Come here often? Then you know I am an avid dumpster diver, cheap skate, re-purposer, mid-century enthusiast. (see here and here for example) The "take it or leave it" section of our town recycling center opened for the season this week - and that can mean nothing other than: Time to re-decorate. I am always thrilled to enjoy what others are throwing out.
This weekend, among other piles of treasure, I found a Lane mid-century round coffee table. I didn't really need a coffee table, though the one we had in our family room was a bit too square and a bit too large (it comes from what I call our "Early Marriage Collection" all the big ass, out of date furniture we bought the year we got married). I thought I might give it a go.
It was in rough shape to say the least. Clearly it had been being used as a kids craft table. It was covered in glitter glue, paint, scotch tape and there were many gouges, scrapes and stains. I broke out the power sander and got it looking like this (bummer I didn't take a true before photo).
Then I put this stuff on it:
and darn it if 30 minutes and 8 dollars later it didn't look like this:
After a nice rub down with wax, I promptly kicked out the old table and put the new one in it's place.
As usual, Big D is not as in awe with the project as I am. I always have to sell him (ironic since the stuff is free) on the concept: it's not garbage, it's actually desirable. Most people just don't have an eye for these things - see how lucky you are? I showed him this search on EBAY and this one on ETSY to prove that a Lane Mid-Century coffee table in (now) good shape - is a very good thing, and pricey at that. In the end, what's done is done. I am sure he'll forget all about by the time I cart my next score home.
You did a beautiful job!! I love it! Funny how husbands just can't see a treasure past the trash. I love to go to yard sales and I get especially excited when I find a "free" pile. Of course every time I am ready to walk out the door, my husband asks "You going junking today?" We just never know what kind of goodies are out there until we look.
Becky :)
Posted by: Becky | 04/11/2011 at 12:08 PM
You are my idol!
Posted by: Maura | 04/11/2011 at 06:36 PM
You are my idol!
Posted by: Maura | 04/11/2011 at 06:36 PM
Love it! Yes, you definitely should've taken a true "before" photo. Glad you've returned to blogging!
Posted by: Eileen M. | 04/11/2011 at 09:32 PM
Whoa to quite whoa. Dramatic and jaw dropping I remain your fevered fan,
CD
Aka miss juju
Posted by: Miss Juju | 04/12/2011 at 06:39 PM
You HAD furniture when you were first married?!?
Your coffee table is wonderful but really, I know deep in our hearts we all want to hear our husbands say it...
Posted by: Richele | 04/25/2011 at 03:20 PM