INSIDE: DIY thrift store mid-century modern coffee table makeover for $20. How to redo an old coffee table in boho chic decor.
My husband and I have recently gotten onto a big mid-century modern kick. It’s like we are on this mission to find these retro gems and introduce them to our 21st century kids! Case in point: this $20 thrift store laminated coffee table. Totally screamin’ old school…which we can’t help but love!
Armed with some paint and a flat weave rug (say what?), this thrift store coffee table went from 1970s to functionally practical for a busy young (aka: crazy) family.
Grab your paint brush and staple gun for this easy coffee table makeover…
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How to Make Boho Chic $20 Coffee Table
This is a great Weekend Warrior project… when you can find a free weekend, of course!
Supplies
– Primer (I used Zinsser Bulls Eye 1-2-3 Primer)
– Cabinet enamel paint (I used Valspar in brown)
– Painter’s tape
– 1/2″ foam padding
– Quilter’s batting
– Staple gun
– Flat weave rug
How to Make midcentury modern $20 Coffee Table
This cheap-y coffee table has lived with us for several months. It’s currently in its second makeover iteration!
It initially started with a coat of primer followed by a couple coats of enamel paint.
The awesome legs – that are the hallmarks of anything mid-century modern – were given a pop of color with some contrasting coral paint.
Wrap some painter’s tape around the legs where you want the color highlight to start.
how to make easy coffee table padded bench
So after a handful of months living with a painted coffee table, we found ourselves wanting something softer on the feet when we zone out and put our feet up (on said coffee table) at night once the kids are in bed. With cocktail or bowl of ice cream in hand. Depending on how the day went.
And that’s how I found myself on a quest to find some type of kid-resistant, heavy-duty fabric that would withstand the toy chaos, TV-watching, life-living that happens in the family room.
I lucked out with a coordinating coral flat weave rug.
Use the coffee table shape to trace and cut an upholstery foam pad.
Cover the foam pad with some quilter’s batting.
Staple the batting onto the underside of the coffee table.
Lay the coffee table down on the flat weave rug, based on its design and pattern, and what you want to show up on the table’s top once it is flipped upright.
Be sure to leave enough fabric on each side to wrap around to the underside of the table.
DON’T DO AS I DID! Who knew that cutting a flat weave rug would cause the whole thing to literally fall apart. Yeah, not this girl. But it did.
Fortunately, the rug was large enough I could salvage it.
I traced out the shape of the coffee table onto the rug and took the rug to my very basic sewing machine where I sewed a zig zag stitch.
This kept the flat weave together so I could proceed to cut it out.
how to update a mid-century modern coffee table
I paired this thrift store mid-century modern coffee table with a $2 tray I found at a neighborhood estate sale.
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Chas says
Cute table, great job
Vicki and Jenn 2 Bees in a Pod says
Love your colorful makeover. And thanks for the tip about unraveling – thank goodness you could salvage it! Great job.
DazzleWhileFrazzled says
Thank you! The idea of going to buy another rug almost had me in frustrated DIY tears, lol!
Lora says
I LOVE this. So stylish. Those MCM legs on the table really shine with the upholstered top.
Jeanie says
I love these pieces too and what a good idea to pad the top of it! That rug is perfect for it!
DazzleWhileFrazzled says
Thanks Jeanie!
Shirley Wood says
Very clever and unique. Love the finished look! Wouldn’t it be fun sitting at the foot of the bed too!
DazzleWhileFrazzled says
Thanks Shirley! It would be nice in a bedroom. Great idea!
Deborah says
What a great idea. You always do such wonderful upcycle projects!
DazzleWhileFrazzled says
LOL, thanks Deborah!
Jeannee Taylor says
What a fab Boho Chic Table makeover! That fabric is so cool!
Jeannee@centsablycreative.com
Ann Tatum Tatum says
I love mid century modern! I’d love to find a table like that, too…. I need to go shopping!
Kathleen Rupp says
What a boho hip coffee table. I love it! I like how you thought of putting the woven rug on it. I would have never thought of something like that. Great idea and adds a lot of fun colors to the room. Saw your post at the bloggers pit stop!
DazzleWhileFrazzled says
Thanks so much, Kathleen!
Mrs. K @ Mrs Kringle's Kitchen says
Wow, what a beautiful transformation! Excellent!
Florence says
That’s pretty cute Victoria! I wouldn’t have known that either about the rug falling apart, but you did a good save. I love the idea of padding your table b/c that’s what happens around here too…the feet go up on it.
Cathy Lawdanski says
Love it – especially the color of the rug – very clever!
Jann Newton says
What a transformation! Great job!
Debrashoppeno5 says
Great idea, this is a fantastic way to kid proof with style.
Kathryn says
What an awesome way to transform a table. Very unique. Love it
DazzleWhileFrazzled says
Thank you Kathryn!
LydiaF says
All of the furniture in my home had those tapered legs when I was a child (I’m mid-century modern I guess). I love your makeover and thanks for the tip about sewing the rug before cutting it. I would have done the same thing. Thanks for sharing with us at Creatively Crafty #ccbg 🙂
Kathleen says
Great upcycle! Wish I cold have participated in this month’s challenge:) Thanks for sharing at Vintage Charm!
xo Kathleen|Our Hopeful Home
Teri @ The Freshman Cook says
What a great makeover! It’s beautiful and I just love it! ! Thank you for sharing at Celebrate It!
Kellyloren says
Interesting and gutsy approach in adding fabric to the top . Definitely unique!
Jess says
Love this, what a cute idea to use a rug!
DazzleWhileFrazzled says
Thank you Jess!
Sheri says
That’s so creative! Thanks for sharing this in the To Grandma’s House We Go Link Party! It has been pinned. Remember to follow all of us and we hope to see you back this Wednesday!
liebe design says
Nice upcycling idea!
A quick interior change, easy to do.
Christina Makri says
Very interesting idea! I have never thought to transform a table like this! Brilliant idea! Pinned!!!
DazzleWhileFrazzled says
Thanks Christina! It’s definitely a softer place to put up your feet.
Jamie says
Wow. That turned out beautiful. Love the texture.
DIY Home Sweet Home
http://www.diyhsh.com
Sam - Raggedy Bits says
Your coffee table turned out so fab! I love the colours you chose and such a great idea using a rug to cover it!
Thank you so much for sharing your fabulous project with us over at Waste Not Wednesday!
Lubna says
The table looks so good. What a transformation! Thanks for the tips you provided on the way.
Leslie says
How fun! Mid century mod is such fun decor. I love the legs on the table. And the rug on top is probably better for protecting crazy toddlers than the rubber bumpers that they sell (which can easily be pulled off, it seems.) Thanks so much for sharing at the #happynowlinkup!
Rhonda says
I love the upcycle Victoria. The rug is a unique way to cover the table, and the legs are amazing. I’m going to try that leg pattern down the road. I’m Pinning this one. Love the inspiration, thanks!
Katelynn|hampersandhiccups.com says
Homemaking is so fun! Way to get creative
#amazememonday
Katelynn, hampersandhiccups.com
DazzleWhileFrazzled says
Very true, thanks Katelynn!
Tania says
That is so cute Victoria! I love the legs!
Tania
Teresa says
That’s such a cool way to upcycle a table. I think my mother has a few similar rugs somewhere, maybeI need to have a look and see if I can make something with them….
Thank you for sharing at The Really Crafty Link Party. Pinned.
Erlene says
I don’t think I’ve ever seen a rug used on a table before. Very unique! Thanks for sharing on Merry Monday.
The Freshman Cook says
I love this idea! It gives your table such a great texture, and the color is so pretty! Thank you for sharing at Celebrate It!
April J Harris says
I love what you have done here, Victoria! The fabric adds a wonderful extra dimension! Thank you for sharing, and for being a part of the Hearth and Soul Link Party. Have a wonderful week ahead!