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Pedestal Drop Leaf Table Makeover

ByGail Wilson Published on Updated on
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If you love compact dining pieces that can flex with your space, this pedestal drop leaf table makeover is a good one to bookmark. I found this small table in the same booth as the rose back chairs I shared the month before, but it cost twice as much and was definitely over my usual limit. Still, I knew it was perfect for someone who needed something petite, and this was the right size for a cozy eat-in spot.

Do you remember those two rose back chairs I did last month? I found a small pedestal drop-leaf table to go with them at the same booth. However, the table cost twice as much as the chairs did.

pedestal drop leaf table

The table wasn’t perfect, and it was way over my limit. But I was looking for something small, and this fit the bill.

thrift store decor team

This is our Thrift Store Day. Be sure to check out all the projects below.

How to Prep Thrift Store Furniture for Painting

sand pedestal drop leaf table

There were a few scratches I noticed upon closer inspection. So, before I could clean it, I sanded it until it was smooth to the touch. Then I used my deglosser on this table as a prep.

But I also use Krud Kutter for really hardcore cleaning. See How To Prep Furniture For Painting.

Visit the My Repurposed Life Amazon Store to shop my favorite items.

Degloss Furniture for Painting

To degloss furniture, brush on the deglosser with a chip brush, and then use a scrubby to clean it. Wipe dry with a cloth.

As I was cleaning the table, I noticed a couple of screws were missing. Someone must have tried to add a larger one because it split the underside of the drop leaf.

How to Paint a Drop-Leaf Table

There really is an order to painting a drop-leaf tabletop. First, make sure you don’t apply the paint too thickly in the “fold” of the table.

To begin, I placed the tabletop upside down on my work table. I used a small brush to paint the edge of the table.

Work in Sections

Next, I carefully painted the fold with a light coat of Weathervane. (See more Weathervane projects here) I placed a scrap board under the edge to raise the tabletop off the work surface.

While that part of the top dried, I started on the pedestal. I chose to use this mall brush on my first (very light) coat of paint.

Allow Each Coat to Dry Thoroughly

Resist the urge to paint with a heavy hand on the first coat. Many light coats of paint will really give you a more durable coverage. This is after one coat.

Now, it was back to the table top to finish the first coat. The leaves are folded over to the back for this step.

painting pedestal drop leaf table

Now that the leaves and folds are dry, it’s time for the middle of the table to be painted. I rested the drop leaf table top on the same tote I used above for the deglossing. A foam trim roller makes this job really easy.

Not shown: I went back and forth from the pedestal drop leaf table top, to the base until I got 2 1/2 coats of paint on everything. The last 1/2 coat is more of a touch-up coat of anyplace I missed.

I brought the pedestal drop leaf table into the house and reassembled it for it’s final coat of paint. Again, I painted it with the leaves down. I didn’t want a build up of paint in the folds.

Pedestal Drop Leaf Table

This small pedestal drop leaf table is perfect for an eat-in kitchen, or a single person.

Do you prefer it with both leaves up? I think I like it like this with one down, up against the wall. The Bless the Food sign still hangs in my kitchen all these years later. I have a large wall, and really like the large distressed sign.

Why not pin it now while you’re thinking about it?

Fun Fall Thrift Store Projects

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.

20 Comments

  2. Gail, the table combined with the chairs make a stunning set! It’s exactly the kind of small table with chairs I’ve been looking for to use in my small dining space. I’m inspired to hunt for something similar.

    I would love to sign up to receive your posts but for some reason my computer (which is ancient, I might add) will not send my information. Is there a way that you could sign me up with the information here?

    Reply

    1. Thank you so much Naomi!

      I have subscribed you, let me know if you don’t get anything confirming it. I hope you enjoy receiving weekly updates. You can unsubscribe at any time using the link at the bottom of any email.
      good luck finding just what you’re looking for!
      gail

  5. This table is perfection. I love that you are using Heirloom Traditions All-in-One Paint! I’ve been using it for about three years on many of the furniture pieces I sell in my antique booths. Best paint ever!

    Reply

    1. Sheryl,

      Thanks so much! I love HTP paint (and Paula) It’s made locally, so I enjoy supporting she and her biz. What’s your favorite color for projects you sell? Do you find that people buy colorful furniture? Or do you stick to the neutrals?

      gail

    1. Thank you Kristin! This table wasn’t very old, so I was worried about bringing it together with the vintage chairs. But I guess it will work for someone’s small area. I just don’t think I’ll ever tire of that sign over my table. 🙂

      gail

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