How can I update an old cherry dining room table.

Why not try Shabby Chic look. Give it a coat of paint and rub parts of it back to give the used look. or Tile the top with ceramic tiles or maybe Mirror tiles or maybe decoupage or use a tablecloth etc....Make a pop over the top replacement. Rub it all down and give it a coloured woodstain...........etc

I would paint the legs and apron with colonial blue paint and leave the top cherry.

There are a bunch of paint options to choose from and they almost all look fantastic :-) https://www.hometalk.com/categories/painted-furniture/wood/dining-room-table

i love the idea of painting the legs and apron!

I guess I willl need to sand down the legs, etc?

I have heard of chalk paint, is this a good choice?

The table appears to be in good shape. I would put cute trendy fabric on the chairs to update it and leave the wood alone. Anything you paint it with is going to scratch off.

Oh, I guess the paint would scratch off. Distressed look? 👍

Use a flexible sanding sponge and lightly sand the legs and apron. Do not use a really rough sandpaper as this could scratch the finish. You just want to break the glossiness. After sanding, wipe everything down with a barely damp cloth. Then use a liquid sandpaper--follow directions for the brand you use--, use a really good primer, and then chalk paint or regular latex. If you follow these steps, your paint will not scratch off. I have painted anything and everything and never have a problem with painted surfaces. The key is to do the proper prep. If you skip steps or don't do the correct prep your paint will scratch off, but if properly prepared, your paint should last with no problems.

Use chalk paint no sanding needed

For a very unique look, check out Unicorn Spit. There are lots of ideas on Hometalk and Facebook.

Thanks so much...I have never heard of liquid sand paper but I get the idea that the prepping is necessary. Wonderful advice! Thanks all. Now I just need to take my time and not rush!

Thanks again.

Turn it into a Family Heirloom. Start by designing a monogram of the first letter of your surname. Or find your official family crest. Make an enlarged copy in the size you'd like. Strip and sand top of table. Decide placement and transfer to table. Pick contrasting stains that will show darker on the original wood, to hilight your design. Stain your pattern(s) to table top. Then coat w varnish or polyurethane(will give a longer lasting coat). If you want add the contrasting stains to detail other parts of your table. GOOD LUCK.

So original. Have you a picture?

I would sand the top and give it a light gel stain coat. Then I would paint the bottom with Fusion Mineral Paint. It's awesome and holds up.

Why not advertise it for sale in a few local paper? Take the money and invest it is something new.

Hi Gloria, you can chalk paint it to look fabulous!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RHPoV72DNeI