How to Update a Boring Oak Table and Chairs

Oak Table Preview_1

In yesterday’s post I showed you how I refinished an oak table.  Today I’m going to show you how to update boring oak chairs.

Chair Before_0

This is how the chairs looked when I started.  Pretty but not what my client wanted for her space.  They had peeling poly like the table so they all got a light sanding and then 2 coats of ASCP Duck Egg and clear wax.

Painting chairs is A TREMENDOUS  amount of work.  Especially chairs with this many spindles and details.  By the time I finished them I didn’t want to see another chair for quite some time.  You know like at least 5 days!

Duck Egg Chair Legs

I did just a little distressing here and there to blend them with the wood from the table top and give them an aged feel.

Duck Egg Painted Chair

Duck Egg Chair

Chair Painted with Annie Sloan Duck Egg _0

 I feel like each and every one has it’s own personality now, even though they still blend together really well.  All the little details just pop and become so much more visible.

Chair After with ASCP Duck Egg_0

Duck Egg Chairs 5

Duck Egg Chairs 3

Duck Egg and Dark Stain Minwax Table

And here’s the set all together.  Now my client has a completely new look for much less than the cost of a new dining set.  I can just imagine lots of family dinners at this table.

Duck Egg Table and Chairs 2

I’m thrilled with how all of this turned out and so was my client.  She had great vision coming up with the color pallet to match her decor.

Do you have project that needs my attention?  I’d love to work with you and help you make your space reflect your taste.  Email me at farmfreshvintagefinds@gmail.com   Also please check out my Facebook page.

Thanks for reading and please comment with your thoughts.

Blessings,

Beth

How to Chalk Paint Salt and Pepper Shakers
How to Update a Boring Oak Table

20 Comments

  1. I love this! The color is gorgeous!!

  2. chris aka monkey says:

    the whole thing turned out gorgeous xx

  3. That table top is GORGEOUS! And I’m surprised at how all the details on the chairs just pop out at you now. Your client must be thrilled. 🙂 Nice job!

  4. I used to have this very same set, which I grew to hate! Never would have thought it could look so different. Really like how the paint brings out the details in a good way.

    1. Rita-I couldn’t agree more. I really didn’t like it originally but the paint just made it look so much better. Thanks!!!!

      Blessings,
      Beth

  5. The set is gorgeous! So much better now.
    I only painted one of those types of chairs and I never want to do it again–I don’t know how you painted 6!

    1. Ha Susan! It. Took. FOREVER!!!!! I was so ready for a nap when I was done!!!!

      🙂

  6. I recently bought 4 of these chairs and I’m trying to figure out if I sand over the detail or leave that alone and sand everything else? How exactly do I deal with that part? Thank you!

    1. Hi Raven,

      I would just clean the chairs very throughly and paint them with a chalk type paint. I prefer the DIY brand that I sell here on my site. It adheres to almost anything and have beautiful colors to choose from.

      Thanks,
      Beth

  7. I have this exact same dining set! I’ve been researching how I can update it. You did such a fantastic job! It’s beautiful. Any suggestions on using black for the chairs and base?

    1. Hi Angela,

      Thank you for your kind words. I’ve done this table in black for clients as well and it looks fantastic. If you want a distressed look I’d used DIY Chalk and Clay Paint. If you’re going for a more solid less distressed look I’d use General Finishes Milk Paint. Both can be found on my site and shipped right to your door. I hope this helps! Let me know if you have any other questions.

      Thanks,
      Beth

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *