Two end table makeovers, using the same paint but creating two very different end products. Let me show you how! This post is sponsored by Dixie Belle Paint.
End Table Number One
I bought this end table a couple of months ago on Facebook Marketplace for a few dollars. The design fits in perfectly with my new traditional decorating style. I especially like the brass medallions/flowers at the top of each leg.
As usual, I forgot to take a before photo! I removed the brass detail before sanding, as seen in this photo.

My original plan was to refinish the top and only paint the bottom. However, the veneer on the top is so paper-thin that I almost immediately sanded right through it.
Step 1 of the End Table Makeover: Chalk Paint

So many legs with so much detail! I turned the table upside down to ensure I didn’t miss a few spots.

This end table is painted with Dixie Belle chalk paint “In the Navy.” It is slightly darker than I expected.
At first, the color looked really dull, but once I covered it with the sealer and wax, it instantly came to life.
How to Apply a Flawless Top Coat

I always get nervous when it’s time to paint a top coat sealer over paint, especially when it’s dark paint! But let me tell you a secret, I discovered that when I spray the chalk paint with a bit of water in my continuous mister, the sealer glides on like butter on hot toast! Which, of course, smooths everything out and leaves no streaks.
Gilding Wax to Give the Brass Detail an Extra Bit of Life

I could not resist! I love gilding wax, and if I find any opportunity to add a bit, I’m all in!
Trying Something New with this End Table Makeover: Stenciling
Tabletops painted one solid color tend to be bland and boring. I decided to add a bit of detail with one of the brand new stencils Dixie Belle released last week.

This stencil is called “Trippy Blocks.” I couldn’t wait to use it, but I should mention that I have very little experience using stencils, and that is way out of my comfort zone!
If you’ve been reading my posts for a while, you would know that I’m willing to tackle any project at least once, and if it turns out to be a disaster, I pivot!
The color I used for the stenciling? You guessed it! Still gilding away!

I was not sure what I wanted for the end product, so I decided to try something creative.
(Sometimes these ideas work, sometimes they don’t.) I’m still not sure if this is a win, but it sure isn’t ordinary!
I created an uneven pattern with jagged edges, fading towards one side. Almost the effect an imprint would have.


I would love to hear what you think about this “experiment.”
Do we love it? (I say we because I’m yet to make up my mind).
Products I Used for Both End Tables

- Chalk paint – color: In the Navy
- Clear coat – satin finish
- Gilding wax – gold
- Big Mama’s Butta (wax) – clear with a fresh and natural orange scent (it smells amazing!)
- Continuous mister spray bottle
- Stencil – Trippy Blocks
To shop any of these amazing products, click here!

End Table Number Two

This little white end table used to belong to my mother-in-law. It was originally finished with a very dark reddish-brown stain. About two years ago I painted it white.
You can not see in the photo above how badly the stain started to bleed through the white paint. I made the mistake of not using any primer.


Unlike the first end table, this one is solid wood, and I could sand and seal its top to show the natural wood color.
I always assumed it was dark wood, but big was my surprise when I sanded off the chalk paint and the stain and found a much lighter than expected wood color.

The top is sealed with three coats of the Dixie Belle satin clear coat which I sanded lightly between every coat.

I painted the bottom of this table with the same navy chalk paint I used for the other end table.

To seal the paint finish on this table, I used wax instead of the clear coat sealer. Just between you and me, I was just looking for an excuse to the Big Mama’s Butta with its orangey scent. It smells SO good!

I am still surprised at how this top turned out. It feels and looks so smooth you would not guess that it is hand-painted. This end table makeover is a success, in my opinion.
The New Look of the Two End Tables

Do you love the new look of these two end tables as much I do? I am in love!
Just look at that gorgeous shine! All my worries about the navy looking dull are gone.
I refinished these two end tables for our living area. I also have a thrifted coffee table that I want to use the navy on, but that is a project for another day.
The coffee table we have used in the living area up till now will also get a new look and move down to the basement family room. I guess I could follow this “two end table makeover ideas” up with “two coffee table makeover ideas.” What do you think?


Want to try this? Pin it for later!

Mira
June 9, 2022Love both of them…. cant decide which is my favorite, they both turned out great…!
Jean Shaw
June 7, 2022I really am a fan of both end tables. They both came out awesome.
Marieza
June 8, 2022I’m so glad you like them, Jean!
Janette
May 31, 2022Absolutely beautiful, I love a good make-over and these are wonderful.x
Marieza
May 31, 2022Thank you, Janette! I really appreciate it!
Laura
March 28, 2022Looks great. I’m confused when to mist?
Marieza
March 28, 2022Hi Laura! I used the mist on the paint before applying the sealer.
Jen
February 16, 2022I love the deep navy color. Especially the two-toned table. It turned out beautifully!
Marieza
February 16, 2022Thank you so much, Jen!
Anna Price
February 8, 2022Wow! What a transformation! Thanks for the tip re: the continuous mister for the top coat. I always get nervous when putting a top coat on a dark color too. Both projects are so inspiring. Thank you for sharing.
Marieza
February 11, 2022Thank you, Anna! I’m glad you enjoyed the post.
Cindy
February 8, 2022Congratulations on being featured on Tuesday Turn About this week Marieza!!
Marieza
February 11, 2022Thank you so much, Cindy!
Julie Briones
February 7, 2022Marieza, what beautiful tables. I love the top stencil on the first one! So glad you shared at Tuesday Turn About! I’m delighted to be featuring your post at this week’s party! Pinned, and hope to see you each week!
Marieza
February 8, 2022Thank you so much, Julie! This is such a wonderful surprise! I appreciate it so much!
Karolyn
February 5, 2022I absolutely love these tables, especially the one with the gold stencil on the top! And the taller one with the wood top, Gorgeous! That navy color is perfect on both of them. Very nice job!! You aced them!!
Marieza
February 5, 2022Thank you so much, Karolyn!
Lynne Zemaitis
February 4, 2022I love the color of these tables and the stencil you used! I appreciate you sharing for Tuesday Turn About!
Barbara at Mantel and Table
February 3, 2022Both are beautiful! I’m going to have to try some of that chalk paint one of these days! Thanks for the inspiration and encouragement! 🙂
Marieza
February 3, 2022That is so sweet of you! Thank you for stopping by, Barbara!
Paula@SweetPea
February 3, 2022Both tables look so good after their makeovers.
Marieza
February 3, 2022Thank you so much, Paula!
Leslie Watkins
February 3, 2022Love these! I have navy paint for nightstands and you have confirmed now it was a great choice…Beautiful.
Marieza
February 3, 2022Let’s go, Leslie! I can’t wait to see them when you are done!
Libbie
February 2, 2022What pretty makeovers! It’s hard to choose which one I like more so when I saw you styled them together I thought PERFECT!!!
Marieza
February 2, 2022Aw, thanks Libbie! That’s very kind of you!
Elizabeth
February 2, 2022They look amazing!
Crystal
February 2, 2022Extemely well done Marieza! The Dixie Bell products seem to be very high quality. Even before you but the finish coat on the paint seemed even without brush stokes. Like your tip about using the mister for the final coat. Personally, I like the top and how you let it fade out. Great job!
Marieza
February 2, 2022I can not tell you enough how much I like Dixie Belle”s products. It’s an absolute pleasure to paint with. They also started to ship to Canada recently!
Cindy
February 2, 2022Great job on both of these tables! Pinned!
Marieza
February 2, 2022Thank you so much, Cindy!
Stacey
February 1, 2022Both of these tables turned out beautifully. I just love the navy and gold together. The pattern on top is really fun!
Marieza
February 2, 2022I am so glad to hear that! Thank you, Stacey!
Linda
February 1, 2022Wow! A beautiful results. Also, I appreciated the tutorial!
Marieza
February 2, 2022Thanks, Linda! I’m glad you found it useful.
Rosemary Palmer
February 1, 2022Those are lovely. I love that color Navy. I tried several colors for dining room chairs and was never happy – finally sold and went with upholstery and love them.
Marieza
February 2, 2022Thanks, Rosemary! I think navy might be my new favorite color. I just bought navy drapes as well!
Carol Karl | Living a Real Life
January 31, 2022Both these tables look amazing. It looks more like black to me but it may just be my screen. Still look great. I’m about to embark on some painting projects myself so always keen to see what others are doing.
Marieza
February 2, 2022Thanks, Carol! It is a very dark navy and I think it’s more the photo than your screen that makes them look black.
Rachel
January 31, 2022Oh my goodness!!! Those turned out stunningly. Soooo pretty.
Marieza
January 31, 2022Thank you so much, Rachel!
Barb
January 31, 2022Absolutely perfect! Wouldn’t change a thing.
Marieza
January 31, 2022Thank you, Barb! I’m so glad you like it!
Regina
January 31, 2022Marieza – these came out beautifully. Great job! Very rich looking.
Marieza
January 31, 2022Thank you so much, Regina!
Cindy
January 31, 2022Seriously??? Omgoodness, I am crazy over both of these tables Marieza! The stenciled look is so beautiful and I love how you didn’t cover the entire surface. So artistic! And the second table – wood with navy always look so good together! Pinned because this is a great tutorial 😊
Marieza
January 31, 2022Aw, thank you Cindy! Hearing this from you makes me very happy!
Maria
January 30, 2022I absolutely love the navy and gold. The natural wood and navy is my favourite. I love the style of both tables. Very neatly done, as always.
Marieza
January 30, 2022Thank you! The wood and navy one is my favorite too!