A few weeks ago I showed the before and during adventures of making a custom…
How to Cover a Damaged Table Top
This project was one of those pull-over-in-your-car-and-put-some-junk-in-the-trunk projects. Except I was on my bike. Really! I saw this table on a curb while I was out for a ride. I drove back later in my car so I could actually get it home, hoping all the way that it was still there. And it was! It’s fun getting free stuff. Even if it it’s someone else’s trash. Thankfully I didn’t try to carry it home on my bike, that would have been a sight.
I noticed this table because of its bookshelf bottom. There’s a V shelf, I’m sure it has a proper name but I don’t know what it is. Whatever it might be called it’s perfect for holding those books I hope to read someday. But it had seen better days so I had to figure out how to cover a damaged table top.
The veneer on top was half broken off, don’t know why, it seemed like someone tried to peel it off for some reason. I did consider trying to get the rest off but I wanted to try out something else.
Since the top was uneven and I’m not a woodworker, I wasn’t exactly sure how to fix that, so I came up with another solution. Cover it up! I grabbed my trusty drop cloth leftovers, some lightweight batting and my electric staple gun. I measured a piece to fit over the top and stapled it on.


I’ve debated painting it or doing a fun treatment with paint, but I haven’t decided what yet, so I’ve left the dark color. I do like the urn shape of the side pieces.

The fabric completely covers up the damaged top and now I have a useable table which was practically free. See that white lamp? It was $2. Seriously. The shade was a dollar another thrift store.

This is Kelli’s first ReStored It Wednesday at Restore Interiors, come take a look. Need holiday ideas? Come see Transformation Thursday at The Shabby Chic Cottage. Sharing with Furniture Feature Friday at Miss Mustard Seed.
I LOVE IT!! What a great use of trash!! WOW, that is truly taking something unloved and giving it purpose again..I know it’s proud to be sitting in your home:)Thank you so much for linking to my party and for sharing it with everyone! Can’t wait to see what’s next! Keep up the good work!!
I seriously love this more than I can say! It’s gorgeous!
I totally have that SAME white lamp base – I think I paid $4 for mine. You win!
Holy smokes, that was amazing! I never in a bazillion years would have thought to cover it in fabric.
Clever re-do! And FREE! I love it.
Kelly
This is so great. So unexpected! Nice work 🙂
I adore that nailhead trim! (I know you saw my mirror — thanks for visiting! — so you know I have a bit of a weakness for nailhead trim.) 🙂 I’m loving reading all about your projects on your great blog!
xoxo,
Tanja
I love it! So glad you shared the link today Jessica. I have worked with that nail head trim before and yes, it is very sharp. Those prints hanging above the table are beautiful!
-Rene
Loved how you saved this throwaway table. The shape is great, and nailhead makes anything better! Great job!
OMFG. I stumbled upon your blog, and I love before and after pictures of old worn-out things people make awesome, so I clicked on that section. The zebra print ottoman is amazing. I had to comment and say bravo, because it is seriously the best thing I’ve seen today.
where did you get your bronze nailheads at ?
love it !
thanks
rachel, r2isabelle4@hotmail.com