Thrifted Thoughts: Tray Table

Ah, the tray table… Its classic lines will never go out of style.

This one was in near perfect condition and could easily blend into your décor in an instant. But, if one was so inclined, they could take this table to the next level since it lends itself to many other crafty DIY ideas.

Right of the bat, decoupage comes to mind. But you could also use fabric, pressed under glass. A mosaic of mirrors would be stunning laid in a herringbone pattern, so long as each piece had a clean, beveled edge.

But, my favorite idea for adding a little drama to this classic table: Tile!

I’m not talking ordinary tile. I’m talking art tile. And where is one to head when in need of art tile? Why, Ann Sacks of course!

Keep it modern by installing a graphic, starburst tile mural, like Jimi in colourway 5 by Angela Adams.

With a few square feet of stunning tile and an afternoon of your time, you could transform this table into an eclectic, one-of-a-kind piece!

Next comes the issue of where to show off your creation.

Because a table this size is so versatile, you could use it as a coffee table in front of a small sofa, or as a side table beside a deep, low sofa. Try it as a bedside table or an indoor/outdoor occasional table. Perfect for enclosed porches!

The tile will create a durable surface, making it into the perfect place to set a drink, regardless of what room in ends up in!

What would you do to up the awesome factor of a classic table like this?

Thrifted Thoughts: Wood Framed Loveseat

I’ve really been getting into Candice Olson’s new show, Candice Tells All, on W Network.

In this week’s episode, she designed a room, blending the homeowner’s vintage furnishings with new furnishings. Just like I would have done, she revamped a bunch of the vintage pieces to make them work with the new design concept.

My favorite makeover was the new design for this carved, wood framed sofa.

Then, while I was out and about this week scouring vintage shops for lamps, I came across this sofa…

While not quite as unique as the piece Candice made over, it does feature a lot of the same elements.

The carving work has been reserved for the claw feet only, but the exposed wood frame and curvy shape makes it a perfect candidate to receive a similar makeover.

Here’s how to get the look!

First, hire a professional to sand and spray the frame with white lacquer. Second, have the entire piece reupholstered in a punchy new woven fabric.

This sky blue fabric is almost identical to the one Candice used, but you could choose any colour that works with your décor.

I’m partial to these bold shades of mustard, moss, sherbet & garnet.

What would you do? Work with the wood or paint it?

Thrifted Thoughts: Sloped Lounge Chair

My vintage chair addiction was spurred on this weekend when I spotted this Jetson-esque lounge chair at a local reuse centre.

The slope of the back makes it super comfy and the curvy, wood arms add mega-personality.

Regardless of its endearing qualities, this chair is a total do-over!

The wood frame is badly scratched and the upholstery has seen better days.

An upholstery job, like this, requires a professional. But, if you were so inclined, you could take on the wood restoration job yourself.

Tip: The woodwork should be done prior to the upholstery work.  It’s easier to maneuver new fabric around a recently refinished frame than it is to sand & stain the wood around new fabric.

Your fabric options are endless and would depend on your décor, your tastes, and, most importantly, your risk tolerance!

I always prefer to make a bold statement with a one-of-a-kind accent chair!

A fabric, like this, with a crisp, black & white, wiggly, stripe effect, would bring this piece to life. Run it vertically for maximum impact! Finish the chair with white buttons & piping and you’ve got yourself a modern show-stopper!

Thrifted Thoughts: Teak Side Chair

Teak side chairs can be found in almost every thrift shop, vintage store & flea market. But, they’re rarely found as a complete set.

This doesn’t have to be a bad thing. One single chair is useful as a side chair in the living room, a place to perch in the entry or even as an accent piece in the bedroom.

An assortment of single chairs from the same period, that are similar in style, can be grouped together, with a dining table, to create an eclectic arrangement.

The key to unifying the grouping is fabric!

This fabric, designed from simple lines and made crisp with a black & white scheme, will create a dynamic, yet classic, look.

The trick to creating your eclectic, dream dining room is patience.

Keep your eyes out for chairs that fit the bill, buy them as you find them and keep at it until your collection is complete.

Once you find a fabric you love, buy enough to recover the number of chairs you’re after. It may take a while to find them and you don’t want to risk your dream fabric being discontinued.

In the meantime, if you reupholster them as you find them, you can put them to good use, elsewhere in your home.

Chair seats, like this one, are a breeze to reupholster. Check out Amanda’s tips over on the new Upholstery Basics column on Design Sponge for an in depth how-to.

Do you think you could get over the idea of having a matching set in favor of creating a more collected look? Tell me your thoughts in the comments!

Thrifted Thoughts: X-Base Table

I’m a big believer in owning a number of versatile pieces that can move from room to room to serve a variety of functions.

Not only does this allow you to USE your furniture more but constantly mixing things up keeps your home looking fresh.

When I spotted this x-base table, it occurred to me how versatile this piece could be with a simple makeover.

As a table, it really only serves one purpose, and while the legs are beautifully carved, the top leaves something to be desired.

The solution? Turn that bad-boy into a bench!

With a little foam, some batting for cushiness, and some graphic fabric, this x-base can be reupholstered, taking it from ho-hum table to hot-damn!

Introducing a bold, graphic print will liven up the look, but if you’re going for versatility, keep the colour neutral so that it can seamlessly move from room to room.

This Tribal Peacock print in warm grey fits the bill perfectly!

Now, you’ve got a piece that can work as a seat in your entryway, that could be tucked neatly under a console table, as an ottoman in your living room, or as an extra seat when entertaining. The list goes on!

Do you own any furniture that could benefit from a makeover, transforming it into a more functional AND beautiful piece?