Thursday, May 15, 2014

Painted & Stained Mid Century End Tables

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*I was compensated for this post with supplies, however all content, thoughts and opinions are my own.
 
I feel like I have a natural draw towards mid century furniture. 
 
First of all, it is a perfect fit for my home, period wise. Secondly, I love the clean lines. And, since I despise clutter or things that are too ornate I frequently am drawn to this style. Lastly, this stuff is well built. It's insane how heavy, even these tables, were to carry.
 


So, here's the story behind them. I found this first table at the thrift store and dragged it home.
 
 
 
I started by sanding the entire thing and staining the drawers and base using General Finishes Java Gel Stain. Then I painted several coats of GF Snow White on the box of the table.
 
 
 
Half way through this process, the contractor that is doing our bathroom over stopped by and noticed the table--at that point half painted and in my living room--I was testing it out as an end table for us to keep--and he bought it. I finished painting and sealed it with poly and it went home with him about a week later.
 
 
 
 
 In the meantime, I was searching around in an antique/junk shop type of store and found this and immediately snatched it up...
 

 
 I new I wanted to do the same stain/paint combo as on the first table, but I wanted to focus more on staining and restoring the piece.
 
 
 
 For this makeover, just a portion of the legs got a coat of white paint (the very bottom got finished in antique gold Rub 'N Buff). Since we've been wanting to add in more stained wood to our living room, this one is staying put with us.
 
 
 
By the way, I used the same Rub 'N Buff on the legs to update all the hardware, too. Super easy to use and has lots of impact.
 

 
 
What are your thoughts on mid century furniture (and specifically painting versus restoring them).  I'd love for you all to share!
  
 
 
 


17 comments:

  1. I love them both. I found a similar one to the first one and painted it the same way. Except mine had bigger handles that I was able to paint the middle white too.
    I have to say I paint all furniture I get. I will try to sand/stain the tops if I think it is worth the time, or now will try with the drawer fronts as well, but I am a painter--not a restorer. I really love the way the wood looks painted. Gives it another life.

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  2. love both of those--great job restoring the wood! I feel like I used to see little mid-century pieces like these all the time at my local thrift shops....until I started wanting to buy some for myself! Probably I just need to spend more time thrifting ;)

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  3. The wood looks so much richer after you got done with them. I love the look of the contrast with white, but I am also a big fan of just leaving all the wood. The highlighted brass tones look fantastic :)

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    1. Thanks, Katja! I'm heading more in the direction of preserving (at least some) of the wood on pieces I finish lately.

      Angela @ Number Fifty-Three

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  4. love them both but i am partial to the white body! :) it reminds me of my sideboard- i love that look!

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  5. I'm a huge fan of the white and wood on MCM furniture and painted my bedroom dresser like that. Looks so good on the nightstands.

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  6. Omg, I love these both! I think I need to try the gel stain, I just love the look.

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  7. Midcentury has quickly become my favorite. THose lines! And I love the painted white exterior mixed with the warm wood- what a fantastic combo!

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  8. Hi, can you tell me which gel stain color you used?

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  9. Beautiful! What kind of white is that General Finishes?? It's not the milk paint is it?

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    1. It is in fact, General Finishes Milk Paint in Snow White. ;)

      Angela

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  10. The poly looks so smooth. I'm getting ready to do a six drawer dresser but having a hard time working with a poly to get it this smooth. Type and technique?

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  11. I love this color combo! Beautiful work!

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Thank you so much for stopping by Number Fifty-Three! I look forward to your comments.