Cassie Bustamante

living an ordinary life extraordinarily

Navigation
  • home
  • about me
  • home tour
  • project gallery
  • shop my home
  • Let’s Collaborate

A Tale of Two Lamp Black Tables

August 6, 2014 by Cassie 65 Comments

3PinterestFacebookTwitter
3
SHARES

Happy Wednesday! I can’t believe we are already a week into August…. where has summer gone? Part of me is really sad about it, but part of me is ready for some peace and quiet. Ok, so a lot of me is ready for that! So this week I have spent some time working on pieces for Sweet Clover, and taking all of my stress out with sandpaper, paint, and wax…. it felt really good. Today I am sharing two tables I painted in General Finishes Lamp Black, as always, my go-to black.
lbcollagepinPinLast weekend I headed to my favorite shopping place and found a few furniture pieces and other odds and ends.   Here’s a picture of all my loot.

flea1Pin

I know I am cruel to show you al of this, but I didn’t take a before picture, so I’m working with what I’ve got.  See those two tables stacked on the right?  That’s what I am sharing today.

It’s been a while since I’ve done a good lamp black project, and with retail Fall right around the corner, I figured now was a good time to start thinking that way, and bringing in some black.  Both of these tables had a worn finish, neither was particularly shiny, so I skipped sanding them to prep.  General Finishes Milk Paint has fabulous adhesion, and I find I really only need to sand on glossy surfaces.

I cleaned the tables with a damp rag and let them dry.  I then applied two coats of Lamp Black to each table.  Once they were dry, I used 180 grit sandpaper to lightly distress the edges.  I very lightly distressed the cabinet just to highlight its pretty legs.  The smaller table was sort of blah by itself, so I gave that one a harder distressing, just to give it some more character.

Finally, to finish these off, I applied Briwax in Golden Oak with a rag.  I did this to help age the edges where I had sanded, and make it darker.  This also gave the black more of a brown overall tone (still unmistakably black, but to the naked eye a change in tone would be noticeable).  Once the wax dried, I buffed it with a rag to give it a durable finish and sheen.

The cabinet got some fun new knobs as a final touch and here it is….

lb1Pin

Aren’t these knobs fun?

lb2Pin

And sometimes, just the slightest distressing is all you need.  One day I should share with you how I distress my furniture…. is that something you’d like to hear?lb5PinI love how the back legs of this piece even curve… sexy!

lb4Pin

And the small table, not as fun in my opinion, but still cute in its own right.

lbsmall1PinAnd here you can see that this one did indeed get a little more distressing to show off those legs!

lbsmall2.jpgPin

So what do you think?  Which do you prefer?  And are you in the mood for Fall??!?!?!  MY FAVORITE SEASON!!!  Nah, I’m not in the mood.

Sharing here:

The Inspiration Gallery

Related

Filed Under: furniture transformations

Subscribe for Email Updates!

« Book Club Review: The Yonahlossee Riding Camp for Girls (And August Book Pick!)
The Man, The Myth, The Legend (or the one where I let Chris speak) »

Comments

  1. kirby carespodi says

    August 6, 2014 at 7:27 am

    I’m not sure, but I think a lot of us bloggers love fall best. That must mean something. Not sure what…but something. Maybe we’re vampires??

    Reply
    • Cassie says

      August 6, 2014 at 8:25 am

      i am. vampires don’t sleep which is how i get things done- i go in my basement away from the sun to work during the day.

      Reply
  2. Lynn says

    August 6, 2014 at 7:28 am

    I love those knobs. I have always loved owls…so cute! I like both tables for different reasons! Fall…as much as it is my fav, I am just not there yet!

    Reply
    • Cassie says

      August 6, 2014 at 8:24 am

      i think i am just ready for some peace and quiet, if you know what i mean! and thanks!

      Reply
  3. Dana says

    August 6, 2014 at 7:43 am

    I like your knobs. Haha! Those owls are so cute.
    Fall already? I love it but I’m not ready for it. Nooo!

    Reply
    • Cassie says

      August 6, 2014 at 8:24 am

      i am pretty sure it has a lot to do with me being ready for the kids to go back to school… worn out!

      Reply
  4. Shelley | Crazy Wonderful says

    August 6, 2014 at 7:59 am

    I love Fall!!!!!!! To me it’s the most perfect, beautiful time of the year. The air smells amazing and my outfits always look better. And now I could cry since thinking about the Fall I won’t get to have anymore living down here 🙁 Ok, back to the black tables. You know I love ’em. Everything and everyone looks good in black.

    Reply
    • Cassie says

      August 6, 2014 at 8:21 am

      i know- i lived in louisiana for 4.5 years and i missed fall more than anything!!! i am sorry! 🙁
      i think it’s on my mind because this week of mothering has been HARD and i am ready for school to start…
      and thank you on the tables- you are so right! who and what doesn’t look good in black?

      Reply
      • Shelley | Crazy Wonderful says

        August 6, 2014 at 8:29 am

        I hear ya. Izzy and I are getting on each other’s nerves. It’s beyond exhausting. 19 more days. But who’s counting 😉

        Reply
  5. Jennifer@The Chronicles of Home says

    August 6, 2014 at 8:20 am

    Those curvy legs are gorgeous, and I love the owl knobs. So quirky and adorable. I can not believe how fast you paint furniture. Do you take performance enhancing drugs?? Probably. AND IS THAT A FEDERAL MIRROR IN THE BACKGROUND?!?! I have been searching for one around here but they all cost like $500.

    Reply
    • Cassie says

      August 6, 2014 at 8:22 am

      good eye… 😉 it’s a federal mirror- a little scratched and a resin/plastic frame but for $5 it came home with me and i need to find a good place for it in my home! 🙂
      and i do take painting performance drugs, and have an army of minions. how else would i get anything done? 😉

      Reply
  6. Dana says

    August 6, 2014 at 8:36 am

    Cute tables and great loot! I’m feelin’ ya friend, ready to be productive without little helper interruptions!

    Reply
    • Cassie says

      August 6, 2014 at 5:31 pm

      yes! it will be so lovely! 🙂 and thank you!

      Reply
  7. Meg@OliverandRust says

    August 6, 2014 at 8:48 am

    cute cute. love the owls. too bad no fox knobs lol

    Reply
    • Cassie says

      August 6, 2014 at 5:30 pm

      i know it! thanks, meg!! 🙂

      Reply
  8. michelle@decorandthedog says

    August 6, 2014 at 8:54 am

    I’m loving the finish on those. I’m interested in your distressing technique. It always makes me nervous to “destroy” a paint job after I put so much time into it.

    Reply
    • Cassie says

      August 6, 2014 at 5:29 pm

      you won’t destroy it! i promise!!! thank you! 🙂

      Reply
  9. Sharon @ Elizabeth & Co. says

    August 6, 2014 at 9:06 am

    What great finds! And you can never go wrong with lamp black. I love those turned legs and the cute little knobs. … I love all the seasons – always something new and fresh to look forward to!

    Reply
    • Cassie says

      August 6, 2014 at 5:28 pm

      you are so right, sharon!

      Reply
  10. Vicki Obenhaus says

    August 6, 2014 at 9:34 am

    I would LOVE to hear how you distress your lovely furniture! (And fall is my favorite season, too!) Beautiful tables — I love the little one. It will fit anywhere — you’ll sell that quick!

    Reply
    • Cassie says

      August 6, 2014 at 5:28 pm

      thank you so much, vicki! fall is just the best!!! i hope we get a nice long fall this year (meaning short winter. 😉 )

      Reply
  11. Haley says

    August 6, 2014 at 9:46 am

    Loving the owl knobs! I recently trash-picked a side table that looks very similar to that second table. It’s allready prepped and primed, but I’m still deciding on a color. Now it looks like black is back on my shortlist of colors.

    Reply
    • Cassie says

      August 6, 2014 at 5:27 pm

      thank you so much! yay for trash picked freebies! 🙂

      Reply
  12. Suzanne @ The Painted Drawer says

    August 6, 2014 at 9:49 am

    They are both so sweet but the legs on the first one? Divine! They are both lovely! Great tip on the Briwax. I will have to give that a try. I have been using their high performance topcoat but it tends to sometimes look a bit streaky on the darker finishes. Thanks!

    Reply
    • Cassie says

      August 6, 2014 at 5:27 pm

      the wax came out a little streaky on the small one because i was in the sun and it dried quickly on me! but it just looks aged. i am fine wiht it! 😉

      Reply
  13. Kristin @ Bliss at Home says

    August 6, 2014 at 10:44 am

    How fun are those knobs?! And…love the title of this post 🙂 xoxo

    Reply
    • Cassie says

      August 6, 2014 at 5:26 pm

      thank you, kristin! i love my literary references, what can i say?

      Reply
  14. Poshepoche says

    August 6, 2014 at 11:01 am

    Hi, Lurve your knobs, girlie! Those little owlies are handsome, and I’m also loving the lamp black with a touch of distressing ~ certainly makes these two pieces more interesting.
    I’m now inspired to paint the legs and apron (is that the right term) of my handsome kitchen table that I picked up for €15 (around $20) at the end of a car boot sale ~ the seller was just too pleased not to have to lug it back home with him! We have our house here in France on the market and, although we may be leaving some furniture items, I really don’t want to leave this behind, or the fabulous solid oak L~shaped bench that goes so well with it.
    Keep up the good work, regards, Poshepoche

    Reply
    • Cassie says

      August 6, 2014 at 5:26 pm

      thank you so much! your project sounds fabulous!!!

      Reply
  15. Jaime Costiglio says

    August 6, 2014 at 12:41 pm

    Cassie loving the black because it’s something I never do and yes I’m yearning for Fall just like you! 29 days until school starts 🙂

    Reply
    • Cassie says

      August 6, 2014 at 5:25 pm

      i love using black- you should try it more! 🙂
      we have 19 days…. not that i am counting it down or anything.

      Reply
  16. Trina @ Let's Just Build a House says

    August 6, 2014 at 1:12 pm

    I love the second one the best. The distressing on it is my fav part!! I am jealous of all of those fab flea market finds. Those are good steals. And YESSS I am so ready for fall!

    Reply
    • Cassie says

      August 6, 2014 at 5:24 pm

      thank you so much, trina! and yes, come on fall! it’s the best!

      Reply
  17. laura@top this top that says

    August 6, 2014 at 2:01 pm

    Both work. Just love those knobs…totally whimsy.

    Reply
    • Cassie says

      August 6, 2014 at 5:24 pm

      thank you! i wanted some fun knobs on it as it was otherwise pretty simple.

      Reply
  18. emily @ go haus go says

    August 6, 2014 at 2:50 pm

    Love that they are a mix between a matte and satin finish. Really pretty and love the distressing you did!

    Reply
    • Cassie says

      August 6, 2014 at 5:24 pm

      thank you so much, emily!

      Reply
  19. Jessica @ Dear Emmeline says

    August 6, 2014 at 4:11 pm

    They both look cute but the little owl one’s my fave!

    Reply
    • Cassie says

      August 6, 2014 at 5:24 pm

      mine, too!

      Reply
  20. Heidi @ Decor & More says

    August 6, 2014 at 4:18 pm

    They are both super sweet in their own way! I love those back curvy legs and sweet owl knobs! Yay for some peace and quiet — I could use some myself!
    xo Heidi

    Reply
    • Cassie says

      August 6, 2014 at 5:23 pm

      oh i think we all could! 🙂 and thank you!

      Reply
  21. Kim@NewlyWoodwards says

    August 6, 2014 at 5:40 pm

    I really love the distressing on those legs. Gorgeous, as always.

    Reply
    • Cassie says

      August 6, 2014 at 5:55 pm

      thank you, friend! 🙂

      Reply
  22. Fiona, Lilyfield Life says

    August 6, 2014 at 6:41 pm

    hi Cassie
    I love them both! the legs on the curvy one are gorgeous. Dd you just change your blog hosting over? I notice your new comment system. will have to ask you about it in an email.
    cheers fiona

    Reply
    • Cassie says

      August 7, 2014 at 6:58 am

      yes! about a month ago i moved to wordpress and a new host, etc! and thanks on the tables! 🙂

      Reply
  23. Robin says

    August 6, 2014 at 9:07 pm

    I’m an ardent fan of Lamp Black because of you! Love it, love the pieces and love those knobs! So clever!
    Robin

    Reply
    • Cassie says

      August 7, 2014 at 6:57 am

      so glad to hear you are loving it!!! 🙂

      Reply
  24. Deb Owen says

    August 7, 2014 at 12:46 am

    Fun to see the contrast in the distressing in the 2 pieces/same color. Love those knobs! I have been hoarding mine like that and still haven’t found the right piece to use them on.

    Reply
    • Cassie says

      August 7, 2014 at 6:57 am

      thank you, deb!

      Reply
  25. Paula@SweetPea says

    August 7, 2014 at 7:13 am

    Both tables look great and I’ll bet that they will sell quickly in your shop. I need to try General Finishes paint.

    Love those owl knobs!

    Reply
    • Cassie says

      August 7, 2014 at 9:56 am

      thank you, paula! you really do need to try it- i love it!

      Reply
  26. Megan @ Our Pinteresting Family says

    August 7, 2014 at 9:22 am

    They came out so pretty. I adore the owl knobs.

    Reply
    • Cassie says

      August 7, 2014 at 9:53 am

      thank you, megan!

      Reply
  27. Gretchen says

    August 7, 2014 at 1:46 pm

    I love fall, but I hate August….still just as hot, but Dave’s back at work, so it’s not really summer anymore :(. But your cabinet and table look great (you know, even though it’s stinky old August :)). At first glance, I thought the owl knobs were Transformers. That would be pretty cool, but I bet owls sell better 😉

    Reply
    • Cassie says

      August 7, 2014 at 2:41 pm

      thank you so much! transformer knobs would rock! star wars knobs would be even better. chewbacca knobs?

      Reply
  28. Jennifer @ Dimples and Tangles says

    August 8, 2014 at 9:43 am

    I can’t believe what great stuff you always find at flea markets! These are fun, love those knobs!

    Reply
    • Cassie says

      August 8, 2014 at 10:01 am

      thank you, jennifer!

      Reply
  29. Ashley@AttemptsAtDomestication says

    August 8, 2014 at 11:38 am

    Love those knobs! They are adorable! I’m not quite ready for fall, only because I have no idea where the summer went! But I will welcome boot and scarf weather back with open arms anyway 😉

    Reply
    • Cassie says

      August 8, 2014 at 6:22 pm

      yeah, i don’t think i am ready for fall, but ready for the kids to go to school….

      Reply
  30. Kenz @ Interiors By Kenz says

    August 11, 2014 at 6:27 pm

    That owl hardware is to DIE for!!!

    Reply
    • Cassie says

      August 12, 2014 at 7:20 am

      thank you, kenz! hope all is well! 🙂

      Reply
  31. Amber @ Wills Casa says

    August 14, 2014 at 11:10 pm

    Those owl knobs are the cutest!

    Reply
    • Cassie says

      August 17, 2014 at 7:14 am

      no, you are the cutest!

      Reply
  32. Dee at the Carlton says

    August 19, 2014 at 3:11 am

    What a fabulous transformation. I love the distressing to give it the black / brown look that is so homely. I will be stopping by your lovely blog again ….

    Reply
    • Cassie says

      August 19, 2014 at 5:22 pm

      thank you so much!

      Reply

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe Rating




Hi, I’m Cassie!

I believe that you don't have to spend a lot of money to live a beautiful life and be your best self.  Here you will find budget friendly ideas to live happily, healthily, sustainably, and most importantly authentically.  We all get one chance at this life, and this ordinary girl plans to make hers extraordinary. How about you? Read more...
Instagram Facebook Twitter Pinterest Email Rss Bloglovin

Categories

Disclaimer

This blog does not share personal information with third parties nor do we store any information about your visit to this blog other than to analyze and optimize your content and reading experience through the use of cookies. You can turn off the use of cookies at anytime by changing your specific browser settings. We are not responsible for republished content from this blog on other blogs or websites without our permission. This blog uses affiliate links.

Connect

Hi! I'm Cassie.

Mother, wife, shop owner, blogger, writer, incurable diy-er, furniture painter, coffee and wine drinker, friend. Seeking happiness and passing it on. Read More…

Recent Posts

Privacy

© 2023 · Foodie Theme Customized by This Bold Girl · Built on the Genesis Framework