Before & After: A Heavy, Outdated Dining Table Turns Sleek and Modern

Written by

Adrienne BreauxHouse Tour Director at AT Media
Adrienne BreauxHouse Tour Director at AT Media
For more than 10 years, I've led Apartment Therapy's real home content, producing thousands of house tours from around the world. Currently, I live in my maximalist dream home in New Orleans, Louisiana, with my partner, a perfect dog, and a cute cat.
published May 11, 2014
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(Image credit: Nichol )

Have you ever spotted an absolute steal on Craigslist — except for it being the complete opposite of your style? Nichol saw this table for $50, but before even leaving the house she took the legs off and left them with the original owner (along with the chunky chairs). There were other plans!

(Image credit: Nichol )
(Image credit: Nichol )

From Nichol:

I purchased this outdated table on Craigslist for $50. I took off the legs at the lady’s house and left them and the ugly office lobby looking chairs behind. I liked the parquet look of the table and thought it was worth salvaging. I sanded and added a walnut stain and hairpin legs I bought from a guy that makes them locally for about $85. I ordered Eames style chairs off Amazon to complete the modern look. Nice, simple transformation! Love that you were able to keep the original tabletop and refresh its finish as well as lighten the whole piece by eliminating heavy legs and replacing them with a more stylish option!


Thank you Nichol!