Have you ever searched high and low for something and then discovered it was right in front of you all along? Amazing friends, that is exactly what happened to me!
I have been on the hunt for a new coffee table since we moved in and have had no luck. Much like when I was looking for a kitchen table (See the one I ended up with HERE if you missed it.), I even went searching every furniture store in my area totally willing to pay retail if I found something I liked. Nope. And of course I’ve been keeping a look out at all my favorite thrift stores as well. I even went yard saling last weekend and nada.
Then as I was watching TV on Saturday night with my feet propped up on my old coffee table, it occurred to me…why not redo the one I already have?? Duh!
So that is exactly what I set out to do!
Here is what this coffee table looked like when I first saw it at the thrift store several years ago:
For ten whole dollars this table in a glorious shade of orange was all mine.
The original photo shoot of this table is quite embarrassing from back in 2013, but you can still find it if you search for it. I did include it in my Home Tour of Thrifty Makeovers though, and here is what it looked like then:
It worked well in my old space with its creamy white background, but not so much in the new one.
I had thought about adding planks to the top in the past, but never did. When we moved, the only pieces from my beloved wood stash that my hubby kept were these:
Yup four whole pieces.
If you missed it, you can see what our garage looked like when we moved in, and see the enormous amount of junk my Hubby had to move over in THIS POST. I am including a few affiliate links so you can find the products I use.
I was busy painting the living room and master while he attended to that horrendous chore so I can’t complain that he scrapped almost my ENTIRE reclaimed wood pile. In his defense, it did look like trash. 😉
SO imagine my utter delight when I happened upon this curbside pile while yard saling Saturday:
Okay that looks like trash too, but look what I dug out of there:
Aren’t they beautiful? Never even been used! Just laying out in the elements aging to perfection!
I started thinking I had the makings of a new top for my coffee table…and I did!
Right??
I used two of those long pickets plus the few pieces my hubby had saved to create the new top. Using my miter saw, I cut each one to the length I needed, and I did have to rip one down to size lengthwise with my table saw as well.
Here they are laid out as I was seeing how they would look:
At this point my Hubby said it looked like something you would see in a frat house. Ye of little faith.
Before going any further with the top , I took the rest of the table apart…
Then I started attaching the planks to my table surface. I decided to attach them to the bottom of the original table top instead since the edge of that side was a 90 degree angle. (The edge of the top of it was somewhat rounded.)
I lined up the boards face-down just how I wanted them and laid the old table top on top of them. Then using 1 1/4″ wood screws, I screwed each plank in place from the underside:
I added several screws along each plank to hold them in place.
To redo this table, I knew I would also want to replace the legs and remove the curvy pieces all around the sides.
Skip ahead if you don’t need to see how the legs and side pieces were replaced!
The legs were kind of wimpy and had these notches in them that must have held a shelf of some sort under the table at one time.
I removed the double ended screws from the old legs to reuse them, using needle-nosed pliers:
Regular pliers probably would have worked better, but these did the job.
I chose these more traditional legs from Home Depot instead:
They were $10 a piece, but that was still way cheaper than new table.
I also picked up two of these pine 1X3s at $5 a piece…
I cut them to size with my miter saw using the old side pieces as a guide, and then spray painted them and the legs with brown spray paint:
I wanted brown to show through rather than new wood when I sanded them after painting.
They got three coats of DIY chalk paint in Behr’s Ultra Pure White.
Then I started assembling the pieces. I drilled new holes in the legs for the screws:
Then added the screws, twisting them into place with my pliers…
Then I used my Kreg Jig Jr (or Kreg R3 Jr) to make pocket holes in the side pieces so I could attach them to the underside of the table…
Here is a quick how-to for using this awesome tool!
- Determine the width of your board. Mine was 3/4″, so I selected that size on my Kreg Jig by aligning the arrows on the gray sides with the correct size.
- The kit comes with a drill bit you use with your drill. Move the ring on the drill bit to the 3/4″ mark (shown on the grey area beside where it is stored in the box). This will act as a guide so you know how deep to go with your drill.
- The guide that comes with the kit will give you the correct size screws to use. I needed 1 1/4″.
- Attach the Kreg Jig Jr to your board using a Kreg Jig clamp. (Sold separately, and totally worth it.) You can clamp it to a workbench or worktable if you prefer, and probably recommended. I just clamped it to the board itself and held it while I drilled. (The blue rag prevented the clamp from leaving a mark on my wood.)
- Attach the drill bit to your drill and drill until the ring guide meets the entrance of the hole on the Kreg Jig.
- Tada! Pocket holes!
- The kit also comes with a square head drill bit to be used with their screws. Any type of screw can be used though.
- Attach your pieces together. The Kreg Jig makes attaching two pieces at a 90 degree angle a breeze!
I reused the corner braces and voila, a new bottom:
Here it is all assembled:
I liked this look, but I still needed to sand the surface to get it somewhat smooth. Don’t want the kiddos to get splinters in their bums if they should decide to sit on it!
I used my rotary sander to sand it somewhat smooth, including all the edges. However that removed some of the natural gray aged look.
I decided to use the same weathered stain (found HERE) that I used on my kitchen table. Then I whitewashed the top exactly the same as I did on that table (See how HERE.), and I sealed it with the same sealer (found HERE) that I used as well.
I am so pleased with the results!
I love how the paint gets in all the grooves in these old cedar boards…
There is a slight gap where the sides meet the top. That’s because the legs and sides are connected to the old table top which had rounded edges. I may still add a narrow piece of trim all the way around to conceal it, but it doesn’t really bother me at all. What do you think?
Did you notice I changed out the large black mirror for this more dainty one? (See how the black one looked in this post.)
The other one felt very heavy and I think this one looks better with the curtains I chose. Surprise…they’re blue! I’ll share more on them and the amazing deal I got on them when I share the final room reveal!
I still have a blank wall in there to come up with an idea for, and a side table to decide on, and that room should be done.
Bonus!! My Furniture Fixer Upper Girls are also sharing furniture pieces they made over today!
Visit the links below the image to see the afters!
And don’t forget, if you love thrifty makeovers as much as I do, I am part of an awesome new Facebook Group made just for thrifty makeover lovers like us:
It’s totally free and it is seriously filled with nothing but thrifty makeover goodness. There are also opportunities to share your own thrifty makeovers and finds if you like! Visit it HERE to join in the fun.
Whew that seemed like a lot to share today, didn’t it?
I hope you enjoyed this redo. I spent $50 dollars to change out the base of my coffee table, but it was still cheaper than buying new! And I got a one-of-a-kind table that fits perfectly with my décor! Win!
Have a great weekend, friends! I’ll meet y’all back here on Tuesday sharing what I did with this thrift store mirror:
UPDATE: Here ya go! See what this mirror became HERE now! 🙂
XOXO,
Don’t Miss a Thing!
If you like what you see, there are several ways to follow along!
Mary Kaiser says
I think you are amazing! Your husband is one lucky guy to have such a thrifty & talented wife. So creative and fun also, just amazing, LOVE it!!
Christy says
Aww you always say the sweetest things, Mary, and I appreciate you so much! I do save him a lot of money lol!
Sandi from Wisconsin says
Your table redo is fantastic! I love it! You are a great inspiration for DIY! I hope to find a piece to redo soon. Love all that you have shared!
Christy says
Thank you so much, Sandi! I love that you are feeling inspired! XO
Christina in FL says
Christy, I do love the beachy feel to the re-re-created table! Thank you for all the details. 🙂
Your blue curtains are perfect!
Create on!!
Christy says
Thanks, Christina! That is just the look I was going for! And you knew I would choose blue for curtains, right? 🙂 Have a great weekend! XOXO
Candy says
Wow what a great job! I noticed the mirror right away and think it looks wonderful. Love love that mirror, I need to find one ????
Blessings
Candy
Christy says
Thank you, Candy! I am really loving that mirror so much more than the heavy dark one! XO
Larissa ~ Prodigal Pieces says
Christy, that was a genius idea!! Love the new look.
Christy says
Thanks, Larissa! XOXO
Kathe says
Love it! And I couldn’t help but notice how perfectly arranged the items on your built-ins are!! How do you do it?
Christy says
Thank you so much, Kathe! I appreciate the vote of confidence on the built-ins! XOXO
Cheryl M says
Christy ~
I love it. You never cease to amaze me! It is beyond perfect (if that’s possible).
Christy says
Aww thank you, Cheryl! I truly appreciate that! XOXO
Norma says
Oh my!!!! What some great inspirations of makeovers Thank you and God bless
Christy says
Thank you, Norma! I’m so glad you enjoyed them! XO
Michelle says
Christy, you are so amazing! Love the coffee table! It looks perfect in your room. I can’t believe you flipped the whole table over to redo it! I had to read that twice to figure out what you were up to! I agree, the gap is not a big deal and only adds to the charm! Great tutorial, thanks so much for sharing your talents once again!
Christy says
Thank you, Michelle! You are so sweet! Yep, that table got quite the overhaul ha ha! Thanks for weighing in on that trim piece. I think I’m going to keep it just as it is! XOXO
Marcie Lovett says
So, basically, you completely rebuilt it. That’s why it looks like a BRAND NEW table. You are amazing, Christy!
I have a question about the corner braces – one of them looks broken. I am trying to fix my jewelry armoire that has two broken corner pieces like that one, and I’m not sure how to secure them. Did you just use it as is or did you fill it with wood putty? Or (knowing you) did you cut an entirely new one?
Christy says
Ha ha Yep! Thank you, Marcie! With that corner piece, the spot where the screw went was still functional, so I was still able to use it as is. Had that not worked, I probably would have cut a new one. Have a great weekend! XOXO
Beth says
OMG! love this table and would love to have the talent you possess!
Christy says
Aww thank you so much, Beth!! XOXO
Sherry Stuifbergen says
You are so talented with tools! The table top is awesome. Your home is lovely. I like the new mirror instead of the black striped one, but it could go somewhere else. Let your house “evolve”…don’t be in a big hurry to “fill” blank walls, etc. I KNOW you will find a great treasure and make it look fantastic.
Christy says
Thank you, Sherry! I like your advice on letting the room evolve. I am really trying not to rush things, and even when I feel like it is complete, it will still continue to change! 🙂
ColleenB.~Texas says
That turned out Great and what a beautiful difference it made.
Love your tutorials. I never would had thought about taking it all apart the way you had done.
You certainly a Great inspiration.
Thank you
Christy says
Thank you, Colleen! I have thought many times about adding planks to the top, but I was never really happy with the rest of the table anyway. Glad I was able to change it up to make it work! XOXO
Rebecca - Knoxville,TN says
It’s gorgeous and no one but you will notice the rounded corners under the new top.
Christy says
Thank you, Rebecca! And I think you’re right! XO
Gina Keysor says
You made the right decision to re-do your old table. What a great looking table , even tho some of us (me) would feel out of depth with all the modifications it took! You really did save a lot of money, my sister bought a used table for $50 THEN had to pay someone $100 to put a reclaimed top on it. Your living room is coming along , the color scheme is so calm. Good move on changing out the mirror it adds to the lighter feel. LOVE IT!
Christy says
Thank you, Gina! I am so happy I was able to make it work. Wow, your sister paid a bundle! I’m really glad now that I was able to make mine work lol. And yep I agree about the mirror…it fits the space so much better! XOXO
Marie says
The first thing I noticed, Christy is that you changed the mirror. lol I think the original makeover on this coffee table was the first post I ever read on your blog! Love the new look – those planks give it so much character. Love how it echoes your dining table too. I’m curious why you decided to replace the legs?
Christy says
Yes the new mirror fits the space so much better. And that’s funny…Kandice mentioned the same thing! That seems like so long ago ha ha. As for the table legs, I just wanted a cleaner, simpler look. I did like the curvy size that were on it before, but it was a chunk missing on one of those sides, so I just decided to replace those as well. 🙂
Debbie in TX says
Wow and double wow!! You slayed this project and made it into something so beautiful. The table has a gorgeous texture, and I really love the furry rug you put underneath. I think the gap areas blend beautifully with the wood on top for an all-over distressed feel to the table. I picked up on the blue curtains immediately Great choice! Can’t wait to see the final reveal.
Christy says
Wow thank you, Debbie! I’m so glad you like how it turned out. I’m thrilled I was able to reimagine my old table and save some money! Can’t wait to share the whole room when it’s done! Have a great weekend! XOXO
Nancy @ Artsy Chicks Rule says
I love it Christy!! I didn’t even notice the gap at all. And the new mirror is perfect! xo
Christy says
Thanks, Nancy! Yeah, I don’t think I’m going to worry about trying to cover that gap…it looks fine to me too. Glad I changed out that mirror. The old one was just a bit too heavy. Let’s make a lunch date soon!! XOXO
Robin says
Love the way you finished the table, Christy, and yes, I probably would use a very tiny trim that that have at Home Depot…its near the decorative wood pieces, nice detail, and would fit that space perfectly. Can’t remember the name at the moment, but I’ve used it in endless ways, about 1/2 ” trim w/curves to it. It’s so cute and the table would look even more beautiful. Great Job!!!
Robin
Christy says
Thanks, Robin! I appreciate your input! XO
Julie Briones says
Beautiful, Christy! Love the wood color/technique. I would leave the gap. Didn’t even notice it until you said something, and I like how ‘simple’ it looks. Adding more may take away from the vintage coastal look you have going!
I went and looked at your 2013 makeover. I can only hope that my first posts looks as good!
Shelves have one last coat of paint to do, and my console is finished! Woot!
Christy says
Thanks, Julie! I think you’re right about leaving the table as is. You’re funny… I purposely didn’t leave a link to that post ha ha. I guess it wasn’t too bad! Has your blog gone live yet? You better get that console done already, girl! He he have a great weekend! XOXO
Jan Cole says
Awesome makeover on the living room table; and the mirror is soooo much better!
Two thumbs up!
Christy says
Thank you, Jan! I agree, that mirror work so much better in the space! XO
Jen @ Girl in the Garage says
Christy, you are SO clever – I love the new look!! And I thought I had seen all of your old makeovers but I definitely don’t remember that table! It was pretty but I agree that the new look is better for your room now.
Christy says
Thank you, Jen! That one was a super old pos! Marie and Kandice said this table was one of the first makeovers they remember of mine. It seems like so long ago! Glad I was able to make it work once again! Have a great weekend with your boys! XOXO
Debrashoppeno5 says
What a great makeover. Now, what will you do with the old legs?
Christy says
Thanks, Debra! And you think just like me… What can I do with the old parts ha ha! I saved the legs and the side pieces just in case. I’ll find a use for them I’m sure! XOXO
Nancy @ Slightly Coastal says
It turned out fantastic! I love a good wood planked top table. I have thought about doing that to a table also but since I did it in my foyer I think it would be too much. But it sure is Purdy! Love it1
Nancy
Christy says
Thank you, Nancy! I have used these whitewashed fence pickets on so many projects, but because my old house was more creams than whites, they never really fit in my space. So glad I could use them on something I get to keep for our new house! XOXO
MaryJean says
You are one talented lady! I love the way the table turned out!
Christy says
Thank you so much, MaryJean! XO
dragon ball super says
Thanks for sharing your beautiful space!
Vee Muller says
This makeover table is just gorgeous! Loved the post!
Christy says
Thanks, Vee! XOXO
Denise says
Gorgeous table makeover Christy! My Kreg is still in its original box. This restyle is encouraging me to pull it out. 🙂
Christy says
Thanks, Denise! You need to pull that thing out! I usually use it to make headboard benches. It is great for those 90 degree angles! XOXO
Rosie Odom says
I am in awe!
Christy says
Wow thank you, Rosie!! XOXO