I’ve owned this charming little table for many years. Lately it’s been parked in the garage, waiting for another chance to shine. (Don’t worry, little table — I never stopped caring for you. You just didn’t fit any room I had at the time. You deserved somewhere special.)
I found this table about 15 years ago, bought right off the back of a dealer’s truck during our neighborhood garage sale. I probably paid too much, but I loved it then. It was perfect in my small English-style living room and served us well for many years.
When we moved to “the big house,” the table suddenly felt too small for the rooms, so I put it aside. When we later moved to our current house, it didn’t match the look I was creating, so it sat again — lonely and unused.
Until this weekend.
A few weeks ago I moved my leather ottoman into the family room on a whim, which left the living room in need of a coffee table. I remembered the little table, which had become a catchall for garage junk. Its worn top and orange-toned finish no longer suited my style, but the table still had potential.
What to do with a lonely and blue coffee table?
I could have painted it white. Or gray. Or black. Or even teal. But being a little rebellious when it comes to decorating, I took a chance and painted it bright blue.
Boat Blue by Valspar (interior satin), to be exact.
It’s blue — and I love it!
I know some wood purists will cringe at the idea of painting wood furniture. My husband nearly had a heart attack. But I still love wood furnishings and have several beautiful wooden pieces in the house. I just don’t like too many different wood tones competing in one room. If a piece is worn and ready for a refresh, I’ll happily pick up a brush to fall in love with it all over again.
Better a painted table you adore than a wood table you keep out of obligation but don’t truly love.
The little table is no longer lonely and blue — it’s loved and proudly on display in a beautiful shade of blue. Be brave and do what you love.
Are you brave enough to do what you love? What holds you back?
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Another inspiring table makeover:
Dining Room Table Makeover