Hello lovely Friends! It’s a fresh new year and I am excited to kick it off with one of my favorite things in the whole world…a thrifty makeover! This one is a real trash-to-treasure project.
I really worked hard last year to whittle down my to-do project pyramid that has consumed my garage, so I have enjoyed thrifting again guilt-free lately. (I may or may not be meeting my maximum capacity in the garage again. #oopsie)
A couple of weeks before Christmas I picked up this drum table for $20:
This thing was is really sad shape! It had definitely seen better days. It looked like it had been left outside in the elements for quite a while, and I wasn’t sure how it would clean up, plus the drawer would not close.
I’m so glad I took a chance on it because it turned out to be a beauty!
Luckily the drawer was an easy fix.
The top was so dried out that I could scratch the finish right off with my fingernail. You could clearly see how much it had faded as compared to the inside of the drawer in the before photo.
I’ve included affiliate links so you can find the products I like to use.
Reviving this pretty table wasn’t hard to do at all. I was able to sand the top quickly with my rotary sander. Then I used Minwax pre-stain wood conditioner:
I applied it with a clean soft cloth. This allows the wood to absorb the stain more evenly. Then I applied two coats of Minwax stain in Dark Walnut. After that was dry, I sealed it with two coats of Minwax Wipe-On Poly…
I used a clean soft cloth to apply each of those as well. (Wear gloves and apply in a well-ventilated area!)
The top up close after sealing:
I was thrilled to see that beautiful rich wood come back to life.
Now it matches the insides again.
The base is painted in Fluff from Dixie Belle Paint. The pink and white striped dresser I shared a couple of weeks ago was done with their paint as well. They sent me several samples to try it out and I really love it. ( I am under no obligation to share my thoughts on it, btw.) What I love about it besides the no-prep factor, is I only had to paint two coats for perfect coverage. I usually need three when painting something white.
Another thing I love is this color. I usually use a pure white, but this is just a tad softer and I really love it.
I used 220 grit sandpaper to shabby the edges of the base just a bit. Then I sealed it with clear wax.
The metal feet doo-dads are missing, but I think they look fine without them.
I just dropped this off at my booth on Saturday. I’m kinda wishing I would have kept it after seeing the photos!
One thrifty makeover down, many more to follow in the year ahead!
If you liked this makeover, you’ll enjoy this one too:
I’ll be back with my Get Your DIY On girls on Thursday sharing our favorite DIY projects…maybe some you haven’t seen before!
UPDATE: Check out our own favorite projects from our Get Your DIY On series as we bid it a fond farewell HERE.
XO,
Don’t Miss a Thing!
If you like what you see, there are several ways to follow along!
rose l. says
I always enjoy seeing the miracles you do with stuff most of us would have passed by! Keep it up!
Christy says
Thank you, Rose!! In all honesty, I almost left this at the store ha ha. SO glad I didn’t! Happy New Year! XO
JamieK says
Wow! that is gorgeous! Amazing what difference the conditioner makes! Wish I could find one just like it!
Christy says
Thanks, Jamie! The conditioner is fantastic…never stain without it! 🙂
Laura Lane says
This is beautiful and what a classic!!!!! I have one of these but it has a “leather top” that doesn’t look so good. Have you ever dealt with one of those Christy? I would be interested in any advise that you may have as far as something I could put on to enrich the top. Thank you!
Laura
Christy says
Thank you, Laura! I have painted a table with a leather top before and I painted right over the leather. I have one in the corner of my dining room that has a painted leather top that as well. Someone else asked as well so I posted a pic on my FB page here: https://www.facebook.com/ConfessionsOfASerialDoItYourselfer/photos/p.1358698094205022/1358698094205022/?type=3&theater
Frances says
I enjoy your post seeing the changes in furniture that would be discarded. After looking at your post over time I have a question about the finish that you would apply to a coffee table that would be placed in a family room and would receive a lot of abuse with children playing cars and other toys on the tabletop. This finish needs to be strong!
Christy says
Thank you, Frances! My best advice is to leave the top stained as I have done here, then you can add paint the base if you like. This is probably your best option for a piece that will withstand a lot of abuse. If that is not an option, you can paint with latex paint and add a protective topcoat like I did on this laminate kitchen table: https://www.confessionsofaserialdiyer.com/how-to-paint-a-laminate-kitchen-table/.
Sandra@lookingforpotential says
Good morning Christy and Happy New year! That is a gorgeous makeover love the bones of that table and for $20 wow, great job! :))
Christy says
Thank you, Sandra and Happy New Year to you! This sure was a great find at $20! 🙂
Becky says
Pretty, pretty! I love the dark top with the white base! Practical AND stunning! Happy New Year!
Christy says
Thanks, Becky! Reconsidering stealing it back from my shop ha ha! Happy New Year! XOXO
Marcie Lovett says
Truly magnificent, Christy! It’s obvious the table was a beauty under all that neglect, and you made it shine. What a great find!
Christy says
Thank you, Marcie! I just love drum tables and I was so happy to be able to bring this back to a beautiful piece! 🙂
Susan Williams says
Christy,
As always- you did a fabulous job!
Christy says
Thank you so much, Susan! XO
Jolinda says
I absolutely love it. It would fit perfectly with my treasures. The top is stunning.
Christy says
Thanks, Jolinda! Kind of wishing I had kept it…might steal it back from my shop! 🙂
Tina Matteson says
It is truly amazing how beautiful that little old table looks now… the detail on the legs, especially! Love it.
Christy says
Thanks, Tina! It was a lovely piece to start…so glad I was able to bring it back! XOXO
Ange says
I love the dark top on this piece, nice contrast.
Christy says
Thanks, Ange! XO
Sherry Stuifbergen says
I love the table with the pretty stained top. YES, you should have kept it because it looks spectacular in your house beside the sofa. Such talent! I bet you are tempted to keep alot of your gorgeous make-overs. Love your blog.
Christy says
Thank you so much, Sherry! And I think you’re right…just might go get it back from my shop ha ha! I do try to be disciplined with my makeovers, but this fit so well in my space! XO
Paula@SweetPea says
It looks great, Christy! That wood revived so beautifully. I can see this piece being used in almost any area of someone’s home.
Christy says
Thanks, Paula! I love drum tables and I was thrilled to see that pretty wood come back to life! XO
chris aka monkey says
no doubt this table is gorgeous now, but that table lamp knocked my socks off xx
Christy says
Thanks, Chris! That lamp is one of a pair I scored on the clearance at TJ Max a couple of years ago. Aren’t they so pretty?? I paid $29 for each and then a couple of months later, I saw more in stock at regular price! Glad I got them when I did! XO
Denise says
Stunning makeover Christy! And Happy New Year! x
Christy says
Thanks so much, Denise! Happy New Year to you too!! XO
Carol ("Mimi") says
Every living room in the 1950’s had one of these drum-top tables in it. I’m so glad you didn’t paint the top! You did a great job on this piece. I particularly like how you showed photos of the steps in the process . . . very impressive. Thank you!
Christy says
Thank you, Carol…I’m so glad you enjoyed this project! I love the pretty shape of it! 🙂
Kim says
GORGEOUS!!
Christy says
Thanks, Kim! <3
Gail says
I noticed that your table does not have toe caps. You can purchase them from House of Antique Hardware. I also have rehabbed a drum table. I had to paint the top because whoever had it had sanded it with a belt sander and ruined the veneer. It was horrible. It came with 3 toe caps and I am awaiting for the 4th to come in the mail. Just a thought.
Christy says
That’s good to know, Gail thank you! 🙂
Angelia says
This is simply beautiful. I can’t tell you enough how incredibly talented you are! Your staging on this table is beautiful as well. Nothing brings me more joy than seeing a new post of yours!
Christy says
Aww you made my day with your sweet words, Angelia!! Thanks so much for following along with me and cheering me on!! XOXO
Jen @ Girl in the Garage says
Beautiful job, Christy! The top looks good as new now, maybe better than new 😉
Christy says
Thanks, Jen!! I actually went and picked it up from my shop today ha ha…I just didn’t want to let it go! 🙂
Julie B. says
Quite lovely, Christy… Love the rich wood tone with the soft white. Seems it would actually fit with any style decor… mostly. 😉
Christy says
Thanks, Julie! I agree it’s a very versatile style! XO
Zovesta says
Quick guess: beadboard on the hutch!
Anyway, LOVE this makeover! I normally hate distressed looks and stained wood, so it says a lot that I think this piece is absolutely fabulous! Nobody could have done a better job on it. It’s going to be sold soon!! <3 <3
Christy says
Thank you, Zovesta! I’m so glad you like how it turned out, and I actually went and picked it up from my shop today ha ha. I just couldn’t let it go! XO
Megan @ Adventure & Home says
I love this table! I’m so glad you always bring things back to life. It’s so sad seeing some things fade into the “junk pile.” I love the soft white with the darker stain, too. Such a homey feel!
P.S. Love those candlesticks and the little white chest in the styling photos! I want them so bad!
Christy says
Thanks, Megan! It really is sad to see what some people just toss aside…glad I was able to save this one! The candlesticks are from Pier 1, the box is a thrifty redo. 🙂
Nancy says
Beautiful!!!!
Christy says
Thank you, Nancy!! XO
Annie (Canada) says
Hi Christy, I love these drum tables and have been wanting to find one to restyle for myself! The top turned out beautifully, not to mention the entire piece is really pretty. Nice job! <3
Christy says
Thanks, Annie! I love drum tables too, and I actually went by my shop and picked this back up today ha ha. I just couldn’t sell it, it looked so pretty next to my sofa! Hope you find one too! 😀
Marie from The Interior Frugalista says
First, sweet deal! Second, don’t you just love the Dixie Belle paint line? And last, nice save, it’s gorgeous! I would have had a hard time taking it to your booth too.
Christy says
Thanks, Marie! YESSS love their paint!! I stopped by my booth and got this today to bring home…it looked so pretty staged next to my sofa so I’m keepin it! XOXO
Roberta says
You are magic! Did you strip and stain the inside of the drawer?
Christy says
Aww thank you, Roberta! I kept the inside of the drawer as is since it was in great condition. 🙂
Candy Walsh says
Beautiful! The wood top looks amazing~and I love Dixie Belle Paint as well! You’ve worked your magic once again! You have a true gift, I often wonder what the previous owners of some of your “trash” or “junk” would say if they could see it now! I promise they’d regret having it curbside, lol.
Christy says
Thank you, Candy, you are so sweet! I often wonder that as well…sometimes it can be hard to see the potential these older pieces have! XO
Lora Eggertz says
Very nice:)
Christy says
Thank you, Lora! XO
Robyn Gist says
Gorgeous! I have the exact same table only with the gold doo-dad feet. I’ve been wanting to give it a make-over, and this was just the inspiration I needed! Thanks so much! Love all of your projects!
Christy says
Thank you SO much, Robin! It always helps when you can see what your piece will look like painted…glad I could help! 🙂
Sara says
Beautiful! I love how dark the stain turned out on the top.
Christy says
Thanks! I ended up bringing it back home! ????