Are you looking to transform your space with a trendy and affordable piece of furniture? Look no further than the Mid Century Oval Coffee Table. In this article, we’ll explore the journey of Letitia as she takes a free conference table and turns it into a stylish work table for her studio basement. Let’s dive in!
A Surprising Find
Letitia stumbled upon a hidden gem on Facebook Marketplace – a massive conference table being given away for free. She knew she had to act fast as these tables usually come with a hefty price tag. With plans to use it as a work table in her basement studio, Letitia wasted no time in grabbing the opportunity.
A DIY Adventure Begins
The table top was already painted with orange chalk paint, with black edges and legs. Although Letitia would have preferred a pine table top to match the fluting, she decided to work with what she had and opted to paint it white. This provided a clean and versatile surface for her studio activities.
Durability is Key
Since this table was going to be her workspace, Letitia knew she needed to ensure its durability. She started by sanding down the existing paint and applied two coats of high-quality primer using rollers. These rollers had already proven their worth during house painting projects and delivered a smooth application.
Shell-Like Protection
For a surface that would be subject to scuffs and scratches, Letitia chose enamel paint over latex. Enamel paint provides a protective shell-like barrier, ensuring the table would withstand the demands of her work. After two thin coats and ample curing time, the table was ready for the next step.
The Fluting Process
Letitia ventured out to find one-inch half-moon rounds for the fluting, which she planned to use as floor finishing. Due to the ongoing lumber shortage, prices were skyrocketing, but she managed to secure them at the original price. However, as always, math posed a challenge for Letitia when it came to calculating the required dowels. Despite needing 20 dowels per table leg, she had only found 15. This unexpected shortage increased the project’s overall cost, but Letitia was determined to make it work.
Fluting Made Easy
Fluting turned out to be a straightforward process as long as the angles were checked regularly. Letitia used construction adhesive to attach the dowels to the table legs, ensuring a secure and visually pleasing result. Although a few slightly warped pieces posed a minor challenge, Letitia found a simple solution by using a trivet to level out the fluting and maintain a clean line.
The Finishing Touches
To complete the table, Letitia sanded away any imperfections and applied a clear water-based finish for a semi-gloss look. The result was a stunning and durable work table that would last for years to come.
Affordable Style
Conference tables like this one are the perfect upcycling project if you’re looking for an affordable and stylish dining table. Their oval or circular shape and pillar legs perfectly encompass the current design trends. With half the legs completed, Letitia’s project has cost her around $200, with an anticipated total of just over $300. It may be a bit pricey for a DIY, but considering its aesthetic appeal and versatility, it’s a worthwhile investment.
Join Letitia on Her DIY Journey
If you’re interested in more engaging DIY content, follow Letitia on her social media channels, including Instagram and TikTok, to stay up to date with her latest projects.
So why wait? Get inspired by Letitia’s creative process and start transforming your own space with a unique piece like the Mid Century Oval Coffee Table from Marmalade Cafe. Happy DIYing!