Upcycled Side Table Makeover for a Fall Porch Decor

If you’ve ever passed by a wobbly old table at a thrift store, this fall porch project might have you giving it a second glance. With a bit of repair, paint, and distressing, this forgotten side table got a charming new life, just in time to show off some cozy autumn vibes.

For this month’s Thrift Store Decor challenge, I’m sharing an upcycled side table for your fall porch. This small side table was given to me by a friend, but you can easily find something similar at your local thrift store.

Be sure to visit my friends to see their thrift store decor projects—links at the bottom of this post.

This little gal has been around the block a few times. This side table is probably over 30 years old.

Repair Side Table

So, the first thing to do when you score a great old table is to check for loose joints. This repair was pretty obvious.

Gorilla Wood Glue is my go-to for these easy repairs.

This Kreg Automaxx sliding bar Clamp is so handy. It’s the easiest bar clamp ever!

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

Clean Side Table

While the glue was setting up, I wiped up all the dust so the upcycled table could be painted.

Sand Blemishes on Table

Someone had used a non-skid pad on the table top, and there was residue left behind. I used my orbital sander , wiped away the residue, and sanded again.

Paint Side Table

Have you seen my stash of paint? I used some old chalk paint I had in my stash; the color is the color buttercream.

After painting the top, I almost stopped here. I really liked the look of the table with the two-toned look.

But I kept going. Do you paint the underside of your projects? Many people don’t. I think it’s what sets real furniture flippers apart from wannabes. I hope you do paint all sides!

How to Distress a Side Table with Emery Boards

I’ve been using emery boards for light distressing for a couple of years now. It’s really easy to control the distressing on projects, large and small.

How do you distress with emery boards? You can rub back and forth, or you can “drag” the emery board along the edge. As you drag the emery board, varying the pressure will yield a more natural look.

Smooth Paint with Brown Craft Paper

Instead of waxing, I used brown craft paper to “sand” or burnish the table. If you give it a try, you will definitely feel a difference in the paint before and after rubbing the crumpled brown paper over the surface.

White Upcycled Side Table

This image shows you the light distressing I did all over the table.

Upcycled Side Table With Fall Porch Decor

I would love for you to pin this before you hop over to see the other projects shared below.

The upcycled side table is perfect for Fall porch decor! Have you ever seen my updated dollar store pumpkins? Painting them with a crackled look was soooo easy!

Now it’s time to be inspired by all my creative friends!

• Black & White Buffalo Checked Ghost Petticoat Junktion
• Upcycled Table Fall Porch Decor My Repurposed Life
• Pumpkin Decor & Cake Dome from a Wooden Bowl Sadie Seasongoods
• Repurposed Serving Tray House of Hawthornes
• Multiple Thrift Store Urn Uses Our Southern Home
• Thrift Store Sweater Pumpkins Domestically Speaking