How to Update a Butler's Tray Table

Question

My mother passed down to me a mahogany/cherry Butler's Tray Table. It look like the one in this picture except that there is no medallion in the center, just wood. I'd like to paint it. Any ideas on colors or techniques or actually on anything about updating this tray table?

Woodbridge Environmental Tiptophouse.com · Answer

you can paint the legs or leave them if they look good then doing a marbleizing method on the top make it look like slab of marble with the veins you would see on a slab of marble.

Toni Yates · Answer

Make your own chalk paint in a great color (I love aqua) and then distress it. I have also- as weird as it may sound- decoupaged with Mod Podge which would be cool for the top. Fabric or a fun giftwrap pattern works great.

CORINNE · Answer

Where are you going to use it? What are the main colors in that room, in your home? What are you favorite colors?

Beverly Brannan · Answer

It appears to be an antique; mahogany/cherry?! Are you sure you want to paint it? I'd check with someone who knows about wood before changing the table's appearance. Just saying. . .

Darlene · Answer

Annie Sloan Chalk Paint. It is a bit pricy but so easy to use that it is well worth the price for a special piece for yourself. I love her French Linen. And check TheGraphicsFairy.com for all kinds of great ideas for adding something special to the top. I grew up learning how to refinish antique furniture and married the son of an antique dealer. It took me a LONG time to come around to the idea that painting good hardwood is not truly sinful. But if it is in YOUR home, it has to make you happy. And if years from now it makes someone else unhappy, it can always be refinished back to the stained finish.

Paula Vogel · Answer

I think I would paint the table 2 or 3 colors. The legs the darker. The top the darker and top it with stencil pattern and use one or two of the other colors. They have got so many stencil patterns and so many stencil companies. Then use a darker glaze 'antique' all over to blend it together. You could get real creative and use colors and style to match your décor. I love stencils including the ones as far back as the Colonial homes. Do some exploring in the computer and even if you have a great public library like we do for what style you like. Just a suggestion. Good luck! Paula

Paula Vogel · Answer

PS I just remember the ones I like from Colonial days---Eaton Moses. You may not care for any of it but occasionally the brain works! Like to see what you decide to do with it. Looks like a good table. PV

Marie · Answer

IF it is antique and you paint it it may lose it's value. I would take it to someone who know his business and you trust to see what they say. If you have it refinished it will work well in any room. But if you paint it say blue you can only use it in a certain room.

Toni Yates · Answer

Here's a link for 3 types of home-made chalk paint @ less than $7 qt. (Annie Sloan is around $30) and let me tell you, it's ee-pz! I really like the Plaster of Paris version in old or mis-tint paint. http://howtodistressfurniture.net/definitive-guide-homemade-chalk-paint-recipes I have a couple of pieces I did on Pinterest. This one isn't my favorite but shows both the chalk paint (in blue-gray) and the mod-podged fabric front on an old, cheap desk.

Judy · Answer

I have one like that and an end table same style smaller with longer legs. Both tables are in very good condition, and I would not think of painting them. Just remember, different painting techniques come into style and usually go out when something new comes along. Then they can look dated. A nice wood finish is always in style.

Jane Frifkin · Answer

I agree with Judy.  I remember the old antiquing kits from years past.  Everyone had green or red or (something even worse)  antiqued furniture.   Now when you see a remnant of that time you think 'OMG what in the world were they thinking!!!'  I can tell you that trying to remove it is no fun.    I have a feeling all this painted furniture that we love right now will go the way of the green antiquing before long.   If the table has any value I would just polish it and leave it alone.   
By the way...I have one too.   It is beautiful and sits in my formal living room with a  tray holding my collection of clear glass decanters.  Very sparkly.

Judith Arnold · Answer

Don't paint it---enjoy it !

Joan · Answer

I would not paint such a nice piece.  It looks so beautiful the way it is now.

Tamara · Answer

I agree with many out here....find a different piece of furniture to paint....leave this one intact for its present beauty and history it holds. How fortunate for you to have it!! :D It is scrumptious as is!!

Carol · Answer

If you must change this beautiful table, maybe instead of painting it you could make a new base out of pipe painted white or cream.  But hold onto the original base if it is antique.  Or you can get a large piece of stone scrap from kitchen counter fabricator to place on top of table top.  This way you do not destroy the original table and can always change it back.

Johnavallance82 · Answer

Just do the top or just the centre part or just paint the frame.

Kim |Exquisitely Unremarkable · Answer

It's very beautiful as it. I'm not sure I would paint it, but if you want to change the look and color, you could use a water based wood stain in a color and wash over it. You'll retain the wood look and grain, but totally change the style.

Mogie · Answer

Thisi isnt a popular idea but I wouldn't paint over this wood. You will lose the value as soon as you paint it. Perhaps lighten the stain but don't paint it.

Clairissa Pickering · Answer

I am refinishing one now. It was my Moms. I am in the process of stripping it down to the base cherry wood. And then am going to see how light I can get it. I just want to update it by getting rid of the dark stain. And just keep it natural and light.

Redcatcec · Answer

My vote is to not paint it, it is beautiful as is. If there are nicks or scrapes, you can strip it, sand and stain.

Salvaged Inspirations · Answer

Hi, you can also decorate it with any design you want using furniture transfers. You can easily add character by incorporating it. I have a butler's table DIY makeover where I painted it and styled it with furniture transfer. I hope this helps 😊 ~ https://salvagedinspirations.com/tray-table-makeover/

How to Update a Butler's Tray Table

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How to Update a Butler's Tray Table

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