How to Modernize a Wooden Table

If you're updating your room, think of a wooden table as a blank canvas. Whether it's a dining room table, a coffee table, an end table, or just a sofa table or other occasional table used as an accent, you can easily transform a wooden table from an outdated eyesore to a modern, chic piece of furniture. Let your imagination run wild -- a coat of paint, trading traditional or outdated pieces such as table legs or hardware or just adding a new detail can give an old wooden table a new lease on life. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1

Paint your table to instantly modernize an outdated or just plain ugly piece of furniture. A coat of paint can cover a multitude of style sins, from an unattractive wood finish to a style that's decades out of date. Knotty pine, antique oak or any other old-fashioned wood finish gets a whole new, updated look when painted black, white or even a bright shade such as turquoise or pink. A farmhouse-type dining table or fussy traditional living room table looks fresh when painted a bright, unexpected color.

2

Switch out the table legs. On dining tables, sofa tables or any table with easily removable four legs, just putting on new legs can take your table from shabby chic to high style in minutes flat. Most home improvement stores sell replacement table legs, wood banister or trim pieces that can be easily cut down and used as table legs. Replacing table legs can even allow you to use a large, square coffee table as a small dining table, for instance. You can also cut down a sofa table for use as a coffee table. When the new legs are attached, paint the entire table one color.

3

Add or replace decorative details for an instant table makeover. Have a piece of glass cut to the dimensions of your table top. Place a large photo, an attractive piece of fabric, wallpaper or even a collage of favorite images on the table top, then cover with the glass for an instant update. If your table features knobs or other hardware, replace outdated pieces with new, modern hardware. For a modern look in less than a minute, cover a dining table, sofa or side table with a tablecloth, either in a solid, contemporary color, or an interesting pattern or print.