Paint Inherited Furniture To Fit Your Decor
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It is perfectly fine to paint inherited, antique, and vintage furniture. Furniture should complement your personality and home decor, so make it your own.
When my sister asked me to paint this vintage table, I was happy to do it. The table has a lot of sentimental value, but that doesn’t mean it can’t get a new look. I believe this vintage style would be classified as Mid-Century Modern. What do you think?
The table sat between a pair of recliners in my parents’ living room, and my Mom and Dad spent a lot of time in those recliners. The table had held a lamp and numerous other items over the years, and lately, a digital photo frame with family photos my Dad enjoyed looking at.
Today is the Furniture Fixer Upper Tour, and you know what that means. We have five furniture makeovers to share with you today! Links for the tour can be found following my project tutorial.
Time to get on with this makeover. I ran sandpaper over the problem area on the tabletop to smooth it out before brushing on the paint.
I have a couple of side tables in our family room painted with Dixie Belle Silk Paint in the color Acadia. My sister and her husband recently visited us, and she loved the side tables. So I’m painting them with Acadia.
I had less than half of a 16-ounce container of paint, and I wasn’t sure how far it would go. But no problem, I still have paint left over after this makeover.
When painting tables or chairs, I always start painting from the bottom up.
I love Dixie Belle Silk Paint because it brushes on smoothly, covers well, and dries quickly with no brush marks.
I set the table upside down on top of another table in my workshop so it would be easier to paint. Turned spindle legs like these, and the spindles between the table tiers aren’t difficult to paint. You just have to be sure you cover the top side, bottom side, back side, front side, and everything in between with paint.
Once I painted the legs and table skirt with the table sitting upside down, I set the table upright and painted the parts of the legs I missed.
Yes, I could have painted the table with it sitting upright first, but it would still be necessary to turn the table upside down to be sure I covered the underside of the legs. This method for painting table and chair legs works for me.
There were a few rough areas on the edge of the table skirt that I didn’t notice when the table was turned upside down. I sanded the rough places by hand and repainted them.
Painting the spindles between the tiers was fun, too. I had to reach all the way across the table between the tiers in order to cover all sides of the spindles with paint. I chose to paint all of the spindles first, then the flat tier.
I brushed on two coats of paint and finished painting the table in one day. It really doesn’t take long to paint small furniture pieces.
No distressing for this piece. My sister isn’t a fan of distressed furniture. We are total opposites in every way,
My Favorite Dixie Belle Products:
Dixie Belle Boss
Scrubby Soap
The Belle Paint Brush
Acadia Silk Mineral Paint
Glacier Mineral Paint
Peacock Chalk Mineral Paint
Terra Seal Matte Finish
Drop Cloth Chalk Mineral Paint
Paint was just what this piece needed. It will look perfect with my sister’s new sofa and throw pillows.
What is your opinion of the Acadia paint color? I painted a ginger jar and several side tables with Dixie Belle Silk All-In-One Mineral Paint – Acadia.
I just have to deliver the table on my next trip to Arkansas. Things will not be the same now that Dad is gone.
I hope you enjoyed this makeover. Leave a note if you have the time before heading out on the Furniture Fixer Upper Tour. Click the links below the “before makeovers” photo collage……..
Furniture Fixer Upper Tour:
Black Painted Dressing Table – Confessions of a Serial DIY’er
Thrifted Chantilly Blanket Box – Salvaged Inspirations
Floral Decoupage Side Table Makeover – My Repurposed Life
Quick Painted And Stained Dresser Makeover – A Ray Of Sunlight
Painting An Inherited Table – Petticoat Junktion (you are here)
As always, thanks for being here, Kathy
Thank you!
I think it looks mean to be this color! Don’t know how I happened upon this post, but it really inspires me to take what I have inherited and truly make it my own.
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Did you paint the underside of the top of the table?
Hi again, Kathy!
I am so sorry to hear your dad has passed. From your blogs I know he had a good life, and good children, but knowing things will never be the same is still heartbreaking.
I do love the table you jazzed up for your sister. I’ve got a lot of those mid-century pieces, and I’ve redone some of them and put them into daily use around the house. I think the term mid-century colonial revival is the best term for these pieces that could be Ethan Allen, or Ethan Allen wanna be types. I get where your sister is coming from, I’m not a huge fan of distressed; because that’s what I’m trying to hide when I paint 🙂
You still do great work! Keep it up.
I so love this color and paint. Great choice and good work!!
Love the color! Green is si h a restful color and goes with everything & all seasons. Good choice!
Wow the table is beautiful love the color nice job
I had that exact same table in my first place in 1973 when I turned 21! What a surprise to see it again!
Love the color! Really gave an old tired piece an updated look. 😊
-Cecilia
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I love the table! It’s beautiful ❤️ I just finished a table in this color and love the color! Thanks for sharing.
Did you put a sealer on piece?
The family table is beautiful with its new outfit. Generally, I’m not a fan of green, but the Arcadia fits the table nicely.
Beautiful job Kathy.
Pinned!
gail
I inherited a table just like that.
I painted it in Dixie Belle Gulf and Pure Ocean. I took a class many years ago when chalk paint first became popular and one of the first things I learned was painting the legs on a piece with the piece upside down. Makes things so much easier. I am sure your sister were love her “new” piece of furniture.
Kathy,
I love the new color on the table that you painted for your sister. Brings new life to an old table.
I have a question. We moved in a new construction house a couple of years ago. I’m not thrilled with the color of my island. Can I paint the cabinet fronts on the island without first sanding the original finish? Builder grade cabinets. And if so, what paint would you recommend?
Thanks,
Stormee
Your sister is going to love this for years to come – so much family history and a beautiful updated look. Sisters are the BEST! Thanks for sharing Kathy. XOXO
My Condolences regarding your Father. When both your Parents are gone, it is a very sad feeling.
Your table is lovely, the color is a pretty one. Your sister is lucky to have such a talented sister. I will try to remember your trick of painting tables.
This is lovely in Acadia, Kathy! And yes, it is totally ok to both treasure a family piece and make it your own at the same time! XOXO
I think its lovely and I am with your sister as far as distressing goes, I never understand when you ladies put so much work into a piece then scratch it all up……this is perfect. xx