| Journal | Black Farmhouse Table and Chairs
Black Farmhouse— Painted & Stained Dining Table
This solid maple dining set wasn’t on my project list, but when my brother asked for a favour, how could I say no? I’ve sworn off tables and chairs more times than I can count—because they eat up time, space, and patience like no other project. But here we are. Painted in Country Chic Paint’s LIQUORICE and paired with a rich stained tabletop and bun feet, this set now has that modern farmhouse charm I can’t resist. It’s a mix of bold and natural, giving new life to a piece that’s ready to be the heart of the home once again.
Black Farmhouse Table and Chairs
I’ve taken on a couple of dining sets in the past, but it didn’t take long to realize they’re just not for me. They demand more time and space than I care to spend, and I prefer projects that feel more relaxed and enjoyable. So, I decided to stick to pieces that bring me joy and can be flipped in a reasonable amount of time. But when my brother asked for a favour, I couldn’t say no—and now that it’s done, I’m honestly glad I didn’t. I’m thrilled with how it turned out, and without the pressure of pricing it, I could simply enjoy the process. The matte charcoal black finish gave it a fresh, modern farmhouse look, while the stained tabletop and bun feet added warmth and character. From worn and outdated to something ready to be the heart of my brother’s home, it’s a transformation that feels both rewarding and personal.
Dining sets aren’t something I do, but when my brother recently moved and asked for a favour, I said yes. He’s starting a new chapter and needed a solid set to anchor his new space. It wasn’t a project I was eager to dive into, but I’m glad I could do it for him. This vintage, solid maple dining table and chairs were redesigned with a matte charcoal modern farmhouse black finish and warm stained wood accents, blending modern farmhouse charm with timeless craftsmanship. It’s missing a leaf and has only three chairs—presumably it once had six—but it’s the perfect fit for my brother’s space. There’s just something about the craftsmanship of older pieces—the kind of quality that stands the test of time—and this set is proof of that. We’ll be delivering it to him this month, and I’m looking forward to seeing his new place and sharing a meal together at this table that’s ready to be the heart of his home.
All products mentioned in this post—and every post I share—are ones I regularly reach for. They’ve earned a spot in my toolbox because they’re reliable and deliver results. Simply what I use, trust, and recommend, shared honestly with you. No affiliate links, no commissions—just straight talk from my whole heart.
Country Chic Paint
Featuring
These are the products that brought this transformation to life—ones I trust, recommend, and share honestly with you. Select any to explore other projects for inspiration and see where to buy.
My Step-by-Step Transformation
These are the steps that brought this transformation to life—shared to guide and inspire your own project. Learn better by talking it through? Let’s connect for a consultation to bring your vision to life.
- Thoroughly vacuumed and washed entire set— Necessary preparation for any and all furniture restorations
- Lightly sanded down table body/legs and chairs— To prepare for paint application; 80, 120 grit
- Heavily sanded down chair feet— A very time consuming undertaking with desire for a striking two-toned transformation; 80, 120, 220 grit
- Heavily sanded down table top— To prepare for stain application; 80, 120, 220 grit
- Attempted to mend table top cracks— With clamps I have on hand and wood glue; didn't work as good as I hoped... onward and upward
- Removed stubborn water stains from table top— With a new product I've been aching to try; Oxalic Acid... WOW this stuff really works
- Hesitantly filled table top cracks with wood filler— A process I don't care for when I have stain application in mind, but I figured I had nothing to lose by trying; turned out perfect
- Gave table top a final sand— Final preparation for stain application; 220 grit
- Applied 3 coats (although 2 would have been very suffice) of Country Chic Paint in the colour Liquorice to the table body/legs and chairs— A rich, deep matte black that roars modern farmhouse
- Lightly sanded down table body/legs and chairs giving extra attention to edges— For a farmhouse distressed finish; with 120, 220 grit
- Applied 3 coats of my go-to Varathane Diamond Wood Finish (water-based, satin polyurethane) to the table body/legs and chairs— To achieve a crystal clear, water-resistant, and highly durable finish; mixed with a small amount of Liquorice to avoid likely clouding; 220 grit sands in between coats
- Applied Minwax conditioning, stain, and poly products in the colours 'Special Walnut' and 'Provincial' to the table top and chair feet— For a two-toned exposed wood transformation; lint-free rag application with 220 grit sands in between poly coats
One-Hour / One-on-One / $80
Looking to achieve a similar look? Getting started with furniture transformations can feel overwhelming, but with hands-on experience since 2017, I’ve learned so much along the way. I’d love to share what I know and help guide you through the process.
Let’s work together! Whether it’s over the phone, via a screen-share session, or even over a coffee (or wine!), we’ll make a plan to bring your vision to life.
With all my heart and hands
This project was a reminder that sometimes the things we least want to do can turn out to be the most rewarding. Saying yes to my brother’s dining set wasn’t in my plans, but seeing it come together reminded me why I love this craft. It’s not just about flipping furniture—it’s about breathing new life into pieces with a story, pieces that become part of someone’s home and their next chapter. This table will hold more than meals; it’ll hold memories, and I’m grateful I got to play a small part in that.
If you’ve got a piece collecting dust, don’t be afraid to give it a second look. You might be surprised by what a little paint, stain, and effort can do—not just for the furniture, but for you, too.
There’s something special about turning something old and worn into something fresh and functional again. The hours of sanding, painting, and staining were worth every second when I saw this set ready for its next life.
Thanks for following along—I’ve got more projects in the works (just not dining sets!), and I look forward to sharing them with you soon.
Faye Caroline
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