table upcycle
Location
Ottawa, Canada
year
2022
This process of upcycling a shabby mid-century modern coffee table into a functional conversation piece. By painting it with a colourful, wavy 60s design and applying a gloss top coat, I was able to breathe new life into the table while embracing the nostalgia of the era.
This coffee table, a relic of mid-century design, had seen better days. It had visible water stains and other signs of wear, but rather than disposing of it, I wanted to repurpose and rejuvenate the table.
Inspired by psychedelic textiles of the 60s, I envisioned a design that would celebrate the era's vibrant colours and free-flowing patterns. I imagined undulating waves flowing over the contours of the table, unrestricted by the surface’s edges. The final design incorporated wavy patterns and bold hues to create a paradoxically modern yet nostalgic statement table.
To kick off the upcycling process, I thoroughly cleaned and sanded the table to remove any imperfections and ensure a smooth surface for painting. This step was crucial for achieving a flawless and durable end result. I applied a base coat to the areas where I wanted to paint and left the rest bare. The idea was to cover the discoloured areas while still showing off the natural grain of the wood. This technique gives a sense of movement and depth on the table's surface.
When I was done painting the waves, I applied a gloss top coat. This protective layer not only adds a sleek finish but also acts as a shield against everyday wear and tear, making the table more functional and long-lasting. Here’s a video that sums up the entire process:
Once the upcycling process was complete, the transformed coffee table went from drab to dynamic. Its vibrant colours and psychedelic design add a lively nostalgia to any room, and the table's glossy top coat provides a smooth, easy-to-clean surface that is both durable and beautiful.
