DIY Network

Coffee-Table Transformation Coffee-Table Transformation From "Weekend Decorating" episode WDC-304

Figure A

The Moroccan den is so colorful and striking, it's hard to believe that only a day and a half ago it was a tired old nautical family room. Now it's time for the finishing touches.

One element that's essential to a family room is a functional coffee table. But because it gets so much use, it tends to become a focal point. That means you also want it to look really special. So instead of buying a new coffee table, Golden decided to refinish and embellish the old one (figure A).

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Project time: 3 hours.

Golden had already applied a basecoat, so this table was ready for the finish: the addition of embossed wallpaper, upholstery tacks and grillwork. (Upholstery tacks come in many different shapes, metals and finishes. You can use them to create a pattern of diamond shapes or crosses on the surface of your coffee table. And don't forget the legs!)

Materials
Wrought-iron doormat
Embossed wallpaper
Wallpaper paste
Decorative tacks
Hammer
Needle-nose pliers

Steps

1. Apply wallpaper paste to the apron of the table and begin attaching the embossed paper.

2. Smooth down the paper with an edging tool, making sure to eliminate the air bubbles.

3. Begin adding the decorative upholstery tacks, using needle-nose pliers and a hammer for easy installation.

4. After all the sides are papered, start on the top. Roll out one width of wallpaper the length of the table and affix it with wallpaper adhesive.

5. Space out three iron doormats across the runner and add a few upholstery tacks between each mat.

Expert tip: Instead of a low coffee table, try a small standard-height dining table in front of your sofa. It's perfect for snacks, especially if you have pets or small children.

Accessories

• Pillows (figure B)! Try adding fringe to pillows with a glue gun; or tuft inexpensive, flat pillows with two cloth-covered buttons or tassels, one on either side, sewn tightly together in the center. And remember: when you think you have enough pillows -- buy two more!

• Exotic artwork (figure C). "Art" doesn’t have to be painting -- try metal objets d'art for a Middle Eastern look. Or consider decorative plates (figure D): they can add style to a small space, such as the low-ceilinged area in this den.

  Figure B

  Figure C

  Figure D

  
  

• Dramatic lighting (figure E). Red silk lampshades, candle torchieres -- choose lighting that reflects the mood of the decor.

• Plants (figure F). Green plants always enhance a room. And if you're the plant terminator, there's still hope! Some of the silk impostors on the market are so convincing, no one will ever guess you don't have the greenest thumb in the neighborhood!

Total time spent: 10 hours.

Figure E

Figure F

RESOURCES :

Smith+Noble window treatments
Smith and Noble
Website: www.smithandnoble.com

Hand Tools
Tomboy Tools, Inc.
Website: www.tomboytools.com

Ceiling Fan
Emerson Fans
Website: emersonfans.com