One of my daughters flips furniture and has garnered a social media following, sharing what she does in time lapsed videos as she breathes new life into pieces that need a fresh start. I’m always amazed by her before and after photos of the projects she envisions and creates. So when I finally worked up the courage to flip my grandmother’s kitchen table that I’ve had for many years but was scared to refinish for fear I’d mess it all up, I picked up the phone.
“What do I do?” I asked her. My (almost) sister-in-law had suggested chalk paint, and I loved the idea of a modern farmhouse look.
Ansley told me, and I set out to get the things I’d need: an orbital sander with 80 and 220 grit sanding pads, a 180 grit sanding sponge or paper, a can of Behr chalk paint in Farmhouse White, a good name brand chalk paint brush and wax brush, a tub of chalk paint wax and a lint-free rag, a quality 2-inch stain brush that wouldn’t shed bristles, a drop cloth or other floor covering, and a can of stain mixed with polyurethane in a satin finish. I chose a warm pecan color.
I wore a mask and sanded the dark finish off the top with the 80 grit paper outdoors, then wiped it all down and lightly sanded the bottom with a 180 sanding sponge. Back indoors, I lined the floor with paper in case of spills (I’m so glad I did) and painted the bottom part of the table with 3 coats of chalk paint and the top with 3 coats of the pecan stain/poly mix, sanding with the 220 grit in between coats. Although I paid the price of bending down all weekend with a Monday morning backache, I completed the project in two days and now have a whole different kitchen table.
We normally don’t have the table situated with the leaves out, but in the picture above, they’re open for drying and the table is pulled apart into its different sections. I’m letting the table dry for a couple of extra days since the leaves will fold in half and rest with tops touching once I roll them back inside the table and lock it shut.
I can hear my grandmother, Georgia Lee Haynes, cheering her granddaughter Ansley’s skills and choices from Heaven as I stand here in my rural Georgia kitchen between the two of them, one in Heaven and one in Kentucky. I’m the one holding a dripping paintbrush with a splotch of white paint in my hair, standing next to the table that will bridge generations from long ago to many years in the future.
Pull up a chair and let’s have a cup of tea and play a game of dominoes – – and feel free to grab a paintbrush and stay awhile…..the chairs are next.
Common Threads 
WOW!!! I loved learning what it means to “flip a table”! I like how at the end, you weave in the spirit across the generations that recreated this table. What a treasure, the table, the story of painting it and as the reader, I’m envisioning all that already sat at this table and all that will in the future. Especially loved your ending….chairs are next. Do give your back a little rest!!
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It’s BEAUTIFUL! You are becoming an expert! I love the chain of generations in this piece. Good furniture links people together throughout the years. What a lovely tribute and legacy! Can’t wait to see the chairs!
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Bravo, Kim. The table looks incredible! I love how you show the value of this table and how it connects you with your spiritual and living family.
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I also love the bridging of generations in your piece. And the values where you put in the work to keep a wonderful old table. What a beauty! How long it can become! I love what you did to it, but also the hints at what transpires on it.
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“Pull up a chair and let’s have a cup of tea and play a game of dominoes” this line made me think of my grandmother’s table. The table is looking beautiful & I would love to find a table like that for my kitchen.
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Kim,
Your refurbished table looks amazing. I love the wood and paint combination and the colors you chose. Such a labor of love! Will you be doing the chairs next? You know you want to!
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I’ve started them! Yes, yes! Farmhouse White for the chairs, and the rattan will be covered with a thin foam and an upholstery using a staple gun. I will have to travel to a Hobby Lobby to get the fabric for the chairs, so that may take a couple of weeks until I can get there – but I love all the painting.
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Just…wow. I am totally impressed with your willingness to give this a go! Great results!
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Thank you!
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Like so many others said, I love how you dwelt on the table as a piece connecting generations in your family. I’m super impressed by your finished product and can’t wait to see the ensemble once the chairs are done. This must feel so satisfying!
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Gorgeous project! You truly breathed new life into that table – it looks wonderful. How fantastic to have such a great coach, your dear daughter. Thanks for sharing this!
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Wow. Not what I expected. I was thinking of that scene in The Real Housewives of New Jersey, where Theresa literally flips the table over at the restaurant. Your flipping is a lot more civilized and constructive…and might make better tv, too. I really like those lines at the end where you’re standing by your table between heaven and Kentucky, between generations past and future. I guess writers and restorers create time bridges.
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That’s a lovely image – – bridging time done by writers and restorers. Thanks so much for sharing!
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