See How Two Mini-Makeovers Bring Tired Furniture Back To Life

This is the story of an old brown coffee table and a brushed nickel chandelier that had a run-in with me and my chalk paint one dark and wintry night.

Seriously though, the coffee table, the chandelier and the white chalk paint part of that story are all true … the rest, not so much!

In my continuing quest to transition our home to some brighter color schemes, I felt it was time to give these guys a much-needed update.

Quick Makeovers

These were quick, easy and inexpensive makeovers that were done and dusted in a couple of evenings.

The 6-light chandelier with shades made of etched glass looked dated, while the coffee table looked way too heavy and dark now that the walls were painted gray.

The top photos below show the coffee table in its original brown and at bottom the table after being painted. What do you think?

Here’s the chandelier after two coats of paint.

I dove right in and forgot to take a before picture, but think lots of silver and etched glass light shades, and you’ve pretty much got the picture.

I had considered buying a new coffee table for the family room and also switching out the chandelier in the kitchen nook, but both were in great working order. All they needed was a face-lift.

The day spa beckoned and they emerged looking refreshed, rejuvenated, sassy even, ready to take their place and add a wow-factor to their spaces.

Multi-Purpose Coffee Table

I really didn’t want to part with the coffee table because I liked its design and it has loads of storage.

It has a pull-out drawer on one side, a top that opens up like an old school desk and a wide, long rack on the bottom.

We use the table drawers to store toys and books. The kids’ games go on the bottom rack so they’re easy to access.

I also stuff things in the drawers whenever we have company over. You know, to make it look as if we live in a totally neat house all the time. Not! One of these days I’ll put storage baskets under there.

The table is also a sturdy piece of furniture and the kids can sit on it while playing or hanging out.

Brushed Nickel Chandelier

I didn’t know how the brushed nickel light fixture would take the chalk paint. To my surprise it adhered perfectly.

I applied two coats of paint. When it dried, I lightly distressed it and did not apply a sealer.

I removed the glass shades and never put them back on because I felt they really dated it. The actual shape of the chandelier looked fine.

So I put in Edison LED light bulbs and left the shades off.

And while many would say that the vintage Edison light bulb craze has had its day, I still like how this chandelier looks.

Makeover Deets

I used RUST-OLEUM chalked ultra matte paint in White Linen, the same color I used for the dresser, the buffet, the candle holders and the vase.

What I love about chalk paint is it’s easy to use, dries quickly and a little goes a long way.

Giving these pieces of furniture a new look not only saved money, we extended their useful lives, all while keeping a fresh and new vibe alive.

I don’t apply a primer first. I just clean the piece, as I did with the coffee table and chandelier, and get to work. Then I painted the chandelier in place without taking it down.

Both pieces got two coats of paint. When they dried, I lightly distressed them.

I applied a sealer, Varathane’s polyurethane matte interior, only to the coffee table because it gets a ton of use. I applied two coats of paint to the chandelier, distressed it, and left it at that.

They came out great and have really held up, especially the coffee table, since it gets a lot of wear and tear in the family room.

Giving these pieces of furniture a new look not only saved money.

We extended their useful lives, all while keeping a fresh and new vibe alive.