If you’ve ever come across an old coffee table that just didn’t quite fit in your space, but had great potential, you know the feeling of wanting to give it a second life. That’s exactly how I felt about a coffee table I had sitting around. Instead of letting it gather dust, I decided to take it on as a fun project—turning it into a tall counter-height table for our kitchen. The result? A stunning, unique piece with a two-tone finish that added just the right touch of style to our space.
Here’s how I did it: (I had a carpenter friend help)
Step 1: Remove the Old Legs
The first thing I did was remove the original legs from the coffee table. These weren’t going to work for a tall counter height table, so I knew I’d need to find a new set of legs.
Step 2: Buy New Legs
Instead of hunting for specific table legs, I found a clever alternative at Home Depot—banister legs! They were the perfect size and shape for my project, and the price was right. These legs would give my table the height I needed while adding an interesting, unique look.
Step 3: Sand and Strip the Top
Once the legs were off, I turned my attention to the tabletop. The surface was a bit worn, so I used sandpaper to strip the old finish off, revealing the wood beneath. This step is crucial because you want to start with a clean, smooth surface before applying any new stain or paint.
Step 4: Add the Stain
For the top of the table, I chose a grey stain to give it a modern, sophisticated feel. It added a subtle yet elegant touch that worked perfectly with the rest of the kitchen. I applied the stain and let it dry according to the manufacturer’s instructions. I used Varathane “Weathered Grey” wood stain.
Step 5: Stain the Bottom with Light Oak stain
For the base of the table, I went with a light oak stain to create a contrast with the grey top. I loved how the two-tone look was coming together. The warm tones of the oak complemented the cool, muted grey of the tabletop, giving the entire piece a chic, modern vibe.
After the light oak stain dried, I decided to give the bottom legs and the base a bit more definition. I lightly painted the bottom portion with a subtle finish to enhance the color and provide a polished, cohesive look.
Step 6: Finish with a Top Coat
To ensure that my new table would be protected and durable for everyday use, I finished it off with a clear top coat. This layer of protection gives the table a smooth, glossy finish and safeguards it from scratches and wear.
Final Thoughts:
I couldn’t be happier with how this project turned out! The two-tone look of the grey top and light oak bottom gives it a modern, yet timeless feel. Plus, the banister legs add a unique, custom touch that makes the table one-of-a-kind. Now, our kitchen has a stylish, tall counter-height table that’s not only functional but also a conversation piece.
If you’re looking for a way to revamp a piece of furniture and give it new life, I highly recommend trying this project! It’s a fun, rewarding way to transform something old into something fresh and new.
So, next time you see an old coffee table, think about what it could become with a little creativity, elbow grease, and some new legs.
You’ll be amazed at the results!
