Coffee Table Redo

I have had the same coffee table for at least 10 years.

It could be more, but my memory stinks!

It was originally an oak table that a friend had. She had had the table for quite some time and was ready to get rid of it. She is also an artist and we had been painting some furniture to take to a flea market to sell.  So, we painted the bottom of her coffee table an off white, distressed it,  painted the top black and took it to the market. Well, it didn't sell, she didn't want it, so I kept it. I was actually kind of glad that it didn't sell. I needed a coffee table and I thought we had done a great job on it.

When my family moved into the house we live in now, the coffee table came too. I decided that the top was too perfect so I got out my mouse sander and went to town! I distressed the heck out of the black!

This is how the table has looked for the last 5 years...

I had been thinking that the table needed a change. I wanted to brighten it up a bit.

So, a few weeks ago, while my husband and kids were all out of town for various reasons, I went for it.

I painted the top an off white to match the bottom. Don't expect to hear the word "match" out of me too often. I don't like things to match and I don't like things centered! 

I sanded the edges a little to distress it and added just a little brown wash to age it a little more.

The result...

Much brighter!

In one corner, I added a bird and scroll design that I found on the Graphics Fairy website.

I kept the design subtle. All you have to do is print out your design, place it face down on your painted surface, and rub the back of the paper with a pencil. It will transfer the design. You can paint over the design, but I like the aged look of just the transfer. I have found that the design will stay if you seal over it.

If you do this technique with words, flip the design before you print it so your letters and words won't be backwards.

Remember, I said I don't like things centered!

Sorry...the picture is a little weird. I need to work on my camera settings!

I'm sure this table will go through many more transformations, but for now, I love it!

Want more coffee table inspiration? Then visit HOMESTHETICS. There you will find awesome DIY coffee tables to fit any stlye.