How to Make Over a Small Side Table With Golden Glamour

Rachel
by Rachel
6 Materials
$10
2 Hours
Easy

A small side table is a low-risk way to start upcycling, if you’re looking for a project.


They’re small so don’t use a lot of paint. Often have straightforward shapes so won’t need fancy tools or brushes. And will hopefully be quick so you can see if you enjoy the process.


It’s also possible to get them cheaply!


This small side table cost £5 at a charity shop.


It was in decent condition apart from a dent on the top and mostly just needed a good clean.


If you need small side table inspiration, here are two more makeovers.

These are the supplies I used to tackle the project. Or the supplies I expected to use at the start of it, anyway. I used a Zibra brush instead of the roller in the end, because it gave a smooth enough finish by itself.

Prepping the side table


I cleaned the piece really well using White Lightning. If I wasn’t going for a glam look, that would have done a good job of making the table nice enough again.


I then filled the dings with Dixie Mud. Most of the dents were minor and as usual, I got carried away with the filler. Only one crack on the top needed a real repair to ensure a nice finish.


Sometimes you can sand out shallow dents so they won’t need filling at all, in which case it makes sense to sand the piece first. But I waited until the wood filler was dry before sanding the entire piece.


I used 120 grit sandpaper to scuff up the surface and give the paint something to grip onto.

I receive so many lovely comments on a bookshelf where I used this colour, Lichen, by Fusion Mineral Paint. So, it was time to try it out again.


I used the Zibra Palm Pro brush, which if you’re in the market for a quality brush, I highly recommend. I planned to use a roller on the top of this side table but I didn’t need it as the finish was brilliant.


Looking for gift suggestions for the upcycler in your life (even if that’s you!)? Here are 21 ideas, including some pretty unique options.

This was after the first coat of paint. I painted in two sections as I could either do the bottom of the legs or the top of the table in one go without painting the floor too.

Lichen’s coverage is great and I only needed two coats to get it beautifully even. Then I sealed the piece with Polyvine’s Wax Finish Varnish (with two coats on the top for extra durability). The varnish gives it a slight sheen but is still quite matte.


This table had the ideal details for adding a touch of glamour. The indentations and rings on each leg were perfect places to add an accent colour.


To create the gold, I used the Frenchic’s Frensheen gold powder. I mixed it with the Polyvine varnish until it was a smooth texture and applied like paint.

I taped up the leg rings so I didn’t have to overly worry about having a steady hand. Little did I know that my cat would demand attention at the time so she added an extra challenge for me.


Say hello to Pastel the cat!

I also added a highlight around the ridges of the small drawer. So all in this was two coats of paint, one coat of sealer and one coat of gold.

I think this could work as a small hall table for keys or next to an armchair for books and drinks.


It’s small but has pretty details that just needed enhancing.

Of course, gold isn’t for everyone and it’s more of an acquired taste now. But where’s the fun in keeping everything neutral.

It’s now something to talk about rather than just a table to get grubby again.

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4 of 15 comments
  • Chris Keating-Ingelse Chris Keating-Ingelse on Dec 05, 2021

    Very nicely done! And, it's always good practice to have a cat around to help you (as long as you don't wind up with fur in your paint! LOL!).

    • Rachel Rachel on Dec 05, 2021

      Multi tasking is a great skill! I think my own hair appears in my paint more often than her fur!

  • Katen Katen on Nov 23, 2023

    I certainly hope you know your quality control kitty did an excellent job keeping your work right and tight,😊. Looks nice

    • Rachel Rachel on Nov 24, 2023

      Haha thank you, she’s the best assistant.

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