Furniture Flip: Transforming a Thrifted Coffee Table for a Modern Home
With a bit of paint and a few simple steps you can flip a thrifted coffee table into a modern piece of furniture for your living room.
Why settle for mass-produced, low-quality furniture when you can have a piece with history and personality? We’re going to show you how easy it is to makeover a coffee table with a few supplies to create beautiful and affordable furniture you will treasure for years to come.
Best of all you’ll be building your sustainable living room by reducing waste and creating a custom coffee table to match your home!
Giving New Life to a Vintage Treasure
Let’s back track for a minute. This table has been with us since my boys lived here. I had originally covered it with a black vinyl contact paper because… well you can read all about that story here. And you see why it worked before in that setting.
The plan was to paint the whole table and hide the darkness of the wood and the black vinyl. Because this was no longer the boy’s bachelor pad. It was my living room and it had to reflect my taste. Mainly my love of blue and warm and cozy things.
Do I need to sand before painting?
No! Furniture paints have come a long way and many are formulated for fantastic adhesion (stick) and durability. For the best results be sure to thoroughly clean your coffee table to remove grease and grime before painting.
Note: The only time we sand our furniture is if there are scratches that need to be smoothed out or deep grooves that need to be filled with wood filler.
What is the best paint for coffee tables?
Because they’re a high-use piece of furniture you’ll want a paint that will give a durable finish. The Decoart Satin Enamels are fantastic for this because they have a build in top coat that hardens over time. The satin finish is super smooth and really easy to clean.
If you’re looking for a matte finish we recommend a chalk paint (Decoart Chalky Finish is our favorite). But be sure to apply a wax top coat over the chalky paint for a protective seal.
How do I prevent water rings on a painted surface?
Moisture sitting on a wooden surface for a long time will cause rings and water damage no matter what. So the best way to prevent water rings is to use coasters with your beverages. Using a high quality furniture paint with a build in top coat (such as the Satin Enamels we’re using), or finishing off your chalky painted furniture with a wax sealer will help to prevent water rings as well.
Supplies Needed for the Coffee Table Makeover Project
- DecoArt Americana Decor Satin Enamels in Beige
- Decoart Americana Decor Satin Enamels in White
- DecoArt Americana Acrylic Paint in True Blue
- DecoArt Americana Multi Surface Satin Acrylic Paint in Pewter
How to Upcycle an Old Coffee Table
I started off painting the whole thing in the beige color. A few coats and lots of wait time in between because winter is not kind to painting. And obviously I was not able to paint outside in the winter.
Isn’t this the ideal painting situation? In between all the Christmas festivity I had this mess in the living room. But what was I to do? I was determined to have the living room of my dreams. Or at least as close to it as I could get DIY style.
I liked the beige but felt it was too bland. I thought maybe the top could use a different color, so I mixed up my own special color trying to match it as closely as possible to a blue shade that was on the rug. I used a bit of True Blue and Pewter to achieve this effect, and lots of white along with the original beige.
I let the coats dry for a least a few hours in between. There was no need to add a top coat to this paint since it dries as hard as nails. That’s also why it is my favorite paint and I use it all the time!
It is a soft bluish grey! And such a warm color. The beige looks almost like a cream color next to the blue top.
The accents really pop! I had consulted with a paint group on Facebook about what to do with this piece and many suggested that I add a stencil on top. But I feel that between the accent wall and the media cabinet, things are busy enough in here. I think adding stenciling would have made the room even busier.
For now, I’m going to leave it like that.
But in the future, I am actually thinking of distressing it a bit or even adding some dark wax to make them pop more. What do you suggest?
This is so much better than the wood and black it was before.
You can’t really tell from the photos but the whole room is really coming together now. I had painted the wall first and then bought the rug with the hope that it would complement that wall.
A piece of advice here. Always paint your wall last. It took me months to find this rug and even then I was worried that the color would not work since I ordered it through the internet. Luckily all turned out well but I had quite a few days of nail biting over this.
I managed to finish this table and one other project just in time for the holidays and enjoyed the harmony and coziness of the room. Because to me spending time with family at home is what the holidays are all about.
I know that many of you were out there decorating and shopping and even baking. But for me it was important to prepare for the holidays by painting. Am I nuts? Maybe but having a cozy room and a calm ambiance for my family to spend time, is what it’s all about for me. I hope you’ve enjoyed how I re-invented my coffee table with paint.
More Painted Furniture Ideas you’ll Love:
We’ve done a lot of furniture painting over the years and here are just a few ideas to get you started. You can check out our whole furniture upcycling archive here.
Oh Mary, it’s beautiful now. Those colors work so well together. That one picture where you can see the soft blue against the dark wood and then the beige actually made me go “ooooooeeeee” That’s such a lovely touch. I’m not sure I would do anything else to the table. It reminds me of a hazy, salt scented sky when the sea breeze blows inland. Refreshing
Michelle it makes a huge difference to the room. Everything is soft and nothing sticks out like a sore thumb anymore. I love all those soft colors and do not want to add anything to the table as I think it will make the room too busy. I think the rug is busy enough.
The power of paint never ceases to amaze me, this looks like a brand new table! I tried DecoArt paint on furniture last year and was really happy with the results! Pinning!
I think paint is our strongest weapon against dull furniture.
You did a terrific job, Mary. It looks really nice with the new paint!
I am really loving all those soft colors that compliment each other.
Looking great! That’s a nice rug too. Cath
Thanks Cath. That rug took me months to find and I am so relieved it matches with the wall color. In hindsight I should have picked that out first and then painted but you live and you learn.
You did a wonderful job putting together the paint for the top. Color can be so tricky when trying to achieve a specific shade but you nailed it.
You’re so right about painting last, but that can be so difficult to do! It’s human nature to want to paint first because it’s SUCH a pain to remove furniture from a room to paint, it’s always easier to paint if the room is empty or nearly empty.
I might distress the high points a bit but not sure about dark wax. It’s hard to tell from the pics.
xxx
I know just how difficult it can be to paint last and you are absolutely right that it is a huge hassle to have to paint when the room is furnished.
What a terrific improvement, Mary! I would definitely distress the beige areas… I think it would be just enough! 😉
I think I am going to try it out Julie.
Hi, this is a great transformation. On the wax thing—-I don’t think I would go with a really dark wax, perhaps you could tint some with the gray you used on the top—or experiment with some gel medium added to the gray paint—and use that on the cream. One more color might make this piece ‘busier’ than you want—since you wanted to keep it simple.
Living with a piece is always a great way to ‘wait’ a bit. Changing light will certainly affect the paint also. Nice post!
You are absolutely right Sandi, I really want to keep it simple and let the rug shine. But the idea of adding grey to the cream might work. It always takes me months before I decide to do anything with a piece I really know how to live with them warts and all. Haha!
You nailed it! I love the way the table looks against the blue pattern rug. Perfection!
Thank you Kathy. It is so much nicer than that dark wood.
Wow you did an amazing job with the table. The new light look is perfect. Why don’t you live with the table for a while and then decide if you should apply dark wax to make the details pop and/or distress it. What ever you do it will look good.
I agree Debra living with something is the best way to decide. In fact I lived with the dark wood for a long time after I had decided to change it because I simply couldn’t decide what to do with it.
Love how it turned out! I have been thinking and I said thinking….LOL, about painting vanity in guest bathroom! It needs life! But mercy, afraid to tackle it. Everything you do always look good Mary. Hugs and blessings, Cindy
Aww thanks so much Cindy. I try to give new life everywhere I can. There was nothing wrong with this table but it sure looked like a sore thumb in the room.
Ooooh, Mary! I am inlove with how your coffee table turned out! So warm and pretty now! I did like the coffee table before but painted wood looks so wonderful… That blue is a perfect shade. I’m going to have to check out your paint links. 🙂 Btw, the second home we put an offer on, the sellers accepted our offer!!!
Happy hugs to you,
Barb 🙂
Exactly Barbara there was nothing wrong with it but it just didn’t look right in this room.
Congratulations on your new home. I am really looking forward to following along on your decorating adventures now!
What an amazing transformation! I love the colors that you have selected.
Thank you Laura they really complement the colors of the room.
Mary this is such a gorgeous table itself! By painting this you gave it such character and of course many many years life. I like the colors you choose … the only thing I have to notice is that I would add some dark wax in the carvings. Just a little… You did excellent work my dear 🙂
Thank you Christina. That is a big complement coming from such a master as you are with the paint brush. I fell in love with your recent TV cabinet.
Nice job Mary! Love the colors, they are very calming! It really is amazing the difference a new paint job can make.
That old saying about the power of paint is so so true Linda.
I love it when you can just update an old piece of your furniture so it feels like new. Good job and I love the rug too which matches!
And the best part? It’s all blue!!
Mary,
Thanks so much for stopping by and for taking the time to comment!!!
I LOVE this wonderful transformation!!!This is what I am looking to do with my bedroom furniture which was my Mother’s. It was bought for her when she was 16 years old so it is 84 years old as my mother would have been 100 years old!! I LOVE the blue top to the table!! Your living room looks lovely and I love all the colors!! Just beautiful!! Thanks so much for sharing and I just might have to get back to you about the paints that you used..Thanks so much for sharing!!
Hugs,
Deb
You can reach out to me any time Debbie. I know we are friends on Facebook so that is one place we can discuss. Good luck with whatever you do with your furniture.
The details on the coffee table make it one you definitely need to keep. I love how you painted it.
Thank you so much Carol. It was worth trying to save it as long as it fit into the room and did not clash.
I LOVE the way this table turned out! The colors are perfect! And I totally understand becoming obsessed with a project and not stopping until it is finished. Your room is looking lovely, though, and it must have been so nice to have it finished in time for family to enjoy it. And I must try out this paint you used. I will be painting a desk at some point in the near future, and I’m going to look into trying it. 🙂
Thanks Amy, we really enjoyed the holidays in this room. I’m glad I really pushed myself to get it all done. The right look of a room can make a huge difference.
I love reading about your transformations. This one is my favorite. But, actually, they all are, as they come along. Looking forward to more!
Thank you so much Dorothy. It is all coming together in this room.
Mary, you are the true makeover queen! I remember the first time you tackled this table and it was perfect for the boys. The paint takes it in a whole new direction, now perfect for you! Enjoy it!
It is so great when you can take something and re-invent it depending on your changing needs.
Wow gorgeous! I love the transformation. You are giving me some great ideas with the colors that you used. Saw your post at grandmas house we go party:)
Thanks Kathleen. I had to think about this one long and hard before grabbing the brush but I am really happy with the outcome.
Love the grey color in your home and your new rug is so pretty!
Thank you Janet. I find that softer colors suit me better then the dark look we had before.
The table looks perfect with your new rug, Mary! I love the combination of warm white and soft blue. A perfect example of why we don’t need to replace our furniture with new when we can give what we have a brand new life. To answer your question, I think those lovely details would pop even more with a little distressing.
Marie I think I am going to try distressing it a little just to see what it looks like. I am really happy with these new colors.
This turned out beautifully! Love the colors, and how it goes with the rug! Perfect! Thank you for sharing at Celebrate It!
Mary, your table looks wonderful–love the colors! Thanks for sharing at Vintage Charm. Pinning!
Wow Mary. I love the colors. They make the perfect combination with your rug. You are truly talented!
Thanks Katerina, I spend months pondering this one. I’m so relieved it all works together.
Oh, Mary – this is so inspiring! I have a console table that is is sore need of an update. I’m really inspired now to get to it. I love how your table turned out and that soft blue is just perfect!
Thank you Karen. I am so glad I did this it really changes the look of the whole room.
I love how paint totally transforms the look of something. Your coffee table turned out amazing! Thanks so much for sharing it with us.
It looks great! I love their satin enamels! Thanks for sharing at the To Grandma’s House We Go DIY, Crafts, Recipes and More Link Party. I pinned this to Pinterest! Hope you can join us again next week.
Love the new look of your table, Mary! You did an awesome job of creating a perfect piece to match your other new surroundings! You’re becoming quite the designer!
For me at this point in my life, I have to be frugal and so I always work with what I have Gail. So far it seems to be going well.
Wow, the transformation is stunning. I love the blue color you made for the top! Happy Crafting, Kippi #kippiathome
Thank you Kippi. I was really happy with the color match.
Oh, I like it! The light paint really makes the entire room look brighter. Great job!
The room was like a cave before. I have been painting everything in sight.
Wow, that really looks so much better than the before! Lovely table now & your rug looks good too. Such a homey space…even your boys should enjoy it. You could distress & highlight the table or not. Either way, it’ll look good. Enjoy it for a while this way & later maybe you’ll be ready for that change.
Florence it really brightens up the room. Unfortunately for me I have been using it as a paint surface and so may need to repaint the top soon. I really love it so much more this way then the plain wood.
This looks so fresh, it was really brought back to life! I love the combination of colours. Great post!
Thanks so much Sarah!