Saturday, June 15, 2013

THRIFT STORE COFFEE TABLE

My youngest daughter begged me to stop by a  thrift shop that we had passed many times during carpool. 
  It was the first thing I laid eyes on walking in the shop.  This table was $37.50 and solid wood.



                                          Here is a close up of the top of the table.


                                    Look at the close up of the intricately carved legs.

 
                                  I also love the braided trim going around the top of the table.

 

This is what the table looked lightly sanded with all imperfections filled with spackling compound.



I am going to give the whole piece two coats of Annie Sloan pure white paint.  I still haven't decided if I'm going to stencil the top or just add a coat of clear wax.


Getting a bit bored with off white and white furniture, I decided to go with 2 coats of Annie Sloan Paris Grey with sanding in between coats.



Using a water color brush, I used Annie Sloan Old White to paint inside the intricate carving of the legs.  It brought out so much of the detail.

Using 20 grit sandpaper, I knocked off some of the paint on the edges.  It is so easy to sand Annie Sloan paint.  You do not need much pressure to get the distressed look.





Once finished, I only waxed the top of the piece, using a clear wax.  When applying wax, it is easier to work in small sections.  As soon as your rub it on, immediately buff it out.  My mistake was waxing  almost the entire piece before starting the buffing process.  The wax becomes harder to buff the longer you leave the wax on. 

This next picture shows the richer gray as the wax is applied.






I left the bottom of the table un-waxed.  I like the idea of two finishes, the top having a sheen and the bottom, a matte-like finish leaving the piece subtle but distinct.





The completed table fits well with the ecru couch and matelassé slipcovers.
Notice the sheen on the top of the coffee table.



                                                                                        
Layering an old framed vintage mirror with painted white frame, a few old books, my lady bust, a cross necklace by Tara and Maureen and some cobalt blue pieces complete the setting.

 
I feel relieved that working with the grey shades gave a warmer feel to the room.



Pink and grey look so calming.


I'm anxious to try another project using the Paris Grey paint on a $25.00 trophy like lamp base.
 Stay tuned.
 

2 comments:

  1. Lora, your table looks fabulous! I can't believe you got that beauty for $37...it looks like a million bucks once you applied your talents!

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  2. Tara, you are so kind. I loved working on this table. Paris grey is a great color to add to the whites of the great room.

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