New {old} Foyer Table

Our foyer needed a little something to make it more "stylish". I wanted a narrow table along this wall for lamps and holiday decorating.
Our TV is above the mantel (see here) so this ledge will be fun to switch around accessories for the seasons.

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Here's how it all started out:

I found these deck posts in the lumber department for under $8 each. They are perfect for legs.

Cut 2" off the top and 4" off the bottom.

Turn them upside down for decorative leg posts.

I cut the ones for the back side in half lengthwise because my table is going to be very narrow (8" deep).

I used wood glue and my nail gun to put pieces together as I went.

I also use corner brackets to keep the table nice and sturdy.

I design the thing as I go....

With a drill, screws, corner brackets, a table saw, miter saw, nail gun and air compressor - you can make anything!

I grabbed an old window that was missing the glass for the center piece.

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Now to paint it. What do I have on hand?

I mixed some grey left over paint with white wall paint and chalkboard paint. I lightly coated the wood table on most areas but tried to leave a lot of wood showing - I want it really worn looking. The key is to keep your paint sheer.

Then use the scraping method with a Spackle knife to remove any thick painted areas. An easy distressing technique - your paint doesn't even have to be all the way dry.

Scraped paint...I love it!

Once the table paint is dry, get an old sock. I use a rubber glove and then put the old sock over my glove and dip my hand into ebony stain and rub a light coat of stain all over the table - even on the painted areas.

Wipe any excess stain off with an old t-shirt or a dry sock once the table is covered completely in stain.

I am not going to use polyurethane over this because I may want to change the color some time in the future. I won't have to sand too much when I decide to paint it again if I don't use poly. I do prefer the look of a sealed piece in a satin or flat polyurethane, though.

Since this table is heavy, long and narrow it has potential to fall forward in this high traffic area. I used a corner bracket to screw it into a wall stud.

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I added some hooks for keys.

They don't match...on purpose.

After searching several stores for buffet lamps with skinny enough shades for my table ledge - I ended up buying these at WalMart for $10 each. Perfect size!

I haven't made a piece of furniture in months - that was fun!

To see other tables made by me with simple instructions GO HERE.
to see a cool chippy paint technique go here
Linking with:
Not Just a Housewife - Best Project of 2012
Funky Junk Interiors - SNS #164 Hand Built Furniture
Primitive and Proper
(an all about furniture link up party - fun redos)
From My Front Porch to Yours
Savvy Southern Style
The Brambleberry Cottage
Beyond the Picket Fence
French Country Cottage
Common Ground
Funky Junk Interiors