Two Creative End Table Makeover Ideas

Two end table makeover ideas using the same paint but creating two very different end products. Let me show you how!

End Table Number One

End table that needs a makeover

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.

End table with a sanded top

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

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

An end table painted with chalk paint

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

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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

Applying gilding was on brass detail

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 a stencil.

Using a stencil to paint on a table top

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!

Stenciling with gilding wax

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.

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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

Dixie belle products
  • 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 misting spray bottle
  • Stencil – Trippy Blocks

End Table Number Two

Living room fall accents

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.

End table painted white
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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.

Applying a clear coat sealer to the end table's top

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

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

Applying a wax coat over chalk paint

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!

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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

End table makeover reveal

Do you love the new look of these two end tables as much as 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?

Two end tables after their makeover
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Want to try this? Pin it for later!

End table makeover pinterest pin