Every now and then you come across a table or desk in a thrift store that would be perfect if not for the totally messed up top. Sanding is messy and not always an option so follow Nichole's lead and decoupage fabric to the table top. It creates a bold look (as you'll see after the jump) and it's an easy way to cover up a bad finish…
Now, before I stir the ire of the wood-should-never-be-painted-let-alone-covered-with-fabric purists among us, let's just admit that sometimes it's not possible to sand and refinish furniture. For those of us without garages or workshops, sanding in the apartment is just a big fat mess. If you've ever tried it, you know what I mean. If you haven't tried sanding in your apartment, here's a tip: cover every single thing (including your pets) and prepare for a lot of dust!
Nichole, from Parlour, picked up this beautiful table with the great legs but battered top at an estate sale for $50 (cat not inclluded). She didn't want to sand it in her apartment and she didn't want to lug it down three flights of stairs to do it outside so she came up with another way of transforming the top. To give the table new life, Nichole covered the top with fabric. Using a few different kinds of glue, Nichole adhered the fabric directly to the tabletop and then topped it all off with four coats of polyurethane and a coat of spray sealant. I love the bold print, which is further enhanced by the white chairs Nichole has paired with the table.
Check out the full post over on Nichole's blog — Parlour: Decoupaging with Fabric.
Images: Parlour
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Her room is pretty, I love the chairs and the white buffet thingy. I tend to lean toward wood purist, although not as hardcore as many on here. I kind of like the charm of the banged-up wood on the before! Although she might not've wanted to eat off that, and considering she can't sand in her place, I get her need for a solution. I think it's the print I don't like. I would've gone C-O-L-O-R-F-U-L!
I love the idea, my concern would be with the finish lasting in my house at least. With two kids, spills, two cats, dogs, and a clumsy husband that pretty finish wouldnt last long... sure could be striking with certain fabrics though
That is insanely cool, innovative if I know it! Perhaps I could pull something off like that on my not-so-savory kitchen table top.
Mod Podge is great, and is very durable. Used on fabric, it makes a tough surface that can be cleaned with soap/water and not ruin the hard work you did. I'm not a fan of wood furniture, I prefer painted--it really has to be the right piece to leave as-is. I like the project (I also live in apartment) but the fabric choice was really busy. The table would look nice with a painted white top, and the rest left the original finish. In this case, if you can't paint, I would have went with a solid color top so its easier to switch up decor later.
Sure IS striking.
I've got a sander that hooks to a vacuum cleaner (Fein Multimaster). Works great and no mess. So there are options to sand in an apartment without mess or inconvenience. There are probably cheaper options than the Fein out there as well.
I was not sold until I read that she used 4 coats of polyurethane (did you see that, Silverfirs?).
Still, I think I'd try to refinish it, or put a different wood top on it.
I think it's beautiful! Great job!
Oh, thanks for the feature! This table top was in ROUGH shape. They people before had a plastic pad on top for probably 50 years or so, and somehow it had started to disintegrate and fuse to the table top. There was no way to paint it as it had all kinds of rough gunk on top. Which is why I went with a busy (but classic black and white print.) I wanted it to be interesting, and if it didn't turn out well, the table was only $50 to begin with, so I didn't loose too much. I loved it and actually sold it to someone else who loves it as well. ( =
It's beautiful and what makes it extra special is no one else will have one like it. Great job.
I think this is really cool and her "parlour"/dining room looks great.
It's a crying shame what the previous owners did to that beautiful table. Thank goodness you could rescue it and make it lovely again. I'm not a fan of the material used, but I still think you did a wonderful job with it.
You made it look good. I would never have thought to put fabric on it. Your room is very pretty.
Looks great! I love those white chairs with it too.
Love the table top its so creative and looks great with the chairs.
This is amazing! I've added it to my list of "gotta try"