DIY Side Table Makeover With Naturally Distressed Wood

I’m finally caught up from being on vacation (kind of), emails are responded to, laundry is complete and I finally found some time to sit down and write a few posts. Which means I’m back with another before & after project!

Upcycled Side Table

I am pretty excited about my ‘new’ side table for our family room. And by ‘new’ I mean, the newer version of our current side table. Oh how I love a little upcycle project!

Upcycled Side Table Before and After

Here is what my side table used to look like. There was nothing wrong with it per se, I just wanted something brighter and a little different for our new space. Using spray paint and some old distressed wood, I turned this old side table into a modern yet rustic side table.

Upcycled Side Table

I LOVE reclaimed wood and I was so excited to be able to use some on this project. The natural distressed tones are gorgeous and bring a whole new life to this little table.

Upcycled Side Table

Just look at those beautiful natural tones, the greens and browns and grays. Swoon.

Upcycled Side Table

I started by applying one coat of spray primer, followed by 2 coats of White Spray Paint.

Upcycled Side Table

Now the story of where I got the wood is actually kind of funny. The previous owners of our home planted a raspberry bush on the side of our house. It was on the side of the house where our garbage cans live and it’s not a pretty space. Needless to say the raspberry bush was huge and not very prosperous so my husband decided to take it out.

Under the bush laid a worn and collapsed trellis. It was apparent that it had been under the bush for many years. To some it may have looked like a piece of junk, but the minute I saw the colors of the wood I saw potential and I couldn’t wait to get my hands on it!

I took the trellis apart and cut it into 17″ pieces. The size of the top of the side table. I gave them a good scrub and then laid them out to dry.

Upcycled Side Table

Using my trusting Gorilla Glue, I glued each piece onto the top of the side table. I didn’t use a guide, I just placed each piece down and let the natural colors create their own pattern.

Upcycled Side Table

I aligned the wood on the left side of the table, and because my cuts aren’t perfect, the right side turned out to be a little uneven. After the glue was dry, I used my Dremel to make one clean cut to even out the edges.

Next, I gently sanded the wood with an electric hand sander and then gave it 3 coats of Semi-Gloss Sealer.

Upcycled Side Table

And now I have a crisp and clean new side table with tons of character.

Linking to some of the parties here along with Today’s Creative BlogTipJunkieHome Stories A 2 Z, Funky Junk Interiors, The Shabby NestMy Repurposed LifeThe Shabby Creek CottageThrifty Decor Chick


Comments

  1. This is gorgeous! It really looks like something out of a magazine! I can’t believe that wood came from an old trellis! Beautiful job!
    Allison @ The Golden Sycamore recently posted..Herringbone Dresser … and an announcement!My Profile

  2. Ooh, you have inspired me! I want to do something like this to our end tables! Love it!
    Rachel recently posted..Boo Boo BirdMy Profile

  3. That is a pretty table.

  4. This looks great – and it’s inspiring…
    Thanks for showing!
    Midsommarflicka recently posted..Garden – TableMy Profile

  5. This is so beautiful! But your projects always are! :)
    Bethany recently posted..{Rolled Fabric Flower Necklace}My Profile

  6. Gorgeous!! I want to come and steal it!

  7. Oh wow Taryn! It turned out beautifully … love the colors you chose. It went from ho-hum, forgettable to look-at-me, gorgeous … LOVE it!
    Jen recently posted..the Friday 5: DIY Weekend Projects No. 03My Profile

  8. I absolutely love this…I painted my sidetable months ago white that looks very similar to yours…but, I’m loving the addition of the wood top! Great DIY. I’m repinning…=)
    Emerson Grey Designs recently posted..Aqua, Coral and Grey {Big Girl Room}My Profile

  9. Fabulous makeover!

    I am now following you on Pinterest.

    I also wanted to invite you to my blog. I just began a new linky party entitled “Friday’s Favorite Pin” where you link up your favorite pin of the week. And yes, it can be your own creation.

    Have a lovely weekend.
    Laura Ingalls Gunn recently posted..Friday’s Favorite Pin ~ 2My Profile

  10. That turned out amazing! Great job, Taryn!

  11. Woah mama! Who knew an ugly, old trellis could be such a GORGEOUS tabletop! You’re brave, creative AND gorgeous {lucky chick!}
    Joy recently posted..Bruschetta!My Profile

  12. Very nice!

  13. Wow! That table is amazing!! Truly stunning!

  14. Melanie Stanfield says:

    Love the table!!!!

  15. Shirley L says:

    I can’t believe how beautiful the table looks. Thanks for sharing.

  16. Martha Lawson says:

    Absolutely gorgeous!!!

  17. This looks great!! I love the contrast between the white and the old dark wood!
    Louise recently posted..Another Sewing Machine CoverMy Profile

  18. This looks AMAZING Taryn! I love all those shades of wood. It is truly a stunning table.
    Have a wonderful weekend:)

  19. Wow! I love the new look. The wood on top is beautiful. I’d love for you to link up this (and any other ideas you’d like to share) at “One Creative Weekend” on OneCreativeMommy.com.
    Heidi recently posted..Comment on One Creative Weekend #5 by DIY End Table « The Deuel Family BlogMy Profile

  20. WOW wow WOW!! That table is amazing!! I love the white with the wood, this would look amazing in my living room ;) If only I had your skills! The colors in the wood are just gorgeous. Such a great transformation, very well done! I would be thrilled if you shared this at my Throwback Thursday party {closes tomorrow night}. I hope to see you there! Thanks so much for sharing :) http://www.hubbymademe.com/throwback-thursday-no-4/
    Britni recently posted..Throwback Thursday No. 4My Profile

  21. What a great idea! Super cute! I would love for you to come link up your blog to my Get social Sunday link party!

    http://alivedinhome.blogspot.com/2012/08/get-social-sunday.html
    Megan recently posted..Get Social SundayMy Profile

  22. Love it! It is super cute, and it’s so rewarding to use supplies you already have. Great job!
    jamie@[kreyv] recently posted..[kreyv of the day]My Profile

  23. I LOVE this table! It looks so beachy. Great idea you had to use the wood from the trellis. Thanks for sharing!!

    xoxo
    Nif
    Nif @ Call Me Nif recently posted..Warm {Paleo} Chickpea SaladMy Profile

  24. I love this table! I like how each piece is colored differently and the contrast against the white legs. Great job!
    Crystal recently posted..Back To School Paper Chain CountdownMy Profile

  25. Woowww. I am very much impressed. I had a side table in the storage. I might do exactly the same thing and create a new side table with your instructions.
    Frank Steiner recently posted..Vintage WordPress ThemesMy Profile

  26. Beautiful! I never would have recoganized that as the old table!!
    Jennifer recently posted..Friday’s Dose of Delight: It’s Like an Early Happy HourMy Profile

  27. Oh. My. Goodness. I love this! I have collected a bunch of the $7 Ikea Lack tables and now I have nothing good to do with them. This sort of thing would be fantastic! If you have a minute, I’d love for you to link up to Sweet Sharing Monday – http://saynotsweetanne.com/2012/sweet-sharing-monday-17/
    Kayla recently posted..Sweet Sharing MondayMy Profile

  28. Wow! What a great transformation. I love the contrast of the reclaimed wood with the white legs.
    SJ@SweeterStill recently posted..Thankfulness Thursdays/ Week OneMy Profile

  29. You are very talented with wood! keep it up! :-) Linking back from “My Uncommon Slice of Suburbia”
    Vel recently posted..My Day at Melrose Flea MarketMy Profile

  30. LOVE, LOVE, LOVE! This is an amazing transformation! I love that you painted the legs and lower shelf white. It makes the reclaimed wood stand out and appear so much more beautiful! An absolutely amazing piece of furniture!
    Jessica recently posted..Some Kind of Blogging Wonderful!My Profile

  31. Just saw your link of Not Just a Housewife – what a beautiful table! Thanks for sharing
    Catherine recently posted..Antique Writing DeskMy Profile

  32. Oh this is gorgeous. I love the combination of white and timber, fresh and classic…oh and I really, really want a Dremel ;)
    Sarah @ 20 State recently posted..Sunday State #2My Profile

  33. wow, what a difference! Just wanted to invite you to join my Tasteful Tuesday Party. I have been hosting a recipe party (pretty successfully!!!) for over a year now, and this week we are opening up for crafts, DIY and home decor. Hope you can come by and check it out! http://www.nap-timecreations.com/2012/08/fresh-pesto-pasta-salad-and-tasteful.html

  34. this table is SO SO SO cute! I have a side table from a yard sale that I’ve been trying to figure out what to do with… this is going to be my afternoon project!

  35. Gorgeous!! I recently did a similar project, so when I saw yours on Not Just a Housewife I had to check it out. My wood is more distressed, from an old fence, and I stained it for the results. I really like yours too – I like how our projects are similar ideas but different looks! I think your photography skills are better though ;) My project is here: http://house-capades.blogspot.com/2012/06/office-cabinet-makeover-aka-tornado.html

  36. I love this!!! I am off to pin it :) Thanks for linking up!

  37. This is GORGEOUS! What a wonderful idea
    Lindsey Ralls recently posted..Tissue Paper Pom Poms!My Profile

  38. It’s gorgeous! I love the stain you chose and the contrast of the white and the wood. Nice job :)

  39. It’s gorgeous! I’m crazy about furniture makeovers, but I never thought to add old wood to the top. Very cool.
    Christina @ Little Victorian recently posted..The girly office/guest room is done! (for now)My Profile

  40. It really is fantastic. Amazing what something seemingly useless and trashbound could become. You had a great eye for the finished product and your follow through proved your genius!
    Love it!
    Liz
    Liz recently posted..Vying For My Style AffectionsMy Profile

  41. Perfect! I love what you did with “trash wood”–I’m going to be looking for some old wood to do this. Thanks for the great idea. Gail (BibleLoveNotes.com)

  42. This is the best table I’ve seen in a long time. I love the reclaimed wood so much! Featuring you tomorrow. XO, Aimee
    Aimee – It’s Overflowing recently posted..Cutting My Hair Short?!!My Profile

  43. Wow! This is a great project. I love how you saw the potential in the wood and turned it into something beautiful.

  44. Just gorgeous!!! I always love your projects, but life is so crazy, I just realized I hardly ever tell you :) Your blog is one of my favs and I am always inpsired by you! Thanks for sharing this amazing upcycle. You are a girl after my own heart :)
    Holly @ My Sister’s Suitcase recently posted..How to Print Phone & Instagram Pics {for Project Life}My Profile

  45. What a great project. Can’t wait to share it with everyone. Thanks for linking up to Show & Tell on SNAP!

    xoxo, Tauni
    Tauni recently posted..How to Reposition Cropped Facebook PhotosMy Profile

  46. I absolutely love this table!! I love the look of distressed wood and I really like the dark wood against the white legs. You should make more and sell these!!!! I’d love for you to join my linky party, Twirl & Take a Bow at http://www.houseontheway.com.
    Thanks for sharing,
    Leslie
    Leslie Stewart recently posted..Twirl and Take a Bow Blog Party#1My Profile

  47. Taryn–your ugly duckling table sure turned into a swan! Beautiful job!

    gail
    gail recently posted..Repurposed Photo Room Divider {chalkboard}My Profile

  48. Saw you at the Snap linky and just had to stop by and say how much I love your table! Absolutely beautiful <3 Crisp with Character is a great description.
    <3 Christina at I Gotta Create!
    Wildly Original linky party is open.

  49. Love the Naturally Distressed Wood used on the top of the little side table. It adds SO much character and pazaaaz! Gonna be breaking out my drimel tool soon. Thanks for the tips – You are such an inspiration!.
    Jeannie-JB recently posted..Decorating with Vintage Silver PlateMy Profile

  50. Wow, that looks beautiful.. and expensive! I love that part about DIY, making things that look expensive, and would be if sold in a store, but aren’t because you did it all on your own! Awesome
    Emily recently posted..How to Stop Fighting with Your Picky EaterMy Profile

  51. That is a gorgeous makeover. Love the colours in the wood.

  52. this is absolutely incredible! i love!

    found you via MMS’s party where i’m partying too. would love to have you as a follower.

    smiles and happy weekend.

    michele
    michele@hellolovelyinc recently posted..living room {a new beginning}My Profile

  53. This is so gorgeous! I love the colors in reclaimed wood too, and you highlighted them well in this project! VERY Impressive!!!!
    Janis@All Things Beautiful recently posted..Twist Party Streamers and Sweet 16My Profile

  54. This is so stunning and so simple. You have inspired me to do this on my own little sad side table. Thank you~!!!

  55. Well spotted Taryn! Just shows that you can make something nice out of almost anything with a little work!

    I guess you need to watch out for nasty chemicals if the timber is treated, but then you’ll be wearing a mask when sanding anyway……
    Regards
    Ian recently posted..How to store spare duvetsMy Profile

  56. So beautiful! Where did you get the original table?

  57. Jess Rieken says:

    Hey Taryn…I’m Jessica, Maria’s friend. I met you this weekend at the garage sale. She told me about your blog so I checked it out and LOVE IT! You’re so cute and your projects are amazing. I will definitely be trying this table makeover. It was great meeting you…I’m sure I’ll be seeing more of you during the wedding planning!

  58. I AM IN LOVE WITH THIS!!!!!!!!!!!!!! You did a fantastic job!!
    Kati recently posted..STAY TUNED!My Profile

  59. Hi Taryn, I know I’m late to seeing this, but wow! It’s beautiful! What a great way to utilize the wood!

  60. This table turned out awesome!! Really, really, gorgeous!!
    Tonya @ Love of Family & Home recently posted..August Month In Review….My Profile

  61. love it!

  62. This is gorgeous! I love reclaimed wood, and I love the stories about how people get ahold of it! (bums me out that I haven’t had such good luck ;) ). Great before-and-after :)

  63. Jordan Biasetti says:

    I am so impressed with this project. The final product is incredible, and I feel like I can actually do this myself! I think I might give it a try….

Trackbacks

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