To paint or not to paint, that is often the question with antique furniture finds. I'm in the do not paint an antique if it is in good condition camp. Having said that, if painting is the difference between it staying in your garage or being reloved into your home, then paint away! This small Eastlake style hexagon accent table had seen its better days and so I figured it was fair game.

I was thrilled to have won the bid at a local online auction site because you don't come across these tables often. I'm not sure if it's considered a tea table or a wine table, as I saw similar ones in both categories when doing a Google image search. So I'll play it safe and call it an accent table.

Upcycled Antique Hexagon Accent Table

If you've been a regular reader for some time and this table looks familiar, you'd be correct. I dug deep into the archives to reshare this pretty antique table makeover. Why? Well for a couple of reasons.

One, because it's a great example of how even after sustaining a lot of damage, wood furniture can be redeemed. And second, because originally I inaccurately labeled it an Edwardian tea table. I've come to realize that it's more likely an Eastlake-style table because of the spindle rail base.

But if you are an expert in antiques (which clearly I'm not), I'd love your feedback. Is it Eastlake, Edwardian, or Victorian style? Also, would you call it a tea or wine table?

Here's what the antique tea table, wine table, parlor table, side table, accent table, occasional table - whatever the heck it is - looked like before the makeover.

And here it is after just one coat of sage green paint. So pretty, right? The table now has a lovely shabby chic/farmhouse vibe.

Before we get into the nitty-gritty of the furniture makeover, almost all of the DIY projects shared here at Interior Frugalista have step-by-step tutorials so why not get your budget DIY on and subscribe. You can also follow us on Pinterest, Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube.

Upcycled Hexagon Table Makeover

First, the table got a good clean with 1 part vinegar to 2 parts water and a drop of Dawn dish soap. Once dry, it was lightly sanded with 150-grit sandpaper to give the paint some bite. Then it was painted with just one coat of sage advice from Country Chic Paint.

Instead of repairing the gouges and scratches in the wood, I embraced the imperfections by painting right over them. To add to the timeworn look, the paint is distressed with 220-grit sandpaper so the dark wood shows from underneath. On the top I also used 220-grit sandpaper, letting the paint dictate where it distressed as I sanded.

Once the paint was completely dry, I applied a coat of clear wax with a small wax brush and buffed it with a lint-free rag. I love the matte finish from the wax and how the distressing really brought out the details on the turned legs and spindle rail base. Plus I think it helps retain the antique charm.

I looked for every possible reason to keep this pretty upcycled antique table. Some people collect shoes, I collect small occasional tables as you can see from my upcycled accent tables page.

Unfortunately, we have more tables than rooms in this house and it had to go. So I sadly added it to my inventory for a local outdoor market to sell...and sold it did.

But while the buyer went in search of her husband to come to pay for it, this happened...

So much for being sold! It was a cold and rainy day and a gust of wind hit the wall of my market tent knocking this little table over onto the concrete floor. Of all the pieces under the tent that day, it had to be this one.

Remember I mentioned earlier one of my reasons for resharing this makeover was that it's a great example of how damaged wood furniture can be redeemed?

Damaged Wood Table Redeemed

Assessing the damage, the legs came loose but simply retightening the screws fixed that problem. The apron along the top thankfully came off in one piece and only came apart at one joint. An easy fix with strong wood glue, bar clamps, and left overnight to cure. The paint needed a few touch-ups and rewaxed but that was it.

Instead of throwing in the towel and declaring the table ruined, after a little TLC, one would never know it had been damaged. Even missing trim on furniture doesn't deem the piece unrepairable as I demonstrate in my how to replicate missing trim tutorial.

Thanks for stopping by the Interior Frugalista today! I hope you were inspired by this upcycled hexagon antique accent table makeover. If you have any questions, please leave them in the comment section below or the Contact Me tab at the top to drop me an email. I love hearing from you!

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