True story, I’ve had a pair of Ikea coffee tables hanging around since my college days. They have somehow managed to move with me to new homes over 10 times now – new apartments, townhomes, and now our current home. For the past few years, they’ve been all but forgotten. Recently, I decided to give them new life. It is amazing what a little paint and stain can do! Today, I’m sharing how to take an old, worn piece of furniture and give it new life with this coffee table makeover.

glass vase, basket (old – similar here)

Supplies:

(I linked specific paint and stain products)

• sandpaper
• painters tape
• white spray paint
• stain in dark walnut
• paint brushes
• old rags
• polyurethane sealer
• screwdriver (for taking it apart and putting it back together if applicable)

DIY Coffee Table Makeover Steps:

1. Remove legs
2. Sand any rough surfaces. The top needed a little extra care because of some light water damage over the years. I used a medium grit sandpaper first, followed by fine, then extra fine.
3. For a more distressed look, use a hammer or a chain to hit the table top. I did this a little bit, definitely adds more character
4. Use your painters tape to cover the bottom portion of the table and any other sides that may be exposed to the spray paint
5. In a well ventilated area, use your spray paint to spray the legs and base of the table. In the end, I applied 3 coats of the white spray paint, following instructions for dry time on the can
6. Now its time for the fun part, I used a paint brush to apply a thin layer of stain, then used a rag to work it into the grain
7. After the stain has time to set (again follow instructions for the product you’re using), I used a sealer to protect the surface from any future spills or drips.
8. After it is dry, move it into your space and enjoy!

This was a fun project because we were able to give a forgotten item new life. This guy now sits comfortably in our upstairs living area until we find something a little more permanent. I love styling the table with books, a candle and fresh greenery. You can check out this post here on how to style greenery in your home! Comment below if you have any questions. I’d also love to hear about your experience with painting furniture!

Xx,

katie