Step by Step Guide to Refreshing Your Old Coffee Table
Whether you just have an outdated coffee table, or one that is looking a bit worse for wear, it is possible to revive it and bring it back to life and into your home.
Step 1: Cleaning
The first step is to give your table an overall clean. This will help to determine what work needs to be done and help you assess whether the piece is worth saving. You can do this with a damp cloth, or even better – a steam cleaner if you have one!
Step 2: Sand and Refinish
If the table is looking a bit worse for wear, with scratches and chips, you can use sandpaper and a sander to smooth out the surface, or even lighten or darken the wood if needed. Then, use a top quality wood varnish or oil to finish the table and bring out the natural beauty of the wood – whatever type it is.
Step 3: Paint
If you want to add a bit more of a personal touch to your coffee table, and you have a few hours to spare, then painting it could be the ideal solution! First, make sure the surface is completely smooth and that all the varnish has dried properly. Next, choose your desired color and begin to paint. Start by using a primer and make sure to apply it properly, and then you can layer the paint on top.
Step 4: Upcycle
If you want to save some money, you can upcycle your coffee table! Here are some ideas:
- Decoupage: Use sheets of your chosen pattern or design to decoupage the surface of your table. For an extra special touch, you can also apply a coat of waterproof varnish to protect it.
- Fabric covering: If you have some fabric lying around (or an old jute rug, for example), then you can apply it to the surface of the table with a staple gun or hot glue.
- Stenciling: Using stencils and paint, you can quickly and easily transform the surface of your table. All you need to do is to choose the design you like and off you go!
As you can see, it is possible to give your old coffee table a new lease of life. With a bit of elbow grease, some imagination and a few hours of your time, once your renovation is complete you will have a stylish and unique piece that will be the pride of your living room!
