apartment therapy changing the world, one room at a time

I am a fan of mixing styles. I think there is always room for something new. And I agree, a matte charcoal would look great.

Cute table! And for $11, of course you should go wild and paint it... what have you got to lose? I once painted a cheap coffee table in a bright blue (inspired by the Friends furniture) and loved it! I don't know what the rest of your decore/style is like, but I'd suggest a bright wow colour like marigold.

I love the curls of the table. I think you should go for it! Pick a fun color that you have some of throughout your home. Any fun jewel toned color could work, and I also like the charcoal idea. Whatever color you pick, don't scrap the project!

http://www.makemineeclectic.worpress.com

I like this - I'd love to see it painted a glossy Lime Green with a tall ornate gilded mirror on the wall above, a zebra-patterned cow-hide on the floor, a pink upholstered X-base stool slid under the table and a blanc-de-chine lamp w/ a tall black drum lampshade (lined in gold) and a sparkly crystal finial on top.

I like the table, and a more eclectic blend of styles. But I don't think it works in your entry. The shape and size are wrong. It is too low and wide. It would be great as an end table or bedside table.

What about a metallic? Copper or pewter? Classic with an edge.

I'd go for a high-gloss black. It would be visible against your dark wood floors, but not so funky as to be distracting (your wall color is pretty traditional). The high gloss would also make it look like it was "on purpose", instead of a random piece you just sort of wedged in there (which works, in some spaces, but probably not in your particular hallway).

Wow what a steal!!! I recommend painting it in contrast to the soft, curly shape i.e. wide horizontal black and white or gold and silver lines on the table top. I did a similar project with an ikea mirror and its my favor peice in the apartment. But make sure u use painter tape to make the lines really crisp and straight and make sure to let the table dry for while!!! trust me i learned the hard way :)

I agree with arroyo - it's small and the high ceilings just make it look out of place.

You could make it fit the scale better by placing a tall plant next to it or a tall/narrow piece of art or a mirror above it. Then your eye will move up the walls instead of just focusing on the ground by the low table.

I'd like it in a glossy white enamel. It'll pop out of the walls and dark floor. I've used Rustoleum to spruce up some of my craigslist finds. The oil-based enamel is fantastic!

I recently repainted a table like that i got for free from a family member who was moving. It was actually REALLY similar, it had 2 tiers and ornate curved legs. My decor is more contemporary as well so I painted it with high gloss black enamel, it looks fantastic. But here are a few "i would have done it different" points:

dont skimp on the sanding! Especially on the surfaces you will set things on. i didnt sand and I wish I did. I bought a product that said it would adhere to a smooth finished surface (although sanding was still recommended) and it does, but obviously chips and peels off easier. Ive only had it done for a month and already had to do a round of touch ups. However mine is not a high use piece so now that its in place im not worried about it. But the initial move to its new home ended up with a few little spots that needed attention.

For an entry way I imagine it might become a catch all for things coming in the door, so it will be well worth the extra time to make sure the paint has a good grip, at least on the surfaces that will be in use. Some kind of protective finish would also probably be a really good idea. What you use for that will depend on what kind of paint/primer you use. Someone at the hardware store can probably recommend something.

Consider a dark color, or be prepared to do a lot of coats. I have a feeling the black I used was very forgiving, If I shine a light directly on sections of it I can see some spots that in reality could use another coat, but because of the dark high gloss surface these is only evident on really close inspection. I imagine with a high saturation/lighter color imperfections in the paint job will stand out more.

I used high gloss black rustoleum, which is available at almost any major hardware store (home depot etc) in a variety of colors and kilz primer. i would use them again they seem to work really great.

I did find using a sponge roller was the easiest way to paint the curvy legs, better than a sponge brush. But still grab a sponge brush to get in any nooks as the pointed tip helps a lot, then smooth it out with the roller.

I also took my table apart, which helped a lot and made it a lot less awkward to paint. If it comes apart in any visible way and you are sure you can get it back together do it.

i just did this to a similar coffee table, painted it a pastel greeny-blue in a matte paint. i had originally sanded it down and attempted to spray it and then seal it with a lacquer finish, but that totally didn't work - everything started bubbling up, so i had to start over.

picture here

i recently did this with a telephone table for my entrance way. no sanding necessary and one coat of semi-gloss black from benjamin moore did the trick. Made it look super expensive.

I'd strongly suggest using a primer before painting. I haven't painted furniture since I learned about this, but everything I hear from people who seem to know says do it -- it will save much grief!

Also, I'd think twice before using a matte paint, especially in a high traffic area like an entry. Matte paint gets easily scuffed making shiny marks that totally ruin the sophisticated look you would be after. Save matte for places that are less likely to get bumped.

And if that were my table, I'd go metallic. (I am a big fan of metallic tables these days!) Maybe in a color, though, like sky blue metallic or something fun. You might even want to put a coat of polyurethane on the top where things will get tossed, just to prevent damage. (I'd do this even if you don't go metallic. Poly over metallic paint, though, gives it extra glam!)

I'd go bright fuschia or cobalt blue; something really pop-art and unapologetic.

I kept looking at this exact table on CL, trying to figure out how it might work in my space, and then gave up. Good luck! I can't wait to see what you end up doign with it.

Don't paint it!!! I love the warm tones of natural wood and think any wood that's not particle board looks better without paint. Maybe finish it with a cherry varnish, to give it a nice reddish color? Please don't paint...

But by all means paint the metal part.

It does look cluttered in your entry way, but maybe if you moved it to the other side in that corner and took out the bigger cabinet it would look better.

GO FOR IT!!!!

Looks like there is plenty of space once the boxes are out of there. A jewel toned modern color sounds like it will give it the edge it needs. Get some abstract art to go over it.

Don't let a naysayer deter you- you'll be able to laugh in their faces when it turns out fantastic (and they'll all want one). I'm a big fan of throwing some rococo glamour into a modern mix. Don't get me wrong- I love the clean lines of modern furniture- but without some odd pieces I feel like a pod person :)

Were that my table:

-I would leave the metal part alone. I think you'll find that the paint will just chip off anyway, and it will add some much needed warmth and texture to the piece. It will also be a tip of your hat to the tones of the wood floor (which is gorgeous, btw)
-I would paint it a rich, super glossy purple or burgundy.
-I would help it fit into the space better by hanging a very, very tall and skinny print above it.
-I would make sure that the only decorative items I placed on it were very, very modern- maybe all black or white.

Good luck, have fun... and if you decide you don't want it, let me know when you put it on eBay!!

Spray paint with a satin finish. I'd choose cream for your piece, or a cool blue, or a vivid blue.

When I paint finished wood thrift finds, spray primer is mandatory, but sanding is optional. Many light coats of paint is the way to go. And follow the guidelines for painting conditions re. humidity, wind and temperature, as the label recommends.

I recently painted a thrifted dresser using Krylon Bahama Sea and I love the results.

RustOleum paints require more coats but the satin finish is durable and smooth. Painters Touch is noticably easier on your "painting finger." I am fond of their Burgundy (leathery red, not fire engine red) and Leafy Green (bright but not acid.)

Thank you for all your advice! I am planning to paint it a glossy teal color, leaving the metal scroll part as is. I'll either hang a mirror or framed art above it.. and hopefully finish the rest of the entryway while I'm at it. I opted for more traditional beige walls because I figured in 5-7 years I'll sell, and I wanted to keep it as neutral as possible so I don't have to paint again.. My entryway is hideous and the rest of my home is more "me", so hopefully I can make this area "me" as well!

I think you should do it a pewter color. The thing is... I'm not sure you can really find a good metallic paint that is sturdy enough to withstand all that such a table might be expected to endure.

SO... I think you should do with that table what I did with the wooden part of my early-1960's Hollywood Regency (is that what it is?) 3-back chair:

http://gallery.apartmenttherapy.com/photo/011707curtistour/curtisinsideout15

I did a 50/50 mix of aluminum radiator paint and black oil-based enamel. They're actually both oil-based, so they mixed well. The thing is... it's VERY durable together, and the black gives a little different sheen to the aluminum, while also darkening the aluminum in a very satisfying gun metal way.

THAT is what I think you should do with your table.

Does anyone know where to get aluminum radiator paint and black oil-based enamel? Are these 2 type of spray paints? I LOVE LOVE LOVE what Curtis did with his 1960's regency 3-back chair.