What should I do with this dropleaf table?
by
Debra
+19
I want to update a dropleaf table with 4 chairs. My style is coastal.
The table is open on one side and was told it is cherry.
Chairs are old and both need to be made new again.
17 answers
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Seriously, it's a beautiful set and if the wood is in good condition I would not paint it - I paint only if stain won't cover a problem. I'd lightly sand and re-stain and let your accent pieces (seat cushions, table runner for example) add the nautical theme to it. Beautiful set. Don't paint!
Elisa Yager
on Mar 05, 2015
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From the photos the set looks to be in good shape. I am a furniture painter by trade, so if it were me I would paint the base and refinish the top. The chairs I would paint to either match the base or contrast with it. Alternatively, if you are opposed to painting, I would recommend using Restore-A-Finish* to refresh the wood finish and then add pretty coastal seat cushions to the chairs. Keep us updated on what you decide! *I used Restore-A-Finish on a 1920s China Cabinet and the product worked very well. I finished it with Feed-N-Wax. Here's a link to the project: http://theblacksheepshoppe.blogspot.com/2014/12/refurbished-vintage-1920s-china-cabinet.html
Patricia
on Mar 05, 2015
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I love painted furniture, but I would not paint this cherry table and chairs. It is a beautiful wood and this set does not appear to be damaged. There are several renew type wood conditioner's out there and could save you a major refinish job. Also a paste wax for wood furniture (these come in different colors) would probably work wonders.
Carol
on Mar 05, 2015
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I think we tend to get tired of furniture and want to change it to satisfy our need for change. If this is the case with you, I think you'd be better to sell it to someone who appreciates its beauty and buy yourself another set.
Jennifer
on Mar 05, 2015
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If you want to get that coastal look, try using chalk paint and then distress it. Google chalk paint.
Sally Bowron
on Mar 05, 2015
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I'd paint the legs and put a matching pillow seat on the chairs. You can get very 'coastal' with your color of lets, blue, perhaps and something decoration on the top will pull that coastal feel all together.
Barbara
on Mar 05, 2015
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I really appreciate the input from everyone. Many mentioned chair cushions that i don't think would work on these chairs and knowing my family would take off. I have 2 bar stools off the kitchen that are white with maple seats (different style ). Do i worry about those? It is one open room.
Debra
on Mar 05, 2015
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I have to agree, its a pretty set. If you want to change it up to something beachy why not create covers and a table cloth set. Use drop cloth it will have the right feel to it for beach. Then you can add stencils or perhaps some driftwood stuff on the table. If it was in bad shape I would have said white stain stuff but these are too nice. Plus when the mood strikes that the beach no longer appeals you can change it up to something else.
Marci N
on Mar 05, 2015
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I agree with everyone who thinks the wood is beautiful, but if you really want to paint it, definitely go with the chalk paint idea! They have so many beautiful colors now, and the coastal blue is gorgeous! The chalk paint will give it that distressed look, and then maybe you could put some pretty white beachy themed seat cushions? That would be so cute too! Good luck and post pic's after!
Vickie Miles
on Mar 06, 2015
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Oh! Debra, I just read your comment about seat cushions...maybe round cushions would work, since your seat flares out a little?
Vickie Miles
on Mar 06, 2015
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I agree with the comments that say "don't paint". If you absolutely don't like the set, send it to me. Your accessories: table linens, cushions and nick knacks can give you the beachy feel. When you get tired of that, you can still change the room. Like in a personal wardrobe, you need some classic items that should be the basis of your appearance. In this case, you room should have this beautiful set as the basis for the other stuff.
Liliana Wells
on Mar 07, 2015
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The wood does appear to be in excellent shape. As others said, dress it up with beachy decor and tablescape accents. If looking for a different direction vs. dining table later on try this. Don't pitch it, split it....in half that is. What was once one, now two tables make great entry tables. When we got a different dining table, we split the old drop leaf and wall mounted one in the entry, and one in the laundry room. Maximizing the drop leaf, the first makes for a great writing station for bills ect. The latter makes for a great folding station. We removed the legs for a cleaner look underneath. Cute beachy signs above them add to the whimsy. Save the chairs too! Since arm-less can park one under each. Whatever you do hold onto them and enjoy!
Meliss Etner
on Mar 07, 2015
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Debra - To answer your question about the bar stools, white and maple are neutral colors so I wouldn't worry about those too much. If seat cushions are a "no go" for your family, I would stick to using accessories to create the theme. Someone mentioned driftwood - great idea! Maybe a vase filled with shells and a starfish or two randomly placed will help. I keep a basket of shells that my kids and I collected on our last visit to the Jersey shore and every so often we pick through them recalling the time we collected them. Fun! Also, a few coastal-inspired signs or other decorations will pull it all together. Above all, don't get discouraged if you decorate the first time and it isn't exactly what you want. Peruse this website to get ideas of what you like. Decorating my house has taken 25 years of yard sales, flea markets and auctions. It's knowing that you did it yourself that makes it all worth it in the end!
Elisa Yager
on Mar 08, 2015
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Actual cherry furniture is expensive, and it's so difficult to go back to the original if you paint it, which I don't recommend. If you want color, add beach or nautical placemats, tablecloth, or centerpieces instead of ruining the real wood furniture. However, it's up to your taste so go with your wants!
Sandy Strans
on Mar 13, 2015
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Thanks Sandy for your comments. The drop leaf is cherry but the chairs are maple and stains don't match. The table will be closed most of the time so table cloths,placemats won't work since its only
Debra
on Mar 13, 2015
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Sorry its only 30 inches wide.
Debra
on Mar 13, 2015
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Made my decision and i couldn't love it more!
Debra Seely
on Oct 11, 2016
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