Oh what a project this antique table renovation has been! Far easier than some- a bit more work than others. But the result? Can I just say it. is. LOVE? Big Huge love. I won’t bore you with all the details and ins and outs in this post- because I am too excited to get this table properly styled and ready to share- I am just jumping in and sharing the reveal and how beautiful the raw finish turned out.
Antique Table Renovation – BEFORE
Let’s first take a look back at where we started. It was more than a tad dinged up. Worn. Worse for the wear and in need of a change of clothes and makeover.
I found it on marketplace- thought it had potential but wanted to see what else there was since it did look like it required a bit of work. And so – I watched it. And one day saw it pop up with a FREE price tag. And of course, the Free tag was a whole new ballgame. That meant you could overlook the issues and just go with the potential.
It came with chairs (more on those later) which I didn’t need. And it came with a whole lot of charm and details just waiting to be uncovered.
The Reveal
I am BEYOND happy with how it turned out. BEYOND! The finish is bleached and rustic and so very lovely. And that pale color lets all the charm and years of patina shine through.
THAT PATINA GETS ME EVERY TIME I LOOK AT IT. So. Good.
(Did I mention that I am obsessed? )
The table was a tad on the wobbly side- so I tightened up some of the joints and also fixed the leaves that pull out- so it can become a longer table easily now.
The finish on the leaves was in much better condition than the tabletop- probably because they were not used all that often. They do have a bit different patina even now- (and some areas that could use a little sandpaper love) but I love how they look.
The Details
The details on the legs, curvy corners and spreader area underneath the table came through just like I thought they would. Insanely gorgeous. And it just adds that layer of oomph and ooh la la to the overall look.
And of course, the details on the apron. One of the things that talked to me right away- that moulding. Knowing it was so much like my inspiration table looked and that it would be insane when it was finished.
The Patina
The patina is full of gorgeous raw wood, natural colors, old beetle holes (thankfully have not seen any active beetles come out of this table) and the usual signs of a well worn and loved piece of furniture. There are some rough patches that I may sand a bit yet- and I am debating using a white wax on it to lighten it a bit further. There are some areas that seem to have a tad yellow or green look to them- which I am guessing is just the wood tone and uneven stripping. I don’t want to tackle using bleach or ammonia on it. After all the times of wiping down those antique pieces during summer with the ammonia- I really don’t feel the need to use it again haha. It was a bit much.
Stay tuned for where this table lands- I am so happy with how it turned out. I will share a post all about the Good, the Bad & the Ugly with this renovation soon. What do you think of how it looks? Here is the BEFORE & AFTER again.
Did I mention that I am OBSESSED?
Happy Wednesday all!
Madge says
Your new old table is being gorgeous, Cortney! You’ve done a masterful ohjb restoring it to its original beauty. I love the unfinished finish surface.
Courtney says
Hi Madge!!😊 Thank you- it was a fun project! I love the unfinished patina too- so pretty.
Tiffany says
this is ABSOLUTELY beautiful!!! Did you sand first and then bleach? I’d love to know the techniques you used, TRYIng to fix up an old Armoire. Thank you
Eileen says
you did a fabulous job!!! It looks amazing. how did you tighten up the joints?
Teddee Grace says
Truly amazing. You are very skilled at this. I often wonder if the people who gave these things away or at low cost see your finished product and are chagrined! This is just lovely.
Kathryn elkins says
you did a beautiful job. I could not open the site you gave for the detailsof stripping very interested in how it was done. Thank you for such a wonderderful blog.
Courtney says
Sorry about that- for some reason it wasn’t working – I fixed it just now. Here you go: https://www.frenchcountrycottage.net/2022/03/3-things-table-renovation-progress.html
lynne says
Love the look of the table…. especially the worm holes!!! I clicked on the word “here” to find out the new method that you used to strip the table, and nothing happened! can you fix that??? thanks!!!!!!!
Courtney says
It is fixed- sorry about that!
Candace says
You made a fabulous table even more so! It definitely found the right home. Congratulations on a beautiful find and all that hard work. thank you for sharing the details. White wax?? Now I’m on yhe hunt! 😉
Joan Higgs says
Just mentioning Bleach. I used it on an antique cHair that had been stained very dark and STRIPPING it did not remove all the color. The bleach workd and the chair is gorgeous!
Jean says
This table is lovely. You did do a great job witH the Transformation. Love your blog and tHe french country look. Jean
Beverly says
omg i lovE your bea table…the Patina…be still my Heart!♥️
Pat says
Love the look, those carved details are gorgeous!
pat
Lorene McCormick says
Wow…you have def turned trash into treasure! It iS gorgeous!!!💕
lee says
Gorgeous!!! i would love to try this and hope you have details soon on how you did it. I would be doing an antique table that was my dads but wonder if you will put any type of protection on it. i am also a little concerned about the oven cleaner on the lawn with pets. although that would probably be a concern with stripper too, right? any thoughts on that? can’t wait for the details, you definitely have a gift for redoing wood!!!!
Elizabeth says
Great job Courtney, may i say it looks so much better than the brfore?
Gail says
I love it 🥰
Marianne c. Whitman says
It is gorgeous. I absolutely loVe how beautiful it looks, and the hard work you did to make it look so beautiful. I wish itbwere mine, lol.
Kathie says
love it!!!!!! you were lucky to find it, to tackle it and have it turn out as it did! what’s next?
Tammy Moore says
Beautiful table! great job! You have inspired me to find that jewel in the rough. if only i get that lucky. happy styling that beauty!
Anja says
I envy you Courtney, your table is drop dead gorgeous 😍
edy says
Hi Courtney … love the table
Wondering how you fixed the chew marks?
Oak is so lovely
susan feaga says
You have a great eye!
mary says
I am experiencing full on ADORATION! simply awesome. how old do you think this sweet table is? i am envisioning the stories it could tell.
Shelley Humpal says
Like always Courtney you made magic again. Great job you took a dated turn of the century table and turned it into a gem. Hats off.
Aussie Jo says
Bloody awesome
Susie says
Whata stunning transformation! I love the natural look of the table. Nicely done!
Barbara c says
Its amazing how the natural color of the wood looks so modern compared to the dark tone. I love it!
Catherine anderson says
It turned out so gorgeous Courtney, I love it!
Monique-Marie says
Oh this table Courtney. Right up my alley. I envy where you live, with such awsome finds, and quite often. Especially since you are so good at restoring.
mm