How can I make this coffee table look more chic and modern?

Question

I'm moving into my first apartment and my parents (bless their souls) have given me a few pieces of spare furniture from around the house that no one really uses anymore. My and my to-be roommate are getting a sectional sofa (gray/black coloring) and think that this coffee table would be a great fit size-wise and functionality-wise to sit in front of it.

The thing is, I don't really like how it looks. It just looks really plain, and I definitely have more chic and modern tastes and I like the idea of jazzing it up a little bit.

I'm relatively new to 'up-cycling' so simpler project ideas would be awesome. HOWEVER, I'm not a total newbie and my mom is a wood-worker hobbyist (meaning I have access to a lot of basic tools for woodworking). I'm also on a budget so I'm looking for something a bit more affordable but I would like it to look more upscale without paying a lot.

Any suggestions??

Thanks guys!

Maggie Connor · Answer

Paint legs and base satin black. Paint top (only) a white, grayish color in a granite looking paint.

Cheryl · Answer

It looks like wood to me, if it's not a Formica or veneer you can stain the wood black.  Make sure you have some covering underneath as it is really runny stuff so just dip brush in a little at a time. After maybe just one or two coats let dry completely then us a wax on it for a coating, just rub on in small parts and rub off. If not you can just spray paint, takes a bit longer but still good results.

Joanie · Answer

Spray paint it chrome....

Rose · Answer

Paint the whole thing dark gray. Then get a can of gray white and black specked stone spray and spray just the top two coats dry in between each coat. When dry spray with sealer. Home Depot has it by all cans of spray paints. When you are finished it will look like a stone top. Pretty cool!

Jonnie Hammon · Answer

Clean it with TSP (trisodiomphosphate) lightly sand, andt paint it, in an enameled, metallic, paint. Use more than one color. All vertical pieces one color,  The horizontal pieces, and the bottom shelf, one color, and the table top, it's own color.
op, it's own c

Janet Pizaro · Answer

Before you begin to modernize this piece consider what the rest of the furniture will consist of.Color,texture,size etc. Based on that I would maybe keep the coffee table simple with perhaps a splash of color. Should you decide to add more color in your room consider dong so with a carpet and throw pillows.

Sandra Allen · Answer

Hot glue or E-6000 glue pennies on it. Here are just a few ideas! https://www.google.com/search?q=covering+furniture+with+pennies&rlz=1C1CHNU_enUS471US471&espv=2&biw=1024&bih=647&source=lnms&tbm=isch&sa=X&ved=0CAcQ_AUoAmoVChMIoaakmNq6yAIVELWACh1S8Ass

Terrie aka Hot Glue In My Coffee · Answer

Paint it black :)

Anne fenske · Answer

I am guessing u want something, stated not gaudy ! No chrome ! Stain legs ebony black transparent so wood grain shines thru- classey ! Then decide if u want to do the rungs .now u will see if u want all black or not. Take it in stages to find your like. Glass top or Urathane top to protect top and shelf. U won't regret it in the long run. Good luck.

GAyle · Answer

You could make it a real statement piece and paint it a color you love, and then use small touches of the same color throughout the room.

Barbara C · Answer

Add rollers to be more modern.

Michelle Harbee · Answer

I actually really like the style of this table and I don't think it really looks too outdated, beside the stain color. Personally, I would paint it white, as white is not only trendy but also classic. White would go well with your grey couch and always brightens up a room. It's also a great color to use since it's neutral and will go with changing decor themes. By the way, if you didn't know this, the style of this table is called 'mission'. You can google mission style coffee tables and get some ideas and inspiration.

Z · Answer

Since your Mom is a woodworker, I'd have her cut off the slats that give it a bit of a mission style then refinish it in a stain of your choice.

Tammy Robertson · Answer

Paint it and then stencil the top,  Quick easy and very inexpensive

Carrie Lonsdale · Answer

Ok really change it up if like shabby paint white and distress either by sanding or taking a hammer to it then if you like a light stain or a diluted black or brown stain on then wiped off. Lined baskets in a fun fabric for the shelf space. You may even think of getting a glass piece cut for the top and place tickets or pictures of any items you love), even pressed flowers to go under the glass for interest. I think it would look great you can use this combo of ideas to go anyway you want with whatever colors or subject matter you love to go with your space. Any style would work.

Kus1542393 · Answer

Hi! I would paint it black and put a nice grey tiles on top!

Rus1058682 · Answer

you could cut the stiles from each side, sand and fill, then paint the bottom black(gloss), and use gloss white EPOXY paint on the top.. But I like the way it looks now, except I would stain it a bit darker..
 How about you stain it with black walnut stain? that might be easier, and go with your couch.. (sorry, just thought about that)..

Mcp2014518 · Answer

You could paint it white or black and stencil gray or silver designs on it.  Use baskets to put underneath to store a throw, books, remotes or papers.

Teresa · Answer

I think remove the side strips of wood and add pipe or metal rods. And gel stain in side and legs and leave the top alone.

How can I make this coffee table look more chic and modern?

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How can I make this coffee table look more chic and modern?

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