I spotted this vintage oak draw leaf table at my favorite Goodwill a couple of weeks ago and I thought it would be perfect for my dining room. This table was a steal at just $60. The top had some pretty bad scratches and water stains, but even so, this is one of those rare finds that I could have just used as is. I contemplated just leaving it alone, but I can’t help myself. I had to do something with it. Here is the before.
Isn’t it beautiful? And here’s what I did.
This has an 18 inch leaf at each end that pulls out to extend the table from 5 feet to 8 feet long. It’s really convenient and so easy to just pull a leaf out when extra space is needed. And I love that I don’t have to have a separate storage area for the leaves. A real space saver.
I stripped the old finish off the top, let it dry for a day and then sanded it smooth. I stained it with one coat of (affiliate link) General Finishes Java gel stain. This stain is so easy to work with and I really love the warm brown tones it give oak. I then sealed the top with several coats of (affiliate link) General Finishes High Performance Topcoat in Satin.
The top of this table is so beautiful and smooth now. I can’t help but run my hands across it every time I walk by.
This is my cat Louis. We named him after Louis Armstrong. He seemed quite unconcerned that I was trying to take photos of my table. He eventually got hungry and left. Yes, he’s a big boy who likes to eat.
I gave the rest of the table 2 coats of (affiliate link) General Finishes Milk Paint in lamp black. I love this paint and this color so much. It’s definitely one of my favorites, if not the favorite. I applied two coats, and left areas where the wood tones show through. I normally seal my paint, but I left this as is. I wanted a matte finish and I also want the paint to naturally wear and patina.
These casper pumpkins are so pretty. I always try to find the ones with the longest stems. I love how the vintage ceramic vase and planter mimic the lines of the pumpkin.
Thanks so much for stopping by.
Susan
Linking with Refresh Living, Designer Trapped in a Lawyer’s Body, The Painted Drawer, Finding Silver Pennies and The Curator’s Collection
Okay… first of all, this is STUNNING! Secondly… I’m completely jealous that your goodwill had an amazing table like this one at an amazing price! May I also say you did an incredible job on this and your pictures, the chairs, the styling… soooooo well done! I do hope you will share this tomorrow at Maling Broken Beautiful!
Drooling!
Smiles!
Terry
Oh my gosh, Terry, thank you so much! I will definitely be sharing tomorrow at your link party!
… Louis is stunningly handsome as well :0)
Wow! The table is gorgeous and the way you styled it, and those chairs and accessories!!! STUNNING!
It turned out beautiful and you were very fortunate to have found it and for $60 bonus!
Beautiful table! Just lovely with the chairs. I love GF Lamp Black. I like how you left it matte. Its a nice contrast. Nice work!
This table is just gorgeous, and I love how you styled it! I think Louis approves too. I looks like he has good taste. 🙂
So pretty, wow…I have found some thrifty finds but this one is the best I have seen! $60.00 was a steal! I just the love the top finish and the milk paint color you used, it matches your IKEA wicker perfectly! Your whole kitchen is just lovely!
Have a wonderful weekend!
Kimberley
AMAZING thrifted find, I’m with Terry, I little jealous. But, wow. I love the transformation you gave it too. It’s stunning in your dining area! Well done!!!
Totally jealous you found this at the thrift store. You did an amazing job updating it. Love the dark wood top!
Love it! Sharing tonight on The Painted Drawer Link Party!
This is amazing!
What a lucky find, it’s absolutely gorgeous! We’d love it if you stopped by to share it (or any of your favourite posts) at our Create • Share • Inspire Link Party, every Thursday at 8:00 pm EST at http://www.aburstofbeautiful.com.
Thank you! xo
Obsolutely gorgeous! I was wondering how you got the GF Java stain to come out warmer and lighter. I’ve used it on two pieces and only used one coat because it came out so dark and coffee color
Hi Tammy! In my experience, the appearance of the stain varies depending upon the type of wood. With vintage oak, it appears lighter than on some other woods. Also, I only apply one coat and wipe it off quickly when I want it to be lighter. Thanks for stopping by and leaving your comment.
Ok. I did the same thing, one coat wipe right away but it was a softer wood. Good to know
Hi again. In the photos the lamp black looks almost graphite and I loved it. But when I got the paint it was definately black 🙁 I’m going to try to mix some of the black into the driftwood grey and see if I can get it to look like the color in the photo.
It might be because I let some of the wood tone show through. Or maybe just a difference in computer screens? Also, I have mixed Lamp Black with Queenstown Gray on other pieces to get an off black color/graphite that is really nice, too.
Could be but it looks fabulous either way! I found a table in a similar style the other day for $75. It needs a bit more repair but it’s going to be oh so worth it! Thanks for the inspiration! I’m painting my chairs antique white and distressing them. Not sure what I’ll cover the seats with yet. I love your table runner. Do you mind if I ask where you got it?
$75 is a great price – nice score! I got the table runner from HomeGoods awhile ago. It’s made by Max Studio, so you might have luck if you Google it. Your set sounds like it is going to be gorgeous. Tables and chairs are a lot of work, but definitely worth the effort. I would love to see a photo when you are done. Good luck!
Thanks. I’ll send you a photo when it’s done 🙂
The table is beautiful! What type of brush did you use to paint the legs?
Thank you! I use Purdy brushes. They are my favorite.
Beautiful !! Did you sand down the legs before painting? I have a large table that I’d love to redo, but sanding down is daunting to me!
Thank you Megan. I gave the legs a light sanding with a 220 grit sanding sponge. Nothing major, just a light sanding to scuff up the surface and help the paint adhere. Don’t be daunted – you don’t need to completely remove the existing finish on most pieces.
Absolutely lovely transformation, great job. I have recently purchased a draw leaf table myself. I was just wondering where you got the white chair covers from? and what the chairs are like underneath? As that’s my next purchase.
Thanks,
Andrew from the UK.
Thanks so much. The white slipcovered chairs are from Ballard Designs. I have had them for at least 12 years and still love them. I have just replaced the slipcovers over the years. Ballard Designs still makes them and have a great selection of slipcovers to choose from.
I love what you’ve done to this table. I have almost an identical table with 6 matching chairs and buffet in my dining room. I bought the complete set used for $50 about 45 years ago. I’d love to do this to mine. It would really update it. You’ve really inspired me. I thought about having it refinished years ago but never got did it. I’ve been told it’s much more solid than anything I could buy new. The top of yours looks like it’s sold wood. Enjoy yours.
I want to do my next table base the same as yours and in researching GF’s milk paint, I came across your blog. I LOVE your table. I spray painted my last (which was also my first) project, and I got tired of doing that, but the finish is flawless. Your finish looks great–how did you paint on the milk paint? Any tips or pointers? Thank you!
Beautiful!!! So jealous. Love the chunkiness of it that solid wood has. Great job!
Thanks so much! Aren’t those chunky legs the best! Thanks for stopping by! Susan
Beautiful job!! Do you ever have issues with the lamp black being chalky looking, almost dusty?
Hi Crystal! Yes, without a sealer lamp black can be very chalky looking. If this happens, I use a coat or two of General Finishes High Performance topcoat in flat or satin (depending on the sheen I want).
hi! i know you posted this a while ago but i have a question about it. what sis you do to prep the apron and legs before you painted this? thanks so much for any info!
Hi! I gave the apron and legs a light sanding with 220 grit sandpaper and then cleaned them. That’s it! Susan
thanks so much susan!
Hey, Love this refinished! I have a similar table that is sort of mid-century orange-y teak. I think the top is veneer.. I’m hoping to darken the stain a little with a gel stain, but wondering how your finish has held up? specifically on the draw leaves?
Thanks so much, Betsy. The top held up just fine (I no longer have the table, though). I striped off the original finish, stain and added several layers of topcoat. There are some felt pieces under the top so that the draw leaves don’t rub against the underside when sliding in and out, so I think that helps preserve the finish. Good luck with your project! Susan
I ended up finding a table that is similar with the same kind of leaves (I’m picking it up this week). How did you strip, sand and stain the sides in between the leaves and the main part of the table. Do the leaves come out far enough to do that? That is good to know about the felt too.
This is the table I’m getting. I can’t wait!! /Users/tammyweber/Pictures/iPhoto Library.photolibrary/Masters/2017/07/24/20170724-095945/20139800_1130663843733356_3783893231853621020_n.jpg
oops, thought it would show the photo