Coffee table and a birdbath

by brae Email

The Chair, The Sofa, the fireplace and the bookcase are such statement pieces in the parlor, as well as the fancy stairs, that I needed an equally expressive coffee table.  I bought a closeout Bespaq Eddington Walnut coffee table for its lines though the color was off.

When it arrived, two of the legs had broken in shipment.  The damage wasn't so severe that it couldn't be repaired, and it was the perfect excuse I needed to refinish the beautiful table.  I don't think I could have convinced myself to paint it otherwise.  Here it is before (you can see the leg glued back together on the right).

And, here it is after.  I painted it Black Cherry by Folk Art then added a satin varnish.  I thought about painting it black at first but figured I would lose the beautiful detail work.  It's a subtle change but it darkened the finish just enough.

The paint is rather sheer so it kept most of the beautiful wood grain.  I scratched up the top just a little and added a top coat of furniture wax.  Instantly, the table has a history and has seen many a visitor.  :D

It fits in perfectly with the over the top parlor pieces!  :D  The red pulls in color from the upholstery, the front door and the slightly darker mahogany bookcase (yep, there are eight more books on the shelf).

The other new item I have is this aged metal birdbath by Island Crafts & Miniatures.  It's going to look awesome in the overgrown lawn!  :D

It has the perfect patina!

Both the coffee table and the birdbath are from Dejoux Miniatures.

10 comments

Comment from: Natalia [Visitor] Email
Sorry to hear about broken table, but I like the new color better. Nice touch!
12/02/11 @ 00:26
Comment from: craftland [Visitor]
You have magic hands. The table is now wonderful and the birdbath is so sweet, too.
Hugs from Craftland
12/02/11 @ 02:31
Comment from: Maria- [Visitor]
This house is wonderful. I love all the beautiful things you have in it. You have done a fantastic job on the table. The birdbath is perfect.
Hugs Maria
12/02/11 @ 03:14
Comment from: Audra [Visitor]
What will you use for grass? I am almost ready to put some down, but I am undecided.
12/02/11 @ 03:43
Comment from: Keli [Visitor]
When I saw the first picture of the table I thought to myself, "What is she doing, the color is fine...she's being too nitpicky."

Then when I saw the last picture of the table I thought to myself, "Wow, that looks incredibly perfect, that woman is a genius!"
12/02/11 @ 04:05
Comment from: brae [Member] Email
Thank you, everyone!

Keli - :)) That's a fab compliment!

Audra - I'll be using a material recommended by Jo on Greenleaf:
http://www.otterine.com/blog/blog1.php/landscaping-materials
12/02/11 @ 06:01
Comment from: The Old Maid [Visitor]
Great table and very pretty birdbath
12/02/11 @ 08:57
Comment from: Lucille [Visitor]
Brae, beautiful work on the table. And, I love the patina on the birdbath. It will be most complimentary to its environment!
12/02/11 @ 10:51
Comment from: Lyssa [Visitor]
Ahahaha. I said the same thing to myself that Keli did. :D You would think after all this time I would just trust your creativity!

It's a beautiful match for the parlor and I adore that bird bath. I can't wait to see it lost in the growth. It should have creepy vines, too. :)
12/02/11 @ 16:15
Comment from: brae [Member] Email
Thank you, thank you! :D I have fun stuff planned for the birdbath, not to worry. :yes:
12/02/11 @ 22:17