I need to update table, what can I do? It was my mother's

Karen Ledbetter
by Karen Ledbetter
This was my mother's table, I want to update, any suggestions?
Brown square coffee table
  7 answers
  • Sandra Sandra on Jan 27, 2015
    You know that the wood stain is a person preference. If you want to do something different....Chalk paint light color on the sides and legs and a darker color on top.
  • Karen Ledbetter Karen Ledbetter on Jan 27, 2015
    Wow, thanks for your quick response. If I go with all black and then distress it a little, what would my steps be? Chalk or paint? Do I sand it? It is stain and looks slick
  • Country Design Home Country Design Home on Jan 27, 2015
    Hi Karen- although you could chalk paint the entire piece, I typically like to keep the tops of coffee tables stained and poly'ed and then paint the legs a color that works in the room. Coffee tables tend to get used so much that paint can sometimes end up looking messy. I would sand down the top to reveal the lighter brown wood, then coat that with a satin poly or gel stain with poly in it. Chalk paint does not need sanding or prep, just make sure the piece is clean and grease free. Since your sofa, rug and walls appear to be brown, is it possible to choose another accent color for the table? It looks like you have a red throw pillow on the sofa, perhaps that could be a possible choice?
  • SJazz SJazz on Jan 27, 2015
    Paint just the table top & tips of feet. Add design with painters tape- herringbone or border? Google search: painted tabletop. I personally like to use a hint of metallic paint to add some glam amongst my basic furniture pieces
  • Jessie Jessie on Jan 27, 2015
    If you don't want strip it and restrain, you could gel stain it and then poly. Or chalk paint is a good option. If it were mine, I would upholster the top with 1 inch foam and some tufting to turn it into a large ottoman.
  • LibrarianTellsAll LibrarianTellsAll on Jan 27, 2015
    It looks great! It's hard to give a good answer without a bit more information. Does it need updating because it's damaged, or to give it a bit more style? And what is the style of the room, and the rest of your home? Right now, I'd recommend painting or staining it to match the console table I see in the background of your picture. I can't see it well enough to tell if it is stained or painted.
    • Cynthia Cook Cynthia Cook on Jan 29, 2015
      @LibrarianTellsAll I agree stain the color of the console...this table is so pretty,esp. the legs...then 'update' with some accent pieces around the room and table top.
  • Janet chambers Janet chambers on Apr 17, 2016
    I love the legs also. You could use small pieces of tile on the top to match your room and re-stain the legs.