Turn a Vintage Coffee Table Into a Beautiful Modern Looking Piece

Vintage furniture has a charm that’s hard to replicate—especially when it’s made of solid wood and built to last. This coffee table had great bones but needed a refresh to fit a more modern, airy aesthetic. With a little elbow grease and the right products, it now shines in a soft, elegant palette thanks to Fusion Mineral Paint.

Prep Work: Stripping & Sanding

The transformation began with removing the old varnish from the tabletop and bottom shelf. I used a scraper to lift the finish, followed by a thorough sanding with 180-grit sandpaper. This step is key to ensuring the wood texture comes through beautifully when you paint wash.

I then cleaned the dust off and cleaned the legs and edging with TSP Alternative to prep for paint.

Paint Wash with Cathedral Taupe

To bring out the wood grain while softening the tone, I applied a paint wash using Fusion Mineral Paint in Cathedral Taupe. This technique adds depth and character without fully covering the natural beauty of the wood.

Fresh Color with Snowdrop

For the legs and edging, I chose Fusion’s newest release—Snowdrop. It’s a crisp, clean white with a hint of warmth, perfect for brightening up vintage pieces without feeling stark. The contrast between the washed wood and painted accents gives the table a balanced, updated look.

Protective Finish

To seal and protect the entire piece, I applied Ultra Guard Satin. This topcoat adds a subtle sheen and ensures durability, especially for high-traffic surfaces like coffee tables.

This makeover is a great example of how a few thoughtful steps can breathe new life into a tired piece. Whether you're a seasoned DIYer or just starting out, upcycling vintage furniture is a rewarding way to create something beautiful and sustainable.