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 it up so much that we can now leave the lights off and still see. Then, we got rid of the old furniture (affiliate). This post is about how I am transforming a narrow table into our new coffee table (affiliate) with gray chalk paint.

Jump to:

Background of this coffee table
And now.
Coffee Table Gray Chalk Paint Project supplies and tools
Before Coffee Table Transformation
Paint the coffee table
Lightly sand the unit
Add wax to the chalk paint
Buy bins and add them to the bottom shelf
How long did it take to do this project?
How much did it cost to make this coffee table?
Reveal

Background of this coffee table

But first, let me give you some background on why my coffee table (affiliate) 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.

And now.

So, as you can see, if you visited this post, we had issues finding the right-size coffee table (affiliate). We went from store to store with a tape measure (affiliate) 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 (affiliate) that would work in the space. We used two square storage bins, but they were too low. Then tried a larger ottoman (affiliate), 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.

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 (affiliate), I decided to make it myself. Well, I updated 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 in our home that has already been repurposed a few times. This is the table below. I found it in my son's room. It was actually the table where 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 is still in good shape. It was sturdy and could fit any size bins below for extra storage. It was pine and a little outdated.

Coffee Table Gray Chalk Paint Project supplies and tools

Below is a list of things I used to transform this brown coffee table into a gray beauty. The link below are from Amazon (affiliate) (affiliate).

Armoire - this one is two pieces
Chalk paint Grey - Rust-oleum Country Grey (affiliate)
White - Rust-oleum white spray paint (affiliate)
Paintbrushes (affiliate)
Sawhorses (affiliate)
White Wax by ArtMinds - I got this from Michael's
Fine sandpaper
Furniture (affiliate) Wax or Rust-oleum Chalked Matte Clear (affiliate)
Drop clothes (affiliate) to keep the area clean
Paper towels

And here is the before picture of the now-to-be-our coffee table.

Before Coffee Table Transformation

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

Paint the coffee table

I started by cleaning off the dust from the shelves (affiliate) 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.

Lightly sand the unit

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

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 it 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.

Add wax to the chalk paint

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.

Buy bins and add them to the bottom shelf

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 made of fabric, and they don't hang over the shelves (affiliate). 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.

How long did it take to do this project?

The entire project took about two days, including drying time. It was easy, and I loved the outcome.

How much did it cost to make this coffee table?

It cost about $25.00 at the time when I made this project.

Reveal

Well, that is it. How about you? Have you ever updated a piece of furniture (affiliate)? Please share in the comments below. I hope this gives you ideas on how to update your furniture (affiliate) pieces.

Transforming coffee table with gray chalk paint

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