Table decor: techniques for transforming tabletops and ways to decorate a feast

Choosing a design depending on the type of table

There are so many ways, techniques and materials for decoration that it is extremely difficult to immediately choose any design or understand how best to decorate the table. Magazines and thematic resources will help you find the right option.

There you can watch master classes and understand the technique.

When choosing a decor idea, you need to decide whether to change the design completely or just tweak it. If the condition of the table is normal, but you don’t like the way it looks, then decorative details will help change its appearance.

They are selected in accordance with the purpose of the furniture and the style of the room.

The dining table will be decorated with an exclusive tablecloth, the coffee table will be decorated with an exquisite candlestick, the children’s table will be decorated with self-adhesive film and artistic painting, and the dressing table will be decorated with decoupage in vintage style. All of the above techniques are suitable for those who like to change their environment frequently. It is enough to make a new decor on the table, and the interior will sparkle in a different way.

When decorating, you need to think about the color scheme of the table.

It is better to make a children's room in bright, clean shades, while a dining room should be done in the colors of the furniture, walls or curtains. There should be no distractions in the workplace, so to decorate your computer desk with your own hands, you need to use a restrained palette.

As for decorating styles, you can choose Provence, minimalism, futurism, shabby chic and so on.

What is tabletop decoupage?

Today, decoupage is a fairly popular technique for decorating antique furniture. The selected pattern is transferred to the surface and fixed. In this way, many items in the interior are decorated - hangers, dishes, vases, boxes. Decoupage cards are soaked and transferred to the prepared surface of a tabletop or other piece of vintage furniture.

The technique requires attention and perseverance in repeated methods of image processing and recording. For those who are interested in how to decorate a table with their own hands, it is better to master all the secrets of the technique in a master class.

No less interesting are craquelure techniques that imitate the cracked surface of a retro-style table. In the photo - shell decor.

A vase of flowers will perfectly complement the table decor

You can use napkins to make bows and decorate table settings.

The table can be decorated with flowers

Decoupage - a new look from napkins

Decoupage is an interesting activity that allows you to decorate household items with a variety of drawings, photographs or images prepared on special decoupage napkins. The decoupage technique makes it possible to use when decorating:

• aging effect due to the use of craquelure (cracking) technique;
• varnish coating;
• painting.

Decoration with decoupage is carried out in the following sequence:

• the table top and sides of the table are cleaned of old paint, varnish, and drawings to a perfectly smooth state;
• acrylic primer is applied;
• Allow the product to dry completely;
• after drying, PVA glue is applied to the surface, then a napkin or other material chosen for decoration is carefully applied;
• the decoupage image is varnished;
• completely dry.

Many craftsmen use the craquelure method, which helps achieve the effect of aging and cracking. To do this, carefully apply craquelure varnish, which is prepared from egg white or PVA glue, onto the not-dried paint.

In some cases, vinegar or gelatin are used.

The cracks come in various sizes. To make the aging effect more vivid, the paint is applied twice. In this case, the second layer is applied immediately after the first has dried: then the “cracks” that appear will be visible through the top one.

Master class on decorating with fabric

To decorate an old table with fabric, it is better to use the master class presented below to make it neat, beautiful, and original. Before you begin, you need to prepare the working surface of the table; this involves removing old paint and sanding. Then come the following steps:

1. Stain coating. It is applied to the legs and underside of the table, the top of the table is not covered.
2. Preparation of material. Take a beautiful bright scarf or piece of fabric and iron it well.
3. Gluing. When fixing the fabric, you need to move the brush from the middle to the edges to straighten out the folds and the pattern. The edges of the material are tucked under the tabletop.
4. Drying. It is best to dry it outside.
5. Final application of glue. Acrylic glue is applied in 6-7 layers. In this case, each layer must dry well.

The updated elegant product will be ready in 3-4 days, after which the table can be used. The decoupage technique can be used to work with any furniture. If you decorate a table, chairs, and chest of drawers in the same color scheme and theme, you will get an original set.

Stain coating, material preparation

Gluing, drying

Final application of glue

Sealing the edges

Ready table

Mosaic

The decor of the tabletop can be done by decorating it with mosaics. It can be made from fragments of old tiles, glass, pieces of disks and other small fragments of materials at hand.

To do this, you need to treat the tabletop in a way suitable for wood or metal, let it dry and cover it with PVA glue.

Pieces of materials should be laid out randomly in the form of a pattern or ornament and left to dry completely. Then varnish several times until the surface becomes perfectly smooth.

Decoration methods

There are a lot of options on how to decorate products made from old wood or metal. The final result of the decor can be seen in the photo.

Adhesive tape

The easiest way to make an original, practical table with your own hands is to cover its tabletop with film, the range of which is quite varied in construction stores. The self-adhesive film must be glued to the tabletop, pressing firmly and rubbing thoroughly so that there are no folds or bubbles, and the design is not distorted.

Manufacturing such a table is the fastest in terms of time, because does not require long drying. You just need to get used to it a little and do not immediately remove the film, trying to stick it to the entire surface. It is recommended to gradually unwind the roll, treating small areas, gradually covering the entire surface of the tabletop.

For better fixation of the “self-adhesive” on the ends of the tabletop, the material is dried with a hairdryer

Mosaic

The decor of the tabletop can be done by decorating it with mosaics. It can be made from fragments of old tiles, glass, pieces of disks and other small fragments of materials at hand. To do this, you need to treat the tabletop in a way suitable for wood or metal, let it dry and cover it with PVA glue. Pieces of materials should be laid out randomly in the form of a pattern or ornament and left to dry completely. Then varnish several times until the surface becomes perfectly smooth.

To hide the ends of the tiles, planks were placed on top of the tabletop

After the adhesive had dried, we sanded the seams and varnished the wooden parts of the table.

Ceramic tile

The table can be decorated using tiles left over from a previous renovation. It can be plain or with a specific pattern. This can be done quite simply using the usual method of gluing the tiles with special glue. With this method of decoration, an extraordinary flight of imagination opens up. You can lay the tiles in one or several rows, make an original pattern across the entire tabletop, mark the corners or go around the perimeter. In any case, this will be practical, especially if the table is located outdoors on the site.

The surface covered with ceramic tiles lasts a long time and is not afraid of moisture and heat.

Decorative tape

The idea of ​​updating a kitchen table with your own hands, covered with decorative tape, will be very simple and original. This easy-to-use decorative material can be combined in color to create a unique design to suit your taste. The technique of gluing with tape is similar to the process of decorating a tabletop with self-adhesive film. See above.

If you get tired of finishing, the adhesive strips are quickly removed, and the remaining adhesive is removed with acetone.

Epoxy resin

The decor of a dining table made using epoxy paint will be very impressive. This liquid hardens and turns into clear plastic, filling the cracks and depressions on the countertop. To create original designs on the table, you can put small flowers, pebbles, shells and other small objects at your discretion in these dimples. This creates the effect of frozen time in compositions reminiscent of amber, but without the characteristic orange color.

The more cracks and holes there are in a wooden tabletop, the stronger the decorative effect will be.

The ideal shine of this coating is created by wet sanding the finishing layer of polyurethane varnish

Glass decor

For a table reminiscent of a local history museum exposition, original decor under glass is suitable. To do this, you need to make a depression of any geometric shape and fill it with shells, colored sand, dried sea creatures in the form of stars, urchins, etc., as well as dried flowers, pebbles or glass fragments. Then cover the recess with glass of a similar shape.

Decorating with tulle

A table design made by dyeing through tulle will look very delicate and elegant. To do this, firmly attach the tulle to the surface and carefully cover the table with spray paint. Then very carefully remove the material. It should be remembered that the part covered with tulle will have the original color of the table, and the background will be painted with spray paint. Based on this, you should first decide on the shade of the openwork pattern and paint the table with it. Only after complete drying is it recommended to begin attaching the tulle and further decorating the tabletop.

To decorate using the stencil technique, you will need old tulle or unnecessary lace napkins (after decoration you will have to throw them away)

Gilding

To make a decorated dining table or coffee table with your own hands, you can use an exquisite decoration method - gilding. This can be achieved by painting the tabletop with paint with a gilded effect or by using gold leaf. This thin foil is cut out with scissors and glued to the table surface using PVA glue. Then wait for complete drying and cover with colorless varnish. The golden pattern will perfectly complement a set made in a classic style. If you wish, you can decorate all the furniture this way.

Gilding may have a yellowish, lemon, green or reddish tint depending on the ligature

To prevent the gold leaf from falling off, it is coated with a transparent varnish on top.

Decoupage

To decorate a design using the decoupage method, you need to cut out the designs you like from napkins, carefully remove the bottom layer of paper and apply the cutouts to the surface in the design that you like best. Then dip the brush into PVA glue and lightly coat it on top. In this case, it is necessary to ensure that the pattern fits evenly and tightly to the table so that there are no folds or unevenness. If the paper is wrinkled, you should carefully wipe it with a sponge or soft lint-free cloth, previously moistened with warm water, and repeat the decorating process again. After complete drying, coat the surface of the tabletop with clear varnish. This method of decoration has received special recognition from hand-made lovers.

Kitchen table decoupage can be done using paper napkins, fabric or wallpaper

Craquelure

The method of using craquelure varnish helps to achieve the effect of antiquity and antiquity. It is used to age paintings and furniture, which subsequently take on the appearance of cracked and peeling furniture. You should begin work by painting the surfaces in the color that was intended for the veins. Then the craquelure is applied directly, which can be one-step or two-step. When covering a table with one layer, after a while the varnish dries out and cracks. Two-step craquelure is distinguished by the fact that it contains a mixture of paint with epoxy resin and water-based paint. As a result, after varnishing, cracking occurs and a characteristic surface is formed.

The craquelure effect gives the furniture a flirtation of antiquity and looks very stylish.

Craquelure is often combined with other decoration methods, for example, decoupage

Ceramic tile

The table can be decorated using tiles left over from a previous renovation. It can be plain or with a specific pattern. This can be done quite simply using the usual method of gluing the tiles with special glue.

With this method of decoration, an extraordinary flight of imagination opens up.

You can lay the tiles in one or several rows, make an original pattern across the entire tabletop, mark the corners or go around the perimeter. In any case, this will be practical, especially if the table is located outdoors on the site.

Table decorated with tiles

This is a very beautiful and practical option for restoring a table, especially for the interior of a dacha or country house. In this form, the old table can appear in the garden.

Round garden table decorated with tiles

You will need few materials for such creativity:

• A small tile with a preferably smooth surface.
• Plywood sheet proportional to the tabletop.
• Tile adhesive.
• Grout.
• Wooden corners.

The process of decorating a table is not much different from laying tiles on a wall. It all starts with adjusting the sheet of plywood to the size of the countertop. Then the finished part is attached to the latter using glue and the product is left alone until the composition has completely dried. During this time, the tiled pattern is thought out. The tile elements are also attached to the plywood with special glue. The resulting seams are grouted. If it is a dry mixture, then it is prepared according to the instructions. Excess material is removed from the surface with a dry cloth. Along the perimeter of the table, already decorated with tiles, is covered with wooden corners, which are painted to match the tiles at the finish.

Decorating a table with broken tiles

The presence of tiles and protective colorful coatings makes the table very durable. After such a restoration, it will not be afraid of moisture.

The table decorated with tiles is resistant to moisture

Paint and stencils

Using paints, you can completely restore an old table, including the legs, which often have scuffs. If you are good with a brush, the work will be simplified - it will not be difficult for you to depict the desired design or pattern.

If you have problems with drawing, use stencils that are easy to buy in craft stores.

First, you need to thoroughly clean the table, paint it with background paint and wait until it dries completely. Now you need to mark where the patterns will be located, you can also draw a light sketch with a pencil. Next, take stencils and apply images to your taste. When the decorated table is dry, cover it with a protective layer of varnish.

Another original solution for DIY decor is to use regular patterned tulle instead of a stencil: cover the tabletop with it, apply paint and then carefully remove it. You will get an original openwork table!

Kitchen table: wonders you can create with your own hands

Decorating yourself can become a hobby if you have the appropriate skills before. And then you can decorate the countertops not only of the kitchen table, but also of the dining table and coffee table. “Take” with you your own sense of beauty, skills and experience, a minimum of tools and equipment. The endless space of the Internet will help with practical advice!

So, decorating a kitchen table with your own hands is:

• painting. There is nothing complicated about this, you just need to clean, sand, paint, dry and varnish. And you yourself will be amazed at the result, because you can create a table red, or red, or blue, or green, or...;

• finishing with ceramic tiles. To do this, you can choose small tiles or mosaics as decoration, decorating the surface with a pattern, ornament, or creating a macro-flower, even a landscape;

• pasting with a special film such as oracal. The use of such decor will give the table a second life, becoming a multifunctional and stylistic component at the same time.

Craquelure

If you want to give your table the look of an antique canvas, you should pay attention to a special cracking varnish - craquelure. It comes in two types: one-step and two-step.

• One-step craquelure is used to add a vintage feel to plain tabletops without patterns. The varnish is applied in one layer and when dry it creates a “network” of cracks.
• Two-step varnish helps create a stunning aged effect on the painting. Therefore, it should be used for a table surface with a pattern or made using the decoupage technique. In this case, two mixtures are used, which are applied one after the other. The desired effect manifests itself when they interact.

Photo collage

Select the best family photos, place them on the table and cover them with transparent glass.

Such a photo collage will remind you of pleasant events in your life during a meal or tea party.

If you wish, you can change the selection of photos and add new interesting pictures. Pay attention to the glass - its edges must be sanded to avoid cuts.

What will we decorate?

Before you start decorating the table, you need to familiarize yourself with the existing techniques and methods used for decoration. Choose the right decoration method, consider various ideas that are suitable for novice creators.

In this case, it is best to focus on how often the table is used and where it is located (in the kitchen, living room, bedroom, bathroom or even outside).

What is its type:

• Dachny;
• Children's;
• Kitchen;
• Writing;
• Magazine;
• Bedside;
• Armchair;
• Boudoir.

It is also worth paying attention to the material from which the table is made. It could be:

• Tree;
• Plastic;
• Metal;
• Plexiglas;
• Concrete.

The correct method of decoration will also depend on the load on the working surface of the table (outer covering).

It is important that the new piece of furniture remains attractive for a long time, and does not turn into something incomprehensible after a child plays with it or it rains a little.

Epoxy resin

The main secret of epoxy resin is that it hardens quickly in the open air, creating the effect of an icy or amber surface.

If your old table has deep cracks, fill them with resin - it will look amazing! You can also add some decorations, for example, shells or sea pebbles.

Sophisticated creatives sometimes go even further - they introduce luminescent powder into the liquid resin composition. What do you think is happening? Absolutely right, incredible luminous surface!

Covering with leather or dermantine

You can breathe a second life into an old coffee table, making it stunningly original, using regular leather or dermantine.

Choose a material with large embossing, for example, crocodile leather or bright gold, which will certainly attract the eye.

Use a piece of dermantine to completely cover the top surface of the table top. The material should be pressed tightly and smoothed, getting rid of air bubbles. The final touch will be upholstering the sides of the table with nails with a wide head, which will be similar in color to leatherette.

Dining table decor with textiles

Nowadays, it is not customary to use a tablecloth for every day. It is considered a festive element. However, for some styles the tablecloth is relevant even in everyday decoration. This applies, first of all, to such trends as country and Provence.

Country style kitchen. Authors: studio "A-Design"

Table runners are much more common. With their help, you can introduce the desired color, pattern, texture into the dining area. In addition, the track protects the tabletop from scratches and other defects.

Napkin-stands for cutlery (or so-called under-plates) are also used for the same purposes. They do not completely hide the countertop, but at the same time protect it as much as possible. Napkins can be placed on the table immediately before meals or used as a permanent decoration component. In this case they should not be too large.

Casual dining table decoration

twisted rope

This method of decorating an old tabletop is perfect for a round table. You will need any thick rope made of natural fabric (hemp, jute) and an adhesive gun.

Fix one end of the rope with glue in the center of the tabletop. Then, moistening the rope with adhesive, move around the circumference, winding circles around the center. Each next row should fit tightly to the previous one.

Chalkboard paint

The advantage of this wonderful coloring composition is that it creates a surface on which you can draw with crayons.

Such table decoration can save your wallpaper and other furniture when the little artist in the child awakens.

Another secret - before covering the table with slate paint, apply a thin layer (2-3 mm) of magnetic primer. Sticky magnets will bring even more joy to your child.

stain

A wooden table can be successfully decorated using stain. Using this tinting liquid, you can give the wood a new rich shade. It is noteworthy that after processing the wood texture is perfectly preserved. In addition, the tabletop will be protected from moisture and ultraviolet radiation.

The stain should be applied parallel to the grain. At the final stage, the surface must be covered with several layers of varnish.

Multi-colored tape

You can make a fun table if you decorate it with decorative tape of different colors. The striped “thing” will instantly turn into an accent spot against the background of any interior.

The tape can be applied to any surface.

The metal countertop needs to be thoroughly cleaned. If there are small areas of rust, try to get rid of them with vinegar or a special product - moisten the surface and then treat it with a scraper. It is also advisable to degrease the canvas with an alcohol solution. The wooden tabletop needs to be sanded thoroughly.

You can completely cover the surface of the table with ribbons of multi-colored tape. But if you avoid excessive diversity, then initially paint the table white, black or any other color, and then make a design with a ribbon of one contrasting color.

Painting

The easiest way is to remove the old paint from a piece of furniture, sand the surface and cover it with new paint, and, if desired, varnish. There are special products for removing old paint. Rust from the fastenings of metal parts will need to be removed, for example, using vinegar or Coca-Cola.

For complete cleaning, they need to be sanded with coarse sandpaper. Chips and potholes that have appeared over time can be repaired with putty. The paint can be applied with a roller, brush, or use an aerosol can.

Beautiful table decor will be achieved by painting the tabletop through a stencil or through tulle. In the latter case, you will get a very delicate openwork pattern. The tulle needs to be stretched well and fixed on the sides or on the bottom of the tabletop using a furniture stapler.

Use aerosol paint so that you do not move the fabric with a brush or roller. It is better to use a stencil on an adhesive base.

Transparent top, thick bottom

An interesting option for decorating a table is to use glass of a suitable size to create a “picture”.

In the first case , under glass cut exactly to the size of the tabletop, collages of any images, old postcards, photographs, children's drawings, compositions of dried flowers, leaves, a fan of sheet music or pages of pre-revolutionary books are placed. Thick glass presses the “exposition” tightly; its elements can hardly be glued together.

By lifting the glass, it’s easy to replace boring visuals and place a new selection in a visible place.

In the second case, the edges of the table are decorated with sides of the required height (bars). Glass is placed on top of the sides, capturing a small part of them, and the remaining width of the block is decorated with a baguette of suitable width and design.

The table and bars are painted, the tabletop can be covered with fabric (canvas, denim, velvet), on which collections of small items (lighters, antique keys, serving items, interesting buttons, embroidery and braid, miniature paintings, rare pocket-sized books) will look impressive ).

The filling of the space under the glass depends on the space intended to accommodate such an unusual interior object.

Choosing a decoration method

There are so many options for decorating a horizontal surface that lovers of painting, collage makers, collectors of all stripes, and masters of assembling pieces into a single whole will find something suitable for themselves. Beginners can easily master decorating a wooden table with their own hands, but for “advanced users”, creating such interior objects can be an opportunity to make a special gift to a friend, loved one or relatives. In this case, it is necessary to take into account the style characteristics of the furnishings of these people’s apartments.

Attention! The decoration method should be selected based on the location of the table and the degree of its use.

Decoupage is not suitable for a country table for family meals in the open air. In this case, a durable coating that is resistant to precipitation and abrasion is required. A gaming or computer table in a nursery is also subject to heavy loads, so it should be decorated so that the mother’s heart does not skip a beat when the child “barbarously” draws directly on the surface or sticks plasticine to it. But cabinet, boudoir or side tables can be decorated more “gently”, because their use does not imply heavy loads.

Materials, tools

The main materials that are useful for any finishing method are PVA glue, clear varnish, and wood primer. You will also need brushes for paints and glue. When a product is very wobbly or is missing any parts, this needs to be corrected. Then you need carpentry tools and fasteners. Old coatings are removed with a metal spatula, dirt - with household chemicals.

Even with certain types of design, a ruler, scissors, patterns, square, and building level will be useful.

Materials

After choosing a decoration method, you need to select the right materials. In specialized stores it is possible to purchase ready-made kits for work.

For decoration, you can use what you have at home. To understand what exactly is needed, let’s look at the technology:

• Napkins with an interesting pattern, leftover wallpaper, or old newspapers are perfect for decoupage When working with paper, it is worth remembering that only the top layer is used, on which the image is directly applied.
• To create a mosaic , tiles that are left after renovation or an old mirror are suitable. To get small pieces, place the selected material between two sheets of damp cloth and lightly hit it with a hammer several times. This will prevent dust and small fragments from scattering across the floor.

• If you have to work with glass , you can opt for a matte material or a surface with a pattern. It’s easy to transform a glass surface yourself. To do this, you will need old lace as a stencil and a can of gold or silver paint.
• For painting it is preferable to use acrylic paints. They can be diluted with water, mixed, and tinted with pigment pastes. After complete drying, they become resistant to moisture. Since they do not contain organic solvents, they do not emit toxic substances.

You can place various objects under the glass (shells, pebbles, buttons or beads).

Sometimes the tabletop is covered with fabric (denim, velvet or canvas). The surface is decorated using jute rope, embroidered edging or old beads. A collage of family photos will look great under glass, keeping your photos intact. The ceiling plinth left in the house can be used as a baguette to create a frame.

Regular stain is suitable for wood processing. If you clean the tabletop with a coarse wire brush at the preparatory stage, you can reveal the structure of the wood more clearly.

Popular decoration methods

Tables often play the role of an accent in the interior. Sometimes it’s enough just to decorate them, and the look of the room changes. There are many ways and techniques available to do this yourself.

DIY table decoupage instructions for beginners

Artistic painting

With the help of paints you can not only decorate an old table, but also turn it into an original piece. The method is ideal for people who know how to handle a brush. However, those who do not have the skill can decorate using templates, stencils, rollers, and brushes of different widths. It is best to apply patterns on a coffee table, because the finished work will be visible.

The design can be small or cover the entire surface, and can be done in any style using various techniques. To paint tables, it is recommended to use oil, latex or acrylic paints. Preparatory work is done with an acrylic-based primer, and final work is done with varnish. It can be colorless or colored, matte or glossy. The surface is treated in several layers with intermediate drying. The choice of tool depends on the complexity of the drawing. Small details are painted with brushes, large areas with rollers or spray.

Decoupage

The name of the technique is of French origin and means “to cut.” The essence of the method is gluing paper fragments and then varnishing them. Suitable table decorations include newspapers, sheet music, photographs, pieces of wallpaper, book and magazine pages. But it is more convenient to work with napkins - special for decoupage or ordinary multi-layer ones. This method is ideal for decorating dressing tables and coffee tables in Provence and shabby chic styles.

Before gluing, you should separate the top layer with the pattern and cut out the desired fragment from it. Then prepare the surface: clean the wooden tabletop, sand it with a machine or sandpaper until it is perfectly smooth. If the furniture is made of a different material, it will need to be washed and degreased. Next, cover with acrylic paint and let dry.

Lubricate the selected place with PVA glue, carefully place a napkin on it, avoiding folds. Smooth out, expelling air bubbles, leave to dry. Having finished working with one fragment, move on to the next. When all the table decor is completed, all that remains is to dry it and fix it with varnish.

Clean the wooden surface

Cover with paint

Cut out the necessary fragments

Glue the cut parts

Secure with varnish

Ready table

Stickers

If you need to quickly and effortlessly update your furniture, then self-adhesive film is a great table decor idea. The main thing is to choose an effective material. Today it’s easy, because the range of films is large. Can be used:

• imitation of natural textures (stone, metal, wood, leather);
• transparent or non-transparent film;
• plain or with a pattern;
• shiny and matte;
• with 3D effect;
• fluorescent.

How to make a kitchen table with your own hands from wood or wood boards

Thanks to the wide range of films, you can decorate any furniture: desk, dining table, coffee table. Before gluing the decor, you need to clean and prime the surface. If this is not done, then all the irregularities will appear under the film.

Then you need to measure the tabletop and cut out the material with a margin of a couple of centimeters around the edges. It is necessary to paste slowly, slightly pulling, separating the paper layer in small sections (about 5 cm). To prevent blistering, the film should be immediately smoothed with a cloth, expelling air bubbles. After finishing the work, trim off the excess, cover the ends with sides or special adhesive tape.

Clean and prime the surface

Cut the material to the size of the tabletop

Apply the film, expelling air bubbles

Trim off excess

Close the ends

Craquelure

The technique of aging surfaces (crackle) is used as an independent decoration or in combination with decoupage and painting. The work requires craquelure varnish (one- or two-phase). The method of making such decor with your own hands depends on the characteristics of the product:

1. Single-phase (one-step) varnish is applied to a previously painted and dried countertop. If you need to show the base of the table (glass or metal), then it is only cleaned and degreased. The product is applied in a thick layer and left to dry. When drying, the top layer stretches and cracks. The finished surface is coated with furniture varnish.
2. Two-phase varnish is used to obtain the finest cracks characteristic of ancient images. First, shellac composition (lightened or unlightened) is applied in 2-3 layers with intermediate drying, then craquelure. The cracks are rubbed over with artistic oil paint (bitumen varnish, pastel), and the finished result is sealed with shellac varnish in 4 layers.

When working with craquelure varnish, you need to take into account that cracks form in the direction of movement of the brush.

In addition to these means, table decoration can be done with beveled varnish, craquelure paint or eggshells. The last option is especially labor-intensive and will suit the most diligent. Each of the decorative techniques is interesting in its own way and provides an opportunity for self-expression. This technique can be used to decorate a desk or coffee table in a vintage style.

Single-phase varnish

Two-phase

Beveled varnish Eggshell

Painting

Updating an old table with paint is an affordable way to decorate a tabletop and legs that are often in poor condition. Moreover, it is not necessary to use only one shade. Painting with different colors, stripes, and fragments gives an interesting effect.

Step-by-step creation of a wooden table with your own hands, useful tips

For desks and dining tables in an apartment, it is better to take acrylic paints: they are non-toxic, have almost no smell, and dry quickly. It is recommended to coat outdoor furniture with alkyd products. Such compositions form a durable coating and are resistant to weather disasters.

Painting process:

• remove old coating;
• eliminate defects;
• prime cracks and grooves, let dry, clean until smooth;
• coat the entire surface with primer, clean, remove dust;
• Apply paint in several layers, each time waiting for the previous coating to dry.

When the last layer stops sticking, varnish the painted surfaces. If you plan to decorate an old table with decoupage or painting, then after painting you need to decorate it. Varnishing is done last. This method is ideal for tables in minimalist and classic styles.

Remove old coating, eliminate defects Prime cracks and grooves, clean until smooth

Coat with primer, clean, dust off the surface

Apply paint in several layers

Varnish

Mosaic or ceramic tiles

Using a facing material is a fun way to create a memorable table decor. You can lay out the tiles according to a finished design or your own design. This surface is resistant to moisture and mechanical damage; it is an ideal option for decorating a kitchen table. Instructions:

1. Prepare the surface, apply impregnation (if the table is wooden).
2. Make a layout taking into account the seams and framing frames.
3. Transfer the sketch to the tabletop (if necessary, mark the location of each element).
4. Lay out the tiles along the long side.
5. Glue each tile one by one. To do this, lubricate the back wall with special glue, let it set slightly and apply forcefully to the marked area. Mark the seams with crosses.
6. Remove crosses or fasteners from the dried surface and rub the seams.

Mosaic surfaces are no less impressive. In addition to the finished material, the work uses broken or sawn into pieces tiles, dishes, corks, shells, small stones, mirrors - anything. This decor is suitable for a coffee table, dressing table, and dining furniture in the Art Nouveau style.

In addition to the methods described, you can decorate furniture with ropes, slate paint, epoxy resin, cover it with leather, or cover it with fabric. There are many design options. The main thing is to find a method that suits your taste and strength.

Prepare the surface, make a layout, transfer the sketch to the tabletop, glue the tiles

Remove the fasteners, rub the seams

Styles and colors

A table decorated with your own hands will fit perfectly into an interior made in different styles:

• Natural patterns, muted, powdery shades are characteristic of the Provence . These techniques are often used in decoupage. A table decorated with a floral pattern will help create the atmosphere of a French country house.

A slightly aged surface, a discreet color scheme is the main secret to creating provincial comfort in a room.

• Shabby chic combines negligence and luxury: shabby walls with stucco molding, aged furniture are its distinctive features. A table made using the craquelure technique will help complete the look. The cracked surface will give the item an antique look, creating the feeling that it has been passed down in the family from generation to generation.
• Baroque style is associated with luxury and a certain excess. Volumetric stucco molding and abundance of gilding refer to the interior of rich palaces. Using glass, molding and gold paint, you can create a table that meets the requirements of this design.

• Clear sharp lines, an abundance of glass and metal characterize the modern high-tech . An industrial pattern made on the tabletop will organically fit into such an interior. A plastic table can be decorated using monochrome tape, giving preference to simple geometric shapes.
• maintain the atmosphere of distant travels inherent in the colonial style . You can use old maps or photographs of exotic nature as a drawing.

Under the glass you can place a collection of memorable souvenirs brought from your trips.

• Ethnic styles carry elements of room design that are used in a particular country. If you want to create a Moroccan style, a table surface covered with mosaics is perfect for this.

Traditional diamond-shaped patterns or bright rich colors will emphasize the uniqueness of the southern interior.

• High quality materials, solidity and laconic forms distinguish the classic interior. A wooden dining table covered in thick black paint will complement a modern classic dining room. This tabletop will be the ideal backdrop for different serving options.

Ebony will highlight the fragility of porcelain and crystal and emphasize the elegance of lace napkins.

Mosaic from broken plates (master class)

If you have an old wooden table that you want to update without extra material costs, this option is for you. Surely there are old plates in the house that have not been used for a long time, but throwing them away is not something you can raise. Or the remains of tiles that remained after renovation, computer disks are also suitable - all this can be useful for making table decor. The table that we will decorate will fit perfectly into any interior of an apartment, house, or cottage.

To work you will need:

1. Gold acrylic paint.
2. Plates or tiles.
3. Hammer.
4. Sandpaper.
5. Glue for gluing tiles.
6. Grout for tiles.
7. Pencil and ruler.

We cover the floor with newspapers so as not to stain it during work. We sand it all over the wooden table, wipe it with a damp sponge, and paint it with acrylic paint. You can use a brush, or you can use a sponge.

We paint everything except the top part. We will decorate the tabletop. This is the table we get after painting:

Next, take a pencil and a ruler and outline the tile design. You can make a simple version, or you can draw complex patterns - whatever you like. Here the option is simple.

So we got to the plates. We lay down more newspapers, take a hammer, and break the plates into small pieces.

We coat our countertop with tile adhesive and lay out our broken plates. First around the edges.

Then we draw up the middle.

We rub the space between the fragments with a special tile grout, and remove the remaining grout with a dry cloth.

You can paint small fragments and drawings with golden paint, but this is not necessary. That's it, the table is ready.

Mosaic decor options

Look at the photo - what beautiful tabletops can be made from broken plates, old dishes, and unnecessary tiles.

Interior placement options

Any table decorated with your own hands acquires bright, characteristic features of a certain style. This is no longer mass-produced furniture, but an exclusive decorative element. But these properties, in addition to undoubted advantages, carry with them some problems.

To ensure that the table does not come into dissonance with its surroundings, you need to approach its placement wisely.

If you want to put a coffee table made using the decoupage technique in the living room, you should pay attention to whether there are elements in the room that can support such decor. Soft tones and natural motifs go well with thick curtains with floral patterns. Textile upholstery of the sofa and armchairs will complete the creation of a cozy atmosphere.

If dark-colored leather furniture is placed in the room, you should opt for a different decoration method.

The mosaic looks good on an open country terrace or the balcony of a city apartment. You can place such a table indoors. In the kitchen, a kitchen apron made in a similar style will help support the decor of the countertop.

In the living room you should place several ethnic figurines, decorate them with paintings or masks; it is better to complement the sofa group with small pillows in bright patterned covers. You can lay a homemade rug on the floor.

You should not decorate the entire surface of the dining table with mosaics. You can create a kind of tile panel in the middle of a wooden tabletop. This will create an original and stylish table that will match the chairs.

The surface around the edges will remain non-slip, so there is no need to worry about the safety of the dishes.

There is always an atmosphere of slight chaos in a child's room. While a children's play table can be bright and colorful, it's worth doing differently with a work accessory. By placing an ordinary wooden tabletop under glass, you can solve several problems at once.

Glass will protect the surface from damage, and objects located under it will help in studying.

Part of the composition may include spelling and counting rules, lesson schedules, daily routines, or sports results. Such decor will put the child in a working mood and help him concentrate.

A table artificially aged using the craquelure technique will complement a classic-style office.

Shelves with books, a floor lamp with soft light, a chair for reading books and a cracked table surface will create a feeling of peace and tranquility. After a hard day at work, in such a room you can relax and restore peace of mind.

The bedroom almost always contains a large amount of textiles, a soft blanket and pillows. Painted in discreet colors, the bedside table will maintain a calm, relaxing atmosphere.

Using painting, you can combine the table with curtains, bedspreads and upholstery. It is preferable to use finishes that match the interior elements.

Whatever method and material is chosen, a table decorated with your own hands will be a bright and unique piece of furniture. It will reflect the individuality of the owner, help unleash creativity and add exclusivity to the room.

Work planning

There is nothing more useful to do than to think through the sequence of your actions. Have a clear plan, a picture of what you want. When everything is thought out to the smallest detail, all that remains is to draw up your own rules and instructions for decorating the table, which we will adhere to in the creative process.

And also get answers to a number of questions:

• What kind of table was chosen for decoration? (street, writing or kitchen);
• Which design method is suitable?
• What existing table decor photos can you use as an example?
• Do you have the necessary material and tools for the job?
• What do you need to buy so you don't get distracted later?

As a commander, you need to strictly adhere to the chosen strategy. Then you will probably get something good, pleasing to the eye, causing pride.

Photo gallery

Our photo gallery also presents many successful examples of decoration. Take any of them as a basis and, with a little imagination, turn your old table into a unique piece of furniture!