Not too long ago I shared about about my temporary side table solution, a crate side table, for our living room. Well I recently replaced the crate with a real side table! I’ve had a vintage, maple, side table in our bedroom that was from my grandparents house (I think it’s from at least the 1950s). Here is a photo of how it originally looked:
The vintage side table definitely needed some love! Originally, I wanted to stain it, but after sanding the old finish off, the old maple wood did not take the stain well and I decided paint was the way to go with this piece.
As far as deciding what color to do, well I narrowed it down to white, grey, or black, any of which would be cohesive with my living room decor. Ultimately, I couldn’t stop thinking about painting it black, however I’ve never painted a piece of furniture black nor have I ever owned black furniture. But, I really love the look of black furniture and cabinets whenever I see them. It’s very modern and classic, two styles I love mixed. So I decided to go for it!
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Overall, I like how it turned out, not sure if I love it though! I quickly learned that picking out black paint is nearly as challenging as picking out white paint. In fact, I ended up painting the side table a different shade of black first. I started with Black Jack by Benjamin Moore in Eggshell, but since the side table sits next to the window, the color almost looked like a navy black, not my fav. And usually eggshell is perfect for me on most furniture, yet that has always been white or lighter color pieces. Black shows off shine more than other colors and it was just a bit too shiny for me.
I ended up repainting the side table with Black Satin by Benjamin Moore in a Matte sheen. In the sunlight in these photos it does appear to be more of a charcoal black, but in person it looks just black, especially at night. I didn’t want to go jet black, I wanted it to be more of a soft black.
I love the antique brass knob (similar here) I added to it!
The side table turned out to be the modern vintage look I was trying to achieve, it only took trying three different finishes haha! It’s funny, I like the end color result of the side table more in person than I do in these photos though. I keep questioning how it looks now…I don’t know if it’s cause I’ve just been working on it too much and I’m overthinking it. Maybe I should have went with a chippy or distressed black paint look? I’m being very indecisive, so I will just let it be for now and make a final decision on it in the new year once I have more of my final decor in place for the room.
What do you think of black furniture?! Is it too much for you or do you love the mix of this classic color in furniture decor?! I like it, although I quickly noticed how black furniture does show dust much faster than I’d like ha!
Thanks again for following along! For my latest projects and sneak peeks, follow along on Instagram and Facebook!
Sources:
- Black Paint – Black Satin by Benjamin Moore
- Antique Brass Knob – Pottery Barn – similar here
- Basket – Michaels
- Lamp – Home Goods
Tracy
Saturday 29th of July 2023
It's beautiful! I love the black, especially as it contrasts with the white couch. When you repainted, did you have to strip the piece, or did you just scuff-sand?
Angela Marie Made
Monday 31st of July 2023
Thank you so much! I completely sanded off the existing finish before painting!
Jess
Monday 1st of August 2022
Hi - I'm researching how to paint my side tables black and found your post. I love your table! Thank you for sharing. I'm curious if you also put a top/clear coat on the table? And can you provide some tips on what type of paint brush or other tools you used to make it look so professional? I'm new to DIY so I need a lot of help! :)
Jess
Wednesday 3rd of August 2022
@Caroline, Thank you! Appreciate the added tips!
Angela Marie Made
Tuesday 2nd of August 2022
Thank you! I didn't use a top coat on the table, I used a paint with a matte finish because I didn't want it to be shiny! You could use top coat though if you want the added protection! I just use a regular paintbrush from the hardware store to cut in any areas where the paint can't be rolled on, and then use a paint roller to roll on the first coat!
Beth McWatters
Saturday 12th of February 2022
I like this black. Like you, I am looking in the direction of a “softer” black. An Espresso black that has a warmer under tone? And yes, so many choices in the color black….😳.
Angela Marie Made
Wednesday 16th of February 2022
That sounds like a beautiful color black!
Laura Brown
Tuesday 6th of July 2021
FYI: next time you can’t get wood to take the stain, try gel stains. It covers really well. But that said, your black table is a beauty.
Angela Marie Made
Tuesday 13th of July 2021
Thank you, I have been wanting to try the gel stains but haven't had a chance to yet. Great idea, thanks again!
Maria
Wednesday 29th of April 2020
Love the way your side table turned out. I was going between chalk paint and regular paint for my project. After seeing how well yours turn out I think I’m going to paint in the same color you used. Your blog has many great ideas.
Angela Marie Made
Thursday 30th of April 2020
Thank you Maria!