End Table Refinishing Ideas
Bored with your old, beat up end tables and ready to give them a fresh look? Check out this guide for some awesome end table refinishing ideas!
These ideas will inspire and guide you in transforming your end tables from drab to fab. From simple paint jobs to more elaborate refinishing furniture techniques, there’s something for everyone in this comprehensive list. So grab your sandpaper and get ready to add some flair to your furniture!
One of the simplest ways to give your end tables a fresh look is by refinishing them with a new stain or bringing them back to their natural wood state. A new stain can really bring out the natural grain and add some warmth and depth to the wood.
You can pick from a bunch of stain colors to go with your decor, or just go with a clear finish to let the natural beauty of the wood shine. For a more rustic vibe, try stripping off the old finish and leaving the wood raw for a minimalist feel.
When it comes to refinishing your end tables, there are loads of possibilities, so feel free to experiment and create a look that fits your style!
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Do I need any special tools or gear to refinish my end tables?
Not really, but having the right tools can definitely make things easier and more efficient.
You’ll probably want some basics like sandpaper, a paintbrush or foam brush, wood stain or paint, a clear finish, and a rag for cleaning up surfaces. Here’s our list of essential furniture refinishing tools and furniture refinishing supplies for the list of the important tools and supplies in refinishing furniture.
If you’re into that distressed look or rustic look, consider grabbing a hammer or other tools to add some character with dings and scratches. For more advanced stuff like wood bleach or glaze, specific tools like a bristle brush or sponge applicator can be handy.
Don’t hesitate to get creative and use whatever you’ve got around!
What types of paint or stain work best for refinishing an end table?
Again, it depends on the look you’re going for and the type of wood your end tables are made of. If you want a classic, solid color finish, you can’t go wrong with some high quality paint in your favorite shade.
If a more natural or distressed vibe is what you’re after, try using chalk or milk paint for that matte finish, which you can easily sand down for a shabby chic style.
For staining, pick a stain that’s made for your wood type, and think about using a pre stain conditioner to get an even finish and avoid blotching. For a more detailed guide, here’s how to stain wood furniture.
More Painted Furniture Ideas
If you didn’t find what you were looking for in our end table refinishing ideas, no worries! We’ve got loads more to share. Check out some of our other posts for more painted furniture inspiration!
- Refinishing Nightstand Ideas
- Refinished Dining Table Ideas
- Repurposed Table Ideas
- Hutch Refinishing Ideas
- Ideas for Painting a Coffee Table
End Table Refinishing Ideas
This guide is full of end table refinishing ideas for any style and skill level. Whether you’re into basic stains or want to try something more creative, you’ll find everything you need to transform your end tables into standout pieces. We’ve also got tips on the best tools and materials for a successful project. Want more painted furniture ideas? Check out our other posts too. Let your creativity run wild and give your end tables a fresh, new look!
Side Table Makeover -- From A Dark Factory Finish To Light And Natural
Take a look at this side table makeover by Addicted 2 Decorating! It's a total transformation from a dark factory finish to a light, natural vibe. They stripped it down and added a topcoat, letting that gorgeous wood grain shine through. It brings a bright, airy feel to any room. If you love the minimalist, raw wood look, you’re going to want to see this one!
How to Refinish Rattan Furniture
Got a rattan side table that needs a little TLC? A Ray of Sunlight is here to help with a simple tutorial on refinishing rattan furniture. You'll pick up tips on everything from cleaning to painting your rattan piece. With some sanding, paint or stain, and a bit of sealant, you can totally refresh your old rattan end table.
Farmhouse End Table
Transform your end table with a farmhouse vibe using this project from Hayseed Home! They took an old side table and gave it a rustic twist with some stain and new hardware. The end result is a charming, one-of-a-kind piece that'll fit right into any farmhouse-style space. If you love that distressed, vintage look, this DIY is just what you need!
Black Wash Wood Furniture | Side Table Restyle
Check out how Denise takes on a wood side table with a black wash over at Salvaged Inspirations! She shows you how to get a dramatic, moody vibe using this technique. It's a great way to add some sophistication and depth to your end tables while keeping that natural wood look.
DIY Pine Side Table Makeover
With some good sanding and a clear coat, Anna from Skylark House gave her pine side table a fresh new look. The natural wood grain really shines in this makeover, adding a warm touch to any room. Grab some inspiration from her how-to post and give your end tables a similar refresh!
Reclaimed Wood Makeover for a Second-Hand Side Table
Transform that old, worn-out side table into a stunning reclaimed wood piece with this tutorial from Anderson + Grant. They used antiquing wax on a raw wood table to give their second-hand side table a beautiful, vintage look. It's an awesome way to add character and charm to any room!
How to Refinish A Table: Bringing My Beat Up End Table Back to Life!
Driven by Decor walks you through reviving a worn-out side table with gray stain. It's great for beginners looking to refinish furniture, offering simple tips on stripping old finishes, staining, and sealing. Follow along to give your end tables a fresh new look!
Floral Stained End Table
This makeover is a creative twist on the classic stained end table. Bethany from Reality Daydream sketched a gorgeous floral design right on the table and painted it with stain to give her end table a unique look. It's a fun way to add some whimsy and personality to any room. Give it a shot and let your end tables steal the spotlight!
How to Make Paint Look Like Stain
Take a look at this cool idea from A Ray of Sunlight for making paint look like stain! This weathered wood finish is perfect for giving your end tables a rustic, vintage vibe. With the dry brush and paint wash technique, you can easily recreate that beautiful, aged look on your own furniture.
DIY Round Side Table Makeover
You'll love this gorgeous round side table makeover by My Creative Days! They spruced up a plain, worn wood table with some dark gel stain. The result? A stunning piece that instantly adds character and richness to any room. Take a look at their post and try it yourself!
How to Get The Perfect Raw Wood Finish
Want that raw wood finish for your end tables? Little House of Four has got you with a tutorial on nailing the perfect raw wood look. With some solid sanding and a bit of liming wax, they turned an old side table into a stunning piece that’s perfect for any rustic or farmhouse vibe.
DIY Thrifted End Table
Home on Woodlark used tan wash and dark wax to give this thrifted end table a gorgeous weathered vibe. It's an awesome way to add character and texture to your end tables while keeping that natural wood feel. Check out their post for step-by-step instructions and try it on your own thrift store finds!
Farmhouse Bedside Table Makeover
This easy makeover by Sugar Maple Farmhouse shows that even cheap furniture can look fantastic with some TLC. They turned their plain bedside tables from World Market into gorgeous farmhouse-style pieces with a natural wood finish. The result? A stylish table that adds charm to any room!
Coastal Style Side Table Makeover
Bring that coastal vibe into your home with this DIY side table makeover from Artsy Chicks Rule. They used a mix of stain and paint to give their end table a beautiful, beach-inspired look. It's a great way to add some seaside charm to any room without breaking the bank!
How to Refinish Furniture to its Original Amazing Finish
Just the Woods shows you how to bring a Lane Furniture end table back to its beautiful original finish. It's all about bringing out that lovely wood grain and fixing up any flaws for an amazing makeover. With a bit of sanding and furniture salve, your old furniture will look like new in no time!
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