Magazine Holder End Table Makeover

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Turn this dated magazine holder end table into a treasure simply with a refinished top and painted base! 

Hello friends! Today is the first “Trash to Treasure Transformation Tuesday” of the year. 2023. Wow, that just sounds weird, doesn’t it??
I can remember thinking of 2020ish years and thinking how far in the future that sounded back in the day. Can’t you? And here we are!! lol

And another year of fun makeovers to come. Plus who knows what?! Gotta keep ya’ll on your toes around here. So let’s see what I can come up with this year. Stay tuned. ;)

Today, it’s all about that “trash” though. Well, not really trash just that stuff that people discard that we take home and make new again. Love doing that. It really is one of my favorite things to do. Turning something that is dated, old, and worn out into a brand “new” treasure.

dark blue base table with stained top

Magazine Holder End Table Makeover

orange base table before

I picked up this little magazine side table last week for $9.
It was a little wonky but just needed some tightening of the screws on the legs and good as new!

Well, except for that dated finish.

I loved the pattern on top and decided not to paint it. I did however think I would paint the rest.
With the exception of the middle ring there. I thought I’d sand and stain that too.

I began by sanding it and the top area.

magazine table with sanded top and lower rim

Unfortunately, the veneer layer was much thinner than I thought and when sanding it revealed the underneath. Boo.

sanded rim showing veneer

sanded area showing veneer

Oh well, these things usually work out for the best as I ended up just painting this section and am so glad I did!

I lightly sanded the base, cleaned it well, and sprayed it with primer.

MATERIALS LIST

 

white primed based and newly stained top

I was sort of liking the dark edge around the top so decided to not paint that and play up that contrast by adding Java Gel Stain to the rim area.

stained ridge around top

Then I mixed Natural and Cappucino Stain & Finishing Oil for the top because I didn’t want it to be too dark.

Unfortunately, that was too light so I went back over it the next day with just the Cappucino by itself. (see below)

staining the top darker

Much better!

top of table stained darker

For the base, I added ONE coat (this color has amazing coverage) of the Seaside.

Here is another project I did in Seaside.

painting base of table seaside blue

Once that was dry, I dry brushed on the French Eggshell.

dry brushing with French Eggshell

I love this effect.

Don’t know how to dry brush? Watch my video here. “How To Dry Brush“

Here is how that turned out.

blue base with lighter blue dry brushed on

Here are two other projects that I did similar to this:

And done!

Fusion Mineral Paint does not require a topcoat which is really nice. Sometimes I add one depending on how the piece will be used. But it’s really nice to not have to on every single one!

blue base table with stained top

Sweet little table.

I had zero intention of keeping this magazine table when I brought it home but quickly decided it needed to stay.
I thought I’d put this planter on top but decided against it.

magazine table with white pot and plant on top

blue table with plant on top

It’s not bad, but I just don’t love this.

This I do love.

blue table with plant and white books and magazines below

stained top blue table in corner with green plant, white books and magazines

blue table in corner decorated

board and batten walls with blue table stained top in corner

I considered using it at the end of the sectional there but think it will stay in the corner.

PIN it to save it!

Magazine Holder End Table Makeover - turned this dated old table into a treasure with a simply refinished top and painted base! artsychicksrule.com

Don’t go yet! Hop on over and visit my friends below!

  1. Salvaged Inspirations
  2. Prodigal Pieces
  3. Confessions of a Serial DIYer

I hope you have a wonderful week! I’ll be sharing oldie but goodie later this week.

UPDATE!! See it now here!

See you then!

xo

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32 Comments

  2. Beautiful! Would you just use Cappuccino or is it too dark? I have 2 side tables I painted in Mirage by Dixie Belle and the color is lovely but needs something. I like the way your table looks with the dry brush! I think I’ll try that on mine! Great makeover!

    Reply

    1. Thank you, Cecilia! I think after having done it, I should’ve just used one coat of Cappuccino, it would’ve been perfect! And yes, give them a hint of drybrush with a lighter color to see what you think! :)

      Reply

  5. Hi Nancy! I love this little table. They just don’t make them like this anymore. I love the color too. I’m going to have to get that color. I’m sure I will find something to use it on!! Great makeover!

    Reply

    1. Thanks, Cheryl! And no, they really don’t! This color is just ahhh, I adore it! I am SURE you will find something to use it on!! Paint enabler!!;) lol xo

      Reply

    1. Thanks, Addie!! Yes!! I just could not cover that up when I saw it. And absolutely, can’t beat it! Happy Monday to ya! xo

      Reply

  13. That is a beautiful blue, Nancy. I don’t quite know how, but dry brushing makes it even better. Love the dark stain around the edge, too. I wasn’t impressed with the table before, but I can see how you’d want to keep it now!

    Reply

    1. Thanks, Marcie! Yes, I’m not sure what it does, but the dry brushing brings it to life somehow. I love the effect. I have ZERO intentions of keeping it, but fell in love after painting it! xo

      Reply

  15. Love it!!! One of my favorite looks is painted AND stained wood on one piece. This is the inspiration I needed for some vintage end tables I have.

    Reply

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