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From Drab to Fab: End Table Transformation and Giveaway

Transforming a Thrift Store Find: A Colorful End Table Makeover

I’ve always loved the thrill of finding hidden gems at thrift stores, especially furniture with potential. Last week, I embarked on a furniture makeover project that I’m excited to share with you. I visited my local Sherwin-Williams store to gather the perfect paints and tools to breathe new life into a quirky little end table. And today, I’m finally revealing the results of that creative endeavor!

Before we dive into the transformation process, take a look at what this end table looked like before its colorful revival:

A short round stool with four dowel legs. Before the makeover.
Brittni Mehlhoff

And now, the moment you’ve been waiting for! Here’s the (now) three-toned table after its vibrant transformation:

A wooden chair by a portrait and an end table. After the colorful makeover.
Brittni Mehlhoff

Instead of settling for a single color, I decided to embrace a playful aesthetic and incorporate three distinct hues. I wanted a piece that would inject a dose of cheerfulness into our home in an unexpected way. Ultimately, I chose two soft pastel paints and a bold, dark shade to transform this table into a true statement piece.

Choosing the Perfect Color Palette

Selecting the right color combination is crucial for any furniture makeover project. I began by gathering a selection of potential colors from the Sherwin-Williams store. Bringing the swatches home allowed me to carefully evaluate the best combination in the context of our existing decor. I described this initial color selection process in my previous post. The right colors can really change the whole dynamic of a room!

Paint samples in varying hues alongside a small skinny legged table.
Brittni Mehlhoff

Now, let’s get into the nitty-gritty of how I refinished this end table, transforming it from a plain piece into a vibrant and eye-catching addition to our home.

Gathering Your Supplies

I was able to find everything I needed for this project at my local Sherwin-Williams store (except for the table itself and the power sander, of course). Here’s a comprehensive list of the supplies and tools I used:

Four paint cans, a roll of blue painters tape, and two paint brushes.
Brittni Mehlhoff

  • Thrift store end table (the star of the show!)
  • Power sander (for removing the old finish)
  • Painter’s tape (for creating clean lines)
  • XIM primer (a multi-surface primer perfect for wood and metal)
  • 2 paint brushes (one for primer, one for paint)
  • HGTV HOME by Sherwin-Williams paint:
    • Breaktime (the soft mint green)
    • Rosebay (the delicate light pink)
    • Black Magic (the bold, dramatic black)

Step-by-Step Guide: Refinishing Your End Table

Now, let’s walk through the step-by-step process of transforming your thrift store end table into a colorful masterpiece.

Wooden table makeover with blender. Before sanding.
Brittni Mehlhoff
A hand using a round electric sander on the top of a round wooden stool.
Brittni Mehlhoff

  1. Sanding Away the Old Finish: This table had a thick, glossy varnish that needed to be removed before priming. Catherine, the manager of my local Sherwin-Williams store, suggested using a power sander. I had never used one before, but I’m so glad I followed her advice! It turned out to be surprisingly fun and satisfying. I sanded the surface down to the bare wood, which was probably overkill considering the heavy-duty primer I used, but I was in the zone!
  2. Priming for Success: After sanding, I wiped down the entire surface with a clean rag to remove any lingering dust. Then, I applied a coat of XIM primer to the entire table, following the instructions on the label. This primer is fantastic because it works on multiple surfaces, which was perfect for this project since the table had both wood and metal components.

A can of primer and a paintbrush sit on a round chair.
Brittni Mehlhoff
Someone painting a small white endtable.
Brittni Mehlhoff

  1. Painting the Base: Once the primer was completely dry, it was time for the fun part: painting! I started with the lighter mint green color (Breaktime) for the side of the table. I applied the paint directly without using tape, knowing that I would be painting the darker color (Black Magic) on top later. This layering technique created a seamless transition between the colors.
  2. Adding a Pop of Color to the Legs: While the mint green paint was drying, I turned my attention to the legs. I painted them with the light pink color (Rosebay) to add a touch of whimsy and contrast to the overall design.
  3. Touching Up for Perfection: After the paint on both the side and the legs was dry, I carefully inspected the table and touched up any areas that I had missed during the first coat. This ensures a smooth and even finish.

Painting a Side Table for a better look
Brittni Mehlhoff
Black enamel being painted on a white surface.
Brittni Mehlhoff
A round stool has a black top and pink legs.
Brittni Mehlhoff

  1. Creating a Bold Top: The final step was painting the top of the table with the Black Magic color. Once the mint green paint on the side was completely dry, I carefully applied painter’s tape to create clean, crisp edges where the black and mint green met. Then, I painted the top of the side table and allowed it to dry completely. Because Black Magic is a dark color, it required multiple coats to achieve full coverage.

The photos above show the first coat of black paint. Since this was a dark color, it required multiple coats for an even coverage.

Once everything was dry, the table was ready to use! There was no need for a sealant because the enamel paint I used is incredibly durable and doesn’t require additional sealing. It’s the same type of paint that’s used for door trim, so you know it can withstand wear and tear.

Before and After: A Stunning Transformation

Here’s a side-by-side comparison to truly appreciate the dramatic transformation:

Plants sit on a redecorated table.
Brittni Mehlhoff

Overall, I’m thrilled with how this colorful end table makeover turned out! It’s a fun, vibrant addition to our home, and it proves that you can create something beautiful and unique from a simple thrift store find. What do you think of the finished piece? Let me know in the comments below!

A small round table has a black top and pink legs.
Brittni Mehlhoff
A white room has a table, chair and shoes.
Brittni Mehlhoff
Reading area with a small modern wood chair, some shoes, and a side table.
Brittni Mehlhoff

This project highlights the power of paint and a little creativity. Don’t be afraid to experiment with color and breathe new life into old furniture! With the right tools and a little inspiration, you can transform ordinary pieces into extraordinary treasures.

More DIY Inspiration and Resources

If you’re feeling inspired to tackle your own furniture makeover project, be sure to explore other DIY resources and tutorials online. There are countless ideas and techniques to discover, from simple paint transformations to more advanced refinishing methods. Don’t hesitate to experiment and find what works best for your style and skill level.

Also, remember to visit your local Sherwin-Williams store for expert advice and high-quality paints and supplies. The friendly staff can help you choose the perfect colors and provide valuable tips for achieving professional-looking results.

So, what are you waiting for? Start planning your next furniture makeover adventure today!