For my thrift store decor project, I'm sharing a thrift store coffee table makeover! This monster has seen better days, but it is well constructed.
Check out more awesome projects at the bottom of this post.
Thrift Store Coffee Table Makeover Tutorial
What you'll need:
- Thrift Store Coffee Table
- Sander & Sandpaper
- TSP
- Paint
- Paintbrush
- Foam Roller
Mersman Coffee Table
I'm unfamiliar with the Mersman brand and have no idea how old the coffee table is.
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Clean & Sand
I used heavy grit sandpaper to remove those deep scratches. After that, I went over the entire top with 220 grit. Finally, I cleaned the whole table with TSP Substitute.
I suppose you could use some stripper or sand the top if you wanted to stain it instead of painting it.
Painting a Thrift Store Coffee Table
I chose All In One Paint by Heirloom Traditions (Iron Gate) to give this coffee table its makeover. This is quickly becoming my favorite color lately. Did you see my Sewing Cabinet Makeover? I started with the table upside down. However, I didn't paint the inside of the tabletop. I felt that would be a waste of paint.
After the First Coat of Paint
Raising the coffee table off the ground makes it much easier to paint. This is after the first light coat. The legs took the paint well.
With Two Coats of Paint
After finishing the second coat of paint, it looks much better.
So, I dragged the monster table into the house to take pictures. After getting it in the living room, I see it still needs another coat of paint.
Easy Thrift Store Coffee Table Makeover
Well, I took my pictures anyway. With all the stuff on the table, the paint looks good, eh? Did I mention this table is huge? I measured it--54 inches long!
All In One Paint & Small Foam Roller
I used the All In One Paint and a small foam roller to do the final coat of paint. Full disclosure: I diluted the paint a little bit with water.
I honestly never noticed that blemish on the table before now. The paint is not fully dry in this image.
Grand Finale
Can you believe I dragged this thing BACK into the house to take this picture? After that final coat was rolled on, I wanted to show you how much better it looks. It mimics the finish I get when using my beloved Finish Max paint sprayer.
So, please don't pass it up the next time you see a beat-up table on the curb or at the thrift store! Seriously, this thrift store coffee table would make a great bench. It's exceptionally well-built and in good shape!
Now, Let's take a look at the thrift store projects my friends worked on:
My oh my! Look at all the possibilities here! 🙂
Vintage Vanity Stool Makeover My Uncommon Slice of Suburbia
Concrete Planter Makeover Our Southern Home
Seed Storage Box from a Wooden Recipe Card Holder Sadie Seasongoods
Thrift Store Coffee Table Makeover My Repurposed Life
T.V. Tray Makeover Domestically Speaking
Inexpensive Kitchen Wall Decor Petticoat Junktion
Repurposed Tobacco Basket Project House of Hawthornes
What will inspire you?
gail
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.
Rebecca
Simply Awesome. 🥰
Gail Wilson
Thank you Rebecca! This was one MONSTER table! But it just goes to show that you should never burn or throw out real wood furniture pieces.
I appreciate you stopping by!!
gail
Christy Little
Such a great makeover! That coffee table really has a fabulous shape. I'm so impressed with the finish, It looks so smooth!
Pam
You could almost sleep on that thing it's so huge! Love that shade of black. I'll have to pick some up for some porch projects I'm going to be painting this week!
Sarah Ramberg
Good grief, what happened to that poor table before you saved it?? Great job- I love finding solid pieces like that that just need some TLC!
Gail Wilson
hahaha
The table was used and abused for sure! Most people would have passed it up-but I love a good challenge.
gail
Jennie
Hi Gail, Mersman Co. Went through 8 possibly 9 name changes through their 125 years of existence. They closed permanently in 1995. This table is probably made between 1975 and when they closed. They tended to make a successful table design for years. I do love the paint technique makes such a smooth finish.
Gail Wilson
Thanks for the info Jennie.
I think that stamp might be the date, March 1976???
gail
Maryann
Table turned out beautiful!
Kristin salazar
This makeover turned out so great! That last coat with the foam roller makes it look like it was professionally sprayed! Wishing you a great rest of the week!
Gail Wilson
Thank you Kristin!
I'll be by to visit soon. Busy, busy work day with a beautiful sunny day at 70 degrees!!! I needed it!
gail
Carmen Montmarquet
You did a great job, love your table!
Gail Wilson
Thank you! I love quick and easy thrift store projects.
gail