DIY Dropleaf Side Table Spring Upcycle
Get an exclusive first look at the secondhand drop leaf side table makeover that I just pulled off using paint and new hardware.
Before I get into today’s newsletter topic, I wanted to tell you about an Earth Month Giveaway that I just posted over on my Instagram! Click here to enter for your chance to win one of three sustainable and stylish office supply prize packs ranging in value from $52-$197.
In case you didn’t hear, I really want to recommit to doing more DIY projects this spring season. I’ve gotten out of the habit of digging out my favorite project tools and supplies over the past couple of years, and I miss the challenge these types of projects once gave me. They test my creativity and help push the limits of my imagination. Oh, and they’re also really easy on our home décor budget since my projects generally use secondhand thrifted finds and basic materials! What’s not to love?
I’ve recently made good on my (re)commitment to DIYing with a new side table makeover project. This was actually for work and I’ll be sharing a new how-to video for the entire upcycle craft soon on Instagram, but for now, I wanted to give my newsletter subscribers an exclusive first look.
I found this beautiful solid wood drop leaf table at Goodwill a couple of weeks ago for just $9.99, and fell hard for the carved legs. Sadly, the tabletop had pretty extensive water damage on it, but I knew that was easily fixed with sanding and paint. I also spotted this sweet ruby-colored table lamp that fit my vision for spring perfectly (and it, too, cost under $10!). Keep scrolling for a quick breakdown of what I did to refresh both of these inexpensive thrifted finds.
DIY Secondhand Side Table Makeover:
First, we sanded the tabletop down to just about bare wood, making sure to spend extra time smoothing out the old water-damaged sections of the table.
I brushed on one coat of my favorite primer to seal in the old stain and any lingering moisture issues and inconsistencies.
Time for the topcoat! I decided that, since the base of the table was free of any water damage or scratches, I would just paint the top of the table and leave the bottom untouched. I used a latex-based paint made specifically for furniture projects in the color “Milk Chocolate.” I brushed it on using my favorite short-handled angled paint brush (I used this brush during the priming step, too, by the way).
The brass drawer pull that came with the thrifted table was too traditional for our modern tastes, so I swapped it out for a new shell-shaped gold handle.
As a bonus step, I lined the little drawer with a floral Fancy Walls wallpaper sample to add a pop of color/pattern.
As for the thrifted lamp I bought, I just changed the stained bright white shade out for a fresh new beige-colored one that complemented the new light brown paint color of the tabletop.
I think it turned out so sweet, and it’s definitely fitting for the new spring season. The modern hardware went a long way in updating the traditional look of the table, and I really adore the “Milk Chocolate” painted tabletop. I’ve been wanting to experiment with the brown color trend for a while now (did you see Pantone’s color of the year?), and this was the perfect excuse to go for it.
My 2015 self would definitely have reached for a really bright color, like teal, but the 2025 version of Carrie didn’t want that much contrast between the tabletop and base. This creamy, earthy brown tone was the perfect way to brighten and repair the damaged tabletop without sacrificing sophistication, I think.
Let me know what you think of this before/after in the comments of today’s newsletter, and keep an eye on my Instagram for the release of my full DIY tutorial video, which will show this project coming to life in step-by-step action.
Things worth mentioning this week…
New On The Blog: Remember the other week when I talked about my plans to turn our guest room into a lounge sitting room? Well, I finally did it! Take the updated tour here on dreamgreendiy.com.
What I’m Watching: I had a whim the other night to start Star Wars over from the very beginning, and to watch all of the sub-series in between, too. Did I mention that I’m a huge Star Wars nerd?! Disney+ has all of the shows and movies listed in order on their dashboard, and, apparently, their new series The Acolyte is first in line. I’ve never seen it before, but am loving it so far!
What I’m Reading: I’m still slowly making my way through the Throne of Glass series, and am about halfway through Queen of Shadows. It’s amazing! Comment and let me know what you’re reading. I just added The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue to my TBR list based on a fellow reader’s suggestion. Have you read it?
Noteworthy Substack: I’ve always admired Natalie’s effortlessly chic (yet casual) style, and her latest Substack about everything she packed and wore in Paris makes me wish that I was more of a traveler. I think I’ll just live vicariously through her, though…Lots of outfit inspiration here.
Favorite Recent Purchase: The bright, peppy colors in this vintage-inspired printed area rug that we laid down in our newly arranged lounge brings me endless amounts of joy.
Looking Forward To: My 39th birthday in just a couple of weeks! I want to make the most of it since it’s my last 30-something birthday, but at the same time, I’m also excited to embrace my 40s, so I won’t be getting too weepy/sentimental. Bring it on, life!
A few favorite posts from the Dream Green DIY archives in case you’re new here:
Weekly editorial notes and requests…
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Great table--glad to see it get some love and a new life!