I purchased this 1960's folding card table and chairs from an estate sale for $20. The table top and seats were covered in avocado vinyl that looked like it hadn't been cleaned since its last party, 40 years ago. The way the table is constructed, the center of the table top is level with the outer rim, therefore I couldn't substitute tile or mosaic for the vinyl because it wouldn't be level. The best solution I found was laminating fabric.
To bring this classic furniture back to life but keep its retro flair, I used funky fabric to redo the table and chairs. Iron-on vinyl laminate was the perfect solution to restoring the retro look and retaining the functional attributes of an easy to clean surface. Iron-on laminate can be purchased in rolls at craft stores.
For more photos, details, and a cost breakdown, check out Cristin's blog, Eve of Reduction.
Thanks, Cristin!
Have your own Before & After project you'd like to share with the editors? Submit it here.
(Images: Cristin Frank)
10 No-Fail Decor Tricks & Tips for Small Spaces
Beth's Romantic & Retro Residence
Good Food to Share 
The Big Book of Small, Cool Spaces 
Apartment Therapy Presents 
The Eight-Step Home Cure 
Shaw's Original Fir...
How to Bake a Potato: Three Easy Methods
How To Cook Tender, Chewy Wheat Berries on the Stovetop
Super Cute
Very nice job!
I kinda wish only the seats had gotten the funky fabric... it's very matchy matchy. But still a vast improvement :)
You've managed to update it with a fresh colour palette and still pay homage to its retro-ness. It looks so fresh and cheery...great job :)
cool!
Iron-on laminate --- who knew such a thing existed?!?
I learn so much here.
ADORABLE redo! Those chair backs are really quite lovely.
That is one sweet little set. Good score, great redo!
LOVE it.
Fun and nice colors. Also, great price for the table. Love what you did with it. :)
Awesome job!
I don't like that 70's look, but, the transformation is a success!
love it! im not usually into bright colours, but that looks fantastic.
Too "matchy-matchy"? It's a SET. It's SUPPOSED to match.
"I had dinner at Jane's -- all the silverware was the same pattern. So anal!"
haha Bee for Brian!!
Very cute and love the fabric. Screams FUN!!
I am so in love with this!!!
Admire your vision and creativity.
Great job!
I mean, like, wow, man.
This is sweet. Also since no one has said it yet, I also love the white paint. It really brings out the unique shape of those chair backs. :)
funny, I was thinking the white was a bit bright, that I'd like to see it painted in a light olive green picked up from this fabric.
Very cute!
They still sell tables constructed this way and I did something like this a few years ago - you can actually buy oilcloth or laminated cotton, which is what I did. You buy them in the upholstery or home goods section of the fabric store.
I have a table similar-but the center is just a bit "sunken". Originally, I decided to do kind of a mosaic with handmade paper, and I put a coat of poly over it. It wasn't enough-my living room ceiling & part of the roof, caved in in my last rental-a loft apt. My "decoupage" was ruined.
I have now moved, and am trying to decide what-and HOW-to do with this table. Because it has an old, real leather, (but long thinned out-practically non-existent) slash partly decoupaged top-I'm afraid to sand it. I've tried just peeling it off-works in spots, others I can't even "chip" off with a sharp metal slat, (can't think of the proper name).
I wonder if I can somehow get it kind of even, if I could use this method?
Also, I have a pair of mustard, thick vinyl chairs that came with it. Trying to decide if they are even worth attempting...
Geez, Bee for Brian, I hope you understand that stuff can match without being covered in the same fabric :) That's not being anal, it's just a different way of making things work. No need to be rude, I'm happy to explain my position to you.
CHARMING!