• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
Sabrinas Organizing
  • Home Organization
  • Healthy Recipes
  • DIY Home Projects
  • Browse Gift Ideas
  • Donate Stuff
  • Recycling Events 2022
  • Solution Consultations
  • Virtual Organizing
menu icon
go to homepage
  • Home Organization
  • Healthy Recipes
  • DIY Home Projects
  • Browse Gift Ideas
  • Donate Stuff
  • Recycling Events 2022
  • Solution Consultations
  • Virtual Organizing
search icon
Homepage link
  • Home Organization
  • Healthy Recipes
  • DIY Home Projects
  • Browse Gift Ideas
  • Donate Stuff
  • Recycling Events 2022
  • Solution Consultations
  • Virtual Organizing
×

Home » Home Organization » DIY Projects For The Home » DIY Paint Projects » Transforming coffee table with gray chalk paint

Transforming coffee table with gray chalk paint

Last Modified: May 16, 2022 Sabrina Quairoli This blog uses cookies. It also has affiliate links. We earn sponsored content income.

****Visit our "Disclosure Policy and Cookies" for details.****

Transforming coffee table with gray chalk paint

We are in the process of updating our family room. First, we painted the room a beautiful yellow which brightened up the room so much that we now can leave the lights off and still see. Then, got rid of the old furniture. This post is about how I am transforming a narrow table into our new coffee table with gray chalk paint.

Coffee Table Gray Chalk Paint Project

But, first, let me give you some background on why my coffee table needs to be so narrow. Our family room is in the basement and the room is only 10 feet wide and 20 feet long. You could probably call it a den. We installed a stone wall and a wall cabinet to hide the sump pump that was awkwardly placed in this family room.

So, as you can see if you visited this post, we had issues finding the right size coffee table. We went from store to store with a tape measure and dimensions hoping and praying we would find something that would fit in this small space.  Fast forward, several years and we still didn't find anything.  So, we tried something different. We decided to be creative and make a coffee table that would work in the space. We used two square storage bins, but they were too low. Then tried a larger ottoman, but it was so square (3 feet by 3 feet) that we couldn't walk around the sofa at all. Oh boy, I was at a loss.

**AD from Cricut Maker**

Chalk Paint Step By Step Instructions

Recently, we found a new sofa that would work in the space that would be delivered in 6 weeks.  I now had a deadline.  So, instead of going out and looking again for the dreaded narrow coffee table, I decided to make it myself.  Well, update it myself.

As I walked around the home, I just knew there was something I could use as a narrow coffee table. Sure enough, I found a table that has been already repurposed a few times in our home.  This is the table below. I found it in my son's room.  It was actually the table I stored my African Violets on B.K. (before kids). It then was the table my son used for his Lego bins and creations before he grew out of it.  I purchased it from IKEA in the 90s when we first got married and it still was in good shape. It was sturdy and could fit any size bins below for extra storage. It was pine and a little outdated.

AD from Boutique Rugs: Take 15% off already discounted prices. Use code PRES15. Valid February 6-25, 2023.


before coffee table

It's a perfect width and the height allows us to put our laptops on it when we want to sit somewhere else.

I started by cleaning off the dust from the shelves and began to paint.  This Rust-Oleum Chalked Country Gray was so easy to put on. I bought another type of short bristle brush. It had a shorter handle. The other brush handle kept hitting the already painted area.

chalk paint gray and wax

After letting it dry as instructed on the container, I used a fine sand paper and sanded the item lightly. Next, I dusted the table and added the wax with another short bristle brush. Then quickly wiped off the white wax to create the streaks.  Allowing it to dry overnight, I was pleased with the result.

after paint and glaze table

Tip: Wash the short bristle brushes right after you finish using them. Squeeze the bristle of any excess water. Next, wrap a paper towel around them. When dried, remove the paper towel and store away. We have been doing this for years and are able to keep and reuse brushes. Doing this saved us a lot of money on painting supplies.  

Chalk paint protector matte clear To protect the wax and paint, I used this matte clear protection topcoat.  An added advantage of using this product is that it helped bring out the depth of the paint and the wax. We let it dry for several days.

Transforming coffee table with gray chalk paint

Before I left to purchase bins for this cute coffee table, I measured the length and depth of the opening of the bottom. These bins are fabric and they didn't hang over the shelves. I found them at Target after visiting a few other stores.

Tip: Don't settle on bins.  Look for the right color and style you want for the area you are looking for.

Well, that is it. The entire project took about 2 days including drying time. It was easy and I love the outcome.  How about you? Have you ever updated a piece of furniture? Please share in the comments below. I hope this gives you ideas on how to update your furniture pieces.

**AD**MasonJars.com - Shop Pantry Foods
Transforming coffee table with gray chalk paint


Please note these are affiliate links through Amazon, and at no additional cost to you, I will earn affiliate fees if you decide to make a purchase.

(Visited 3,877 times, 4 visits today)
Do you live in South Eastern Pennsylvania? Don't know where to start organizing in your home? Need a plan? Check out our Sabrina's Organizing Solutions ConsultationsAre a DIYer and just need accountability to get through the mess in your home and life? Check out our Sabrina's Organizing Virtual Organizing Services

Connect with Me on Social Media!

Facebook - Instagram - Twitter - Linkedin - Pinterest

More DIY Paint Projects for your home

  • How to Make A DIY Holiday Porch DIY Reversible Sign
  • How to Make Cute DIY Wood Cornices / Valances
  • How to Update a DIY Front Porch Storage Box
  • Low-Cost Main Bathroom Update

About Sabrina Quairoli

I love sharing my passion for organizing life and home. I hope you get inspired when visiting my home organizing tips, quick weeknight recipes, party planning ideas, and DIY organizing projects. Visit the About Me page to read my story.

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Catherine Lockey

    October 28, 2016 at 1:04 pm

    Wow. What a great idea to repurpose your table. I've never chalk painted before - I've done some sanding and staining - this would be a fun project to try. Thanks for sharing it.

  2. Sushmita

    October 26, 2016 at 3:30 pm

    Sabrina your Crafty ideas inspired me to do a DYI project! Thanks for sharing one more inspiration.

  3. William Rusho

    October 26, 2016 at 10:59 am

    Seeing you use this chalk paint has given me idea of restoring some old furniture settings I have. Your finished product is very impressive looking.
    Thanks for sharing this.

  4. RoseMary Griffith

    October 25, 2016 at 7:24 am

    We have a bright mustard color in our living room and kitchen, accented by deeper colors (ancho chili and campfire--don't you love paint names?).

    You two have done a lot of wonderful things throughout your house and really made that unusually shaped room work. The chalk gray table is a perfect accent. I love doing projects like this, too. Chalk paint is the easiest to work with. The kitchen table legs and chairs are begging for a coat of it!

    • Sabrina Quairoli

      October 25, 2016 at 9:45 am

      I agree, RoseMary. I really enjoy it too. Just wait till you see my biggest chalk paint project next week. I love it. Thanks for stopping by and commenting. Good luck on your next project. =)

  5. Catarina

    October 25, 2016 at 6:07 am

    How cute! You are so crafty and full of ideas.

  6. Marquita Herald

    October 25, 2016 at 3:30 am

    Ah great minds, I am working on furnishing one room in my new home and chose gray and yellow - though it's a soft yellow that leans more toward gold. Love this project Sabrina and it's so fun to finally live somewhere that I can try some of these! Thanks for the tips and inspiration.

    • Sabrina Quairoli

      October 25, 2016 at 9:41 am

      Me too. I can't wait to show you my next largest chalk project yet. I love the yellow and gray combo. Though it is less vibrate than the photo shows. The colors came from a painting my son's friend made for me. I love when artwork colors inspire me to use it in the room. Good luck with your room.

  7. Ramona McKean

    October 24, 2016 at 8:01 pm

    I marvel at your ingenuity, Sabrina, plus your practicality and thrift. Why spend money when you can re-purpose things? When I re-purpose items, I feel an extra sense of satisfaction in knowing that I'm not adding to landfill. I like your idea of using a "luminous" yellow, such a happy colour. 🙂

    • Sabrina Quairoli

      October 25, 2016 at 9:42 am

      Yes, Ramona, I totally agree. The piece is sturdy and works great so updating it was the logical step. Thanks for stopping by and commenting.

  8. Phoenicia

    October 24, 2016 at 4:38 pm

    Home decorating never ends - well not if you like having a nice home.

    A bright yellow room sounds rather nice, though I am not adventurous enough to go for such bold colours. The grey coffee table will fit perfectly.
    I tend to use cushions and wall frames to bring colour into a room.

    • Sabrina Quairoli

      October 25, 2016 at 9:43 am

      The yellow is less vibrate that it appears in the photo. I love it, though. It brightens up space.

  9. Doreen Pendgracs

    October 23, 2016 at 8:35 pm

    I agree with you, Sabrina. Just the right shade is so important in a home project. After all, we are most likely going to have to live with our choice for quite sometime. We may as well be happy about it!

Primary Sidebar

Sabrina Quairoli Owner of Sabrinasorganizing

Hi, I'm Sabrina! Thanks for stopping by and checking out my blog, where you can find Home Organizing, Quick Weeknight Recipes, and DIY Craft Home Organizing Projects. Feel free and browse around to get motivated to improve your home life!

Read more about me →

Get your free copy of our 12 months of easy decluttering challenges ebook

Popular Home Life Posts

  • Places To Donate Jewelry You Do Not Want
  • 7 Games to Help Kids Understand How to Organize
  • This Year's Recycling Locations and Shredder Events
  • What to Keep in Your Shed
  • The Most Important Things to Keep in Your Linen Closet
  • Air Fried Pepperoni Chips Recipe
Get your free copy of our Home Management binder ebook

Check Boutique Rugs new arrivals here sorted by rug type and size!

Get our Holiday Season Planner to help you save money and time with free checklists and Printables to make this season amazing
Have a small business? NEED SMALL BUSINESS ADMIN SERVICES? Visit our blog and services by clicking below.
Sabrina's Admin Services

Amazon Disclosure


Sabrina's Organizing blog is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com.

Sabrina’s Organizing Web Stories

Footer

↑ back to top

About

  • About Me
  • Privacy Policy
  • Disclosure Policy and Cookies
  • Google Analytics Privacy Statement and Opt-Out Option

Newsletter and Associations

  • Sign Up for emails and updates
  • 2023 NAPO Business Stamp of Approval

Contact

  • Contact
  • Solution Consultations
  • Virtual Organizing Consults
  • Write for Us
Creative Commons License

As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

Copyright © 2011-2023 Sabrina's Organizing Blog content by Sabrina Morresi-Quairoli is licensed. Based on a work at Sabrina’s Organizing blog, social media content, newsletters shared, permissions beyond the scope of this license may be available when contacting me.