Easy Two Tiered Coffee Table Makeover Using Milk Paint

This two-tiered coffee table had great bones—but the finish? Not so much. With a little prep work and paint, this thrifted piece got a fresh new look that’s both classic and functional. Whether you’re drawn to the extra storage or the charm of a two-level design, this makeover shows how a little effort can completely transform a dated table into a stylish statement piece.

When one of my favorite thrift stores closed in January, I took advantage of some great sales. You may remember this coffee table. It was marked $15, then down to $10, and I got it for 50% off.

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$5 Thrift Store Coffee Table

This is what the coffee table looked like when I got it.

Later that month, I won a giveaway on Linda’s blog, Coastal Charm.

Miss Mustard Seed Paint and Wax

This is what I won—Miss Mustard Seed’s milk paint.

Painting a Coffee Table

When I paint furniture, I always turn it upside down and paint the bottom. I painted the bottom of this piece but not the bottom of the top shelf.

Related Content: Super Easy Round Coffee Table Makeover

I painted the table with two coats of milk paint; the color is Typewriter. Please ignore the “disco” lights in the picture. I am not sure why my camera does that sometimes. It’s not easy to take great photos while working in the basement shop.

50+ Table Makeovers

Miss Mustard Seed Black Paint

Don’t be discouraged if your project looks a little funky while the paint is drying.

This is after two coats. If you’re familiar with MMS Milk Paint, you’ll know that it generally chips or flakes off to reveal the original finish. It didn’t happen on this table. There were a few places where it didn’t “take,” but not the widespread natural distressing it is known for.

I slightly distressed the coffee table with a putty knife and gave it two coats of MMS Wax. I applied each coat and buffed the table in between.

Easy Thrift Store Coffee Table Makeover

Not bad for a $5 table, eh? Did you know I have a $5 limit on many projects? If the item is for my own use, I may pay more, but when you’re flipping furniture, you gotta keep your overhead low. For this table, that was even lower because I got the paint free!

When I won the paint, I also ordered another color, Tricycle….. I bet you can guess what color that is…

Thank you, Reborn Interiors and Coastal Charm, for introducing me to Miss Mustard Seed’s milk paint so I could do this awesome coffee table makeover.

gail