You just never know what you will stumble across when shopping at a Goodwill store. I found this adorable little table. Might have been used next to a bed or chair or even an old telephone stand (it has a shelf for the phone book). The construction was solid and finish wasn’t too bad, only minor scratches and water rings. For $3.99 I knew I could make it special.
I spent 30 minutes taking off the old varnish and another 10 applying Tung oil. It’s easy to apply with a paper towel, dries fast and the more coats you put on, the glossier it gets. So you can control the sheen. Of course paint in any color is always an option.
I wanted to turn the table into an art object. I like to work in a collage format and create something from nothing. Since I read a lot, books appeal to me. I used an old poetry book with yellowed pages for an antique feel, but new crisp white pages with black ink can give a sharp, contemporary look. Tear out the sheets and arrange randomly. Use decoupage to adhere the paper directly onto the table. Come up with a funny or meaningful saying or phrase and cut out letters and picture from magazines. Mine says “Turn the Tables”.
Make it your own. Explore your interests and hobbies. If you need an idea, check out the local hobby stores. Scrap booking supplies will work too.
For a more formal look and a little more work, add a custom skirt. I used a black and white hounds-tooth check fabric. Measure the length (top to bottom); hem the raw edges. I decided on a tailored look with inverted pleats at the corners. Use Velcro to attach the skirt to the table or hot glue. I left the front open so I could access the little shelf, but added a row of bright red buttons down the front. These buttons were from my stash of things, but check out the jackets at Goodwill and you will find all kinds of great buttons. I love the drama of black, white and red. For a more feminine look gather the top in a pretty fabric. A masculine fabric and hardware would suit a guy’s room.
Let your imagination run. There are so many ways to update or decorate little tables. Let me know what brilliant ideas you come up with. In the meantime, remember William Shakespeare, “Let it serve for table-talk”.
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