Yesterday, my Mom and I knocked out a crazy amount of projects. We are plowing our way through a stack of small pieces that we picked up on a furniture run a few days back. One of the items I picked up was this crazy beautiful side table.
When I got my hands on it, the finish was worn, but it was sturdy, passed my wobble test and had a fantastic price. I loved its slender shape and the carved details sent me over the top.
Speaking of the top, I refinished it using my go-to trio of products (CitriStrip, Java Gel, and High Performance Topcoat). There was gorgeous wood peeking through the worn finish, and I knew I could get it back to its former glory. On my Facebook live video I shared on my last blog post, someone inquired as to whether you would still see the wood grain through such a dark stain like Java Gel. I think this photo speaks for itself!
The answer is yes, you can!
The sides stained up a bit darker than the top, which is typical. The top is a veneer and the sides are made from a different type of wood. I think they look like a bar of chocolate waiting to be nibbled on! Get a look at those carvings around the apron, would you?
Aren’t they simply stunning?
For the paint color, I mixed equal parts Miss Mustard Seed’s Schloss and Marzipan.
The result is a lovely putty color that is a divine neutral to use on just about anything. I used it on an oak table that is currently for sale at Painted Table Designs:
Let’s get back to my side table though. Milk Paint did its lovely chippy thing, and I couldn’t be happier with the finished look.
I used Tough Coat to seal in the chipping paint on the body of the table, and it worked like a charm!
I paired the side table with my first fully upholstered piece of furniture – my antique “settee”.
I use the term “settee” loosely because this piece is more of an oversized chair than a settee. You definitely can’t fit more than one person on it, but it has lots of wiggle room for one! I used a nubby linen fabric and paired it with an off-white/cream French scroll gimp trim.
The body was painted in Mora, which is a pale blue/green.
It crackled all on its own, and I didn’t have to do a thing! The top has the most lovely sweeping carved details as well, which I highlighted by distressing.
Now I will warn you, if you sit in this chair, you will sink down a bit more than usual. It’s still sturdy and you won’t fall through – I promise! The springs were placed in an odd arrangement, and the result is a seat that dips a bit more than you’re expecting. But I have them tied tight and there’s lots of cotton padding and dacron to cushion your bum. Just be a bit gentle when you sit down.
This sweet duo will be coming with me to the Food for Families Fundraiser on 2/2 and 2/3. In case you missed the details, here’s the info. I’d love to see you there!
