Today I will share with you tips on using what you already have to add character and beauty to your coffee table. You can use these tips to fit whatever home style you prefer, but the look that my home embodies is a cross between Funky Junk Interiors and Miss Mustard Seed, I call it “Vintage Eclectic” as you will see for yourself in a moment.
When I rearranged the livingroom last week we were in need of a coffee table to complete the look. We had been coffee table-free for a couple of years (since our youngest son was born) for safety reasons, as they prove hazardous for those in the early walking phase of life. Plus the coffee table had seen better days, as it used to have a decoupaged design on top, which our oldest managed to pull off when he was 4 years old, despite the enormous amount of Mod Podge I used to adhere it. But that’s another story for another day. The bottomline is that this table was kinda ugly but we needed to use it to balance the room (and have a spot to put our coffee cups down).
So if you’re like us with a coffee table that has seen better days or perhaps you just want to give your table that’s in decent condition a new look without going through the process of painting it, then these tips will guide you through the process and hopefully in the end you’ll love your coffee table once again.
First you’ll need a coffee table…
Then you need to place it in the right location in your room.
Now it’s time to get to work (or play, if you’re like me)!
TIP #1 Add a layer of texture to the top of the coffee table.
This wood piece that I layed on top of the coffee table adds depth and character to it. I found this piece at Tuesday Morning in the Clearance section a few years ago for $1!!! It’s part of a broken chair.
You can achieve a similar look by using a leftover wood piece, a large decorative piece or even a table runner will do the trick of adding texture (perhaps burlap?). Shop the house, garage, other people’s trash piles and you may find just the right piece for this first layer of texture.
TIP #2 Add an interesting book (or several books).
This “Atlas of the World” by National Geographic has a bold color that flows with our home’s colors and it’s large size and cover’s design adds a lovely “worldly” theme to the table.
Is there a book you love with a cover that speaks to you or complements your home decor? Perhaps you can shop a thrift store for a large book that can be recovered with cloth or decorative paper. My husband found this book at his library’s book sale for $1.50. When libraries have a book sale it’s a great place to find hidden treasures!
TIP #3 Use an interesting container to hold odds and ends.
This wood piece was a garage sale find for 25 cents. It is perfect for layering and the rough wood gives it a subtle beachy-rustic feel. I love how the “cubbies” provide perfect storage for our remote controls, a decorative apple and a small “vase” of flowers.
You could achieve this look by using a picture frame with the glass removed or create another unique way to store your odds and ends, like a white pitcher, an interesting decorative plate…the possibilities are endless.
TIP #4 Add flowers or a plant for a touch of nature and beauty.
Plants bring life into the home (and they breathe life into the home, too). These flowers make me smile everytime I see them. I simply placed a vintage cup in the holder for my vase. I found 5 of these cups at Goodwill for 85 cents each. The flowers bring a softness to complement the wood pieces on the coffee table.
You’ll also want to have coasters handy for you and your guests. I’m using my great-grandmothers vintage glass coasters. These are also great to use as candleholders.
I hope these tips have helped you see the many ways you can add character and beauty to your coffee table without the use of paint. Have you ever changed the look of your coffee table by simply using various layers and textures? How do you like to “style” your table?
For more ideas on styling a coffee table check out The Borrowed Abode here.
Happy Creating!
Jen
Shared with:
Funk Junk Interiors
