Old dining room sets are full of character and can usually be found for a much cheaper price than new designer sets, but some people shy away from them if they seem a bit outdated. Here’s my own DIY furniture makeover of a dining table and chairs with 6 simple strategies on how to update a dining room set so it will fit into any modern home while still keeping all of that original charm!
There’s nothing like a vintage dining table – the charm, the character, the history! Whether you prefer a large rustic farmhouse table for Sunday dinners or a mid-century modern breakfast table with bucket seats, older dining sets can be the way to go.
They are typically less expensive than new tables and are often of higher quality. Old-fashioned sets also bring that warm, vintage style to your home… mass-produced sets just can’t compete!
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A DIY DINING SET MAKEOVER
Here’s an example of a table that I found at a yard sale:
It’s a Duncan Phyfe style table, mimicking the classic curved pedestal legs (unfortunately, the claw feet were missing). With it came six coordinating chairs, designed with a Cupid’s bow top shelf and pierced splats. Outside of a few loose screws in the seats and superficial scratches, the piece was in great condition.
For under $100, I was able to transform this slightly-damaged and dated table into a modern dining set, with a rich charcoal base and espresso-stained top. The chairs coordinated well with cream and charcoal striped fabric.
What a difference a bit of paint and stain can make!
Here are my top ways to update any dining room set with examples from my own DIY makeover to inspire you!
TIP 1: PAINT YOUR DINING TABLE AND CHAIRS
Painting a dining table or chairs will change the look entirely!
Some choose to paint the entire table while others opt for a painted base and stained top. That’s what I did with my dining set makeover.
Either way, be sure to give your tabletop several coats of a protective topcoat. This will prevent water damage and minimize scratching. Polyurethane is the most durable but tends to yellow over time so it isn’t recommended over light-colored paints. Instead, opt for a Polycrylic or water-based polyurethane for white or light shades of paint.
I updated this table base and chairs with Rust-Oleum “Chalked” Spray Paint in charcoal. Since chairs and table legs have a lot of detail in the wood and can be very prone to brush strokes, I knew I wanted a sprayable paint for a smooth finish. Rust-Oleum didn’t let me down!
After a light sanding and cleaning, I sprayed several coats of the charcoal paint and then sealed with multiple coats of a sprayable topcoat.
TIP 2: ADD UNIQUE DETAILS, LIKE HARDWARE
Sometimes, tables and chairs come with toe caps, corner braces, or decorative hardware. And sometimes – as with my dining set project – they are completely missing.
Fortunately, I was able to find some replacements from a vintage reseller on eBay. I left the patina as-is to contrast with the modern paint color.
Need other ideas? How about swapping the base of the table for modern hairpin legs, industrial piping, or even a custom piece like a sewing machine base?
TIP 3: REUPHOLSTER DINING CHAIRS FOR AN INSTANT UPDATE
Many vintage dining chairs are easy to reupholster because they have a no-sew base on which the padding and fabric are stapled. With my dining set makeover, I coordinated cream-and-charcoal striped fabric with the charcoal paint for a neutral look.
With another project, I opted for a bold, tropical fabric to match the rich jungle green color of the frame.
Do you have parson chairs that need updating? Try some slipcovers!
TIP 4: UPDATE A TABLE BY REFINISHING THE STAIN
Staining, like paint, can transform the look of your dining set entirely!
With my dining set project, I chose to sand the tabletop to bare wood then re-stain in Minwax Wood Stain in Dark Walnut.
TIP 5: MIX AND MATCH VINTAGE PIECES WITH NEW ELEMENTS
Fusing old with new is a classic styling strategy that works with all kinds of interior styles. My favorite way to do this is by pairing an old farmhouse table with modern chairs or vice versa.
TIP 6: UPDATE A TABLE WITH FRESH DÉCOR
This is the easiest way to update your dining room set – focus on the décor! A fresh floral setting, a unique tablescape, or seasonal table settings can make your dining area warm and inviting while also exhibiting your personal style. It can also accentuate the era or style of your dining table.
SOURCE LIST FOR MY DINING SET MAKEOVER
- 180 and 220-grit sandpaper, sanding block and/or electric sander
- Minwax High-Performance Wood Filler
- Minwax Wood Stain in Dark Walnut
- Varathane Water-Based Polyurethane
- Rust-Oleum “Chalked” Matte charcoal spray paint
- Purdy Nylox Synthetic Brush, for topcoat
- Odorless Mineral Spirits
DIY furniture makeovers are rewarding and leave you feeling accomplished. Check out this vintage typewriter desk makeover and this flea market flip of a drop-leaf buffet to see my DIY makeover process.
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