This is the story of an end table.
It’s the story of an end table that tried to get the better of me.
But it didn’t know who it was messing with.
Let me back up a bit though.
I spotted this little magazine table at the thrift store. I wasn’t looking for one, and didn’t really need it, so I walked away and looked at other things.
Then I realized it was half-price furniture day, so instead of costing $7.99, it was only $4.
Even though it was pretty banged up and missing some wooden buttons, I figured it was worth four bucks.
It had potential, and I was sure I could do something farmhousish with it.
So, I brought it home, and the first order of business was to sand down the beat up top.
I didn’t bother trying to remove the finish from the grooves because I thought that would add to the plank look when I was done with it.
Since I wanted to give it a farmhouse look, the Self-Rising Flour stencil seemed perfect for it.
I finished stenciling, and it looked great. But the story takes a U-turn here.
I stained over the top of the design, thinking it was going to look wonderful.
I was wrong.
The stain looked too dark over the black image. Way too dark. I was so discouraged, I didn’t take a photo of it.
There was no way I was going to let my $4 go to waste.
Back to the drawing board.
I sanded the top back down to the bare wood again, but didn’t stencil anything on it this time. I just stained the top. I’d learned my lesson.
Now I could finally move on to painting the base. First I hot-glued new wood buttons where they were missing.
Since it’s too cold to paint outdoors, I used Deco Art Chalky Paint (affiliate link) in the color “everlasting.” It dries fast and has good coverage and no odor.
It did take two coats to cover the dark wood, but I didn’t have to sand or prep it at all.
I painted it upside down so there was no way I would get paint on the top of the table. I didn’t want to sand it all down a third time!
Finally! It was finished.
That little $4 table made me work hard for the bargain!
I love how it turned out, but now you know why I don’t do many furniture makeovers. 🙂
You can see the ones I have done HERE.
What do you think of my little end table now? Let me know in the comments below, find me on Facebook, & chat with me on Instagram. Thank you so much for stopping by the blog today!!
Vaya con Dios,
I love the end result of your little table! I would never think to go with two different finishes. It adds so much to the final project. Thank you Angie for going through all you do so that we can do our projects already knowing what not to do. ?
Thanks Kim – I’m happy to do the dumb things first, so you don’t have too! 🙂
It looks wonderful. You did a great job. I really like the stain and paint look.
Thanks Pam – in the end I’m glad I ended up with just the stained top and painted frame – I really like that combination too.
Great job Angie; love it!
Thanks so much, Sherri!
I love it! Very creative!
Thanks Sharon – I felt creatively wiped out by the time it was finished! 🙂
“just right.”
Thanks Elaine – the table is like the chairs in Goldilocks – it just took awhile to get to “just right”!
LOVE IT!!! You are amazing!!!
Aww…thanks Charlotte! 🙂
Looks great, though I’m sorry the stencil didn’t pan out – I really like that one
Thanks David – After sanding it again and staining the wood, I thought about adding the stencil back on with white paint, but decided to leave well enough alone! 🙂
? Love it!
Thanks Constance – I love it now too, but for a while there, I thought I was going to have to scrap the whole thing!
Gorgeous!!!
Thanks Sandi! I appreciate it!
I love your table! I would have passed it up! I love thrift store shopping but you give me a new appreciation and eye!
Thanks Donna – Had it not been for the half-price day, I would have passed it up! Even though it was a trial to work on (my fault totally), I’m glad I stuck with it!
It really turned out nice! I have seen those little tables and passed them up but now I will think twice when I see one. You did good Girl! ?
Thanks Jackie – The size is perfect to put next to our couch to hold drinks and the stash of magazines that I keep accumulating! 🙂
What a precious end table! I love that it is also a magazine/news paper stand, I have never seen anything like it here in Norway. But it doesn’t look like too difficult to carpenter myself, could I please bother you for the measurements of the different pieces? If you think my question is too bold, or don’t have time to indulge my whimsy, I completely understand, I might still try to wing it…lol I wish you a wonderful weekend, hope it is both creative and purposeful!
Love&Light
Gunnvor Karita 🙂
I LOVE it! I like that you kept top unpainted. It’s a really cute and functional little piece. Persistence paid off, yes?
Yes, it did, Naomi! I am glad I stuck with it, but I hope the next thrift store makeover goes a little smoother! 🙂
That turned out really cute Angie. I love the 2 tone look.. gives me an idea for Grandma’s sewing box. One of the legs broke and has been glued but could be painted. Thanks for taking time to share.
Thanks Cheri – I love the 2 tone look too, and would love to do the same with more pieces.
I’m so glad you hung in there and didn’t let this little table get the best of you. The finished product is darling!
Thanks so much, Carol!
I love this! Your table turned out beautifully. I’m sorry you had to sand it so many times. That’s a total pain. I’m glad it turned out!
I have had my share of fights with furniture pieces but you plowed through like a champ and your table turned out so beautiful! I really love it! Thanks for sharing with us!
Jeannee