What can I do with these coffee and end tables?

Hi, just bought these at a yard sale this weekend, so i want to spice them up. Does anyone have any ideas what i can do for the center of the coffee/end tables? It's got like a bamboo insert, so it's inserted and there's a slight lip. i think they might have had glass inserted as well. Hate the color and i want to do something for the center of all of the pieces. My style is bohemian, so maybe that'll give you an idea what i like. I'm terrible at thinking what i can do. i have absolutely have no vision for this type of stuff. Thanks in advance.

  4 answers
  • 17335038 17335038 on Jun 12, 2019

    Remove the old bamboo but use it as a pattern to cut the same size in lightweight foam board. Using spray adhesive, cover one side of the board with a lightweight fabric in a pattern and colors that match your decor.


    If you cut the board slightly smaller than it needs to fit into the centre of the table, once the fabric is wrapped around it (adding bulk to the circumference) it should be large enough to fit into the ledges that once held the glass.

    • Margherita McCallum Margherita McCallum on Jun 12, 2019

      I've been an artist for many years. My best paintings have been scenic buildings, skyscrapers, unique homes, structural entities. Before retiring, i was an architect, so that's where i pull my paintings from. But i don't think a concrete city background would be the best for this table. Wouldn't go with my decor which is really bright colours. Thank you again for your idea with the fabric though. I'll go and check out some materials today and see what i find. Have a great day!

  • Miss HAv Miss HAv on Jun 12, 2019

    they 're great...I would simply tape off the bamboo and sand lightly and paint the rest any color that you like.

    • See 1 previous
    • Miss HAv Miss HAv on Jun 12, 2019

      well you could paint then stencil the bamboo.

  • Paint the frame and I would remove the bamboo and put a mosaic in the center. Broken dishes always give you an interesting look.

  • 17335038 17335038 on Jun 12, 2019

    If the end result of the project meets with your expectations, we'd love to see it. Please post some pictures to share with other Hometalkers.