Hey Friends,
My house is by no means grand. In fact, I’d say it’s on the smallish side. That means I am constantly looking for ways to improve the function and flow. Our main floor is mostly one open space made up of the entry, living room, dining room and kitchen. The dining “room” is actually just a small space located between the kitchen and living room.
Last year, I found a great farm style table for my dining room at the Goodwill. I gave it a makeover and you can see that here. I really loved that table, but being long and narrow, it just didn’t make the best use of our small square shaped dining space. I had been thinking that a round pedestal table with an extension (to make it oval) would really work well, and provide good flow in the space. Pedestal tables are nice because seating can go all the way around and there are no dead corners where the legs are. Also, having a leaf really makes the table flexible in terms of size.
So, for the past several months, I have been on the hunt for the perfect table. I was so excited when I spotted this table at the Goodwill for just $20. Yes, you read that right, $20, for a solid oak table in great condition. The size was just right, and it still had its leaf (lots of times the leaf is missing). I liked the big chunky pedestal and the rounded feet on the base. It’s vintage, but not really old, maybe from the 70’s.
This is the before.
Here is the “after” in my dining “room.”
***For your convenience, this post contains affiliate links to the products I have used and love. For my complete disclosure, please see here.***
The table was in good condition, but as with most used dining tables, it had its fair share of gunk on it. So, my first step was to give it a good cleaning. I have been using a new (to me) product for cleaning my furniture in preparation for paint. It’s called Krud Kutter Original Cleaner/Degreaser
After a thorough cleaning, I let the table dry in the sun and then gave it a sanding with 120 grit sandpaper. I wiped it down again and then primed with B-I-N Shellac Base Primer
I wanted a nice clean and fresh look, so I did not distress this piece at all.
I don’t go too crazy with fall decorating, but like to add seasonal florals and pumpkins. I’m keeping my favorite blue and white palette, and adding in some muted greens. Also, neutral tones and lots of texture to make things cozy.
I have the table set with candles, faux and real pumpkins placed on top of turned wood candle holders.
The tall holder in the middle with the white pumpkin is part of a set from Antique Farmhouse. The rest are Goodwill finds that I have been collecting. The blue glasses are from World Market. I have been looking for vintage blue glasses like this, but no luck so far. I think these look vintage, and I really love them.
I kept the place settings simple with DIY no sew napkins, thrifted and vintage plates, and a sprig of seeded eucalyptus. I bought a huge bunch of the eucalyptus from Trader Joe’s for just $2.50. Can’t beat that.
I picked up a few muted green pumpkins from Marshalls. I thought they were made of wood, but when I dropped one (before even getting it into my house) and it shattered into a millions pieces, I discovered otherwise.
The white pumpkins are “Casperita” and are from my garden. The vintage scale was a lucky Goodwill find.
The table is working really well for us, and I think it’s a keeper.
Thanks for stopping by today, and Happy Fall to you!
Susan,
I love the finish on your freshly painted round table. Sounds like it took you several days to complete the make over with all the coats of paint, sealer to finish, and with sanding in between… It looks the perfect size for your space.
Judith
Thank you, Judith! I spent about a day and a half working on this piece. I was able to get all the prep work and painting done in one day. The primer dries really fast and the milk paint does, too. I then applied the topcoat the next day (also dries fast). Susan
Susan, your look is simple yet elegant, and festive, which equals lovely in my world. Your dining chair slipcovers add such softness, and I really like the way everything fits well within the area rug (my family hasn’t yet attained that standard!). New to your blog, haven’t delved but will!
Thank you so much, Louise! I really appreciate your kind words about my home. It’s a work in progress for sure, but the journey is the fun of it, right? Susan
So lovely!
Thank you, Jann!
I do love a pedestal table. I brought a pine one home last last week along with four chairs. My plan is to refinish it in order to style it for Thanksgiving/ Fall in my shop. I really lucked up that the table still has the leaf. I feel sure there is a ‘Leaf Graveyard’ somewhere. What is up with that? How in the would do you loose a table leaf??? Love the blue and white tablescape for Fall :)))
Hi Paige! I think you are right about the leaf graveyard! LOL. Where do they all go? Probably to the same place with all the missing knobs and skeleton keys. Ha! Good luck with your table project. Susan
Well this is gorgeous, Susan! I’ve been looking for a similar table for my mom. I saw one pop up on CL for $60, but $20 is such a great buy. I love the napkins – are they just pieces of fabric and you didn’t see the edges?
Thank you, Christina! I see this style table quite often when I’m out thrifting, and would be happy to shoot you an email when I see a good one. Yes, the napkins are just pieces of ticking fabric cut with pinking sheers, then washed so the edges fray. Super easy (which is how I like it). Susan
*sew
Well! That has to be the bargain of a lifetime, and no mistake! It would be a keeper for me too. Lookds lovely.
Thanks so much, Susan. At $20, I just couldn’t pass it up!
Your new dining table is wonderful! l think your style and creativity are amazing, your home and garden are “grand”, maybe not on size but most definitely on being a welcoming, charming home for a family.
Hi Julie! I am so touched by your sweet comments about my home and garden. That means so much to me. Susan
Beautiful table and setting. I have a table I painted the bottom and would like to paint the top. Thanks for the tips.
Did you have your chairs slipcovered. Love them too.
Thanks so much, Mary! The chairs and slipcovers are from Ballard Designs (they are on sale right now, too). IKEA also makes a very similar style chair with slipcover. Susan
Beautiful table! Love your setting and your kitchen and dining room gives such a calming feel. Very nice! Saw your post from friday favorites party.
Thank you, Kathleen, for your kind comments about my kitchen and dining room. I am so happy to hear that you stopped by from the Friday favorites link party! Susan
Did you use a paint sprayer? Such a flawless finish.
Hi Rhonda – I used a roller and brush for this piece. With GF products, I am able to get a really smooth, brushstroke free finish, even without a sprayer. The key is several thin coats and sanding in between coats. Susan
Susan I love thos look! May I ask where the blue and white rug is from? Thanks! B
Thank you, Bethany! The blue and white rug is from Pottery Barn. It is an indoor/outdoor rug, so it is great for using in high traffic areas. I really love it. Even though it is indoor/outdoor and synthetic, it looks just like a wool rug in person (and cost a fraction of an actual wool rug!). Susan
Your table is beautiful, your hard work paid off! You will have many, many years with that great table!
Your table looks fabulous. Thanks for your inspiration. Now I have to get busy and finish mine.