Another week passed and I didn’t make progress on the bedroom furniture—life happened. Instead, I tackled a quick makeover for a small side table that has been hanging around my house. Please excuse the mess in the photos; our puppy Tatou considers the living room his personal playground.
I tried to sell this table at a recent garage sale but it didn’t find a buyer. Rather than donate it, I decided to give it new life with paint and stencils.
The table was never especially stylish, and after failing to sell it for $15, I brought it into the living room for a makeover. I considered a full-on farmhouse look but ultimately settled on a softer, in-between style that blends farmhouse and cottage sensibilities. I decided to use a pretty stencil I had bought for another project so it wouldn’t go to waste.
What I Used:
- Vinegar and water mixture for cleaning
- Chalky finish paint in white (base coat)
- Stencil set
- Masking tape
- Acrylic craft paint in dark blue for stencil detail
- Round sponge brush for stenciling (for pouncing)
- Measuring tape
- Decorative waxes (white and brown were tested)
- Round brush for applying wax
- Clean cotton rags for buffing wax
The How To:
The tabletop was laminate, so I thoroughly wiped it down with a vinegar-and-water solution to remove dust, grease, and residue. Once dry, I applied a chalky finish paint as the base coat. I used three thin coats to get full coverage—no sanding required for this surface, which made the process quick. Painting the base took less than an hour total.
After the paint dried, I measured and centered the stencil on the tabletop, securing it with masking tape. The table isn’t perfectly square, so I took a little extra time to align the stencil visually so the motif would sit nicely on the top.
For the stencil color, I mixed a dark blue craft paint into the white chalky paint to create a muted navy that would read soft against the base coat. You can, of course, pick a color you love; I prefer using what I already have.
Instead of brushing, I used a round sponge brush and applied the paint with a pouncing motion. This technique helps prevent paint from bleeding under the stencil. Before stenciling on the table, I pounced onto scrap paper to remove excess paint and ensure even coverage.
I used a decorative border stencil for the table’s apron and pounced the same blue mixture along the sides and bottom edge. The stencil set made it easy to repeat the pattern and maintain a consistent look around the piece.
With the painting complete, I tested three wax options on a spare piece of heavyweight paper to see how each finish would change the look. The black wax was too heavy for the soft farmhouse look I wanted; the brown wax added warmth and depth, and the white decorative wax gently softened and distressed the blue stenciling.
I ultimately chose the white wax to finish the tabletop. Using a round wax brush, I applied a thin coat, let it sit for a few minutes, and then buffed it off with clean white cotton rags. The white wax slightly muted the blue, giving it a worn, vintage appearance while protecting the painted surface.
The table legs received a subtler treatment: I dabbed a small amount of brown wax and then mixed in some white wax to soften the color. The result is just a hint of warm tone on the legs that complements the stenciled top without overpowering it.
The top is the real focal point: a soft blue floral stencil on a farmhouse-white base creates a fresh, vintage-inspired look that suits both cottage and farmhouse styles. I’m still tuning my personal style and enjoy mixing elements from different eras and aesthetics—this table fits right into that evolving mix.
For now, the table will stay as it is, though I might add a subtle floral burst to the center later if I feel it needs more detail. For a quick upcycle, this transformation was inexpensive and satisfying: a little paint, a stencil, and some wax turned an unwanted piece into a charming accent table.
Would you call it farmhouse or cottage? Either way, it now fits nicely into the living room and gives the space a fresh, handmade touch.
Quick Tips for Stenciling a Table
- Clean the surface thoroughly before painting.
- Use thin coats of paint rather than one thick coat.
- Pounce with a sponge brush and remove excess paint on scrap paper first.
- Test waxes on scrap material to evaluate color and finish.
- Work patiently—stenciling takes a steady hand and a light touch.
If you enjoyed this makeover, consider upcycling before donating or selling a piece—small changes can make a big difference.
More Stenciled Projects:
Disclosure: some products mentioned are things I purchased and enjoy using. I sometimes link to items for reference. This post is meant for inspiration and entertainment, not professional advice.