Mockingbird Hill Cottage

Mockingbird Hill Cottage

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You are here: Home / decorating / Reveal of the Painted Table

Reveal of the Painted Table

October 9, 2010 at 11:52 am by Claudia

First, the before:

It was lovely in it’s original dark wood finish.  But the finish itself was damaged and every time I looked at it in our light-filled kitchen with white cabinets and white kitchen island, it began to look like a black hole that sucked up all the light. So here is the reveal – I played with simple vignettes to ‘stage’ the new look.

As I hoped, the details of the legs and the curves show much better in this color. All of those touches were lost before. Don said he just now saw the beauty of the legs. I’m still not sure about these chairs…do they look right with the table? We’ve decided to use just 2 of them and store the rest. 99% of the time around here it is just the 2 of us. Don’s a big guy and having only 2 chairs makes maneuvering around the kitchen easier. Plus, the beautiful table legs are on display this way.

Since I really can’t use it for another 48 hours, I carefully placed some pretties on the top for the photos and then, very carefully, removed them. The wrought iron thingy will move elsewhere. It’s rusty finish is too rough and I don’t want it scratching my paint job! I’ll have some more photos next week. I’m sitting in the den right now and I can see the table from here – it is so much lighter and prettier!

Hope you like it!

Filed Under: decorating, DIY 53 Comments

Comments

  1. Norma says

    October 9, 2010 at 11:59 am

    It’s lovely Claudia, now that it’s light in colour you can appreciate the detail in the shape of the legs.

    Reply
  2. Sassy Marsha says

    October 9, 2010 at 12:05 pm

    It’s so pretty Claudia, although I have to be honest and say I really liked the original table :)

    xxoo

    Reply
  3. Dogwood says

    October 9, 2010 at 12:12 pm

    you really did a great job with your decision and the painting of the kitchen table. i love the finished look. really brightens up the kitchen. i can tell you love the result. job well done. enjoy your weekend.

    Reply
  4. Zuzu says

    October 9, 2010 at 12:23 pm

    Gorgeousness! Beautiful job!

    Have a happy weekend, Claudia!

    Reply
  5. Snappy Di says

    October 9, 2010 at 12:31 pm

    Great job! I love the table either way. Guess I’m kind of flaky when it comes to color. But this is a really nice change for your kitchen and I think it will truly brighten your spirits during the longer and darker days of winter. Good JOB!!

    Reply
  6. The Garden Bell says

    October 9, 2010 at 12:40 pm

    FABulous in white. Love it and the table runner with the too cute white pumpkings. Nice Job…..

    Reply
  7. Into Vintage says

    October 9, 2010 at 12:49 pm

    I love it! I know what you mean about dark furniture taking up the light in a room – I think the white paint makes a world of difference and your chairs pop against the table too. Great job!

    Reply
  8. She'sSewPretty says

    October 9, 2010 at 12:51 pm

    I think it looks perfectly perfect. I love your chairs too! What a pretty spot to sit and eat.

    Reply
  9. the gardeners cottage says

    October 9, 2010 at 1:10 pm

    wow, claudia! so good.

    loving it sick.

    ~janet

    Reply
  10. Linda says

    October 9, 2010 at 1:42 pm

    Immediately I noticed the beautiful legs…they just stand out now, for the artwork they are! I love it, Claudia!

    Reply
  11. Caseymini says

    October 9, 2010 at 2:08 pm

    One word, Claudia….Beautiful!!!

    Reply
  12. Betty Jo says

    October 9, 2010 at 2:13 pm

    Claudia your new table is gorgeous! You did such a wonderful job. My table is an old table made by a farmer, rather plain and white. I had some light oak chairs made and I have them paired with the table. I like the combo better than all white personally.

    Reply
  13. Carol at Serendipity says

    October 9, 2010 at 2:59 pm

    Claudia,

    Beautiful job. I love the way the legs are so visible now. Looks fantastic in you kitchen.

    Carol

    Reply
  14. Liberty Biberty says

    October 9, 2010 at 3:04 pm

    BEAUTIFUL!!! What a transformation!
    The table just looks fantastic, you must be SO happy!!!!
    Mercedes

    Reply
  15. Pansy Cottage Girl says

    October 9, 2010 at 3:13 pm

    You did a great job. I love it.

    Reply
  16. Brenda Kula says

    October 9, 2010 at 3:38 pm

    It is stunning now, Claudia! I never noticed the legs until now either! I love it with the three white tiny pumpkins lined up. Just beautiful.
    Brenda

    Reply
  17. debi says

    October 9, 2010 at 4:32 pm

    You did a beautiful job with the table Claudia! I love the light color, it really does show off the pretty legs, and open up the space. And your vignettes are very pretty!

    Reply
  18. Elyse says

    October 9, 2010 at 5:07 pm

    beautifully done, claudia! i think it looks very classic with the 2 dark chairs. cool and unexpected contrast. the legs are very nice. yeah!

    ooh – re: NYC — i got tickets to the martha stewart show and will be there for 1 long day! very excited.

    xo
    elyse

    Reply
  19. Olive Cooper says

    October 9, 2010 at 5:08 pm

    Very pretty. I like it with the two chairs.

    Reply
  20. Rizzi says

    October 9, 2010 at 5:21 pm

    I LOVE THE WAY IT CAME OUT, YOU DID A GREAT JOB CLAUDIA.
    I’VE BEEN BUSY CRAFTING, MUST POST SOON. TAKE CARE, RIZZI

    Reply
  21. Maria says

    October 9, 2010 at 5:26 pm

    I love timber and usually prefer its natural look, except for the really dark ones. But I much prefer what you have done with your table, it highlights the hidden “under-skirt” of a beautiful table

    Reply
  22. Deanna says

    October 9, 2010 at 5:29 pm

    The table is magnificent Claudia. Great job! I think I want to do that to my own table. It’s so ugly that I can’t bear to look at it anymore!

    2 coats primer, Ivory white paint and about 2 coats varathane. Wish me luck!

    Deanna :D

    Reply
  23. Lynn says

    October 9, 2010 at 6:44 pm

    Oh, I do so like it! And I love your open spaced and bright kitchen!

    Reply
  24. KATHY says

    October 9, 2010 at 6:49 pm

    Hi Claudia, I love it white! It looks great….Kathy

    Reply
  25. birdie blue says

    October 9, 2010 at 6:50 pm

    the table looks amazing. great job painting such an intricate piece, no wonder your back is feeling it!

    your kitchen is so pretty and bright.

    enjoy the rest of your weekend, with your feet up knowing it’s a job well done.

    xo
    ~molly

    Reply
  26. Jill says

    October 9, 2010 at 8:32 pm

    ((Squeeel!!)) Your table is so beautiful!!! You are right, the old look was a black hole in your cheery kitchen. I’m so impressed that you took the leap and went for it. I’m such a wimp when it comes to that kind of project!
    Hugs,
    Jill

    Reply
  27. Privet and Holly says

    October 9, 2010 at 9:09 pm

    LOVING this
    beautiful project,
    Claudia!! You
    did a fantastic
    job and the white
    really brings out
    the sweet shape of
    the legs. I also
    love that pillow
    that Scout is lounging
    on in your last post…
    I wonder if you made it?
    Happy Weekend!
    xx Suzanne

    Reply
  28. Donna says

    October 9, 2010 at 9:52 pm

    It looks beautiful, Claudia! And I just love the white pumpkins on the runner. I like it with the 2 chairs! All the more room for Scout and Riley to hang out under the table waiting for food to fall! (that’s what Malley and Giz used to do!)… Donna

    Reply
  29. cyn says

    October 9, 2010 at 10:23 pm

    I really like what you did with the table. I think the legs stand out against the wood flooring beautifully. I am very enciuraged now to pain the 2 pieces I want to in my kitchen. I love the white color you choose it looks like creamy marshmellow to me, almost good enough to eat.

    cyn

    Reply
  30. sissie says

    October 9, 2010 at 10:24 pm

    Very pretty Claudia.

    hugs
    Sissie

    Reply
  31. Susy says

    October 10, 2010 at 12:12 am

    Yah Dahhhh! Well done. Love the color and love how the details show so much better. Enjoy.

    Reply
  32. Kdottie Designs says

    October 10, 2010 at 12:31 am

    Absolutely love it!!!!!

    Reply
  33. Sares says

    October 10, 2010 at 12:49 am

    It looks beautiful!It’s funny how some people are insistent that wood furniture looks better stained to bring out the grain and beauty of the wood, when I agree with you that lighter colors really bring out the detains of the PIECE. Most of the time I prefer to see the furniture itself, not just the dark wood.

    *I am not sure what the liquid additive is called for dog plaque. I can let you know when we get some. Your vet would probably know or you could google it!

    Hope you have a peaceful weekend!

    Reply
  34. Georgianna says

    October 10, 2010 at 1:43 am

    LOVE the table, Claudia! Beautiful job and definitely the right decision to paint the whole thing. I’m looking at mine now thinking of doing the same thing… xo – g

    Reply
  35. GardenofDaisies says

    October 10, 2010 at 2:00 am

    Claudia, the creamy white paint looks gorgeous with your floors. I love the aqua pot and white pumpkins on it!

    Reply
  36. Beth Leintz says

    October 10, 2010 at 5:23 am

    It looks great- what a nice light filled room. If you’re not sure about the chairs- how would they look with white cushions?

    Reply
  37. NanE says

    October 10, 2010 at 7:27 am

    Hi Claudia, what a gorgeous table! I think it looks much better white, it shows the detail so much better. You have given me courage to paint this little bookcase I have. It has beautiful carving and details but they just disappear in the dark, dark almost black finish. Have a wonderful week, Nan

    Reply
  38. Tarnished and Tattered says

    October 10, 2010 at 8:20 am

    Claudia,
    Well done girlfriend! I agree, when a piece has curves & interest like yours color works best. The new/old secretary I just inherited was intended to be painted as well. But I’m in a quandry over it. The Maple is so perfect & it’s in lovely condition, plus the generous donor lives down the street & drops in from time to time, LOL. For now, she’ll stay natural. Lisa

    Reply
  39. Martha says

    October 10, 2010 at 8:21 am

    Just found your blog! LOVE the table! It really does show off her great leggies!
    Martha from Elizabeth Hill

    Reply
  40. Karen says

    October 10, 2010 at 8:36 am

    The table looks great in it’s new hue. I also LOVE the wire two-tier in the first photo.

    Reply
  41. annette says

    October 10, 2010 at 10:05 am

    You are oh so brave to paint that table white. As I look around my house at some of the things that should be painted and like you said are sucking up the room I am not as brave as you yet. But seeing how wonderful your table came out I think I may just paint some things. Those legs just pop now where you didn’t notice them before. You done good!

    Reply
  42. The Shanty Girl says

    October 10, 2010 at 10:12 am

    Very pretty! It does make it pop out more in the room, I love the runner and pumpkins but I also love the wire basket with pumpkins in the first picture, goes to show you can have several looks work with the same pieces! Good job!
    Sherry

    Reply
  43. Martha's Favorites says

    October 10, 2010 at 11:00 am

    Hi Claudia: I was so happy to hear from you. We had not visited in a while. I love how you did your table. It looks so beautiful. I need to do that to a few of my pieces. I am glad you are doing well my friend. I will try not to be a stranger. Blessings, Martha

    Reply
  44. The Boston Lady says

    October 10, 2010 at 11:20 am

    Claudia, the first thing I noticed were the pretty legs. That paint job does an excellent job of showing off their beauty. I also agree that it brightens up the space. I think the chairs look great as is – I’m a natural wood gal in general. However, if I was tempted to do something I would paint them a color that I liked and that went with the rest of the house. Great job – thanks for sharing! Isn’t it great to have that feeling of accomplishment?! Ann

    Reply
  45. Kathy says

    October 10, 2010 at 1:33 pm

    Claudia… You KNOW I’m loving your table white.
    Is the runner April Cornell?…Looks like her prints.
    I’m with you on only two chairs…I do the same thing.
    Makes more room and you can drag them back in when you have company.
    Cute with the little white pumpkies,
    Weekend Happiness to you,
    xoxo~Kathy @
    Sweet Up-North Mornings…

    Reply
  46. Thoughtfully blended hearts says

    October 10, 2010 at 2:00 pm

    Just gorgeous…this is a dreamy color that shows up that curvy little table so well!!!

    Reply
  47. stefanie says

    October 10, 2010 at 5:22 pm

    oh, its beautiful…what a huge difference!!!

    Reply
  48. Kim says

    October 10, 2010 at 7:26 pm

    It’s gorgeous Claudia- I really like the dark chairs with it too :)

    Reply
  49. Atelier de Charo says

    October 11, 2010 at 12:18 am

    Great job, is pretty with the new color!

    Reply
  50. Jenny says

    October 11, 2010 at 12:42 pm

    Oh!!! I just love it Claudia!! What a great job you have done!

    Reply
  51. Terri says

    October 11, 2010 at 9:53 pm

    Claudia, I think it has turned out perfectly! Indeed you can now see how gorgeous the legs are!
    This really brightens up your room.
    You did a fabulous job.
    Hugs,
    Terri

    Reply
  52. Maryjane-The Beehive Cottage says

    October 12, 2010 at 12:58 am

    Claudia, the table turned out so beautiful!!! It males the room so warm, cozy and welcoming! You are a busy bee!

    Love & miss you!
    Maryjane
    xox

    P.S. ! was just looking at the pictures of our visit together! :)

    Reply
  53. delightfuleclecticabode.com says

    December 17, 2011 at 12:01 pm

    Hi Claudia,

    I’m sitting at my kitchen table on Saturday, December 17th looking at all of your lovely DIY projects so my comments are a bit late. My hubby loves your kitchen as much as I do! When I read him some of your stories he said your life sounds like ours in many ways.

    Anyhow we’re debating what to do with our kitchen table and chairs and are agonizing over what color to paint them. Wow! You are right the details of the legs on the table really stand out now. Beautiful job!

    ~Sandy

    Reply
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Welcome!

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I live in a little cottage in the country with my husband. It's a sweet place, sheltered by old trees and surrounded by gardens. The inside is full of the things we love. I love to write, I love my camera, I love creating, I love gardening. My decorating style is eclectic; full of vintage and a bit of whimsy.

I've worked in the theater for more years than I can count. I'm currently a voice, speech, dialect and text coach freelancing on Broadway, off Broadway, and in regional theater.

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