Finding a hidden gem at a thrift store or Goodwill is always exciting, but when that gem only costs $20, it’s even better. That’s exactly what happened to me when I stumbled upon a drum table at Goodwill. The table had seen better days, but I saw its potential and decided to take it home and refinish it.
At first glance, the table looked like an ordinary round table with a wooden top and three legs. But upon closer inspection, I realized that the top was going to sand down and be a beautiful piece. The legs had the classic claw feet with an intricate design.
I knew immediately that this table would be a perfect addition to someone’s home. Not only was it unique and eye-catching, but I’m sure it also had a story and history behind it. I imagined it being used in an old home, and I loved the idea of giving it a new life in my own space.
After bringing the table home, I cleaned it up using Rethunk Junk by Laura’s Furniture prep which removes all the dirt and oils and prepares the surface for painting. I decided on my paint colors. I decided on midnight black by Rethunk Junk by Laura (this stuff is amazing at self-leveling so you won’t see any brush marks!) and wanted the feet to be an aged copper look, so I used a spray paint I had on hand and sprayed the feet and then used a small container to spray some into so I could then use my paint brush to paint the accents on the table to. I sanded and stained the top with a dark walnut stain by Varathane and used teak oil to bring out that natural wood look as well as protect it. I just love the way the stain creates a different look on different wood types!
Once I finished painting the feet in an aged copper, I realized I needed to add an accent of the copper somewhere on the table. Finally, the edge of the top of the table seemed to be the best fit. I took an artists paint brush and carefully ran the brush around the edges trying to avoid the stained top. Every time I looked at it, I felt a sense of pride and joy for finding such a great piece at such a low price.
What I loved most about this project was the sense of satisfaction I felt from taking something old and worn and turning it into something beautiful and functional. Refinishing furniture is a great way to save money and give new life to old pieces. Plus, it’s a fun and rewarding DIY project that anyone can do with a little time and effort.
Thrift stores and Goodwill can be a treasure trove of unique and interesting finds. You never know what you might stumble upon, and it’s always worth taking a closer look. My $20 Goodwill drum table was a great find, but it was even better after I refinished it. With a little sanding, staining, painting, and polishing, I was able to transform it into a stunning piece of furniture that I’m proud to have in my home. If you’re looking for a budget-friendly way to update your home decor, consider refinishing a thrift store find. You never know what kind of hidden treasure you might uncover.
