Adjustable Drexel Coffee Table Makeover

I spotted this table hidden under another table at a local thrift shop.   I liked the size, shape, and pretty brass accents, so I decided to give it a closer inspection.  As I always do, I got down and checked out the under side of the table.  It’s part of my usual inspection to look for a maker’s mark, damage, etc.  In doing so, I noticed a small metal lever.  Curious, I pulled the table out from under the larger table to figure out what this little lever was for.  Turns out, it allows the table to adjust up to dining table height.  I also saw that the table was made by Drexel, which was another plus.  Oh, and the price was just $15.  Sold!

Here it is finished and styled as a coffee table.

And here it is as a dining table.  I just move the lever and the table easily lifts up and down, and then locks into place.   How awesome is that?

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The table is 44 inches in diameter and makes a generously sized coffee table, but can comfortably seat 4 for dining. I’ve moved the table into my dining room to style it, but how convenient would it be to just lift the table up when extra seating is needed for dining?  Or playing cards, games, etc.  I am just smitten with the functionality of this table.  So perfect for a small space where a full time dining table isn’t practical or needed.

The table was in decent condition, but I was not loving the original midcentury finish.  You have probably seen the type of finish I’m talking about – brown stained wood with black speckles all over.  I guess that was a thing.  The wood is also heavily grained, and I decided to go with it. It’s hard to capture in photos, but the wood grain is visible, and I’m fine with that.   I lightly sanded the entire piece, cleaned it and then taped off the brass accents.  I painted it with 2 coats of General Finishes milk paint in “Coastal Blue.”  This is my favorite navy blue to use.  It’s a true dark navy that can read as almost black.  I sealed the table base with one coat of General Finishes High Performance Topcoat in flat using a foam brush.   I wanted the top to be very durable, so I gave it 3 coats of  GF topcoat using my HomeRight Finish Max Sprayer.  For large areas like table tops, desk tops, and dressers, etc, I find it is much easier to get even, streak-free topcoat coverage using a sprayer.  I like the HomeRight Finish Max because it is affordable and so easy to use.  It’s an all-in-one system, too, so an air compressor is not needed.  (BTW, this isn’t a sponsored post, I just really like my sprayer and want to share).

See the ticking stripe pillow in the rattan chair?  I’ve had 10 yards of that fabric for 13 years, and I finally got around to doing something with it.  The other morning, I sewed up some simple pillow covers, and I love them.   Sometimes it pays to be a hoarder.  Ha!

Thanks for stopping by my friends!

Susan