Before & After: Cristin’s Mod Card Table Makeover

Written by

Tara BellucciNews and Culture Director
Tara BellucciNews and Culture Director
Tara is Apartment Therapy's News & Culture Director. When not scrolling through Instagram double-tapping pet pics and astrology memes, you'll find her thrift shopping around Boston, kayaking on the Charles, and trying not to buy more plants.
published Feb 13, 2013
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(Image credit: Apartment Therapy)
(Image credit: Apartment Therapy)
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!

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(Images: Cristin Frank)