| Journal | French Provincial Table Paint Wash
Earthy & Timeless— French Provincial Table
This French Provincial coffee table wasn’t exactly calling my name, but for $12, I simply couldn’t leave it behind. The sloppy black spray paint job was rough, but underneath was a solid, well-made piece just waiting for another chance. I wanted something earthy & timeless—a softer, more timeworn feel—so I reached for some Country Chic Paint products and got to work. A mix of glaze and a Sunday Tea paint wash completely changed the look, toning everything down into a muted, vintage finish.
French Provincial Table Paint Wash
I’ve refinished my fair share of thrifted pieces, but I tend to choose projects based on what inspires me—not out of necessity. So when my brother reached out, needing a coffee table for his new home, I hesitated, but how could I say no? This French Provincial coffee table wasn’t exactly a looker with its thick black spray paint, but it had good bones and plenty of potential. Layering glaze and a Sunday Tea paint wash over a rich base colour completely transformed it, softening everything into a finish that feels both earthy & timeless.
Coffee tables aren’t typically on my project list, but when my brother recently moved and needed one for his new space, I knew I could help. This French Provincial table was far from perfect when I found it—buried under a heavy-handed black spray paint job—but it had good bones and plenty of potential. I painted the base in a soon-to-be-released Country Chic Paint grey/brown colour that I’d describe as earthy and timeless, then layered it with a glaze and a Sunday Tea paint wash, softening the finish into something rich with depth and character. The curvy details and sturdy build made it worth the effort, and now it has found its place in my brother’s incredible high-rise at 300 Main—a space that blends modern style with downtown luxury. Watch for the official unveiling of this new colour this Spring!
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.
- Lightly sanded down body — To prepare for paint application; 80, 120 grit
- Heavily sanded down top — With desire to subtly expose wood grain with a paint wash; 80, 120, 220 grit
- Thoroughly vacuumed and washed — Necessary preparation for any and all furniture restorations
- Applied 2 coats of Country Chic Paint (chalk paint) to the body in a new colour that will be unveiled this Spring — A grounding blend of grey and brown, this hue balances warmth and depth with effortless elegance—earthy, timeless, and beautifully versatile; brush application
- Applied 1 coat of my go-to Varathane Diamond Wood Finish (water-based, satin polyurethane) to the body— In preparation for glaze application; brush application
- Mixed a 4:1 ratio of Country Chic Paint Clear Glaze with the colour Sunday Tea, and applied to the body— To add depth and accentuate the curves and grooves, allowing the glaze to settle into the details for a softly aged effect; brush application with rag wipe
- Applied 1 coat of my go-to Varathane Diamond Wood Finish (water-based, satin polyurethane) to the body— In preparation for paint wash application; brush application
- Mixed a 1:2 ratio of Country Chic Paint in the colour Sunday Tea with water and applied it to the body—to soften the base colour and add a muted, timeworn effect; then applied the same wash to the top—to create a washed paint effect while subtly revealing the wood grain; brush application with rag wipe
- Applied 2 coats of my go-to Varathane Diamond Wood Finish (water-based, satin polyurethane) to the body, and 3 to the top— To achieve a crystal clear, water-resistant, and highly durable finish; brush application with sand in between 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 coffee table started as a forgotten thrift store find, yet now it sits in my brother’s luxury high-rise at 300 Main, surrounded by sleek modern design and stunning city views. It’s a reminder that quality craftsmanship doesn’t lose its value—it just needs a second chance.
With the right vision, some thoughtful layers of paint, and a bit of patience, something overlooked can become something timeless. Honouring the past while shaping it for the present—that’s what I love most about this craft.
There’s something about well-made furniture that deserves to be preserved. Seeing this table in my brother’s home, blending its vintage charm with modern design, makes the effort feel worthwhile. Some pieces just need a little patience, the right vision, and a few thoughtful layers to bring out their best.
This one may have started at a thrift store, but it’s proof that quality and character always have a place—no matter where they land.
Faye Caroline
0 Comments