Today we share our first experience with layering stain to make a DIY farmhouse side table.
Farmhouse furniture is one of my favorite things to DIY. There is just something about the distressing, dark wood top and black hardware that I love. And no piece ever looks the exact same, which just adds to the charm.
A few months ago, I made over a $5 table found at a thrift store by adding some planking to the top and painting the base with white chalk paint..
Most recently, I repainted and distressed a larger side table that we made into a mini-pantry.
Today I want to share with you another thrift store makeover – I picked up this table for $10 at my favorite furniture spot.
It was in great condition and looked like someone had tried to sand off the top but got bored and just left it.
The Supplies
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- Orbital sander
- 80 grit sand paper
- White chalk paint
- Weathered Gray Varathane stain
- Liming wax
- Special Walnut Minwax stain
- Cotton cloth or old t-shirt
- Plastic gloves
- Polyurethane in matte
- Black spray paint
The Process
First, I finished sanding off the finish from the top. It didn’t take too long since they had already started it for me.
After giving it a quick wipe down to remove the dust, I applied one coat of the weathered gray stain.
Wanting to add some white into the grain, I went over the top with the limewax, rubbing in circles to really grind the wax into the wood.
I then added a light coat of my new favorite stain – special walnut.
I painted the base with white chalk paint, but even after distressing the base, it still was missing something. So, I went over the top with another coat of special walnut.
That seemed to do the trick!
I loved the hardware it came with, but they needed a little TLC. I spray painted them matte black which brought them back to life.
After reinstalling the hardware, I went over the entire piece with polyurethane and called it a day.
Farmhouse furniture still is my favorite and I am looking forward to test out some more stain combinations!
All our best,
Wow, I love how your side table turned out. It looks so amazing and the top is honestly my favorite part. I will have to give that a try.
Thank you, Sabrina! I love how the stains look together too 🙂
Gorgeous Kelly! Love the weathered look you achieved with the top as well as the hardware. Such a unique piece.
Thank you, Jane!!