THRIFTED CONSOLE TABLE TRANSFORMATION (video + how to paint finished furniture)
November 20, 2013
When someone walks through your front door, you have an opportunity– a chance to welcome them with a beautiful entryway and set the tone for the rest of your home. Up until recently, my entryway said “oh hi, I’m empty and boring and have nothing to offer but a pathway to the kitchen.” That’s not what I want my guests to think!
I’ve long wanted a console table in that space, but (get ready to hear something I say over and over again) I didn’t want to spend a lot of money on one. I’m all about investment pieces when they count, but I had something specific in mind and thought I could do it myself, if I found the right piece.
I spotted an especially ugly yet simple console table during a thrifting outing for $15. It was in rough shape. The screws were all loose and it needed a good sanding and paint job in the worst way. It wasn’t the highest quality piece of furniture, but I could see some potential. And for under $20, I was willing to take a little risk on a thrifted console table.
There is an important step you need to take when painting already finished furniture. Usually inexpensive furniture (like IKEA, Target, etc) comes with a finish that tends to repel paint. It just won’t stick or go on smoothly. I have a solution!
Check out the video that shows you step by step how I did it (including how to get the perfect and sharp gold dipped legs).
As always, thanks to the oh so talented James Young for shooting/editing.
For this project, I used this Zinnsser Primer (I rolled it on), Rustoleum Flat White Spray Paint, and Design Master Gold Medal for the legs. That gold spray paint is tough to find, but it’s wonderful. I think it’s easiest to buy it off Amazon. You can find the grip I use here. It’s a lifesaver (from a girl who goes through a lot of spray paint).
I used some pulls I had picked up for a dollar each at a hardware store closeout. I knew they’d come in handy sometime!
This space isn’t finished yet. We have some molding details planned for the wall and the hallway. Hoping to tackle it soon!
More on that mirror above the console table next week. Coming up tomorrow: my console table essentials and how to style your entryway.
Have a wonderful day!
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@jenniferstagg
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We're a full-service design firm and home furnishings shop built around the philosophy that a well-designed home should be beautiful, personal, cohesive, and complete. We think home is the most important place on the planet and when you live in a home that is perfectly you, it changes your life. Don't believe us? Stick around. We're confident we'll change your mind.
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Fabulous redo! I love the gold touches. You have inspired me!
Tracy
Its Mostly About Fashion
Pinning that last image! I have a bamboo octagonal mirror like that – I’ve been meaning to paint it gold and put it in my entryway as well. Such a nice piece. I love to find thrift furniture and give it a facelift…you did a great job and the gold-dipped legs are a nice touch!
Beautiful job! Love the primer you mentioned. Painting some oak furniture this weekend, I’ll have to pick some of that up.
Thanks Andrea! That primer will make all the difference.
[…] a statement, finish off a space, and add style and an easiness to a foyer. As I was working on my thrift store console table, I knew a mirror needed to go above it. And so I started […]
Loving the gold dipped legs on the table
Hi Jen. Thanks for the hot tips! I’m new here and enjoying your easy-to-do tutorials. Just a teeny bit worried that you’re not using a protective nose mask and goggles on your videos as the sprays can be highly noxious, particularly for asthmatics etc. I am very impressed with the Rustoleum Spray Comfort Grip you recommend and have read some of the reviews on Amazon before I place an order. Three out of four say that they lose their ‘oomph’ after a couple of uses, and some describe them as ‘flimsy’. Please could you shed some light on their longevity , and do you think they lack the guts for more than a couple of uses? Amazon sell them as singular items which would make it an expensive hobby to keep repeat ordering from Oz! Loving your blog, btw! Cheers, heather x
[…] I finished my console table makeover, I had always envisioned two coral x-bench ottomans, tucked neatly underneath. Coral x-benches […]
This looks great! I love the legs + styling. One thing – I noticed that the gold/brass knobs are a bit bright + new-looking compared to the other gold accents. Maybe you could use a little rub n buff to give them a slight patina?