THIS DATED TWIN SIDE TABLE SET GETS A FRESH NEW LOOK BY INSTALLING HAIRPIN TABLE LEGS | BEFORE AND AFTER FURNITURE MAKEOVER + VIDEO TUTORIAL
Hi, creative #sifamily! Isn’t Amazon Prime amazing?! I ordered these Hairpin Table Legs at 11 am last Wednesday and they were delivered to me by 10 am the next morning. Can you imagine how fast deliveries will be once they start delivering with drones?!
Here’s the side table set I started with. They were selling for $20 each and both in excellent condition but a little outdated.
I removed the hardware, turned them around length-wise, and added hairpin legs for a fresh new look!
What do you think? Updated and handsome, right?!!!
I’m loving the contrast of the warm wood against the sophisticated black.
THIS POST IS SPONSORED/CONTAINS AFFILIATE LINKS TO PRODUCTS I USE. YOU CAN SEE MY FULL DISCLOSURE HERE.
SOURCE LIST
Side Table Set – SALVAGED
Paint Brushes
Shop Towel
White Lightning
Dewalt Orbital Sander
Oscillating Tool (similar)
Sandpaper | Tack Cloth
Gorilla Epoxy Stick
Hairpin Table Legs
B-I-N Shellac Base Primer
Walnut Gel Stain
Anchor Silk All-In-One-Mineral Paint
Gator Hide Topcoat
HARPIN TABLE LEGS MAKEOVER
When I saw these side tables in the Restore, I knew if I turned them lengthwise, they would look more modern. They do have a drawer, so by adding the hairpin legs, it not only updated them but also sealed/screwed in the side drawer so it’s a solid contained unit. You’d never know there was a drawer there by looking at it now!
PREP & CLEAN
I started by giving these twin tables a good cleaning with this cleaner. I like adding this powder to a spray bottle and spraying it but you can just as easily add it to a bucket and use a sponge or cloth to clean your furniture. Just make sure you give it a wipe-down with clear water afterward to remove all the residue.
REMOVE HARDWARE
I removed the dated hardware on each drawer and filled the holes with this Gorilla Epoxy Stick.
I’ve seen a few furniture painters posting this on their IG so thought I would give it a try. Super easy to use. I tore a small piece off and kneaded it (wear gloves!) for 30-60 seconds. Once it was all blended I smooshed it into the hardware holes. I didn’t have to use a lot so I’m sure this $10 tube will last for numerous hardware hole fills.
It seems durable enough and sanded down by hand. So for any of you who are looking for something that dries “harder” than wood fill but don’t want to mix and sand a Bondo, this is a great alternative!
SAND
These two side tables were scuff sanded using a 100 grit sandpaper and my Dewalt Orbital sander. Here’s what they looked like after the full scuff sanding.
STAIN
The top insert and side panels were stained with two coats of this Walnut Gel Stain. Gel stain was the perfect choice for this piece because it can be applied over an existing finish. I have a full tutorial on staining over an existing finish here. Check out the difference the Gel Stain made. The left side is the original, and the right side is stained!
The panels also received two coats. I used a foam brush to get into the corners.
MAKING A JIG
Okay, I have to admit this part intimidated me. I’ve never made a jig like this or cut-off table legs before. A jig is any type of “guide” used to control the accuracy of another tool. It’s used when repeatability and accuracy are needed by holding the work and guiding your tool. In this case, I used plywood to create a corner jig so it would help me cut each leg off evenly.
Here are the steps I took to create a jig…
- I made sure my plywood was square
- I measured flush with the table skirt
- I cut two pieces exactly the same dimensions
- I screwed them together to make a corner jig
- I used the jig on each corner to help guide my oscillating tool
ADDING HAIRPIN TABLE LEGS
It was super easy and convenient to order these 16″ hairpin legs from Amazon and they look amazing! I actually forgot to add the feet bumpers on when I did my staging but they do come with the legs so they won’t scratch your floors.
The installation of the pin legs was easier than making the jig! I made sure they were evenly placed on each corner then drilled a pilot hole. After it was as simple as screwing them in!
PAINT
I painted these tables in two coats of this Silk in Anchor. Silk All-In-One-Mineral Paint is my new fav for spraying but this time I brushed it on. If you’re looking for self-leveling paint that leaves NO BRUSH MARKS, this is it! It also has a built-in primer and top coat which saves a ton of time.
PROTECT
There’s no topcoat or protection required for the painted surfaces because it’s built into the paint, but I will need to topcoat the walnut-stained areas. Once it’s 100% dry, I’ll be using this Gator Hide for maximum protection and easy cleaning of spills, etc.
YOUTUBE TUTORIAL
Here’s the step-by-step on Youtube. If you have any problems viewing below, feel free to watch it on my Youtube Channel here… and don’t forget to subscribe! 🙂
Here’s another look at this before and after. I hope it’s inspired you and given you some ideas for your salvaged projects.
On a personal note, the kidney stone has passed naturally…whew! I’m so grateful I didn’t have to get a procedure to have it removed. Thanks for all your well wishes and concern. You make my heart smile! XOXO
LET ME KNOW WHAT YOU THINK OF THIS MAKEOVER WITH THE HAIRPIN TABLE LEGS. OR FEEL FREE TO ASK ANY QUESTIONS YOU MAY HAVE… I ALWAYS LOVE HEARING FROM YOU. IT MAKES MY DAY! 🙂
Happy furniture painting friends!
Denise x
RELATED POSTS::
ADDING FEET TO FURNITURE
BLACK PAINTED FURNITURE
SALVAGED TRUNK W DIY LEGS
IKEA DRESSER HACK W PIN LEGS
IKEA DRESSER HACK W PIN LEGS PART 2
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Those are so pretty. I’m wondering how you did the fronts of those, because you don’t show how you made it look completely different from the old front.
Hi Viki and thank you! The original fronts (the short side) had the hardware removed, filled, and then painted solid black. I did this so it wouldn’t distract from the new painted and stained fronts (the long side).
Amazing job!! They are beautiful!!
Thank you Elyse! x
Hi Denise. Just wanted to try out your comment section because I read you changed the font/color so it’s easier to read. Very visible now:). Even with my poor old eyes I have no problem reading what I’ve written. Lol:D
Oh I’m so glad! Thanks for the update Monique…much appreciated! XOXO
So glad you are feeling better, Denise! Now those tables….who woulda thunk? What a difference you made with them, and I love the walnut stain with the black paint. I’m not crazy about hairpin legs though. Sorry! I never did like them years ago…but I admit they’re better than the original legs! You always do such an amazing make over.
Feeling SO much better…thank YOU! And seeing as hairpin legs aren’t your thing you must have REALLY thought the old ones were ugly!🤣
Those tables are inspiring. I’ll be looking at end tables in a while new way! Thanks for the ideas! Super creative!
Thanks Tess!!!
Denise, you have outdone yourself! This is amazing! So inspiring! I have sent this off to my sister who loves all things midcentury! She will be inspired. Thanks for including the source for the hairpin legs (who would have thought Amazon). I would have never picked those table for a midcentury look.
Glad you stone has passed, I hope it wasn’t too painful. Hope you are drinking lots of water (lemon)! Please take care.
Carolyn, A Registered Nurse who loves DIY
Hi Carolyn! Thanks for sharing and I hope your sister likes them! And ya, I’m trying to drink more water for sure. I don’t think I drink enough water during the day – just green tea and coffee. 😐 Thanks for your ‘expert’ advice… much appreciated as I need reminding.💙💙💙
First off what a beautiful job. Also want to mention I agree with Margot about the wasted drawer space. I would love to be able to lift the top and store things inside that area. And Kathy is right commenting on how light the type is when we are commenting. It’s really hard to read. But again what gorgeous side tables you have now
Thanks so much, Hilary! And I really like the hidden drawer idea as well. Even though it would open from the side (kind of funky) it could be used for items that are not used or needed often.
I’ve gone in and hopefully made the comment font darker/bolder. If anyone gets the chance to test it out and let me know if it’s better and easier for you to read, it would be appreciated. Thanks a bunch!
Denise, I was thinking of lifting the top up like on a hinge maybe not workable though. Anyway such beautiful tables now
This is amazing! I couldn’t even see it in the first pictures …I thought I had to have clicked on the wrong link! Stunning work!
awwww, that’s so sweet Sara! Thank you! 🙂
This was one of the best makeovers I have ever seen. Great vision and job on painting them. As a previous user commented, the font used in the messages are very light, so hard to read. Can you have it set as black, so it is easier to read? Thanks!!
Thanks so much Mona! I did check after I read Kathy’s comment and the setting is at black so I’m not sure why it’s showing up very light but I’m going to check into it some more. Your comments are what keeps ME inspired so I want to make it comfortable and easy for you. 🙂
I’m curious. Are the front walnut stained areas the sides of the drawers? I love hidden drawers and if they wouldn’t slide and get scratched by opening the drawers I would use the magnet system to open them and hide things in them. Anyway, they are stunning and so different I can’t imagine where you came up with the idea. You are truly talented.
The drawer was on the short side and I painted both short sides black. I REALLY like your idea about the magnetic hidden drawer though! I wish I would have thought of that!!!
Wow, what an amazing vision you had for these tables, Denise. They look AMAZING! I had that Gorilla stick on my shopping list so fast. Gotta love Gorilla products – my personal faves. So glad to hear you were able to pass that nasty kidney stone. Ouch!
Thanks my friend! 💕 and ya I’m so glad as well… the cramping was the worst!
Been there, done that with kidney stones. My heart goes out to you!!!!! Pain reaches a whole new level with those rotten things. So glad to hear you’re doing better. Now – about the table updates……….this is one of the very BEST updates on furniture I’ve seen in a long, long time! Your ideas are flippin’ genius! Thanks for sharing your world with us..
PS: When we’re typing comments, it looks so pale and faded, it’s nearly impossible to check what we wrote for errors before sending..
Oh Kathy, sorry to hear that you went through that as well. Ugggh, very painful! And yaaay!!! So glad you like the updated tables and I’ll look into the settings for commenting.😊💙
Wow! What an amazing makeover. From old fashioned to ever so contemporary.. Love the black with the wood. Great job.
Thank you Lis! So glad you like them. I’m pretty pleased with the wood/black contrast as well. It turned out even better than I thought it would.
These are freaking amazing!! I swear my heart stopped and I swooned when i saw them. Then, when seeing what you started with other – those old mass-produced tables everyone had, I was stunned immobile for a good five minutes. Your vision for these- just wow. The ideas you come up with are truly amazing. That you can bring those visions to life is a special talent few have. Thank you so much for sharing with us humans so that we may try to do something similar.
😂…”stunned immobile for a good 5 min”…🤣… I hope you were somewhere safe Chris.😉 That’s too funny and what a HUGE compliment. Thanks so much, super sweet. And thanks for the laugh!
Hi Denise! Very minimilistic and stylish. Great job!!
Thanks so much Cheryl! XOXO
Hi Denise. Glad to hear you are feeling better. These end tables are now handsome, masculine and stately. I NEVER would have thought to turn tables sideways for a more modern look. The new legs really add updated style. Fabulous makeover.
Thanks so much Monique! And ya, this makeover is more masculine, isn’t it?! Most of my makeovers end up feminine whether I’m trying to go that direction or not, so it’s nice these turned out “handsome” as a few others described. Have a super day my friend. XOXO
These tables look absolutely incredible now, Denise! I love how you completely recreated them!! XOXO
Thanks, Christy! Making the jig and cutting off the legs was intimidating but I love how it all came together as well! XOXO
LOVE LOVE LOVE. Just can’t wait to see your posts. You have the most fabulous design ideas. You are so creative. One day I hope to try some of your ideas.
Thanks Barbara, I’m so glad you love it! XOXO
Maybe I missed it in reading, but do you just grab inderneath the drawer yo open.
Love your vision. Sure would love to have a fraction of it
Great job , Love it
Thanks Bev! I screwed the drawer totally shut so it doesn’t open at all. The two tables are sealed side tables now. 🙂
Wow! Such an awesome vision filled result!
Thanks so much Susan! 🙂
I’m swooning over these tables, Denise. You had me at hairpin legs! They look amazing.
Thanks my friend! Hugs XOXO
WOW! What a transformation and a great vision you had!
Thank you Gwen!🤗
Fabulous transformation and modernization. You have great vision and imagination!
Thank you Rima! 🙂
I just marvel at you rehab-redo ladies and your ability to use chalk paint- (I haven’t tried the silk paint yet). I have never gotten a desired finish. Possibly because I don’t have access to the right tools here in my little rural town. Oh sure, I could order – but as you well know sometimes things happen on a whim…lol! Anyway, these tables turned out great. Denise. I hope you have a blessed day!
The ‘right’ tools are helpful for sure but there were many years I used dollar store supplies so I hope you don’t get discouraged. I’m cheering you on from this end Niki! Thanks so much and have a blessed day as well.💙
What a good vision you had for these tables! I love that you turned them sideways and made the drawers “go away”. I’m not sure I would have ever thought of that but it sure opens up some possibilities for fiture projects. Nice job! Thanks.
I’m glad it’s sparked some ideas Desire! Thank you! XOXO
Omigosh! You wouldn’t know they’re the same tables. They are absolutely beautiful. Great job.
Yaaayyyy! If they’re unrecognizable (in a good way…lol) that’s amazing! Thank YOU!
Absolutely stunning. What a difference an updated pair of legs make. I’ve never commented before but I have followed you for years, and have done some of your paint treatments on furniture. I always get rave reviews. You are an inspiration and a joy. Thank you so much for sharing your talent with us.
❤️Gwen
I’m SO HAPPY you took the time to comment and thanks for following along over the years. I’m so happy to hear these techniques have been working for you Gwen! You just put a HUGE smile on my face!!!😃
I wouldn’t know these were the same tables!!! You transformed them into a handsome modern set!
Thanks so much my friend! Glad you like the NEW look! 🙂