Gray Chalk Paint Coffee and Side Table
Looking to update an outdated or old coffee table? See how this coffee and side table was given a simple makeover with paint.
In preparation for the big move, we’ve been cleaning up and rearranging furniture. Well, one thing led to another, and last weekend I found myself painting the coffee and side tables from the playroom.
As if I needed more things to do.
But, honestly, aren’t they lovely in this little living room?
If you’ve been following for some time, you might recognize the side table, which I painted last year and gave a fun, chippy finish. But for some time now, I’ve been planning to sell them. We just didn’t need the extra furniture in the playroom, and each piece of furniture takes up space for the move.
Now that we’re selling, though, we wanted to show off the sun room (which is what our playroom really is) in all its glory, and I think that the painted coffee table and side table help the space feel much more grown up.
I just love the sunlight streaming through the plantation shutters.
And the gray armoire (you can see that makeover here) is a different color, but I think it complements them nicely.
This was such a simple makeover. Here’s a basic diy tutorial with easy steps:
- Sand each piece with a palm sander or sanding block (especially if you have a distress, chippy finish like I did)
- Skip the primer – priming isn’t needed for chalk paint!
- Wipe with a rag to get rid of all dust
- Give it a first coat with a small angled paint brush
- After letting it dry for a couple of hours, give it a second coat (I used Pebble Beach by Country Chic Paint)
- Wax the entire piece with clear wax
- Finish with a touch of dark wax in the seams and crevices
I also used this color on the farmhouse dresser in my daughter’s room, my niece’s crib, and my mason jars. I just love it – the perfect gray.
I finished the pieces with a full coat of clear wax for a durable finish and just a touch of dark wax in the creases.
Such a simple, clean look. And an easy-peasy process. Painting furniture is the best. I love the glass front drawer and this little vintage-looking knob from Hobby Lobby.
What do you think?
Is this a buyer-friendly, welcoming sunroom? I hope you found this side table and coffee table makeover helpful!
So pretty! What kind of wax did you use to seal it? Thank you!
Thank you so much, Kristine! It’s Country Chic clear wax and then Annie Sloan dark wax for the grooves. 🙂
I have already done this to my coffe table once but ruined with water spots any suggestions
Wax is water resistant, but not water proof. So, unfortunately, water spots can form on wax finishes if coasters and other protection aren’t used. However, the beauty of a wax finish is that you can usually repair a small area (without needing to refinish the entire piece like you do with polyurethane and other finishes). A light sanding on the damaged area, a touch up of paint if needed, and a refresh on the wax should work. I hope this helps!
those tables look beautiful Rachel, I love the finish!
Thank you so much, Cynthia! So glad you like it.
The tables, everything else in the the sunroom, are gorgeous and perfectly styled, Rachel. Cheers, Ardith
Thank you so much, Ardith! Can’t tell you how much I appreciate that. 🙂
Great job they look so nice with the rest of the room.
Thank you, Marlene!
Rach,
The furniture looks lovely. The room looks inviting. Praying for a buyer to scoop up your sweet house and all the love you have poured into it 🙂
Thank you thank you, Shara. I hope you know how much that means to me… xx
Looks so beautiful … love the color of the tables and the simple clean look. Wish I could do that.
Thank you, Audrey! I so appreciate that. And I bet you could!
What a cool idea! I love it, Rachel.
Hugs, Jamie
Thanks, friend!!
Very pretty room! Where did you get the blue bowl on the coffee table? I love it!
Thank you so much, Ashley! It is actually a very tarnished silver bowl that belonged to my grandmother. I’m sorry I don’t have a source for you.
I was wondering how long and how much you need to sand it when using chalkboard paint? We have a painter willing to do it for us, but will charge $350. Was wondering what your total cost of materials were and if it’s worth it.
It depends on the previous finish. Thankfully, you do not have to remove the previous finish when using chalk paint (which cuts down on the amount of sanding significantly!), but I do recommend a light sanding and a good cleaning so that the paint will adhere firmly. I confess that this project was done several years ago, so I’m not positive on the cost, but I would imagine it was ~$50 for the paint and wax supplies. I hope this helps!
Thank you for the reply! We ended up having our painter refinish it with satin paint and it looks beautiful! I will try the chalkboard paint one day. 🙂
Awesome! I’m glad you found a solution you love!
Hi, I love the light gray used on tables. I looked up Pebble Beach color you used on tables. The paint color online looks dark. Does this color dry light? Thanks! I need a light gray to paint my stand alone fireplace mantle.
Hi! I would call it a medium gray. The sunroom where those tables are gets LOTS of natural light, so it is definitely reflecting off the paint and highlighting the color in places. But I wouldn’t call it a dark gray. I hope this helps!