How to upgrade a Goodwill coffee table
February 03, 2010
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I figured I would finally share my coffee table project for the family room. I showed you back on the rug post how large our old table was. I absolutely LOVE this table – I got this and a matching end table from Bombay Company years ago. (Can I get a moment of silence for BC? That place rocked.)
It served us well – we could eat off of it, drag choo choos across it, do puzzles easily. It measures three feet across. HUGE for our small space in the family room:
Our family room is actually quite large, but as I’ve mentioned, the changes we made to it when building created very little wall space, so the furniture all floats.
I love the layout and suggest it all the time – making and “L” with your sofas/chairs in a long room creates a cozy and warm space.
But cozy and a three foot wide coffee table don’t mix. So I was on the lookout for something new, and a few weeks ago I came across this beaut at Goodwill:
Wow, isn’t it fantastic? :) I know, it’s not. It wasn’t. But it was only $9.99. And as soon as I saw it, I knew it could work for what I had in mind. It was labeled as a desk, and was actually quite tall. (You can see how much taller it was than the sofa above.)
Because I heard on HGTV once that your coffee table should be about two inches lower than your sofa, and since HGTV is decorating gospel, (OK, only most of the time) I took this baby out to my fanfreakingtastic compound miter saw and cut down these legs:
Because the top was beyond fixing with paint, I knew this table would work perfectly for my plan. It’s actually a laminate veneer on top and the sides, but I didn’t mind the color of it at all. I considered painting it, but painting laminate is not a quick job, and I wanted to keep the contrast of the table against the rug. So how the heck was I going to make it work?
I was going to upholster this bad boy:
I turned it over onto the foam and just traced it. (Foam courtesy of Goodwill, a find a few months ago. It’s also served as coloring book for my son as you can see.)
I wanted to tuft the top of the table with buttons and wanted to make sure everything was symmetrical. I realized I could just use the middle point of every square and then one in the middle for five buttons. I just drilled into those points:
Then I upholstered the top with batting (Goodwill again, score!!) and fabric using my staple gun:
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At this point I lost steam a bit and let it sit for a good week. Something just wasn’t sitting right with me.
There are three things that are extremely important to me when I decorate our house. The first is the project or item must be comfortable. Second, it has to be something our son can play with/around/on and third, it must be something that I will not FREAK OUT about when our son is playing with/around/on said item.
And this only had one of the three – it sure was comfortable when we propped our feet on it! ;) But as I watched my son playing on it, I realized why I was hesitating to finish it. The choo choos didn’t roll quite as well on this one. There was no way you could set a drink on it.
Beyond all that, covering the raw edges underneath was going to take more work, and I wasn’t positive how I was even going to do that.
Sooooo…I took it all apart. It took longer to take apart than it did to put it together. Gah.
I had a new brilliant idea – I would use some beadboard I already had and just cover the top. But I wanted a different look than just planks of the beadboard laying across it. Beadboard can get a country feel real quick if you’re not careful how you use it – and as much as I look a country/farmhouse look, it’s just not our family room. :)
So I figured it out – I used miter cuts on the beadboard and started from the outside and worked in, creating a square design:
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I was in luuuurve.
To finish off the edges, I added some “fencing” molding – only $2 for an eight foot piece. After living with it for a day or two and getting stabbed by the corners, I quickly realized I would need to sand those down:
It worked perfectly!
I filled in all of the nail holes (I used the nail gun to attach it to the top of the table) and any gaps with spackle:
Sanded it down and primed, then painted:
I got a creamy paint to use on it, but after the first coat I realized it would be too light. So I used the wall color from the family room, mixed a little in to make it a bit deeper, and I couldn’t be more pleased!
fifty billion remotes and my bloggy necessities. ;)
Oh yeah, and another spot for me to frantically throw toys when I can’t take stepping on one more itty bitty thing.
We had a large basket on the top of our old coffee table for the remotes, and it fits perfectly under the table. I wanted to be able to slide it easily on the rug without it snagging, so I hot glued some of my mini-moving men to the bottom:
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I never used the little ones anyway and it did the trick! This baby flies! And yet another spot for itty. bitty. teeny. tiny. toys. They breed.
The whole coffee table ended up costing $30 -- $10 for the table, $10 for additional beadboard and $10 for the paint. In the end, $30 is still way, way, WAY less than I would ever spend at a furniture store.
AND I absolutely love it!:
Before, with the old table, old rug, same cat:
After…ahhhh….
Now, just a few more (potential) changes to this room and I am done! (Still can’t decide if I can part with my beloved drapes, even though I think they may be too much now.) I’ll show you the mantel next week!
It looks great, the after room looks much brighter and I agree I like the second take on your coffee table, while batting and upholstery are comfy, not really great for drinks and play.
ReplyDeleteIt looks great, the after room looks much brighter and I agree I like the second take on your coffee table, while batting and upholstery are comfy, not really great for drinks and play.
ReplyDeleteVery clever. I really love the way you designed the top. Very cute. And, the rounded edges really look great.
ReplyDeleteWow!!! i am so impressed! it turned out really cute, i'd say your hard work has paid off. :)
ReplyDeleteAmazing. I absolutely love it!
ReplyDeleteGreat find and what vision you had for it!
ReplyDeleteBeadboard. Brilliant! You have no fear, and I love that! Well done!
ReplyDeleteGirlfriend you are good! Love it, love it, love it!
ReplyDeletewow - just found your blog. Love your philosophy about decor with children - it is a must.
ReplyDeleteJealous that you have a saw - I'm not sure I'll ever be creative enough to justify that purchase. But you have great talent. Look forward to blogstalking you some more!
YOU never cease to amaze me-looovee itt!
ReplyDeleteTHAT is gorgeous! Way to go girl!
ReplyDeleteI can't wait to see the stairs and am sorry that you can't work on mighty Thrifty Decor Chick speed!
You are so talented! I love it!
ReplyDeleteThis turned out great! I like your creative idea of using beadboard. :) The after picture looks much more cozy, and bright!
ReplyDeleteThat looks great! Isn't it funny how it takes longer to take something apart than it was to put together in the first place? Your son will have fun on this table, the beadboard makes for a great road for cars or trains.
ReplyDeleteWhat an absolutely fantastic idea! I never would have thought to put bead board, let alone in that design, on a coffee table. Way to go, it looks great!
ReplyDeleteLove what the new rug and table has brought to your living room. Looks great!
ReplyDeleteLooks amazing! I love it!
ReplyDeleteThat tuned out wonderful!
ReplyDeleteso cute! and now the choo choo's have a little track to ride on!
ReplyDeleteAbsolutely genius! And I'm in love with your rug!
ReplyDeleteTo quote you, I "lurve" it. ;) Fabulous!!!
ReplyDeleteSooooo creative, and I love that you didn't just paint it. Well done!
ReplyDeleteThat is a very clever solution for the top of your table. Way to go!
ReplyDeleteThis table is delicious!
ReplyDeleteWhat a wonderful funky little table.. Never would have thought to do what you did. Love the mix of the light and the dark too!
ReplyDeleteDi
The Blue Ridge Gal
WOW! I LOVE IT! amazing job! love the beadboard and how you manipulated to face the way you wanted it to!!! :)
ReplyDelete-Sierra
Great job...looks fantastic
ReplyDeleteGreat idea for the top of the table! You are stinkin' creative! See ya at Blissdom.
ReplyDeleteTraci
That is awesome! Love that you cut down the legs. My coffee table is an old drop leaf dining room table with the legs cut down. When we need to spread out to do a puzzle, or serve food during a party, or whatever, we can lift up the sides and voila! massive coffee table at your service!
ReplyDeleteDetermination and a willingness to take a step back = a great look!
ReplyDeleteYou are amazing! That table is amazing! Your whole house is amazing! :)
ReplyDeleteI am in awe of your talent and power tool skills. I love the way everything is coming together in your "new" room. Also, if you decide not to keep those curtains, send them to me!! I was just drooling over them :)
I LOVE this table! Man I wish I had money and was as crafty as you. Great job!
ReplyDeleteYour are brilliant - did you do all this cutting yourself (jealous here).
ReplyDeleteCheck out my blog for a Valentine's GIVEAWAY,
Sylvia
Once again...you are ahhhh-mazing! *we're not worthy, we're not worthy bows* Thanks for sharing..you never disappoint!
ReplyDeleteWhat a creative solution! Great post!
ReplyDeleteWOW is all I can say! It looks perfect with the rug. The room has a much more lighter and airy feeling to it- great for spring! Love it all.
ReplyDeleteNicely done! You are quite amazing! I love the redo...the rug is wonderful under that fabulous coffee table!!! Thanks for sharing!
ReplyDeleteWOW! Youa re sooo freakin' amazing with the miter saw. It's AWESOME!
ReplyDeleteWow Sarah! I love the architectural look of it. So cool. Perfect!
ReplyDeleteXOOX
Jen
I NEED a miter saw! That is beautiful, just beautiful!
ReplyDeleteYou never stop wowing me! LOVE IT!!! ox
ReplyDeleteIt turned out great with the bead board top. I love my miter saw too... I may need to go chop some molding! You've inspired me once again TD Chick!
ReplyDelete*sigh* LURVE it!
ReplyDeleteSo cute! Plus the beadboard makes perfect tracks and roads. I bet your little guy will love it too!
ReplyDeleteBrook
That is AWESOME! It really came out beautiful Sarah. Love it!
ReplyDeleteI mentioned Bombay on my latest past as well. Too funny.
I do miss it! :)
It's awesome! Love it!
ReplyDeleteIn the words of Stacy London: SHUT. UP.
ReplyDeleteThat is freaking fabulous. I would never, EVER guess that cost you $30 and YOU MADE IT YOURSELF.
CAPS!!
wow, I just love the top of that table! What a great idea, and so clever. Looks like beadboard- which I lurve. :)
ReplyDeleteThat beadboard is a truly inspired idea!
ReplyDeleteOmg!
ReplyDeleteI think I don't mind trading my husband for you...you are freakishly amazing!
You creativity is WOW!
Keep the ideas coming!
That table is gorgeous! It's one of a kind which I love. You are incredibly talented with a miter saw. I want to sit and hang out in that room with you and all our kids! That's how inviting it looks!
ReplyDeleteI love your new table - great job. Too bad we didn't live closer. Your old table is exactly what I'm looking for!!
ReplyDeleteI love it!
ReplyDeleteSo unique! I love it especially because you went with your gut -- and showed off your true talent and love of molding!
ReplyDeleteWow! That looks awesome! Brilliant use of the beadboard, and not at all country. Great job!
ReplyDeleteI love seeing ugly goodwill finds turn in to such beauties!! Well done!
ReplyDeleteSarah, you amaze me, girl! You rock! The table is gorgeous!!!!! Your DIY abilities are incredible!
ReplyDeleteamazing!
ReplyDeleteLurrrrve it :)
ReplyDeleteFantastic! I have GOT to get myself to the goodwill store. I'm so impressed with what you can DO with your finds. :)
ReplyDeleteFabulous project! I love your table. You're incredibly creative.
ReplyDelete-FringeGirl
I discovered your blog a few weeks ago and I have to say I'm impressed by your motivation. The coffee table, while not my taste (I probably would have painted it a darker color), is impressive. When you said you were going to upholster the table I knew that wasn't going to work. Fabric + drinks = disaster. Anyway, great job on the table. Maybe I'll paint mine...(after the kids move out - HA!).
ReplyDeleteThat's impressive! Your ideas are endless and the finished product with the 2 color woods, so now! Thanks for sharing, Joan @Americana by Candlelight
ReplyDeleteGreat redo. Love the demension the bead board gives the top.
ReplyDeleteHoly Cow!! Amazing, very very clever! Great idea!
ReplyDeleteLooks so bright in there now! Great look!
ReplyDeleteHoly cats! You go on with the power tools, girl. Lob off those legs with a hearty haruumph! And you say you don't have any patience ~ to line up all that beadboard...come on!
ReplyDeleteVery creative!!
ReplyDeletelove the way the top of the table looks!!
great job!!!
Awesome!!! I love the new rug too!
ReplyDeleteWow, I LOVE that table!!! I put up beadboard last year in our kitchen and am a little obsessed with it. It's gorgeous!!! NICE WORK!!
ReplyDeleteFabulous and the detail! Just wow!
ReplyDeleteTOTALLY doing this with my large square coffee table I've had for 15 years. I don't quite understand the fence molding around the edge... :(
ReplyDeleteRather impressed I is...
ReplyDeleteGood job snagging the bargain at Goodwill. My GW have been really jacking their prices up lately...no doubt due to a increased demand for the repurposeable (how's that for a new one?) items b/c of the blogosphere!!!!
Keep up the awesome work.
Sarah. Really. You are amazing.
ReplyDeleteThis is just wonderful. I really am amazed at what you did with this piece. It's so cool. All for $30?!?
I'll say it again: amazing. Good for you!
I love the rug... can I ask where you got it??
ReplyDeleteThat is adorable! What a great idea. I'll have to keep that in mind for creative table top ideas!!!
ReplyDeleteNice. I think it looks fantastic.
ReplyDeleteI really REALLY love the look of the top (and the geometry of the beadboard coming together is fab), but having lived previously with a grooved top, I wonder how you'll keep the grooves clean?
ReplyDeleteI ended up getting a thin piece of plexi cut to match the shape of my table, and then laid it on top. Still the great look, but no need to break out the toothpicks to clean gunk out of the grooves.
Maybe that would work for you?
Great!!!! you know what...the drapes work as long as the little accent pillows on the couch are there....they "accent" the drapes! Take the pillows away and drapes are too much. I say keep 'em in the name of "thrifty"......why change it if it's not broke?
ReplyDeletesacksaw@aol.com
WTG! It has great lines, I really like it!! I need to get a miter box and start trying things like this!
ReplyDeleteWOW, this maybe one of my favorite THRIFTY DECOR CHICK makeovers! It really looks amazing.
ReplyDeleteNot sure if anyone has commented on this but I just heard that Bombay Company is coming back! The stores aren't reopening but the company is creating a Bombay Company line that will be sold by other retailers. I was thrilled! Visit www.bombaycompany.com to sign up for updates.
Can't wait to see your stairs!
Best wishes,
Tammy
Hm. I like the beadboard. Really. But I'd be tempted to rub a bit of stain over it, and it'd get down into those crevices and age it a wee bit. Cause you *know* it is going to attract everything...(I have five children 10 and under..we homeschool...I know about itty bitty toys, and cracks and crevices with stuff stuck in them, lol :-) ).
ReplyDeleteI'll admit, either the stain rubbed in for "aging", or either a glass top would be coming, at my house. Even if I did have to swipe fingers off every other second. LOL. Maybe both, actually.
I agree with the previous poster that if you get rid of the pillows, you'll have issues with the drapes, but frankly, I'd keep them both for the time being--see how it all shakes out over a week or two. If you do decide to revamp the windows, I'd opt for some sort of mistreatment a la the Nester. It seems as if while you are adding more traditional elements, you are also scaling back the formality a bit. Which works (especially in a house with one or more small children)!
Are you staining or painting the stairs (I think I'd have opted for a dark paint job on the steps, cream on the risers, myself)? I look forward to seeing what you do with them!
the coffee table looks amazing.
ReplyDeleteWoman, you are an ANIMAL! Seriously....just the thought of rounding up all the tools that must have required...
ReplyDeleteI bow to the master.
The coffeetable looks great. Wow, I didn't know that they should be 2" lower than the sofa/couch. I will have to go shopping now since ours is actually higher than the seating in the room since it also houses storage ottomans underneath.
ReplyDeletei am SERIOUSLY inspired by this table top finish! i have a few small tables and i MIGHT just have to give this a go. thank you so much for sharing your creativity!
ReplyDeleteLove this! So crafty and sophisticated! The best part...a Goodwill find! I'm sure you are still glowing every time you look at it...I sure would! :)
ReplyDeleteOh my. I recently discovered your dear blog and my only complaint is, please could you post more often and then come to my house and decorate and organize everything?? Pretty please?! I guess that's really a question and not so much a complaint. But I mean it!! Really! Okay, now seriously, I've been wanting to do this for a LOOOOOOONG time, but your blog finally gave me the push I was needing. I have started to go through every inch of my place, every.single.item. and declutter and organize and decorate. I want my home to be peaceful. And you're right! I have way too much junk!! So I'm doing it!! So thank you a million times for your beautiful inspiration!! You're super awesome!!
ReplyDeleteThis is my favorite by far. what a great idea. I love that you are combining things that are pretty with the need for function. Thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeletePlease tell me how you get all these amazing projects done with a kiddo? I have lists and lists of projects like this and NO time when my overly zealous helpers aren't trying to destroy my projects before my eyes...i then give up and sit and watch them play and DREAM about all the potential my house has...where is the time????
ReplyDeletethe rug and table change the entire look of the room....you are an inspiration
ReplyDeleteAmazing, classy, unique, creative, one of a kind!! I would have NEVER thought to do something like that. You are so talented!
ReplyDeleteFABULOUS! You are a genius!
ReplyDeleteWow! I LOVE it!! You're a genius, Girly! I never would have thought of that, but you can bet I'll be copying it! :)
ReplyDeleteI love it! I'm hoping to build a box-style coffee table this summer- I need something to hide all the toys too! I hope I can find some kind of hinges to use for the top of the table so the kiddo can open it with out it crashing down. Any ideas?
ReplyDeleteBEautIful!! I love this. What a great idea and I love the beadboard design. This looks great!
ReplyDeleteI love the look of the new room. Your room had a darker feel, but really good look. I Love, Love, Love, this new one. And cute idea for the table. Fabulous room and I agree, little toys do tend to BREED!!!
ReplyDeleteI love this transition! You have inspired me to find neglected, abandend furniture and refinish them! I just moved to a new area and I just searched online and found where my restores and thrift stores are in my area. Thank you! Can't wait to start on something... thinking small entry way table, sofa table, and something to be converted into a bathroom vanity for our powder room. YIKES where do I start?! Oh right... shopping!
ReplyDeleteMy first decorating attempt is our entry way, above our front door... if you (or anyone) would be interested in helping a girl out with some ideas, I've posted pictures to my blog http://newshadeofgreen.blogspot.com.
Thanks for the inspiration!
Wow! You have transformed this stand into something durable, yet stylish. I'll have to look around our house and see if I have any potential candidates for this idea. Thanks for sharing!
ReplyDeleteI. LOVE. THIS. It is my absolute favortie thing I've seen so far on your blog, and I love a LOT of things on your blog. It's definitely my favorite coffee table I've ever seen. I've been reading your blog for a couple months now but haven't left a comment yet, and this is so inspired I couldn't resist! (plus I'm going to leave one in the Vintage Pearl giveaway, so might as well here too;) You are so TALENTED. I can't believe you can just come up with this stuff! This table is so beautiful and just my style. I love beadboard. Someday I'm going to do this same thing! Thank you for being so giving and generous with your talent and knowledge.
ReplyDeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteWOW - I love it! The two-tone looks great, and the way you did the beadboard adds so much more character. Genius. AND it has storage!!
ReplyDeleteWe really need to find a new coffee table that fits our living room better - I'm hoping I can find a thrifty treasure at Goodwill, too!
This is so unique and different with a really GOOD look! I just LOVE the style of it! And like always, the way you write makes me smile and laugh. Thank you. <3
ReplyDeleteoh my gosh!! i absolutely LOVE all of it!! especially the one that i can put my husband and I's name on..how sweet!!
ReplyDeleteYOUR TALENT AMAZES ME. THAT TABLE IS JUST WONDERFUL-EVEN GLUEING MAGIC MOVERS ON THE BOTTOM OF THE BASKET IS A BRILLIANT IDEA. GOOD FOR YOU!
ReplyDeleteI just found your blog through another and I am in LOVE :) What an amazing table! I can't wait to get more of your great ideas. Yea!
ReplyDeleteWow, what a great project! I just love the top. Very creative.
ReplyDeleteChelsea
So, got any tips on redoing a crappity old laminate piece, besides upholstering and beadboard? I have a table I'm dying to make over, but it has a really chunky top (so I'd have to do the sides of it, too)...
ReplyDeleteI'm coming over saturday and taking your old coffee table. Thanks!
ReplyDeleteI love your rug, and the idea of hot gluing moving men to the bottom of a basket for ease of moving!
ReplyDeleteThis is an awesome project! I love the look with the lines. I featured this at somedaycrafts.blogspot.com.
ReplyDeleteThat is the most unique coffee table I've ever seen!!! I WISH they had those in furniture stores!
ReplyDeleteI love the table! I am impressed with your power tool abilities...I'm a little afraid of them but trying to get over my fear so I don't have to wait around for my husband to help me!
ReplyDeleteHello from Texas!! A friend of mine has a link to your spot on her spot & I find you fabulous! Love the re-do on the goodwill find. Love the concept of buying cheap then upgrading. However, not all of us are amazingly handy or have whatchamacallit saws :) Wish I was, but for now I will just enjoy watching for transform things.
ReplyDeleteIf you feel your drapes don't fit the space anymore but still love them, you could re-purpose them elsewhere as shower curtains(you've had them long enough not to freak if they get wet/ruined). or you could cut apart and use teh fabric as a table runner, shorten and use the green border as a valance, accent pillows, or a table or bed skirt? --BG
ReplyDeleteThis is TOO cute!! Great job!! I LOVE LOVE LOVE that rug!!! Where did you get it?
ReplyDeleteAwesome and brilliant! Thanks for sharing!! I love it!!!
ReplyDeleteI love the table!
ReplyDeleteI'll take your drapes if you decide to get rid of them!!!!
Hi,
ReplyDeleteClassic with a modern look.
José
I love that you tried it, and when you didn't like it... you made it right :o)
ReplyDeleteI love your kitchen and am actually doing my back splash in bead board :)I will post pics as soon as I'm done. Thanks for the very helpful blog! I would have been lost with out it! By the way....love your kitchen, it looks wonderful, and I too know what hard work it is! lol
ReplyDeleteI do have a question....I painted my bead board the color I wanted then covered it with polyurethane I had in the ol' storage room. Little did I know it is the glossiest thing I have ever seen!!!! I am so mad! I have all the pieces cut to fit my kitchen and three big pieces are so glossy you can see your reflection:( It totally takes away from my distressed cabinets! Any suggestions??
ReplyDeleteVery impressive. I like this a lot.
ReplyDeleteI just discovered your blog and I am in LOVE!! I really need you to come decorate my house...;) Love love your DIY ideas, I am going to try some of them (wreath, beadboard) this fall. Thank you for being so wonderfully inspirational!!
ReplyDeleteJust found your site! Having so much fun looking at everything you've done. So pretty! You are hilarious! Love your sense of humor!!
ReplyDelete