Cheap Drop Leaf Table Makeover
This cheap drop leaf table got a gorgeous French country makeover for our dining room!
When we moved this summer I took it as a chance to re-do our dining room. I loved our old table but I was really ready for an update so I sold it before the move. I’m not thinking this new Facebook Marketplace find is going to be a family heirloom, but for $40 it fills the spot until my dream table comes along. Whatever that is! I’m not really sure yet!
You can find some great deals on Facebook Marketplace or Craigslist, usually, the cheap ones need a little TLC and I am always up for a challenge. I figure for $40 I can’t go wrong! With a price tag like that, I knew there would be some effort involved. My husband had to rig the table so the drop leaves stayed up in a sturdy manner and this is what the cushions looked like…
You could say the table was well loved. We bought it from a dad and his little boys. I feel certain many a PB&J were enjoyed around this table. I love that. The curvy edges got me too…
I started the makeover by taking the chairs out back and giving them a good sanding, there were layers of sticky gunk all over the chairs! Next, I spray painted them with my Wagner Flexio sprayer. It makes the job so fast and the finish perfect. I love that sprayer. I used the same color on the chairs that I used on my breakfast room walls, Tynewood from HGTV Home by Sherwin Williams at Lowe’s. It’s my current obsession in paint.
I didn’t want to move the table outside and I wasn’t comfortable spraying it inside so I used a paintbrush on it. For the table top, I used a roller brush like you would on walls for a nice smooth, streak-free finish. The table is painted in Pure White also from the HGTV Home line. The walls in the dining room got painted the same color. Our house came in a creamy off-white color that has a lot of gold in it and I wanted a more neutral color in the room. I have plans for the ceiling later so stay tuned!!!
To recover the chair cushions I used my go-to upholstery tools and even did a Facebook live if you want to see a how-to video (go here!).
I undid the top layer of fabric but left the original because it holds the cushion together. I chose a large scale houndstooth print that I special ordered from Joann Fabrics. (this is one of my favorite things about old furniture, seeing the history of a piece.)
I highly recommend an electric staple gun for projects like this, they are much easier and more powerful than a handheld stapler. I think they do a better job at holding the fabric firmly in place. There are a ton of tips in my Facebook video, but be sure to trim the excess fabric before you reattach the cushion to your chair. 
I love the way the table and chairs turned out! Next up is a new chandelier (I already know what I want but just have to get it) and new curtains. I am undecided on the rug. Some days I like it other days not so much, would love your opinion? Let me know if you have any questions, now go look on Facebook marketplace for a fun piece to makeover!!!
Excellent idea for only 4 sawbucks! Love how the fabric on the chairs turned out. You might have trouble convincing your husband that this isn’t THE table!
lol…I know I might be stuck with it!!!
Could you give some details about how your husband made the leaves sturdier? I have a table where the ends are a little droopy and can’t be leaned on and would love to fix that issue. Thanks!!
yes! He used the arms that slide out and shimmed them up a little, they were droopy. He then srewed them into place, so now the drop leaves don’t drop which is fine for us because we will use it for an eating table. It may not be a good choice if you want to be able to drop the sides. He had to reinforce the little arms though and this was the best option for us. Hope that helps?
Oh my beautiful I want to do this to my dining table but not sure if good wood and the top is so glossy
you could do it, just sand the dop down before you paint for extra adhesion!
Yep you nailed it! Love the chairs…and those silver platters…????
thrift store finds that I love so much!!!:)
Layer another area rug over the top of your existing one-perhaps grey?????
nice – i love that idea!
I love the color you chose for the table and chairs, you are so right that table sure has some nice curves. Looks really nice.
thanks Marlene – I love the curves!!!
This really turned out well. I think a grey Rufus a good choice. Enjoy your projects.
That sounds like a good idea! thank you so much
Love the redo of the table & chairs but the rug….not so much. Maybe you could find either a vintage chandelier or a cap’ de mante chandelier….would be stunning.
I agree – I have a reproduction chandelier in mind, hopefully getting it soon, it will change the space completely!
Love how your table and chairs turned out. Phyllis
Thanks Phyllis, I am so happy to have this project done!
Love your table so pretty
thanks Judy, it is working on nicely
Oh, my it looks stunning!
thank you Betty
I got your email! Lots of work for a mom with kids! (-:
yay and no joke!!! mamas work hard no matter what they do!
I live the contrasting colors of the table and chairs.
thank you, I didn’t want to go all white!
Hi Kim, absolutely love both table and chairs. The fabric you picked for the chairs is perfect ! I agree with Donna, layer a grey or grey and white and black rug over the top of the other. I read somewhere, Maybe Pinterest or hometalk or………about being able to paint your rug !? Don’t know if that would work with yours but it’s an idea. Love your silver and your gorgeous China Cabinet too ????
Good morning Kim. Love the chairs and the houndstooth, oh my, perfect!!! Blessings and smiles…. got it!!