Coffee Table Refinishing Ideas
If you’re here, chances are you’ve got a coffee table that could use a little love and attention. Looking for inspiration? Check out our list of creative coffee table refinishing ideas to give it a fresh new look!
Whether it’s an old hand-me-down or a cool thrift store find, refinishing your coffee table is an awesome way to completely transform it. In this guide, we’ll share some fun refinishing furniture techniques to breathe new life into your table. Let’s dive in!
Coffee tables are often the focal point of a living room, so why not make sure yours shows off your style and adds some character to the space? Refinishing your coffee table is a great way to make it truly one-of-a-kind.
Plus, it’s a chance to get creative—think bold colors, cool patterns, or even a distressed finish. The best part? It’s an affordable way to refresh your living space without splurging on brand-new furniture.
Keep reading for some fun ideas to give your coffee table a whole new vibe!
How often should I refinish my coffee table to keep it looking good?
There’s no hard rule for when to refinish your coffee table—it really depends on things like the material, how much you use it, and how worn it’s looking. If you’re working with particle board furniture, here’s our blog post about can you refinish particle board furniture.
If you’re starting to see scratches, stains, or fading, that’s usually a sign it might be time for a refresh. That said, regular care can help you avoid a full refinishing project for a while.
To keep your coffee table looking great, try using coasters for drinks, avoid putting hot items directly on it, and clean up spills right away.
A deep clean now and then, along with a protective finish, can also go a long way in keeping it in good shape.
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What are common mistakes when refinishing furniture?
Refinishing furniture, like coffee tables, can be a fun and satisfying DIY project, but it’s easy to make a few common mistakes that can mess up your results. Here’s what to watch out for:
- Skipping surface prep: Always sand or strip off the old finish before you start. Skipping this step can leave you with uneven color or a finish that doesn’t stick properly. Here are the steps to refinishing furniture to avoid skipping any important steps.
- Rushing the process: Refinishing takes time and patience. Don’t rush through steps like sanding or applying multiple coats—it’ll show in the final result.
- Picking the wrong finish: Different finishes, like oil-based or water-based, work differently. Make sure you grab the right one for your project and follow the instructions.
- Forgetting to protect your space: Refinishing can get messy. Use drop cloths or painter’s tape to keep your floors, walls, and nearby furniture safe from drips or spills.
Take your time and set yourself up right, and you’ll love the finished product! If you’re looking to make extra income with refinished pieces, check out our post on can you make money refinishing furniture?
More Painted Furniture Ideas
If you’ve gone through our list of coffee table refinishing ideas but still need more inspiration, no problem! We’ve got tons of other ideas to share. Check out some of our posts with even more fun painted furniture projects!
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- Refinished Dining Table Ideas
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- Hutch Refinishing Ideas
- Antique Dresser Refinishing Ideas
Coffee Table Refinishing Ideas
This post is all about refinishing techniques to help you turn your coffee table into a one-of-a-kind, eye-catching piece. You’ll also find tips on how often to refinish your table and common mistakes to steer clear of. Need more ideas? Check out our other posts packed with painted furniture inspiration. Let’s take that coffee table from drab to fab!
Refinish An Old Coffee Table with Glass Top
Do you also have a coffee table with glass top that needs some love? Here’s a great tutorial from Hydrangea Tree House on how to give it a stylish, modern revamp with stain and white wax. You can customize the colors and patterns to fit your space perfectly!
My $5.00 Thrifted Coffee Table Makeover
Thrift Diving shows off an amazing coffee table makeover using some chalk paint and stain. They tried out a new sander, and the wood grain popping through the stain gives it a beautiful rustic vibe. Check it out and get all the tips to try it yourself!
Lime Washed Coffee Table Makeover
Ever tried lime wax? Repurpose and Upcycle has a tutorial for creating a gorgeous, whitewashed look on your coffee table using this unique refinishing technique. Just grab some liming wax, let it work its magic through the wood grain, and you'll get a vintage-style finish that’s bound to catch everyone’s eye.
Strip Furniture with Oven Cleaner
Using oven cleaner to strip furniture? Who knew! Cottage on Bunker Hill shows how this unexpected trick helped her refinish a coffee table and wipe away years of grime and stains. The before-and-after transformation is seriously impressive!
Black, Stain & Wood Grain Coffee Table Makeover
Kandice from Just the Woods shows us how she turned a plain wooden coffee table into a stunning statement piece using black paint and stain. By blending dark and light colors and sanding to bring out the wood grain, she gave the table a high-end look without breaking the bank.
How to strip furniture and create a rustic finish
Strip back and repaint your coffee table to give it a rustic, farmhouse-style look like the one in this post from Kerry Lockwood in Detail. She shares all the steps to stripping, whitewashing, and sealing for a gorgeous wood finish that will make any room feel cozy and inviting.
DIY Bleach Wood Coffee Table
Check out this awesome coffee table makeover from Alexis and Austin! By using bleach to lighten the wood, then sealing with a matte topcoat, they were able to create a stunning look on their wood table. The result is modern yet natural, perfect for any boho or minimalist décor.
Upcycle a Dining Room Table into a Coffee Table
Got an old dining table just sitting around? Why not turn it into a coffee table! Reinvented Delaware shows you a fun way to repurpose furniture and save some cash with this DIY project. Keep the original legs for a cool, unique vibe or swap them out for a modern touch – the options are endless!
How to Strip Paint Off Wood Furniture
Find out how to strip paint off wood furniture in this post from Reglok! This method may take a couple of days, but it’s worth it for the beautiful natural wood finish you’ll get. Plus, you’ll feel like a pro refinishing your coffee table with these expert tips and tricks.
How to Simply Lighten Stained Wood
Looking to brighten up your coffee table? Open Doors Open Hearts has you covered! With just three simple tools, you can lighten up that stained wood and get the perfect raw wood look. Check out this easy tutorial to get it done in no time!
Restore a Timber Table in a Few Easy Steps
Check out this post from Bunnings to bring your coffee table back to life! From sanding to sealing, you’ll pick up all the basics for transforming an old table into something fresh and new. Plus, the before and after photos and video will give you major DIY motivation!
When to Strip Painted Furniture
Bungalow 47 breaks down everything you need to know about when to strip painted furniture, complete with a handy checklist to help you prep for your project. Whether it’s a coffee table or another piece you’re working on, this guide will help you get great results and avoid any costly mistakes.
DIY Round Farmhouse Coffee Table
Colleen from Life on Kaydeross Creek repurpose this old round table into a stylish farmhouse coffee table for her living room. With some paint and stain, she was able to give it a brand new look that fits perfectly with her home decor. Follow along with this easy tutorial and see how you can do the same!
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