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DIY: Upcycle an old coffee table and give it a new lease of life

Give an op-shop find a new lease of life with some paint and wallpaper magic
An upcycled coffee table given a refresh with wallpaper and paintPhotography by: Helen Bankers

This wire-legged and wood-topped coffee table caught my eye in an op-shop. I liked its mid-century look, but not the ancient condition, so I bought it knowing it was an easy upcycling project. I wanted to make the beautiful floral Resene wallpaper the focal point of the furniture, but I could just as easily have cut out some of the flower shapes and glued them to the Resene Rapture-coloured top for a decoupage effect. It’s entirely up to you how you use the wallpaper.

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You will need

Frist step, we chose a floral wallpaper from Resene and pink paint

Step 1

Choose your Resene wallpaper and Resene paint. I wanted a vibrant look for this coffee table, so I decided to take inspiration from the pink flowers in the Resene wallpaper and highlight them with Resene Rapture paint.

Second step, we sanded and painted the coffee table

Step 2

Wash and lightly sand the coffee table, then apply one coat of Resene GP Primer to the metal parts of the table. To prep the wood, apply Resene Quick Dry Primer UnderCoat and allow to dry.

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Third step, use a roller to get an even paint layer

Step 3

Using a roller or a paint brush, apply two coats of Resene Rapture to the table. Allow the paint to dry between each coat.

Last step, measure the wallpaper and glue to the upcycled coffee table top

Step 4

Measure the Resene wallpaper and cut to fit the top and sides of the table top. Apply the glue to the table top and stick on the wallpaper. Allow to dry. Finish by applying a coat of Resene SpaceCote Clear to seal.

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Final result of the upcycled coffee table, using a floral wallpaper and pink paint from Resene

Other ways to use wallpaper

You’ll be able to do many more projects with a roll of Resene wallpaper than to upcycle a coffee table. You can also:

  • Line the back of a bookshelf for a quick update
  • Use it to line drawers
  • Cut to fit an old picture frame and hang on the wall as art.
Use leftover wallpaper to line a drawer
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