We’re excited to share another simple but satisfying makeover — this time it’s a table. Two years ago we bought a rickety little game table at a thrift shop for twenty dollars. The square top was tired and scruffy, but the chunky wooden pedestal had plenty of character and obvious potential. For a while the table served as a temporary dining surface when we placed a larger square board on top and painted it black. Eventually it was replaced by a rectangular dining table and the old pedestal spent some time in the garage, patiently waiting for a new purpose.
With warmer weather on the way, we started thinking about dining outside without dealing with bugs. That idea led to a different realization: if we moved our sunroom furniture around, the sunroom could become a screened dining space — and our pedestal table could finally get the makeover it deserved. We picked up an affordable round tabletop at Lowe’s for forty dollars and fitted it to the thrifted pedestal. The new round top instantly refreshed the silhouette and made the piece feel purposeful again.
The refinishing process was straightforward and used materials you can find at any hardware store. We began with an oil-based primer to seal the surface and ensure good adhesion. After the primer dried we applied two coats of white semi-gloss paint for a bright, durable finish that’s easy to wipe clean. To protect the surface from spills and everyday wear, we followed with several light coats of water-based polyurethane — enough to create a food- and drink-safe surface without losing the smooth look of the paint.
One of the most satisfying parts of the project was reusing pieces we already had. In the garage we found four Eames-inspired chairs that had been stored for a while. Two of them were the perfect size for our new dining nook in the sunroom. They had been in a natural blonde wood finish, so we painted them to coordinate with the refreshed table. The result is a cohesive, cozy corner that feels intentional rather than leftover.
This small project is a good reminder that a modest investment — both in money and time — can extend the life of a piece and create something that feels new. The pedestal’s sturdy construction meant we only needed to replace the top and refinish the surfaces. The combination of primer, semi-gloss paint, and polyurethane gives the table a clean, durable finish that stands up to meals, coffee, and casual use in a sunlit space.
If you’re considering a similar DIY, here are a few practical tips based on what worked for us: ensure the tabletop fits securely on the base and use appropriate fasteners if needed; sand and clean surfaces well before priming for the smoothest finish; allow full drying time between coats; and finish with multiple thin coats of polyurethane rather than one heavy coat to avoid drips and to build durable protection. Reusing chairs or other elements you already own can keep costs down and help the finished space look thoughtfully curated.
In the end, a twenty-dollar thrift find plus a forty-dollar replacement top and a little paint transformed an overlooked garage piece into a charming, functional dining nook. The sunroom now hosts relaxed meals without the bother of bugs, and the table enjoys a new lease on life where it can be appreciated every day.