I have two end tables and a coffee table that I need suggestions for..

Question

I have had these three tables for years. I need a change in this boring room. I know the carpet needs to be updated but currently that is not an option. I am thinking of painting the tops of these tables. Any suggestions for the tables would be greatly appreciated. I know this room needs help! Thanks!

Janet Pizaro · Answer

Honestly I would not paint them I would strip and restain them maybe in a darker color. I love the metal I would not change that either. Just my opinion...

Connie · Answer

I also would not paint them unless you go a little darker which seems a little more modern. It would be easier to add some color and a change by adding some bright accessories. For the look you are going for, which seems a little Wesern, I think it looks nice.

MN Mom · Answer

These are beautiful! I would not paint them but maybe a darker stain would be an option. If you aren't able to change the carpeting an area rug under that coffee table would help brighten up the room

Susan Ziegler · Answer

I understand why they would not want to paint them but unless they are valuable primitive antiques, not painting them does not help your need. I started using chalk paint to do exactly what you want to do because if you don't like the color, it is easy to repaint. the room is already a neutral dark so pick your favorite bright colors and have at it. Don't paint the metal though. It is beautiful.

Kelley MacKay · Answer

i agree with others...maybe a darker stain to revive them...the plank style lends itself to a rustic/western look...im afraid painting would do much for them...just my opinion :)

Leslie Lazzarini · Answer

Wow! These are so full of character, give them to me! Do you have a direction you want to go with this set or just change it up? I would just sand down the tops and maybe stain it a deeper color to match the ornamental wood on the sides and legs (looks like legs are bare wood too?). But if you want to lighten it up, I'm sure a chalk paint would work on it very nicely, maybe just on the top? I'm not sure how those legs would end up looking. I found a couple of sites that may help you visualize your tables chalk painted. No tables as pretty as yours, but you'll get and idea... http://www.polyvore.com/zara_home_branches_small_table/thing?id=99480111 http://www.flodeau.com/2013/12/christoph-schindler-branch-stool/ Granted, I was kinda hard pressed to find these after googling several options, my most productive was ' tables with ornamental natural wood and branch legs. Hahaha! Maybe you can come up with something better? Before you do any painting though, let me know, I've never been to Wisconsin! ;) PS: Is that metal on the sides?!? If so, please disregard everything I said above, I don't know what I'm talking about!

Kelley MacKay · Answer

OK i think i changed my mind!! I did a couple of ideas online to get a visual...and I think a dark color would be boring. check these out to get an idea :)

Susan Ziegler · Answer

Whoops made the same typo. the bent wood is beautiful. . Find some photos of rooms that are real light and airy with punches of an accent color. Other then that what about a light slip cover for the dark couch, and brighter pillows and throws in your western look or perhaps tone down the western vibe by pillows and throw in your favorite textured bright color. Doesn't have to be the same color you used on the tables but goes well. Or a lighter version of the paint color. With the rustic theme a real light stained or painted concrete floor would look great. Since it sounds like the carpet may go someday. May need a rug for under your feet if the cold is an issue. If the statue on the table is prized, it could go on a shelf on the wall and a small painted tray could go on the table. it would protect the table top. It is so much fun to decorate. Good luck and keep the tags on for a while in case you want to return something.

Country Design Home · Answer

Hi Brenda! I was just about to comment that you might consider just dry-brushing the top of the table (only the top, I wouldn't paint that beautiful base!) with a lighter color when I saw the photo posted above by Kelley. The colorful room really isn't boring, but if you are itching for a fresher, updated look, you might consider changing out the pillow covers-perhaps using a drop cloth or muslin, then adding a chunky cream colored throw? That would complement the lighter coffee table top and add a little brightness.

Jeanette S · Answer

If you can't change the carpet right now, there are places where you can buy a very pretty inexpensive rug to go under the table but large enough for the front legs to sit on the edge of it...something in a lighter color to offset the dark carpet and sofa...but still be pretty in there. I would whitewash the table tops in an ivory.

MARY · Answer

I think the top might look good if you used several colors one per board so that it looked like old boards with the paint mostly wore off.

Karen Holsopple · Answer

Have you considered using unicorn spit? I L O V E mine! I've done several tables. The best part about it is even if you use the same color combination, they're similar but different! I did two of my tables with the Blue Thunder, Purple Hill Majesty and the Lia Teal. As I said, they're the same colors but with adding more of one color and less of another, they're different. I'm also getting ready to do a dining room table with the Dragons Belly, Lemon Kiss and Phoenix Fire. The possibilities are ENDLESS!!!

Tris Smith · Answer

You could get some pretty paper napkins that you like and carefully separate the front from the back. Decoupage onto the tops of the tables. Many choices to choose from.

Kathy Meador Wells · Answer

You could easily cover the coffee table with batting and fabric of your choice. Make it like the ottoman coffee table. You can paint the carpet with a design, using a stencil. I would not paint the timber legs and trim.

Margaret Hosfelt · Answer

Clean it really well,sand a bit, dry brush white then some gray for a weathered look

Eileen B. · Answer

I don't have an answer for the tables but if can afford an area rug in the colours of the blanket you have on the back of the sofa it would do a lot to brighten the room

CK · Answer

Your room looks a lot like my brother and sister in law's house. They're true cowboys :-) I'd sorta go with the flow with that table and lightly sand it, restain and a polyurethane coat for protection. It actually 'works' for your style.

Restyling is your friend here too. Take all your accessories out of the room. Then look at the ones that really make you happy and only put those back. Sometimes editing is actually easier than adding ;-) Put your things in different places than they were before and they'll look 'new' again.

About the carpet....My sister in law has a lot of allergies. Their carpet was reallllllly worn out and they knew it needed replacing too...but not in the budget just yet. I convinced her to remove it and paint the subfloor for the time being. It looks fabulous! They do custom leather work so they have full-sized cowhides they purchase for that. They used one as a large area rug. It's really wonderful and easy to clean. They live on a ranch so that's crucial.
I think you know your style already by the looks of things :-) 'Whistle, grin and ride!'

Teresa C · Answer

This is a great time to experiment. I had carpet that color with my second house. I think you like Western motif? Why not mix Western with Rustic. The tops of the tables I would lightly sand and then I would dry brush so that you have several colors. Make sure one of the colors is the carpet color. (like the bedroom wall). Then I would make pillow covers that match and in one color. You might want to try Muslin fabric in the brown color. If you want a pattern you could always get a horse shoe and take a fine line permanent marker and trace around it. I would do a big one in the middle and small ones on each corner. Last but not least I was not a fan of that color so I took white, light grey and maybe the color of the muslin and splatter the paint on the carpet to give it a textured look. I used acrylic paint and make sure to to let dry before allowing anyone to walk on it or furniture. Add a little water so it is easier to splatter and a 3 in paint brush to use to splatter. I would take brush and dip it in one color and then tapped the brush on wrist to splatter. Making sure to tape and cover what didn't need color. Or find a stencil of a pattern you like and use a lighter color and stencil pattern onto carpet (http://diyonthecheap.com/how-to-stencil-a-rug-on-the-cheap/). Most of all enjoy and step out of the box and make it your own and not a cookie cutter of Southern Living and you will love it.

Susie Rufener · Answer

Use unicorn spit stain, it comes in many colors, you can get creative.

Beth H. Makemeprettyagain.blogspot · Answer

sand off the existing finish until you have bare wood. Have you ever tried milk paint/? It looks beautiful on raw oak. I've used it on many pieces. The Real Milk Paint Company has gorgeous colors. You want bright?? Try Lakeview Blue or Turquoise. Or just use a simple white or yellow. Someone else mentioned chalk paint. you could do that too, but because this oak has a beautiful grain, I think using the milk paint would be better. The grain would still be visible. After using the milk paint, rub in a few coats of tung oil and the color just pops! 
 the pics below are all oak (except the 3rd) with milk paint on raw wood that I've done.

Beth H. Makemeprettyagain.blogspot · Answer

not see through,,,more of a 'you can still tell there is a grain'. If you go to my blog and go to before and after, scroll down, and then click 'here' that takes you to the post. you can get better pics that see what I mean. That headboard is cool. Go to there website for the milk paint. They have some new colors in the blue-green shades that are really pretty. I just ordered, 'dragonfly, beach glass and jade'. haven't had a chance to try them yet. Maybe a peacock or a jade would play up those rug colors. they even have the reddish tones that you could play with. or you could just do basic white. Its all up to you!! its fun painting with milk paint because the colors are so deep and rich after the tung oil is applied (you could use mineral oil, hemp oil, or even beeswax) this link shows a buffet I did in a peacock color mixture... http://makemeprettyagain.blogspot.com/2012/07/carved-buffet-in-milk-paint.html

I have two end tables and a coffee table that I need suggestions for..

Suggested Project Book

14 Awesome Things You Didn't Know You Could Do With Jar and Tin Lids

Other

More

I have two end tables and a coffee table that I need suggestions for..

Suggested Project Book