When Jamie and Carmen sent us photos of their charming table and chair makeover, we were excited to share their fresh, cheerful update. Their project turned a tired, decades-old card table into a bright, eye-catching piece perfect for outdoor events and craft shows. They were kind enough to include a note describing their process and inspiration, which we’ve summarized here.
Hello Sherry and John! My mom and I always find inspiration on your blog. I purchased the Target chair after seeing it in your living room and have used your paint choices as a guide. We love that you keep a room-by-room source list—very helpful. We put that inspiration to work on a table and chair makeover for an outdoor craft show this summer. My mom’s card table from the 1970s just wasn’t cutting it, so we picked out a lively oilcloth at our local fabric store and matched it with a bold spray paint color (Watermelon by Krylon, indoor/outdoor all-purpose spray paint). The makeover was a hit—people at the craft show asked if the table and chairs were for sale, though we weren’t selling. We included a blog post with more details on how we completed the project. Thank you for all the design ideas and inspiration—you’re a wealth of information! Enjoy! – Jamie (City Chic) & Carmen (Country Mouse)
The transformation is a great example of how small updates can deliver big impact. They combined a durable, color-rich oilcloth with a matching spray paint to refresh both the tabletop and chairs, creating a cohesive and playful look. Choosing a strong, saturated color like watermelon instantly modernized the set and made it stand out in a crowded craft show setting. Oilcloth’s durability and easy-to-clean surface make it a smart choice for outdoor furniture, children’s tables, and any surface likely to see spills or heavy use.
Here are some practical takeaways and tips from their project that are useful for anyone planning a similar makeover:
- Pick a durable cover material: Oilcloth is water-resistant, easy to wipe clean, and available in countless patterns and colors. It’s especially suited for outdoor furniture or high-traffic surfaces.
- Coordinate paint and fabric: Matching the paint color to the oilcloth pattern creates a unified look. Testing paint swatches against the fabric before committing helps ensure a harmonious result.
- Use paint suited for the surface: For metal or plastic table frames and old chairs, an indoor/outdoor spray paint formulated for adhesion and weather resistance will give a longer-lasting finish.
- Prep surfaces properly: Clean and sand any rust, grime, or old finish to help paint adhere smoothly. Wipe away dust and grease before spraying.
- Secure the fabric neatly: When covering the tabletop, measure carefully and allow for enough overlap under the edge. Use a staple gun or strong adhesive designed for outdoor fabrics to keep the oilcloth in place.
- Consider comfort and function: If chairs will be used often, think about adding a thin cushion or padding beneath the oilcloth for comfort without compromising easy maintenance.
This makeover not only refreshed an old set but also turned it into a design statement that drew attention and compliments. It’s a reminder that you don’t need to start from scratch to create something memorable—refreshing what you already own can be creative, budget-friendly, and surprisingly transformative. Whether you’re preparing for an event, updating patio furniture for the season, or simply experimenting with color and pattern, this approach offers both style and practicality.
Do you have favorite uses for oilcloth? Have you tried covering a table or reimagining a vintage piece with bold paint and fabric? If this project inspires you, consider testing oilcloth on a small surface first to get a feel for working with the material. Thanks to Jamie and Carmen for sharing their lovely photos and clear enthusiasm—we’re sure many readers will feel inspired to tackle their own makeovers after seeing these results.