Table Makeover

Breathing New Life into Heirloom and Rescued Pieces

There’s something incredibly special about giving old furniture a new life. Especially when it involves pieces that hold sentimental value or that you’ve rescued from being forgotten. One of my favourite projects recently was transforming a table by combining two distinct pieces into something truly unique and personal to our home. It’s a reminder that sometimes, mixing it up and trusting your creative instincts can create something beautiful. Come along and see what we did with this table makeover.

The Story Behind the Table

We started with the base of a table that we rescued. It was such a beautiful and unique piece; however, despite our best efforts, we just couldn’t save the top. The base, though, had an incredible shape and style that I wasn’t willing to give up on. That’s when I remembered the top of an old table that belonged to Tony’s parents. It had sentimental value and a simple elegance that could pair perfectly with the rescued base. That’s when the idea hit—why not combine the two?

The Renovation Process

To start, I decided to paint the table base white. It had intricate detailing that I wanted to highlight, and the crisp white gave it a fresh, modern look while still preserving its vintage charm.

The brass plates at the feet were a lovely feature that just needed a little restoration. They had a lacquer on them that had dulled over time, so I used the boiling method to remove it. I added 1 tablespoon of baking soda to 1 litre of water, brought it to a boil, and gently placed the brass plates in. The lacquer peeled away effortlessly, revealing the beautiful brass underneath, which I polished to a gleaming finish. This small but significant step really brought the piece to life.

As for the top, it had seen better days, but I knew with a little work, it could be brought back to its former glory. I sanded it down to remove years of wear and tear, then carefully stained it to bring out the natural grain of the wood. A good sealant later, and the top was ready to shine.

The Final Piece

Now, this table, which is a blend of two stories—one of rescue and one of family—has become a centrepiece in our home. We use it all the time, whether it’s for meals, gatherings, or just to rest a cup of coffee. It’s a piece that sparks conversation and always brings a smile to my face because of its journey.

Don’t Be Afraid to Mix pieces and Paint in your table makeover

One thing I’ve learned from this project is not to be afraid of mixing pieces or using paint on furniture. Even if it’s vintage or an heirloom. The purist in us sometimes hesitates, worried that we’re changing too much. But I believe you need to love what you have in your home. If painting, mixing pieces, or restoring it makes it more functional, or personal to you, then it’s worth every minute spent on the project.

So, if you have an old piece of furniture sitting around or you spot something with potential, don’t hesitate to give it new life. Mix it up, make it your own, and fill your home with pieces you love. I hope you loved my table makeover.

Do you have a piece in your home that you’ve transformed? I’d love to hear your stories in the comments below!

See the before of the above pool deck. The change is amazing.