Thursday, June 13, 2013

A Painted Side Table - "Money Counting Table"

Painted Side table by Lilyfield Life french Louis chair

Hello - I'm just popping in quickly today with a little painted furniture makeover. This is a sweet little table that was sold to me as a Money Counting Table! I can just imagine some mob boss counting his illegal income over this! especially now it's all shabby chic and white! ha ha.

It is pretty beat up and rustic but I love the patina of the top so I left it as is. The colour is actually quite lovely and warm in tone and there's a funny little lip one end of the table top - to stop all your gold coins rolling off!

painted furniture in Sydney by Lilyfield life

Sometimes furniture can look worse if you try and make it all brand new - if I'd tried to fill all the dings and imperfections in this old table it would just look bland and cheap. You just have to embrace it's previous life, wrinkles and all - just like accepting my ageing mid-40's self!


painted furniture in Sydney by Lilyfield life

It is solidly made with a dovetailed drawer that I've lined with pretty paper. It slides very easily. This would make a great side table in your lounge room to store the remote controls and other knick-knacks.

Lilyfield life
painted furniture in Sydney by Lilyfield life

The little dog silhouette was a project my daughter did at school, painted in rust paint. I think it's so beautiful in it's simplicity. Our school has a big art show every second year (and a musical every alternate year) and the kids do some wonderful stuff.  I love seeing their creativity and think our teachers are amazing for all the work they put into guiding and encouraging our kids.

I have a few other painting projects on the go: I am in the middle of painting my dresser in our bedroom - it's all painted and waxed but I've left the handles till last and now I'm over a bit over working on it! I have actually put all my clothes back into the dresser so it might be a while till I can motivate myself to finish it fully. I am also recovering our dining rooms chairs - nothing exciting as I'm using the same fabric as before but they really needed to be changed over after 2 years with a grubby little boy at the table. 


I'm also painting a lovely sideboard. I've added a few timber mouldings to it and it's looking stately and beautiful already even in primer. I know several of you are looking for sideboards so I'll be finished this one next week if you are interested.  I am also painting some furniture for clients -a planter, a beautiful old iron bed and a bedside table. Lots of stuff to keep me busy.

I'm back tomorrow with a big list of problems you might encounter when painting furniture and my  suggested solutions.

Have a good day
Fiona xx

painted furniture in Sydney by Lilyfield life


23 comments:

  1. Great table. Love the patina of the top, it is wonderful. Hugs, Marty

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    1. Hi Marty – yes I couldn’t bring myself to fix or paint it – just perfect in it’s damaged state!
      Have a good week
      Fiona

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  2. Oh you're busy! Love the little table. You are so clever. A-M xx

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    1. Oh A-M not busy at all compared to most people and probably especially you at the moment – I don’t even have to leave to comfort of my own house!
      How are you going with being back in an organisation? Are you loving it –how are you getting anything done around the house?
      Cheers Fiona

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  3. Love that table, the top is gorgeous! I agree - filling can just look odd. Isn't it interesting that it's a money table... might be good luck for someone!

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    1. hi Catherine - I think the table is even more lovely in real life -it's hard to capture the top properly. have a good day
      Fiona xx

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  4. ooh i love the patina on the top of that table! so pretty!

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    1. Thanks Cassie –I couldn’t bring myself to paint it.

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  5. How do you make even the simplest oldest things look beautiful and charming?

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    1. by leaving them as they are found?? thanks Beth -you are very kind xx

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  6. This is lovely, Fiona and I love that you left the top as it. It would have been a shame to cover up all that patina and history. Someone will snap this up for sure.

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    1. i agree Karen - sometimes paint isnt the best solution. I love natural wood tops and painted bases anyway.

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  7. Gorgeous little table. love wrinkles and imperfections, they tell a story.

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  8. Love the table Fiona and showing the history.... I am recovering at home after a fall last night and a face that is black and blue and looking at what you have done with this and your coffee table make me feel good... Also thanks for your mention of Innerwest Vintage Garage Sale in a recent blog.... I bought the most gorgeous looking huge rug today from their auction last night.... Will be perfect under my dining table.... I pick it up tomorrow

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    1. OMG Jennifer, I really hope you are ok and not in too much pain. you poor thing. I was at Miss Mel's this afternoon - if I'd known I could have got your rug for you! I picked up a sweet little side table and basket. I hope you recover quickly and have someone taking care of you tonight.
      Fiona x

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    2. My dad is providing copious cups of tea and my 2 boys are providing the cuddles... That is very sweet of you and hope to meet you soon.... Love the counting table!

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    3. Cuddles from boys are great! I hope you get a good night's sleep

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  9. Another beautiful piece from you - How do you do it all? I am looking forward to your list tomorrow. thanks so much for sharing all your knowledge.

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    1. I hope you found the paint problems and solutions helpful. thanks for commenting.

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  10. Ahh if furniture could talk...the stories they would tell. beautiful !!

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  11. I have an old kitchen table that i want to paint in a off white and antique it and stain the top a nice dark stain. Can you recommend an off white? Went to home depot and they all look too yellow or too beige.

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    1. hi I'm sorry but I'm Australian and don't know American paint brands. Perhaps ask one of the American blogger furniture painters. cheers Fiona

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Thanks for taking the time to comment! Sorry if you have trouble commenting, you can always email me at lilyfieldlife@bigpond.com