Easy Two Tiered Coffee Table Makeover Using Milk Paint
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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.
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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.
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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
I like that color and the table too. Good job! I am interested in using milk paint and chalk paint.
Great deal on the table! Love the sofa and rug, too. 🙂
Definitely not bad for a $5 table.
What!?!? you’re not going to keep it? After all that work?
I love the color, when you won, did you get to choose your color or is that what was offered as the give away?
It turned out great. Wax on…wax off…
Your disco ball comment…made me L.O.L! ~Patricia
Oh you should keep the coffee table! It will hold a lot of stuff in your “office” underneath. Such a great picture Gail. Pillows, rug, styled table, so darn proud of you!
Beautiful table! I love the shelf on the bottom for storage. Can never have too much storage. I can’t wait to see what you do with the tricycle. 🙂
Very pretty!
Looks fantastic!
Thank you for your review of milk paint. I was wondering how it worked. I have been wanting to give it a try but didn’t want to put out the money just yet. I wonder if there are any homemade recipes out there. Crafty Chicks just had an excellent recipe for chalk paint that I have been using.
It looks great! I haven’t used MMS milk paint. I’ve used another brand of it though.
I’ve used MMS paint a few times & I think you really need to buff it in order for the wax to have a sheen to it.
And I found the chippiness to be a little intimidating at first but now love it. I can pretty much gauge how much it’ll chip by the finish of the wood. Dry or porous wood will not chip. Sometimes a slick finish will chip way too much, but that can be controlled by lightly sanding first or using the bonding agent (which I have not used).
Thank you all very much! I doubt I’ll keep it because I already have a coffee table.
gail
What a great little table! Love it and love the rug too 😉 So what did you think of using the wax? I’m curious.
Mimi,
Thank you! I liked how easy the wax went on, I just don’t think I’m a very good “waxer”. First and foremost, it hurts my shoulder to make those kind of wipe on-wipe off motions. I was a little disappointed with the sheen afterwards. I thought the paint still looked a little “dry”. Will I use it again, yes.
gail