave it as is, maybe put hemp oil on it.
Thank you Linda! If it stays natural I was definitely going to put a protectant on top but I’ve never tried hemp oil. I’ll look into that as an option for sure.
For your house, I would try to match the other wood furniture that is near it.
Thank you Jenny!! I do tend to have a lot of wood in my home. Haha. That is a great idea! I’m thinking option 2 would blend with most of my woods.
I love it just the way it is! Beautiful ♥️
Sandy P
Thank you Sandy! Its natural color is definitely new to my home and I’m enjoying the contrast it brings!
I vote a light staining of special walnut…It seems like it might coordinate with the other woods on your room but without matching!
Thank you Sarah! I think you are definitely right.
I vote for the walnur. The light seems unfinished and I like contrast.
Thank you Becky! The walnut votes are coming in strong!
Option 2
Thank you Connie! Option 1 and 2 are neck and neck now!
I know this wasn’t an option, but I would paint the top to match the rest of the table. However, if I were staining it, I believe I would go with the darker stain since most of the other wood in your living room is dark. By the way, I love your living room. It is beautiful.
Painting is always an option! 😉 I think I’d paint the whole thing if I were going for a more cottage look but I am liking the contrast for now. I like the thought to match it to our other woods! And the best part is, if I get sick of it I can always paint it later! Thank you Lesa!
Love Option 2! Do you put a wax on your chalk paint?
Thank you Jessica! Yes, I do put a wax on the chalk paint. Otherwise it will flake and scratch. I just use Magnolia’s wax as well.
I like it as is looks great
Thank you Andrea! Option 1 and 2 are very close in the votes!
I LOVE the color of your mantel. Would that be something you would consider? I did a table with white on bottom, and a dark gray on top. It made a beautiful statement in the room. If you don’t like…you can always change. I’m a person that steps outside the comfort and goes for the unusual. What ever you do, I’m sure it will be beautiful!!
Thank you Deborah! Yes I think if I did a couple of coats of the walnut it would be close to my mantel color. A few people have suggested that so it’s definitely one to consider!
The walnut looks like it would match your other table better so I vote for it!! Good job on the refinishing. I have a hard time envisioning things sometimes, and that turned out better then I thought it would!! Bravo!
Thank you Rhonda! Yes I do think the walnut matches better with most of the wood colors in my home.
Option 1!
Thank you Alicia! I’m putting it down!
I Love the color of is!!
Thank you Penny! I love it too! The votes are split between the original color and a walnut stain so we shall see!
I think I’d go with the darker Option 2 because of your floors.
Thank you Teddee! Several people have mentioned coordinating the woods so that is a definite trend!
I think you should use the special walnut stain. It will bring out the wood grain and look really rich, and will contrast with the neutrals in the room.
Yes, I love how special walnut brings out the wood grains. That is my favorite part of a darker stain. Thank you Cherise!
Option 3 🙂
Thank you Sarah! We’ve got a vote for weathered oak!
Love this refinishing. Your table looks beautiful, I love that it is in light airy colours.
Thank you Leanna! I appreciate that. I am loving the lightness of it too since many of my woods are dark.
Beautiful make-over, and beautiful decor! I pinned to one of my boards! Came by way of Friday Friends Parade!
Thank you so much Julie! I appreciate the feedback! It was a fun project. 🙂
Wow! You’ve done it again! A great transformation! We love your savvy tips and step by step tutorial. This is invaluable information for anyone looking to transform furniture on a budget. Thanks so much for linking to our Friday Friends Parade! We love your inspiration. XO ~ Julie & Jodie
Thank you so much lovely ladies! I appreciate your kindness and I’m grateful that you give others an opportunity each week to link up to your Friday Friends parade!
Your coffee table turned out great! I love it as is, but if you decide to stain it, maybe match it to the little table beside the fireplace. I am wanting to redo my dining chairs, but stripping and sanding is such a chore! Thanks for the inspiration!
Thank you Tammie! A few have suggested matching it to other wood in the room and that’s a great idea! Good luck on your chairs! The sanding is the worst part but it’s always worth it in the end!
Sarah you table turned out beautifully
Thank you so much Rhonda!
I really like the weathered oak or maybe even another option? (white or gray wash the top?)
Hmmm, a grey wash. That could definitely be interesting. I might need to add that as an option! 😉
Option 3. It looks like it would match the table next to the fireplace.
Thank you Donna! Yes, I think it would be very close to that color and would be lovely!
Natural
Thank you Susan! The natural option is a forerunner!
I think going with option 3 would be different, it would be not as dark melding with the gray tones in the room. It would bring out the tones in your fireplace,walls,and furniture. It’s a great piece good job!!!!!
Ooo, I love the thought of the grays pulling from the fireplace. Thank you Debbie!
What a beautiful job you did with this piece! Love it! Option 1!
Thank you Lisa! The natural option is definitely popular!
Natural ????
Thank you Rachel! I love it natural too. It’s such a close vote!
Leave the finish is my vote.
I say option 2…darker stain with the white would be beautiful I think ❤️ I love your beautiful home!
Thank you Shonda! You are in good company voting option 2!
Thank you Maureen! The natural finish is quite beautiful I think.
I think a dark stain would tie the blinds, fireplace mantle, and the floors together. But if you buff or sponge some parts lighter on the stain it will blend the light wood accents that are in the room and kitchen. I’m thinking like an espresso colored stain.
Thank you Fallyn! The special walnut would be darker but not as dark as espresso. I’ll have to add that to the list of possibilities!
Hi Sarah! You definitely have a gift to decorate! As for me decorating doesn’t not come naturally, Either i love something or I’m not sure. As soon as I saw your livingroom the first thing that came to mind was the coffee table top would look beautiful matching the same stain color as your mantle!
Thank you Donna Sue! Many others have suggested the same thing so maybe you have more of a gift to decorate than you think. 😉 I appreciate your feedback!!
I love the natural look…so option 1
Thank you Elizabeth! I think you’ve officially tied us up!
Option 1
Thank you Nicole! I’ll add it to the tally!
Sarah,
Oh my goodness, the transformation of your coffee table is fabulous! The basic style of your table is fantastic and once you unearthed it, the details stand out so nicely! It is such a centerpiece in your family room! Thanks so much for joining our Friday Friends Parade Linky Party!
Thank you Janine! It was a fun project to tackle and bring back to life!
Love your room! Where did you find your rug? Have dark hardwood floors and light furniture. Haven’t found the right color combo
Thank you Jodi! The rug is from Target. It is linked directly if you click the image below the large picture. 🙂
Hello Sarah!
What a gorgeous table! I vote Option 2. With those great “bones” it will look good whatever you choose. 🙂
Warmly,
Rachel
Thank you Rachel! You are in good company voting for #2!
I’m indecisive too. I do like the table the way it is. It’s refreshingly clean with the color of the walls, and the white flows in with the white cuboards of the kitchen together. But I think I would keep it matching with you other wooden tables so it is not too many contrasting wood tones competing with your beautiful floor. You would then have your 3 consistent colors that would flow together to other rooms, if that is what you wish. Keeping the rest of your Decor to change when the mood stricken. ?
Thank you so much for your feedback Betty! It is certainly hard to make a decision sometimes. 😉
2, the darker, the better..
Thank you Lynn!
How about a stain with a bit grey to it, not quite so “yellowie”?
Yes, the yellow/orange hue was one of the things I was questioning!
Really amazing post. Love the idea behind this post. Your post amazing and Helpful my business. I will try to implement your idea to design such a beautiful coffee table.
Thank you so much!
When some one searches for his essential thing, so he/she wants to be available that in detail, thus that thing
is maintained over here.
Leave as is – cohesive with rest of room
I agree with you! Thank you for stopping by the blog today!
What did you end up doing with your coffee table?
It is going into our guest house when I’m done with the remodel!
Definitely #1!!
Thank you!
Hello I enjoy reading your articles.
It’s the nice low table remake!! My question is, where did you get this low table?
Is it an antique, as it is a design that is not often seen?
Thank you so much! Yes, this is an antique. I’m always on the hunt in thrift stores and facebook marketplace for these kinds of finds!