Tables

Since I moved into my new place I have been searching for the perfect entry way. I think entry ways are awesome, and so many things you can do with them. Benches, chairs, tables, cubbies, paint, decorations.

But I have also become addicted to the thrill of thrift store shopping. When I'm buy a thrift store, or driving by one I just pull in- run in and walk around. It's not like they are HUGE here. I usually have a few things I'm on the hunt for- so I know exactly what I'm looking for. If they don't have it I leave. it cost me 15 minutes or less. If they do have it! adrenaline rush and hello I just saved us so much money by buying it here and not new.

And I must say another plus- whether I find something or not the kids ALWAYS find something. and common, a book for 10 cents or a car for 50 cents isn't going to break the bank- but it will keep them busy for the rest of the day, while running errands. win win situation! haaha.

First of all- I've gotta say, I ALWAYS forget to take the before pictures. I'm sorry. That kind of blows the big finale, you'd think I'd learn haha. Well, I haven't. but I'm trying for the future to REMEMBER!

So one of my first hunt involved a side table for my living room and I found this table for like $10.

I didn't mind the color. I liked the cool arches and it was a good size. wasn't too 70's as thrift store end tables tend to be now-a-days.

The only real problem was it had big scratches and places where the top had rubed off.

This is the only pic I have of it! and you can't even see it. maybe a little?

Next was a sofa table. THIS is the real find. I was chatting with my friend- Queen of Garage Sales, we will call her.

I had just run into her at JoAnn's.

She told me she was recovering a bench for her entry.

I told her I'm dying to find a bench or sofa table.

Then she offered me her sofa table she got a a garage sale. {for $5 I must add}

and I took her up on it.

So the painting began.

Syd and I primed the tables with an oil based primer.

Then I decided on a navy blue. All my {hard} furniture is black or brown. Navy would be a nice variation.

I got Midnight blue...and we painted.

While I was doing the primer on the end table I noticed how the original stain was darker in the arched and seams and ridges. It was nice. It added depth and a subtle beauty. So then, I also decided- as a finishing touch I would add some left over stain to the surface of the tables. and it works. It totally made the tables.

BEFORE in Natural light

BEFORE in FLASH light

Stain

In Natural Light

With FLASH, so you can see the stain (You CANNOT see these streaks when you plan look at it)

Lastly, I made a mistake. {still haven't fixed it...} I did a spray varnish. It totally did NOT go on even. parts of the table are no shiny, and other parts are perfect. It makes me mad because not only did I spend SO much work, but I did follow the directions to a T.

I tried to fix it by adding a wipe on poly to the top- and I LOVE the wipe on poly.

USE it in the FUTURE! its great.

It didn't exactly fix my problem. It helped a little. But I have learned my lesson.

VERY LAST- was some great hardware from HomeDepot. (I didn't try LOWES) but around here, that was the best price!