Not Your Grandmother's Dining Room Table

Written by Jaymi Naciri Posted On Monday, 26 May 2014 08:16

That heirloom piece your grandmother or your great aunt or your godparents left to holds special memories. But let's face it: it's ugly.

It is. It's Ugly.

It's not your style, it doesn't match your stuff, and you can't possibly figure out how to incorporate it into your home without it looking like exactly what it is: the thing someone important gave to you that has no business in your home in its current state. Before you stuff that old dining room table or sideboard or settee up in the attic, check out these tips for making it new again.

Stain it.

An older piece of furniture that has a dated oak or pickled finish can be brought up into this century with a new stain. A mahogany stain can bring out contemporary lines and a black stain can make a dated piece feel modern again. You can also make your own DIY stain if you're looking for ways to keep the toxicity down.

Paint it.

Whether you go for something super bold, aged, fancy, or neutral, panting a piece of furniture can breathe new life into it and help it to fit in to a more modern space.

See more ideas here.

Embellish it.

Two words: gold leaf. Yes, you could get a similar look with gold spray paint and stencils, but it wouldn't be nearly as rich.

If you're planning to use gold leaf, or any leaf for that matter, remember that it is fragile, and a little goes a long way. Check out this video for more info.

Upholster it

No one said you have to live with that tired, dusty old pattern on the dining room chairs you inherited. Give them an easy update by reupholstering them in a fresh fabric.

This is an easy DIY project depending the construction of the chair. This video will help.

Decoupage it

For a fun look - and a fun family project - try this ancient art whose origin is "thought to be East Siberian tomb art" from the 12th century, according to Wikipedia. A project that includes gluing and layering strips of paper, fabric, or other textiles, and varnish to a table or other object is something the kids can get in on too as long as you take precautions. Another benefit is that the finished product will be unique to you. You can get some more decoupage ideas on HGTV.

Change the height

That old sofa table your grandmother decorated with her collection of old crystal candy dishes would be ideal as a desk, if only it wasn't so tall.

Have the legs cut down, and now you have a beautiful piece that is also functional.

Repurpose it.

You love that old fancy sideboard your husband's great-grandmother left to your family. But you're all set in that area. So, turn it into something totally new.

A sturdy dresser, cabinet, or sideboard can be turned into a one-of-a-kind bathroom vanity with a little ingenuity and a good power saw. You get to keep the memories, and you get a fab bathroom too.

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