Breakfast Nook Table Makeover
I mentioned yesterday how much I’ve wanted to give our breakfast nook table a makeover. It’s felt really “orange” to me lately, and that doesn’t really work. When I found new chairs for the table, I finally had the push I needed.
I gave the table a makeover.
Really, the process was pretty simple. It was just time consuming. Here’s how it got a new look…
First, I started by sanding the table and legs. This was easily the most time consuming part. To begin, I used a coarse sand paper, and then finished the table with 220 fine grit sand paper. Let me just tell you, this table is smooth.
The hardest spots to sand, were right in the corners, but I got them enough you can’t even tell. Plus, I used a dark stain, and that helped too.
I took one of my new chairs outside, and started staining a small section of the table. I didn’t want to stain the whole thing if the colors didn’t march, so having the chair there as reference really helped. I knew it was going to be okay.
I applied stain, Dark Walnut by Minwax, to the whole table. The freshly sanded wood took the stain like a champ.
Once I finished staining, I wiped the entire table down really well, and let it sit outside in the sun. Not only did the table dry really fast, but it was able to lose some of the horrible smell from the stain. Win, win! To finish the table, I decided to use Maison Blanche’s Clear Satin Varnish.
I must say, I have used the clear satin varnish in the past, and was very impressed, but this time I used quite a bit of it and there was minimal odor. It worked perfect.
I started by brushing on a light first coat of the varnish…
And finished with the second coat, allowing plenty of dry time in the middle.
For the legs, I decided wax would be a good option. I used the clear wax and rubbed it all over the legs and frame. The top was the only thing that received the varnish, and I’m curious to see how well it holds up over time.
With that, the table was done. I let the varnish sit for a few hours before adding anything to the table top.
I must say, the dark walnut color matches the chairs perfectly…. I was honestly a little bit surprised it matched so well.
It’s like they were meant to be together…
I was a little bit worried the table might look out of place, but it most definitely doesn’t. If you didn’t know, you’d never guess they’re not a set.
If you have a table, or piece of furniture you’re thinking about renovating, don’t second guess yourself. Trust your gut and go for it.
My only regret? Not doing this sooner.
For more details about the products in this post (and step by step instructions), you can check out Maison Blanche’s You Tube Channel. There’s lots of great information and tutorials. To buy the products, see the list of retailers here.
P.S.- I received product and/or compensation for reviewing Maison Blanche Paint Company products. However, all opinions about their paint, finishing products and my table makeover are my own! For my full disclosure policy, click here.
It looks awesome!
Where did you get those AWESOME chairs?????
Thank you so much Donna! You can read all about the chairs here: https://www.thewoodgraincottage.com/2016/03/14/new-breakfast-nook-chairs/. 🙂
Beautiful job, Shayna. The table is perfect with the new chairs. Cheers, Ardith
Beautiful….
Your table looks gorgeous. I love the chairs too! 🙂 Julie
The table turned out very nice. And the chairs really make it. You are right, if you didn’t tell us it wasn’t a set we would never know.
You did a great job on the table! Love those chairs. The dining nook is so cute now. Well done!
Lovely. I think your chairs quite unusual in a most excellent way and the table is super. I have used Maison Blanche paint and wax and like it the best. The wax hardens to a strong surface. But I’ve not tried the varnish. But if you do ever paint over something? I do like it even better than other products. I’ve not checked lately so I hope our distributor is still in town! Your home seemed just fine before until you improved it!!! Now I think Wow. She knows her house and the projects to do to keep improving her home ?
Looks amazing and totally looks like a set to me!
I’m very curious to know how the Maison Blanche varnish has held up over time? I just stained my dining room table and need to seal it with either poly, a laquer or the MB varnish. I’d really appreciate it if you could email and let me know how your table is holding up. Thank you!!
I’m so sorry for the delay! The varnish has help up beautifully! I haven’t had any issues with it! I hope that helps! 🙂
Hi Shayna! I really have enjoyed your decorating style and your blog! I was just looking at your breakfast nook table redo and you mentioned wax on the legs. My husband and I are in the process of refinishing our dining table. We are a family of nine and I homeschool so we are in our home all day most days so we really live in it and wear on it! I am curious what would be the best protective finish to put over the top and the legs to protect it in our very busy, active home. Any tips would be greatly appreciated. I don’t know anything about wax so info on that would be wonderful. On our table, we are staining the top and painting the legs. The top isn’t taking the stain too well. It is actually a veneer covering pressed board. We sanded the veneer but it isn’t taking the stain color like we had hoped. Sorry this is so long! Have a blessed day!
Hi Dorcas! Thank you so much for the sweet note! For the table, if you are painting your table legs, it will depend if you are using a latex paint, or a chalk paint. Latex paint won’t require any type of wax, but a chalk paint will. I use Maison Blanche chalk paint and wax and can’t say enough good things about their products. You can find a list of retailers here: http://maisonblanchepaint.com/pages/retailers.htm
For the top of the table, since you are staining it (and I totally understand vaneers staining a little differently), I would use a water based poly (or oil based depending on your stain). For your heavy use, I would recommend this product, which I’ve had good results with. It’s water based. Here’s the link (affiliate): http://amzn.to/2kBdvrZ
I hope that helps! Good luck with your table! 🙂