Two End Table Makeover Ideas

I bought this end table a couple of months ago on Facebook Marketplace for a few dollars. The design fits in perfectly with my new traditional decorating style. I especially like the brass medallions/flowers at the top of each leg.

As usual, I forgot to take a before photo! I removed the brass detail before sanding, as seen in this photo.

My original plan was to refinish the top and only paint the bottom. However, the veneer on the top is so paper-thin that I almost immediately sanded right through it.

Step 1 in the end table makeover: chalk paint

So many legs with so much detail! I turned the table upside down to ensure I didn’t miss a few spots.

This end table is painted with Dixie Belle chalk paint “In the Navy.” It is slightly darker than I expected.

At first, the color looked really dull, but once I covered it with the sealer and wax, it instantly came to life.

How to apply a flawless top coat

I always get nervous when it’s time to paint a top coat sealer over paint, especially when it’s dark paint! But let me tell you a secret, I discovered that when I spray the chalk paint with a bit of water in my continuous mister, the sealer glides on like butter on hot toast! Which, of course, smooths everything out and leaves no streaks.

Gilding wax to give the brass detail an extra bit of life

I could not resist! I love gilding wax, and if I find any opportunity to add a bit, I’m all in!

Trying something new for this end table makeover: stenciling

Tabletops painted one solid color tend to be bland and boring. I decided to add a bit of detail with one of the brand new stencils Dixie Belle released last week.

This stencil is called “Trippy Blocks.” I couldn’t wait to use it, but I should mention that I have very little experience using stencils, and that is way out of my comfort zone!

If you’ve been reading my posts for a while, you would know that I’m willing to tackle any project at least once, and if it turns out to be a disaster, I pivot!

The color I used for the stenciling? You guessed it! Still gilding away!

I was not sure what I wanted for the end product, so I decided to try something creative.

(Sometimes these ideas work, sometimes they don’t.) I’m still not sure if this is a win, but it sure isn’t ordinary!

I created an uneven pattern with jagged edges, fading towards one side. Almost the effect an imprint would have.

I would love to hear what you think about this “experiment.”

Do we love it? (I say we because I’m yet to make up my mind).

Products I used for both end tables

• Chalk paint – color: In the Navy
• Clearcoat – satin finish
• Gilding wax – gold
• Big Mama’s Butta (wax) – clear with a fresh and natural orange scent (it smells amazing!)
• Continuous mister spray bottle (it sprays like an aerosol can!)
• Stencil – Trippy Blocks

End table number two

This little white end table used to belong to my mother-in-law. It was originally finished with a very dark reddish-brown stain. About two years ago I painted it white.

You can not see in the photo above how badly the stain started to bleed through the white paint. I made the mistake of not using any primer.

Unlike the first end table, this one is solid wood, and I could sand and seal its top to show the natural wood color.

I always assumed it was dark wood, but big was my surprise when I sanded off the chalk paint and the stain and found a much lighter than expected wood color.

The top is sealed with three coats of the Dixie Belle satin clear coat which I sanded lightly between every coat.

I painted the bottom of this table with the same navy chalk paint I used for the other end table.

To seal the paint finish on this table, I used wax instead of the clear coat sealer. Just between you and me, I was just looking for an excuse to the Big Mama’s Butta with its orangey scent. It smells SO good!

I am still surprised at how this top turned out. It feels and looks so smooth you would not guess that it is hand-painted. This end table makeover is a success, in my opinion.

The new look of the two end tables

Do you love the new look of these two end tables as much I do? I am in love!

Just look at that gorgeous shine! All my worries about the navy looking dull are gone.

I refinished these two end tables for our living area. I also have a thrifted coffee table that I want to use the navy on, but that is a project for another day.

The coffee table we have used in the living area up till now will also get a new look and move down to the basement family room. I guess I could follow this “two end table makeover ideas” up with “two coffee table makeover ideas.” What do you think?

Want to try this? Pin it for later!

You may also enjoy these related projects:

These painted nightstands

This painted mirror frame