It started with the offer of a leftover table from my step-father’s law office kitchen. Not a fantastic table, but it had good bones. Unfortunately the top was covered with checkered Contact paper, but it did have a glass topper, which gave me an idea. I could cover the top with some cute Ikea-by-way-of-Goodwill fabric that I picked up for $1.99 a few months ago.
Easy, cheap and with the chance of being super cute by the end? Sign me up!
Here’s what the table looked like before:
And here’s a closeup of the fabric:
The first step was to wipe down the painted surfaces of the table with a vinegar-and-water solution, which is what I use for degreasing and general clean-age. (I did not photograph this step, as is it was far from a Kodak moment.)
I then placed the glass topper on the fabric and cut enough extra to fold over the edges of the table.
See what a perfectionist I am? Totally straight cuts, especially on the bottom.
I then ironed the fabric so it would look nice and crisp. I considered starching the fabric, but decided against it as the material is already almost canvas-like in its thickness.
I then flipped the table upside down and used my trusty staple gun to attach the fabric. I started by putting a single staple on each side to hold the fabric in place. (At which point I looked at the top to ensure that the pattern was even and somewhat logical.) I then stretched the fabric tight and worked in a 12-6-3-9 pattern, (like a clock) until it was well attached. The corners were a bit tricky, but then again so I am.
Unfortunately, there were a few spots where the cross pieces made it impossible to staple the fabric, so I simply trimmed the edges, and Mod-Podged the fabric into place.
Now completed, the million dollar question was where to put the table. My first thought was to put it between the two armchairs in our spare bedroom/TV room. (There’s currently no table available for cups, bowls and such, which means that everything gets set on the floor.) I immediately saw how the table was too long for this spot and looked kind of goofy.
My second choice was to put the table on our front porch next to the front door, which looked much better.
See? Pretty!
And because the blue and orange colors don’t correspond with anything on the porch, I added a few Bauer items from our living room shelves. I doubt these accessories will live outside forever, but for now, they’re a cute addition.
The best part was that I was able to transform a so-so table into a delicious treat in under 45 minutes for the low, low cost of $1.99.
I do love me a cheap and easy project!
Katy Wolk-Stanley
“Use it up, wear it out, make it do or do without.”
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{ 19 comments… read them below or add one }
Cute..and hopefully..no one will rip off the cute stuff on your table.
This area is not visible from the street. And if you’re referring to the sweater that went missing from my porch last week . . . it turns out that the wind was a guilty party. Yeah, I found it to the side of the porch, and had a good laugh.
I felt like Chicken Little. 😉
Katy
Some neighbors awoke to find their pool had been emptied. We still don’t know if it was a prank, or if there was some logical explanation. The plug was still in it. Weird. Glad you figured out the sweater thing.
That’s super weird.
Katy
Is it wrong that I laughed at that? I mean why would someone do that?
Maybe the visiting aliens were SUPER- thirsty?
Like is better outside. Love your porch.
This also would be cute with various pictures of family, pets etc or even old postcards under the glass. But the background I think would have to be a bit less busy for this.
I would be uncomfortable displaying family photos on our front porch for every solicitor to see.
Katy
Love the fabric (I’m a fabric addict!). Also the marbles and souvenir pennies remind me of my kiddos because they are really into marbles and those pennies right now!
I love squished souvenir pennies. They are my *favorite* splurge while vacationing. They cost 50¢, transform something you already own, give you an upper body workout 😉 and are so sweet when grouped together.
Katy
Well, I just hope that nobody who is participating in the “found money” challenge happens by your front porch and takes your souvenir pennies. 🙂 Just kidding! Really cute project, katy.
What I love the most about this DIY is showing the things you added to make the table tie in! I have funky bowls of marbles, shells and other such all over da place! Thanks for a great Tute…
I love Ikea fabrics, but they can get a little expensive. Way to find it thrifted and put it to such good use!
Plus I have a fair amount of fabric leftover, and could make pillows!
Katy
That table does have good bones. The glass alone is a bonanza! I think I would go thrifting for some cheaper bowls to adorn the table. I love blue on a front porch.
They were cheap, thrifted from decades ago.
Katy
Great stuff, you have a lovely house. Using your mantra of use it up, I have been knitting cushions from scraps of wool. They look great and are free!
I love your blog. This post is particularly Young House Love-y, which I also love and I know you’ve referenced a few times. You should reach out to them for a co-posting something or other. Although I might have a blog-asm. 🙂
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