Transforming an 80s Coffee Table into a Modern Scandinavian Beauty
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Today, I'm excited to take you on a journey as I transform this tired, old 80s coffee table into a stunning modern centerpiece that's sure to impress. So grab your tools and let's get started!
It all began when I stumbled upon this coffee table at a thrift store for a mere $20. Despite its outdated appearance and a few flaws, I saw its potential. Inspired by the sleek simplicity of Scandinavian design, I envisioned giving it a fresh, contemporary look combining inspiration from these two designer coffee tables.
Supplies
Surf Prep 5” Electric Ray (Use Code PRETTYDISTRESSED10 for 10% off your order)
General Finishes Water Based Stain (Natural)
General Finishes Water Based Stain (Antique Oak)
Wagner Flexio 3500 Or Wagner Flexio 590
Varathane Water Based Polyurethane SATIN -
The Inspiration
I love the light stained color of this piece and mixed my stain trying to achieve this same hue.
The shape of this Arhaus Finley table is what I was going for with this makeover.
The Process
First things first, I had to address some structural issues. This table has a loose corner that needed to be fixed. After some careful disassembly and a bit of tinkering, I managed to tighten it up and it was good as new—crisis averted!
Next, I went to work removing the thick orangey varnish on the top of this coffee table. This color of stain was a signature finish in the 1980’s but it has got to go! I pulled out my carbide scraper to get rid of a layer of varnish and then went back over it with my Surf Prep Sander and an 80 grit sandpaper disc. The final step in removing the old finish was sanding it again using a 150 grit sandpaper so that it is nice and smooth.
I was drawn to this coffee table's curved edge, which reminded me of the beautiful fluted look of pole wrap. This bendable oak veneer material was perfect for achieving the modern aesthetic I had in mind. After measuring the coffee table and cutting the pole wrap to size using my mitre saw, I carefully adhered it to the table using a quick dry wood glue. I worked in sections to ensure a seamless finish. It was a bit of trial and error, but with some patience and a few adjustments, I got it just right.
This DAP Weldwood Glue is perfect for a project like this. It cures quickly and has an open time of three minutes so you can adjust the pole wrap to the surface and ensure it is lined up nice and level.
I used my Bessey clamps to secure the pole wrap to the table and laid some old bathroom tiles on top to weigh it down so I don’t get any bubbling. I used my Ryobi orbital sander to shave off the end of the pole wrap so that I have a seamless and level finish.
I went over the pole wrap with my Surf Prep sander using a 150 grit sandpaper disc to make it nice and smooth. This step helps the wood stain to apply evenly. Then I went over the entire table with a. tack cloth to pick up any dust that was left behind.
Now we are ready to stain! For the stain color, I opted for a custom blend of natural and antique oak to achieve the perfect Scandinavian blonde hue. The result was a soft, warm tone that complemented the oak veneer beautifully.
I forgot how much I love General Finishes Wood stain! This is a water based stain so it applies nice and evenly and the clean up is super easy. They have a wide selection of colors to choose from and you can mix them to get your own custom shade!
I used 2 ounces of the Natural Wood Stain and one tablespoon of the Antique oak to get this custom blonde wood color. Make sure when you mix stain colors that you take some extra time stirring to get the two colors well mixed before applying.
I applied the stain using a staining sponge and then after I had the whole surface covered in stain, I went back in with a lint free cloth to wipe back any excess. For the places I had filled with wood filler, I used my artist brushes to stain the filler so that it would blend right in.
After allowing the stain to dry overnight, it was time to apply the topcoat for added protection and a glossy finish. Using my Wagner Flexio paint sprayer, I applied three coats of water-based polyurethane, allowing two hours of dry time in between to ensure an even coverage and a smooth finish. For this topcoat, the manufacturer recommends applying three coats for maximum protection and coverage.
Varathane water based topcoat is my favorite polyurethane to use right now. I love the finish, and how it applies nicely with a sprayer. Since it is water based, clean up is easy which is always a bonus!
Finally, after hours of hard work and meticulous attention to detail, the transformation was complete. This 80’s coffee table now has a sleek, modern look that would be right at home in any contemporary space.
This project had challenged me in all the right ways, pushing me to think creatively and problem-solve along the way. This $20 coffee table now looks like a high end piece- but I didn’t have to break the budget to achieve the look!
Whether you're a seasoned DIYer or a newcomer to the craft, I hope this project has inspired you to roll up your sleeves and tackle your own furniture makeover. With a little creativity and a lot of elbow grease, anything is possible. You can watch the full makeover on my YouTube channel.
I will be back again soon with another makeover for you, until then, happy flipping!