Handpainted Gray French Grain Sack End Tables

Atta Girl Amy
by Atta Girl Amy
French grain sacks are hot in home decor right now. But I've not been able to put my hands on any authentic grain sacks for a price I liked. So, I used chalk paint (Annie Sloan Graphite and Maison Blanche Paint Co. Hurricane) to create my own version on a pair of Queen Anne-style end tables. You can see the full transformation and tips on how to achieve this look at my blog, AttaGirlSays.com
Queen Anne style end tables painted to look like French Grain Sacks
Closeup of French Grain Sack end table painted in Graphite and Hurricane Chalk Paint
I transformed this boring yard sale end table into something fabulous with chalk paint.
Atta Girl Amy
Want more details about this and other DIY projects? Check out my blog post!
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  • Patricia Patricia on Apr 09, 2019

    It says the directions can't be found. Could you please send me a link so I can try my hand at those wonderful tables, too?

  • Christine Haley-Minor Christine Haley-Minor on Nov 21, 2020

    i have one of these tables and would Love to do that. It looks beautiful! Can you send me some info please?

  • Sue Sue on May 10, 2021

    Can you send the tutorial of the French Grain Sack application for end tables? I can't find it on your site. Would love to do it!

    Thanks!

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  • Cathy B Cathy B on Dec 03, 2013
    I HAVE TO AGREE THAT THESE LOOK BETTER WITH PAINT. I like that some wood shows through. Does anyone see a trend toward not painting wood and restoring it instead?
    • Elaine Schoepf Elaine Schoepf on Apr 02, 2019

      I have been wondering about that, too! My family had a lot antique hardwood furniture which at some point was deemed ok fashioned and painted by various relatives. I remember my parents being horrified at the desecration of gorgeous wood.


      Now one I am feeling inspired to paint an 18th century tallboy dresser (nothing uber special) but keep wondering if the next generation will be as deeply offended as my own parents were in the 60’s!! Lol


  • Dsouther Dsouther on Apr 02, 2019

    Hi Cathy B,

    I (for one) sure hope the trend is turning back to restoring instead of painting. I don't mind seeing people paint Ikea and that sort of furniture but it sure tears me up to see people paint antiques. I do not believe I am not alone in that feeling. I have read where craft persons say oh well the paint can be removed. I bet those people have never tried removing paint from a piece of furniture. Refinishing is no picnic, however removing paint is very difficult. Sometimes paint can actually stain the wood to a point where it can't be refinished back to a wood look. This is just my 2 cents worth and is not meant to be offensive to anyone.

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