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How To Use An Old Map For A Stunning End Table

Hi.  I am back today with my second post for the Furniture Refresh.  This is a great group of bloggers who love to make over furniture pieces just for fun!  Last month I shared my Paint Shelf for organizing all of my awesome paints.  This month I did an end table and used an old map of Iowa on the top.  I love the way it turned out!

 

How To Use An Old Map On An End Table - www.michellejdesigns.com - I knew when I saw this old map of Iowa I could find a good use for it. Look how it totally transformed this end table!

 

Here are all of the before photos from the entire group.

 

How To Use An Old Map On An End Table - www.michellejdesigns.com - I knew when I saw this old map of Iowa I could find a good use for it. Look how it totally transformed this end table!

 

Using An Old Map On An End Table

I love the way this table looks now but, of course it did not start out this way.  This was one of three end tables I found at the flea market this past spring and it has been in my garage just collecting dust until now.  The other two were made into ottomans for my living room. We still love them.

This Furniture Refresh challenge was rapidly approaching and I knew this end table would be perfect.   Here is what it looked like before.

 

How To Use An Old Map On An End Table - www.michellejdesigns.com - I knew when I saw this old map of Iowa I could find a good use for it. Look how it totally transformed this end table!

 

It was a little beat up but mostly it was just boring.

A little sanding was needed on the legs and the drawer but I sanded a lot on the top.  It was in the worst shape.  The palm sander saved my life and made it a pretty easy job.

Then it was time to decide what I wanted this table to be when it grew up.  The white Fusion paint I used on this telephone table  was so nice I decided I wanted the bottom part of the table in the same white.

I spotted the large map I had on the shelf in the garage and knew it was the perfect thing for this end table.  It was a ripped up map of Iowa but parts of it were very usable.  After I decided to use the map I chose the teal for the rest of the top to match the lakes in the map.

I also used a brown wax on the top of the entire table after it was done.  That is what created the “aged” look on the table.

 

How To Use An Old Map On An End Table - www.michellejdesigns.com - I knew when I saw this old map of Iowa I could find a good use for it. Look how it totally transformed this end table!

 

I used the local parts of the map so it shows Dickinson, Emmet, Kossuth, Clay, Palo Alto, Pocahontas and more counties in Northwest Iowa and beyond.  You can see Fort Dodge in the photo below.  I think it is fun to incorporate these types of things in home decor.  Why not on an end table?

 

How To Use An Old Map On An End Table - www.michellejdesigns.com - I knew when I saw this old map of Iowa I could find a good use for it. Look how it totally transformed this end table!

 

I also added some map inside the drawer.  This part of the map incorporates Cedar Falls and Iowa City.  It was so fun to choose the parts of Iowa I wanted on the end table.

 

How To Use An Old Map On An End Table - www.michellejdesigns.com - I knew when I saw this old map of Iowa I could find a good use for it. Look how it totally transformed this end table!

 

The knobs are the original knobs with a bit of teal spray paint and some of the brown wax.  I didn’t like the brown knobs on this.  I like the teal but am still contemplating purchasing new knobs all together.  What do you think?

 

How To Use An Old Map On An End Table - www.michellejdesigns.com - I knew when I saw this old map of Iowa I could find a good use for it. Look how it totally transformed this end table!

 

How To Use An Old Map On An End Table - www.michellejdesigns.com - I knew when I saw this old map of Iowa I could find a good use for it. Look how it totally transformed this end table!

 

How To Use An Old Map On An End Table - www.michellejdesigns.com - I knew when I saw this old map of Iowa I could find a good use for it. Look how it totally transformed this end table!

 

I hope you like this little end table.  I think he turned out pretty nice.

Don’t forget to check out all of the other blogger’s Furniture Refresh projects.  These guys are really talented and come up with the best ideas. I will get their links added a little later.

 

collage-of-bloggers

 

A Purdy Little House

Shelstring

Our Crafty Mom

Redo It Yourself Inspirations

Follow Michelle James Designs On Pinterest

Thanks for stopping by!

Michelle

 

Milk-Paint - www.michellejdesigns.com - I love this piece even more now that it has this beautiful Buttermilk Old Fashioned Milk Paint.

 

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Create a Fun Game Table

This DIY dining table was made with an oak top and a painted base and was the perfect custom fit for my son and daughter-in-law's dining room.

Making A Dining Table

I found a hideous clock at the thrift store. It is fun to update an old clock and make it look spectacular!

Updating An Old Clock

Marta McCue

Friday 24th of March 2017

This is crazy good!! I love the creativity and the concept. Thank you for sharing!

Michelle

Friday 24th of March 2017

THank you Marta. I loved it when it was all done.

[email protected]

Monday 20th of March 2017

Michelle, this table is so darned cute! I love using maps...heck, we don't use them for navigating anymore we might as well use them for decorating!

Another great project from you!

Hugs, Lynn

Michelle

Monday 20th of March 2017

Thanks Lynn! This one was actually being thrown away. It was ripped but it was big so I knew I could use it. Now I want more!

Holly N.

Friday 10th of February 2017

I love this table, great choice for colors, and the knobs are perfect in teal, I wouldn't change a thing! I love taking something that has potential and making it just perfect with a little paint and a whole lotta love. Thanks for sharing it is so beautiful!!

Michelle

Friday 10th of February 2017

Thanks so much Holly. Your kind words put a smile on my face.

Yra

Friday 10th of February 2017

Improvement? Really? I felt saddened to see a nice solid wood painted like that

Michelle

Friday 10th of February 2017

Hi. I know this can be a controversial subject. To paint or not to paint wood pieces. If the piece is a nice solid, antique piece I usually refrain from painting. This table is not antique and not very solid so I made the choice to freshen it up with paint. Thanks for your comment.

Mel

Thursday 9th of February 2017

I have some wood trays I want to attahc boating charts to. What kind of glue do you recommend? and what can I use to make the surface water proof. The trays are spray painted glossy black

Michelle

Thursday 9th of February 2017

Hi Mel, I am assuming since the trays are already spray painted you are not using them for food. If that is the case I would use Mod Podge to adhere them. Then you will need some sort of water proof or water resistant. varnish or top coat. I would ask at your local hardware store what they recommend. I am not sure there are a lot of water proof products out there but there may be some that are water resistant.

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