Two Toned Side Table

When I purchased this table from a Habitat for Humanity Restore in Brighton, Michigan, I had no idea it would be painted with a two toned effect. Rarely do I know exactly what I’m going to do with a new project. I usually wait for it to speak to me.

This side table was definitely over my limit at $20, but it was in excellent shape and unlike any two toned side table I’ve done before.

Cleaning and Prepping Furniture for Painting

Even though the table looked clean and ready for paint, it was a little shiny, and I felt it needed to be deglossed. I opted for HTP Surface Prep, which is brushed on and wiped off.

If you use a different kind of paint, you may want to use a kitchen scrubby to help dull the shine. I am using All-In-One Paint, so brushing on the liquid and wiping it off firmly with a rag was sufficient.

I continued this technique on the rest of the table.

Paint Colors for Two Toned Side Table

I usually keep neutral-colored quarts on hand. I’ve been using Bone at The Hideaway to renovate the old camper. Recently, I ordered ten samples of All-In-One paint when they were on sale. The new color is Spruce. Sample jars like this are perfect for smaller furniture projects like this two toned side table.

Remember to Start With an Ugly First Coat

Your first coat must be very light; in fact, you should be able to see some of the wood through the paint. This coat will allow the second coat to adhere to the wooden furniture.

Paint the Underside of the Table

If you’re keeping the two toned table for yourself, this step is up to you. Because I’m a furniture flipper, I prefer to paint the underside of my furniture so that when someone picks it up to load it in their vehicle, it doesn’t look naked.

Painting Two Toned Furniture the Easy Way

While the table was upside down, I carefully started painting the underside of the tabletop with the Bone paint.

Folks, there’s an easy way to do this and a hard way. Why was I not taking easy street?

In the photo above, you can see that I did an excellent job of creating the two toned effect on this side table. However, I realized that it only takes a few extra steps to take “easy street.”

I removed all the screws to separate the table base from the top.

The hardest part about removing the screws is keeping up with them.

With the table base removed, minimal white paint is evident. Do you love the Spruce color as much as I do? Do you see more blue tones or green?

Resting the tabletop atop spare paint cans, I paint it with a small foam roller.

Use Fine Sandpaper to Smooth Paint

The paint appeared a little “rough,” so I used fine-grade (320) sandpaper between top coats. I’m very particular about tabletops. I want them to be smooth.

A paint brush was used to make a smooth transition between the tabletop and the trim.

Two Toned Side Table

The new table traveled back to Louisville unassembled. Luckily, I didn’t lose any screws along the way.

Pin this project for later.

Underside of Two Toned Table

Why would you use painter’s tape when removing the tabletop from the base is so easy? The underside of the tabletop only got one coat of paint, which I liked because it resembled a whitewash.

The two toned Spruce and white table is so much prettier in real life.

The photos do not capture the depth of this pretty color. I’m so happy I separated the tabletop and the base to get a clean, crisp line. I highly recommend that you investigate your options when you want to get a beautiful two toned look on your furniture pieces.

As promised, here are more beautiful furniture projects to inspire you:

• Hutch Makeover With Silk Mineral Paint
• Chest of Drawers Makeover with Lilac Latex Paint
• Two-toned Side Table Makeover (you are here, thank you)
• How to Polish Brass Fast
• Vintage Buffet Makeover