Outdated dining tables often get discarded or relegated to basement storage. But with some creative refashioning, old flea market finds, family hand-me-downs, or secondhand scores can be reinvented with a fresh modern look perfect for contemporary homes. Tired wood finishes, bulky pedestals, and ornate details easily get a modern makeover with simple sanding, painting, and refinishing paired with bold new base styles and innovative accessories. With a little skill and imagination, outdated tables gain new life as one-of-a-kind contemporary showstoppers.
Refresh the Wood Surface by Sanding and Refinishing
Sanding away the existing finish gets you down to the bare wood and allows you to refresh the overall appearance. Start by using 60-80 grit sandpaper to aggressively strip away any thick existing stains, varnishes, or paint down to the raw wood. Then smooth away sanding marks and impressions using 120-150 grit paper. Finish up by polishing with extra fine 180-220 grit for a silky surface ready for new stain or paint.
Look for sleek modern wood stains in espresso, gray, charcoal, black, or other darker neutral hues to enhance the modern mood. Or leave wood natural and color it later with table linens and decor. Use satin, matte, or low-luster polyurethanes or varnishes to seal the table, avoiding high-gloss finishes which seem more dated. Multiple thin coats create the smoothest most resilient finish.
Swap Bulky Pedestals for Slim Straight Metal Legs
Removing bulky ornate pedestals and replacing with straight, slim metal legs is one of the easiest ways to instantly modernize a table’s footprint. Choose tapered legs in black, chromed, or gunmetal finishes for a streamlined appearance. Attach the new legs using discrete connecting brackets and hardware that don’t compete with the legs for attention. Go for at least 4 legs for stability – 6 or 8 legs can really elevate the contemporary lightness.
Attach Bold Graphic Storage at the Ends
For a functional table that doesn’t forgo style, attach a closed lacquered wood storage cabinet, vividly painted cubbies, or multi-tone storage bins to one end of the table instead of pedestals. Paint storage elements in high-contrast colors to the tabletop for maximum pop. Opt for storage with clean straight lines, concealed handles, and minimal ornamentation to maintain that modern vibe. This adds function for table essentials and gives the table a hit of eye-catching pattern.
Mix Unexpected Materials
The combination of wood, marble, glass, metal and other materials instantly gives tables an eclectic modern edge. Inlay a hexagonal marble accent down the center of a wood tabletop. Add sleek hairpin legs in antiqued brass. Install a clear glass tabletop over a distressed whitewashed base. Combining natural and industrial materials creates compelling textural juxtapositions.
Remove Carving and Ornamentation for a Minimalist Profile
For antique or traditional tables with ornate carved details, remove all the carvings by sanding, planing, filling, or cutting away to create a super smooth minimalist tabletop surface. After smoothing, use neutral matte stains like charcoal or soft dove gray to enhance the pared-down aesthetic. Avoid any decorative molding, edging, or embossed details to keep lines very simple and unadorned. The erased embellishments let the wood grain and tone shine.
Install Cutting-Edge Tabletop Accessories
Take the table into the 21st century by installing sunken tabletop features like adjustable mood lighting, touchscreen displays, or fog machines to diffuse dry ice over the table’s surface. High-tech add-onspaired with an aged patinated table create a compelling study in contrasts. Just be sure electronics don’t obstruct conversation or meals.
Paint or Stain the Base in Bold Color for a Pop of Fun
Liven up a tired old unfinished wood table base with bursts of color for a whimsical modern statement. Paint bases glossy hues like cobalt blue, citrus orange, lime green or bold black. Or stencil on geometric Moroccan patterns. Leave the tabletop natural wood for contrast. Continue the festive colors with brightly hued table decor.
Showcase Industrial Hardware to Spotlight Construction
Use prominent industrial metal fixtures and hardware to spotlight the table’s inner construction and mechanics. Expose and emphasize beefy corner bolts, cross braces, and metal framing brackets under the table with a distressed patina. A structural skeleton-revealing style looks rigorously modern.
Whitewash for an Airy Weathered Look
For dingy wood tables with a cluttered look, apply a whitewashed finish using chalk paint or chemical liming products. This instantly lightens and freshens the table for a laidback modern vibe. The natural weathering whitewash look pairs perfectly with aged, reclaimed and upcycled woods. Seal with matte polyurethane or wax for protection.
Add Unexpected Base Surprises Like Lighting or Effects
Build a hidden chamber into the base span or pedestal cavity so you can incorporate lighting, fog, audio visual displays or other unexpected special effects. Control effects with switches or an app to sync dynamic table surprises during meals. This infusion of the unexpected gives aged traditional tables an avant garde flair.
With a mix of creative new finishes, bold colors, innovative functionality and eclectic material pairings, you can easily reimagine discard-bound dining tables as one-of-a-kind modern dining centerpieces sure to impress your next dinner guests. Put those dated traditional pieces to work showing off your crafty refashioning skills and design vision.
