Broyhill Coffee Table Makeover
Where does the time go? Today I'm sharing a Broyhill Coffee Table makeover I found on the side of the road as my Furniture Fixer Upper Project. Seriously, you can't beat FREE furniture.
I picked several items from some former neighbor's trash. First, this extra large Broyhill coffee table, a whatnot shelf (barely visible on the left), four table legs, and three homemade pallets.
So that you know, I won't drag just any ole thing home. I did pass on this chest of drawers, as I felt it wasn't well made. But! Looking at this photo, I wonder why I didn't grab the knobs! I should have.
Because this find was only a few houses away, I used a large furniture dolly to haul it home. Can you spot the four random legs? Who knows what they will become?
It's Furniture Fixer Upper Day! Please visit my friends and tell them Gail sent you!
Clean Furniture
This Broyhill coffee table didn't even make it to storage. I got right to work on it as soon as I dragged it home. First, I used my dust brush to wipe away spider eggs and grossness!
The coffee table needs some love, but I think it has good bones. Dated? Yes, but very sturdy.
As per usual, I started with Heirloom Traditions Paint Surface Prep. Brush it on and scrub it off. It cleans and deglosses, preparing for an easy paint makeover.
Wow! What a difference already!
Did I mention that using the surface prep means I don't have to sand? Yep, after cleaning, it's ready for paint.
Too bad it has so many dings on it. If it didn't, this would be the most effortless furniture flip ever!
If your furniture is grimy or has excessive amounts of nicotine, be sure to check out the article: How to Prep Furniture for Painting
How to Paint an Easy Furniture Flip
I used my Finish Max and HTP All in One Paint (Weathervane) for this furniture flip. I rested the coffee table on my work table and started with the underneath side.
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When you're spraying paint, whether it's spray paint or a paint sprayer, it's best to paint the top surface horizontally. The color goes on so much better spraying directly onto the surface than letting the particles sort of "fall" onto the surface. I hope that makes sense.
Okay, here's my best tip for painting drawers. Do you see how they are resting upside down on the work table? Using the Finish Max with the drawers upside down eliminates taping anything off. Of course, you could also leave them in their designated places, but this works best for me.
Notice how little overspray there is on the table. With the drawers upside down, there is no overspray inside the drawer.
Whoa! Check out the Finish Max lying on its side. Do not do this! I don't even remember it happening.
Moving Heavy Furniture Without Help
I haven't mentioned yet, how hefty this Broyhill coffee table is! There is no way I can move it by myself. However, I could lift one side onto the table, then shove it in place. But! How do I move it? Those handy dandy tri-wheel furniture dollies. In between coats, when I needed to move the table into the garage, I wheeled it where I wanted it to be. But these dollies also move furniture with or without legs/feet.
Metallic Spray Paint for Vintage Hardware
After cleaning the hardware, I roughed it up slightly with some fine grit sandpaper. Then I wiped it down again, and it was ready for spray paint.
The dated hardware looks better with updated paint.
Finishing Touches Make the Difference
Here's another tip for you. After letting the paint cure well, I sand (burnish) the top of the coffee table with some brown craft paper. You know, the kind that comes in your Amazon boxes? Lastly, I wipe off the table with a soft cloth.
Broyhill Coffee Table Makeover
This coffee table is huge! No wonder it's so heavy. Question? Would you have removed the decorative corner pieces?
The drawers were in good shape, so they got a good cleaning, but no paint.
This was a fun and easy makeover. It's all about having the right paint and tools.
Now, let's see what the rest of the team has been up to!
More Amazing Furniture Flips
- 80's Sofa Table Makeover
- How to Paint Vinyl Furniture
- How to Apply Transfers to Furniture
- Clever Ideas for Painting Bookshelves
- Coffee Table Makeover (you are here, thank you)
Gail Wilson is the author and mastermind behind My Repurposed Life. She is obsessed with finding potential in unexpected places and believes that with a little hard work and imagination, any old thing can be made useful again, including herself!
Gail reinvented herself during a midlife crisis and has found purpose again. She hopes you will find new ideas for old things and pick up a few tools along the way.
Jen @ Girl in the Garage
What a great save with a beautiful new look, Gail!
Gail Wilson
Thanks Jen, gotta love FREE and EASY, right?
gail
Caye Cooper
Nice job! I would remove the little side panels as I feel they don't coordinate with the drawer pulls. From old to new and looking fine. Good job.
Gail Wilson
Caye,
Thanks for checking out my latest furniture project.
gail
Lizzy
The coffee table turned out really nice. The finish is perfect.
Christy James
What a great save, Gail! I like the corner pieces personally! XOXO
Gail Wilson
Christy,
Team corbels, eh? 🙂 I never really considered doing anything with them. I like to work smarter, not harder.
gail
Denise - Salvaged Inspirations
WOW, what a night and day difference Gail! I love the new look and also love that carpet you styled it with... beautiful! Pinned XOXO
Gail Wilson
Aww, thanks so much Denise. I appreciate you pinning my project.
gail
Jennie
It’s really gone from ugly to pretty. I’d have gotten rid of the corbels. They date the piece as do the handles. But I like those now that they're painted silver. On Pinterest I saw that someone redid a coffee table with similar legs like on yours. They filled them flat with Spackel and sanded and painted. I’m wondering how long before that starts to let go and come off.
Deidre
I like the corbels, I'm glad you didn't get rid of them. They add a special, unique detail on an otherwise plain piece of furniture. Great job, i would use this in my house.
Gail Wilson
Thank you Deidre! I appreciate that you like the table as is.
gail
Gail Wilson
Jennie,
I've patched with spackle like that before. Sometimes, it's just necessary to update a piece of furniture. This table sold very quickly at my booth.
gail