Dining Table Makeover

October 20, 2013

Ok, so we technically finished this weeks ago, but there's been so much going on I hadn't had a chance to blog about it.

Have you seen the pedestal table makeovers in pinterest/blog land? I've seen a ton of people turn a hum-drum table into a thing of beauty with just a little paint and stain, so I figured I could do the same. When I was still living in Singapore last year, I spotted a pedestal table on Craigslist here in Lynchburg for a mere $60. My sweet sister was willing to go and pick it up for me and her in-laws held it for me until we returned. Gotta love family.

Well, what is a dining table without chairs? Besides a catch-all for junk...really nothing, cause we had nowhere to eat for the first month in our new place. I wanted to find 4 chairs that had an upholstered seat that I could change out and Craigslist came through again for me. I got a set of 4 for only $30! Here's what it all looked like before:

Ahhh, gotta love that orang-y wood tone :) And the fabric on the chairs? Please, take a closer look...they are amazing!

Yes, 70's! They were really appropriate for the kitchen with the all mushrooms, onions, and asparagus goodness, but alas, I decided to change them out for more updated fabric.

This is a photo I snapped after finishing the first chair. I was in love :)

Now, this was the first experience I had with Annie Sloan chalk paint. I'm not sure I would use the white again. After four coats, the coverage still wasn't very good, but I honestly just got tired of painting. Maybe it was the wood tone underneath, but I think if I paint white again, I'll probably prime and then paint with a different type of paint. Personal preference.

We sanded the top of the table and stained it a darker color which turned out perfect! Here is the finished product:

I'd say this was a successful makeover on our small budget!

The only thing I would change is the color of the walls, but considering I've made my husband repaint every room in our townhouse except for the dining/kitchen area...I've gotta let this one go. It may not match the blue in the fabric, but that won't matter in our next place.

Up next: Projects for the baby room! Here's a glimpse at my mood board:


  1. Oh girl!!! Wish I knew you bought the Pure White! Its super thin by nature and requires extra coats- being that the wood was so dark it would have saved you time and product to put on a primer as you suggested. Booo!!! I'm so sorry you had a hard time for your first experience.Please let me know if you have any other questions or concerns about it- Always here to help! The table and chairs turned out lovely! That fabric is perfect too! Great job!

    1. Hey Bri...yeah I heard from someone else that white is difficult to get good coverage on. Live and learn :) I'd probably try another color, but white does make it tough on orange wood!

  2. I just had a long conversation with a lady selling plaster paint, which is basically the same thing. My friend Kim had the same trouble painting something cream colored, so I asked specifically about what it looks like if you DON'T distress it. Despite what they say, my conclusion is that chalk paint is meant to be distressed and if you want the smooth finish, go with latex or spray paint and primer. I was considering using it on a coffee table, but I think I'll pass this time.
    All that said...this looks awesome! You need to do a house tour!

    1. Yeah Em, I think you're right. I don't mind a distressed look, but still wanted full and not splotchy coverage. I'd probably try a color before I'd do a white again. We'll try something else on the baby's dresser :)


