When Jamie and Carmen sent their table and chair makeover our way, we were excited to share their bright, cheerful redo. Here’s the note they sent:
Hello Sherry and John! My mom and I always find inspiration on your blog — I bought the Target chair after seeing it in your living room, and your paint color suggestions have guided many of our choices. We also love the room-by-room source list, which is incredibly helpful. With your inspiration in mind, we tackled a table and chair makeover for an outdoor craft show this summer. My mom’s battered 1970s card table just wasn’t going to cut it, so we picked out some bold oilcloth at the local fabric shop and matched it with Watermelon Krylon indoor/outdoor spray paint. The result drew plenty of attention at the craft show — people asked if the set was for sale (it wasn’t)! For more details on how we completed the makeover, see our project write-up. Thanks for all the design ideas and inspiration — you two are a wealth of information! Enjoy! — Jamie (City Chic) & Carmen (Country Mouse)
This little makeover is pure joy. The fresh oilcloth pattern and vivid paint turned a tired set into an eye-catching conversation piece. It’s a great example of how a small investment in fabric and paint can deliver a big visual payoff — perfect for entertaining, market booths, or just brightening a patio corner.
Oilcloth is especially useful for projects that need durability and easy cleanup. Popular uses include covering outdoor tables, upholstering café-style chairs, creating reusable placemats, and making bold seat cushions for high-traffic areas. It’s water-resistant and wipes clean, which makes it ideal for families, gardens, and craft shows.
Thinking of trying this yourself? Key tips from Jamie and Carmen’s success:
– Choose a strong, colorful oilcloth pattern that reads well from a distance for outdoor events.
– Match or coordinate spray paint to the oilcloth to create a cohesive look — they used a bright Watermelon hue that made the set pop.
– Prep surfaces by cleaning and lightly sanding if necessary, then use even, multiple light coats of spray paint for the best finish.
– Attach the oilcloth securely with staples or upholstery tacks, folding edges neatly for a polished outcome.
We appreciate Jamie and Carmen for sending these vibrant photos. Their project is a reminder that simple materials and a bit of creativity can transform old furniture into something fresh and fun. Are you inspired to tackle your own oilcloth makeover? What would you cover or refresh first? We’d love to hear your ideas and see your results.