How to update an old table: 10 restoration methods and step-by-step instructions for action

Photo: alltopcollections.com Any, even the most durable and expensive furniture, wears out over time and loses its aesthetic appeal. Quite often it is a pity to throw away such a thing, especially if warm memories are associated with it. We invite you to look at 14 easy but very beautiful ideas - how to decorate an old table with your own hands to breathe new life into it!

Decoupage

The simplest but most magnificent idea is the decoupage technique. To do this, you need to purchase napkins with patterns that will match the interior design. Multi-layer napkins need to be separated so that the material is as thin as possible.

The surface of the table, if it is wooden, must be thoroughly cleaned, sanded and made absolutely smooth. If the table is metal, it should be washed and degreased. Next, cover the surface with acrylic paint.

The design is applied quite simply: grease the tabletop with PVA glue, apply a napkin and smooth it, expelling any air bubbles that have formed. After finishing work, the table should dry well, then apply a protective layer of varnish, which will prolong its service life for a long time.

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Photo: sovkusom.ru

Sequence of restoration work

We talked about the final phase and decorative effect of each type of finishing, now we will analyze the technique of preparing the table for decoration, which, by the way, is common to all methods of restoring old furniture.

Determining the degree of wear

To determine the level of wear of furniture, it is advisable to completely disassemble it. Next, carefully inspect each element of the structure. In addition to obvious potholes, scratches and cracks, we are interested in places where façade cladding has peeled off and places eaten away by bark beetles.

The peeling coating is cleaned.

Choosing material

To carry out restoration work you will need the following materials:

• Putty for wood, you can use parquet compounds.
• Primer for wood. You select the composition taking into account the paint or varnish with which you plan to cover the furniture. For example, acrylic primer is used for acrylic paint, alkyd primer is used for alkyd paint, and oil paint needs to be primed with drying oil.
• Finish paint or varnish.
• To clean metal from rust, WD-40 is used.
• An assortment of emery sets, from coarse to velvet.
• There is no need to take a separate antiseptic for wood; it is easier to choose soil with an antiseptic effect.

It is advisable to take all materials from one manufacturer, so that there is no rejection.

Step-by-step instruction

Paint and stencils

Using paints, you can completely restore an old table, including the legs, which often have scuffs. If you are good with a brush, the work will be simplified - it will not be difficult for you to depict the desired design or pattern. If you have problems with drawing, use stencils that are easy to buy in craft stores.

First, you need to thoroughly clean the table, paint it with background paint and wait until it dries completely. Now you need to mark where the patterns will be located, you can also draw a light sketch with a pencil. Next, take stencils and apply images to your taste. When the decorated table is dry, cover it with a protective layer of varnish.

Another original solution for DIY decor is to use regular patterned tulle instead of a stencil: cover the tabletop with it, apply paint and then carefully remove it. You will get an original openwork table!

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Preparatory stage

If you intend to update a couple of chairs or grandma's chest of drawers, you can do without a professional tool. You will need to solve the following tasks:

• To keep healthy. Stock up on a respirator and gloves.
• Remove old coating (paint, varnish) from facades and other large surfaces. For rough work, you need a grinding abrasive stone (coarse-grained).
• To erase the coating in difficult places where a block cannot cope, you cannot do it without sanding paper (coarse sandpaper on a fabric backing).
• In order to polish the surface before applying paint, you will need fine-grained sandpaper on a fabric or paper basis (with a grain size of P180-P240).
• If you plan to remove surface defects (cracks, uneven surfaces), keep a spatula and putty on hand.

Modern design trendsSource hzcdn.com

• A vacuum cleaner will help you quickly and efficiently remove dust and other debris.
• The preparatory stage includes the following work:
• Disassembling furniture. It simplifies all subsequent actions; you also need to remove the fittings. Before disassembling, take photographs of all hinges and fasteners.
• Removing old coating. Old paint and varnish are removed by sanding (if the layer has peeled off) or using a solvent.

Table and chairs in Scandinavian styleSource loveincorporated.net

• Leveling the surface. It is not necessary if you plan to get the effect of a vintage item. Otherwise, purchase wood putty or furniture wax.
• Preparing for painting. All surfaces are sanded with fine sandpaper. Then the dust is removed with a hairdryer, the parts are wiped with a damp cloth and allowed to dry.
• Coloring. The easiest way is to use water-based paint. It does not have a pungent odor, and it dries faster than other compounds (for example, alkyd).

Transformation of a display cabinetSource pinimg.com

Craquelure

If you want to give your table the look of an antique canvas, you should pay attention to a special cracking varnish - craquelure. It comes in two types: one-step and two-step.

One-step craquelure is used to add a vintage feel to plain tabletops without patterns. The varnish is applied in one layer and when dry it creates a “network” of cracks.

Two-step varnish helps create a stunning aged effect on the painting. Therefore, it should be used for a table surface with a pattern or made using the decoupage technique. In this case, two mixtures are used, which are applied one after the other. The desired effect manifests itself when they interact.

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Methods

There are various approaches for updating old furniture. Restoration is a classic approach that involves restoring the original appearance of an object with all its previous characteristics. This method is used if you need to restore a valuable piece of furniture to its original form. This involves a fairly complex technique that will require the use of special-purpose chemicals to restore the coating, carpentry work to eliminate functional faults, and it may be necessary to replace part of the wood or veneer.

This requires special skills and professional carpentry tools, purchasing special types of wood. Complete restoration of chairs is justified for collecting purposes or in case of damage to one of the items of an expensive set. This is a rather expensive process, so it is better to entrust it to professionals.

If for certain reasons it is impossible to contact a carpentry restoration workshop, then repairing old chairs can be done at home with your own hands.

It is necessary to begin restoration work by sequentially performing the following actions:

• First, we think about the design of the future piece of furniture, how it will look in the interior, what color it should be, and what needs to be altered for ease of use.
• Then we disassemble the chair into its component parts, determine the degree of wear of parts and the need to replace some elements, and measure each part.
• After this, we make an estimate for consumables based on the dimensions of the chair parts, with this list we go to the store and purchase everything we need.
• Finally, we replace the worn parts and the coating with varnish or paint. If the chair has retained its strength, it is enough to simply repaint it to make a new piece of furniture. You can paint an old, peeling highchair in a new bright color and paint it with a simple pattern, which the child will be incredibly happy about.

Self-adhesive film

Another great solution is to decorate an old table with self-adhesive film. Moreover, the modern market has a huge assortment of it - from simple plain to mirrored, luminous and imitating natural textures.

To cut the film correctly, you need to use the centimeter markings located on the back side of it. It is important to thoroughly clean the surface of the table, since the self-adhesive will instantly reflect all the flaws.

Glue the film slowly, pressing it tightly and at the same time smoothing it with a soft towel so that no air bubbles form.

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Table top decoration

Restoration and subsequent decoration of the table is a very long process. But the result is worth it, because you can get an exclusive designer item with which memories are already associated. Furniture decor can be completely original and at the same time fit very organically into the concept of using the item and the room.

A laconic design is suitable for a book-like or folding table. It can be painted in one or two colors. Or you can add nobility and emphasize the natural structure of the tree.

The sliding table can be decorated with drawings that can appear only when the tabletop is disassembled as much as possible. And of course, if this kind of table is used as a dining table, you can use a kitchen theme in its decor - images of food, fruits and vegetables, tableware. The kitchen table can be decorated with tiles and mosaics. This will be a very practical solution.

For a dressing table, due to its functionality, delicate pastel shades and light colors are suitable, as well as all kinds of “girly” prints (flowers, cosmetics, patterns).

The coffee table can be painted in a rich color or equipped with a bright pattern.

For a children's table you need to use only high-quality finishing materials. And you can decorate it with a variety of animals and cartoon characters.

A practical solution for a student would be to create a “cheat sheet” table, on the surface of which you can apply a variety of didactic materials (rules, diagrams, formulas).

Using a computer desk/stand requires high usage. Therefore, materials need to be selected appropriately – not easily soiled (the computer “attracts” dust), wear-resistant (especially to heat).

painting

Painting is one of the most popular techniques for decorating interiors and household items. There are several options for painting furniture: artistic painting with a thin brush, painting using a stencil (template), painting with stamps.

An excellent solution for a glass tabletop is bright and airy painting with stained glass paints.

Painting using tulle or any other lace looks very beautiful. To apply an openwork pattern to the surface of the table, you need to attach the tulle to the tabletop (it is advisable to secure it with tape on the back side).

We paint the table in the same way as with a regular stencil, using a sponge, roller or spray paint. We select the color of the enamel that contrasts with the color of the surface.

Glass table with stained glass painting.

Mosaic

We first lay out the frame elements of the mosaic using tile adhesive. We try to make the seams as uniform as possible. Then we begin laying out tiles (or pieces of tiles) from the center of the table. An interesting solution would be to lay tiles of different colors.

Covering the countertop with mosaic tiles.

Mosaic pattern made from pieces of tiles.

Ceramic tile

At the end of the renovation, there are often excess tiles left in the kitchen or bathroom, which can be safely used to decorate the table. In this way you can beautifully decorate an old dining table in the kitchen or on the open terrace.

Patchwork tiles in the patchwork style look great, as well as decorative tile panels and borders with patterns. No less impressive will be a tabletop made of tiles that imitate stone or expensive wood.

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Photo: maiolichevietresi.com

Decor under glass

To decorate an old table using the following method, you will have to work hard, but the result will be well worth the effort!

If the wooden tabletop is thick, cut out a recess inside and fill it with themed decor. You can, for example, decorate the seabed by laying shells, pebbles, sand, artificial seaweed, or even colorful Christmas tree decorations for the Christmas holidays. Finally, the finished “filling” must be covered with transparent glass.

If the tabletop is thin, just fill the edges with bars and paint them the same color as the table, then lay down the decor and also cover with glass cloth.

Photo: pinterest.ru

Photo: pinterest.ru

Chair repair

It’s hard to imagine any home without chairs

Today it is such a commonplace item that few people pay attention to it. This can happen in two cases - either when the chair is properly designed as an interior item, or when it breaks.

We will look at how to get from the second option to the first.

An option for restoring old armchairs with covers in a vintage style

The chair consists of three main elements:

• legs;
• seats;
• backrests

All of them can fail sooner or later. If the breakage is caused by the legs, then they must be firmly secured, as otherwise the use of the chair becomes dangerous. If the seat is broken, it can be replaced by cutting out a corresponding piece from plywood or fiberboard. The same can be done with the back. You can also make the stool soft if desired. To do this, soft foam-based upholstery must be attached to the seat and backrest.

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Photo collage

Select the best family photos, place them on the table and cover them with transparent glass. Such a photo collage will remind you of pleasant events in your life during a meal or tea party.

If you wish, you can change the selection of photos and add new interesting pictures. Pay attention to the glass - its edges must be sanded to avoid cuts.

Photo: ars.ru

Photo: kalbenimkalbimde.blogspot.com

Volume tabletop with various fillings

If you decide to take a thorough approach to table restoration, and you have some experience in repair work, this method is for you. The appearance of the furniture will change beyond recognition, the table will look respectable and exclusive.

For work you will need wooden slats, glass and filler. You can use spices, cereals, shells, dried flowers, beads, crystals and much more as fillers.

The volumetric tabletop is made as follows:

1. Divide the tabletop into even sectors using slats.
2. Glue the slats to the table, placing them on edge. The end result should be boxes of the same size.
3. Place the filler in the boxes.
4. Install glass on top of drawers.

This table will transform your dining area. It will become a special element of the kitchen interior.

Epoxy resin

The main secret of epoxy resin is that it hardens quickly in the open air, creating the effect of an icy or amber surface.

If your old table has deep cracks, fill them with resin - it will look amazing! You can also add some decorations, for example, shells or sea pebbles.

Sophisticated creatives sometimes go even further - they introduce luminescent powder into the liquid resin composition. What do you think is happening? Absolutely right, incredible luminous surface!

Photo: mebel-mart32.ru

Photo: proraboff.rf

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Add Trim

Some of the drawers were so old that they had holes in them, so I filled them with putty and then putty. I also reinforced the top with side slats.

The two pieces are joined using pocket holes made by Kreg Jig. Despite this, the chest of drawers was still unstable.

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Cheap furniture has cardboard backings made from cheap MDF. I decided that my "tower" needed a little reinforcement at the back, so I attached a piece of long plywood.

Covering with leather or dermantine

You can breathe a second life into an old coffee table, making it stunningly original, using regular leather or dermantine. Choose a material with large embossing, for example, crocodile leather or bright gold, which will certainly attract the eye.

Use a piece of dermantine to completely cover the top surface of the table top. The material should be pressed tightly and smoothed, getting rid of air bubbles. The final touch will be upholstering the sides of the table with nails with a wide head, which will be similar in color to leatherette.

Photo: pinterest.com Photo: stellag46.ru

How to prepare the table surface?

Surface preparation is a mandatory stage of restoration. It is done in the following sequence:

1. We remove the old coating. It is not recommended to use solvents; they can corrode the wood. It is better to use coarse sandpaper and a sander.
2. For carved legs we also use sandpaper. Using a screwdriver or knife to clean the surface will almost certainly ruin the wood. In especially severe cases, you can carefully use a thin wire tangle, or use a solvent, applying a small amount of it to a cotton swab.
3. Having completed the removal of the old coating, prime the surface. The primer will provide the wood with additional protection and prepare it for filling small cracks and defects.
4. It is recommended to use special putty for wooden surfaces. It can be applied when all the primer has been absorbed.
5. Wait for the putty to dry completely and once again go over the surface of the table with fine sandpaper and cover it again with a thin layer of primer.
6. Now you can begin restoration and decoration with your own hands.

twisted rope

This method of decorating an old tabletop is perfect for a round table. You will need any thick rope made of natural fabric (hemp, jute) and an adhesive gun.

Fix one end of the rope with glue in the center of the tabletop. Then, moistening the rope with adhesive, move around the circumference, winding circles around the center. Each next row should fit tightly to the previous one.

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Photo: cpykami.ru

Assembly steps

Let's look at how to assemble a kitchen table with chrome legs. This option is simple and can be applied to any countertop. First, let's put marks for the subsequent screwing of the legs. Let's lean the mount against the tabletop and mark the points for the screws with a pencil. After this you need to screw the mount. To do this you will need a screwdriver or screwdriver. Then you need to install the leg into the mounting location. It easily screws into a special hole in the center. Similar actions need to be done with the remaining supports.

A more difficult question is how to screw the legs to a wooden kitchen table. Such a design is much more difficult to assemble, since you need to think about the types of connections.

Chalkboard paint

The advantage of this wonderful coloring composition is that it creates a surface on which you can draw with crayons. Such table decoration can save your wallpaper and other furniture when the little artist in the child awakens.

Another secret - before covering the table with slate paint, apply a thin layer (2-3 mm) of magnetic primer. Sticky magnets will bring even more joy to your child.

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Photo: an-vn.ru

A few more ideas

• Bookshelf. Bedside tables are essential for storing books, electronic devices, tissue boxes and other essentials. With such a long list, you may want to remove the front wall of your closet to accommodate everything you need.
• Table from a crib. Beds for babies are furniture that does not last long. But this does not mean that you should get rid of it immediately. Simply remove one of the side rails and slide it inside to create a shelf. Place a piece of glass on top and get to work!
• The closet door is like a clothes hanger. Old doors are easy to find, and you can make almost anything out of them. This project will require some sanding and painting, as well as a set of durable metal hooks. You can place similar hooks throughout your home to create a cottage-like atmosphere.
• Bench made from a bed. Metal headboards can serve you well even after your bed has broken down. Saw off a small piece of the desired width and screw on additional legs.
• Dog bed. Everyone needs a cozy place to take a nap, including your pup. Make a bed out of an old dresser drawer by placing some pillows inside.

You don't have to throw away your old furniture - it can still turn into something else.

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Mosaic

Decorating an old table with mosaics is not only a great way to make a tabletop incredibly beautiful and original with your own hands, but also a rather exciting process in which you can involve a child.

Mosaic elements can be bought in a store or made from scrap materials, for example, broken mirrors or tiles. Draw a sketch of the design on the tabletop, pick up some glue and start creating your masterpiece!

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Getting rid of old coating

If a layer of varnish has been applied to the base and it has cracked over time, then this coating should be removed in order to apply a new one. It is convenient to carry out these works with a spatula or chemical means, that is, washes. Another good option for removing the old layer is to use sandpaper. Medium grain paper is suitable for this.

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The new life of an old table begins first of all with the elimination of defects, since the functional component is important for any furniture. If assembled correctly, the product will become more durable and stable.

When choosing to remove old coating with chemical compounds, do the following:

1. Apply the product to the base with a brush.
2. The active substances enter into a chemical reaction with the coating and after half an hour the composition can be removed with a soft sponge.
3. After removing the paintwork, it is necessary to treat the wood with antiseptics.

The table requires mandatory impregnation with an antiseptic, which will protect against pests and fungi. Before covering a wooden tabletop, you should carefully inspect the surface for damage and chips.

stain

A wooden table can be successfully decorated using stain. Using this tinting liquid, you can give the wood a new rich shade. It is noteworthy that after processing the wood texture is perfectly preserved. In addition, the tabletop will be protected from moisture and ultraviolet radiation.

The stain should be applied parallel to the grain. At the final stage, the surface must be covered with several layers of varnish.

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Multi-colored tape

You can make a fun table if you decorate it with decorative tape of different colors. The striped “thing” will instantly turn into an accent spot against the background of any interior.

The tape can be applied to any surface. The metal countertop needs to be thoroughly cleaned. If there are small areas of rust, try to get rid of them with vinegar or a special product - moisten the surface and then treat it with a scraper. It is also advisable to degrease the canvas with an alcohol solution. The wooden tabletop needs to be sanded thoroughly.

You can completely cover the surface of the table with ribbons of multi-colored tape. But if you avoid excessive diversity, then initially paint the table white, black or any other color, and then make a design with a ribbon of one contrasting color.

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Photo: trendodom.com

Features of self-restoration

Independent restoration of furniture is a complex, labor-intensive process that requires at least a little theoretical and practical knowledge. When working on outdated interior items, important points to consider:

• Furniture that is constantly in use needs to strengthen the frame. As a rule, the body of a cabinet, sofa or table becomes loose after 5-7 years of use, so restoration work must begin with strengthening the frame.
• You need to select tools and paints taking into account the material from which the base is made.
• If there are drawings on the object, then you need to work with them carefully, either choose the right shade of paint for painting, or use a thin brush to draw details.
• When restoring wooden furniture, the condition of the wood should be assessed. If it is severely rotten, then there is no point in restoring the item.

Before starting work, it is important to assess the general condition of the frame. In some cases, its restoration is impractical

You can replace the fittings and upholstery, repair the mechanism, but if the base is very dry, insects have eaten it, or rot has struck it, then it is better to abandon the restoration.

DIY old table decor - photos and ideas

Our photo gallery also presents many successful examples of decoration. Take any of them as a basis and, with a little imagination, turn your old table into a unique piece of furniture!

Photo: berkem.ru Photo: vse-otoplenie.ru Photo: handmade.vospitatelyu.ru Photo: museum-design.ru

Photo: gidpokraske.ru

Photo: livemaster.ru Photo: severdv.ru

Photo: pinterest.com Photo: motipdupli.ru Photo: keywordbasket.com Photo: mebel-mart32.ru

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Photo: pinterest.co.uk Photo: decoratorist.com

Photo: styleandinfluence.wordpress.com Photo: pinterest.ru

Photo: realapex.ru Photo: dekormyhome.ru

Photo: interior-experts.ru Photo: ikeahackers.net Photo: ideadigezt.com

Photo: inkwellinspirations.com Photo: luber-portal.ru

Photo: pinterest.ru Photo: design-homes.ru

Photo: finance.yahoo.com

Photo: severdv.ru

Photo: severdv.ru

Core Technologies

The main restaurant methods include the following:

• Painting the table (usually special paint for wooden surfaces is used; it can be acrylic-based or enameled)
• Replacing the tabletop (the tabletop can be ordered ready-made to size, or you can make it yourself, as shown in the master classes below)

They can be used individually or combined depending on the damage and condition of your furniture.