When Jamie and Carmen sent in their delightful table-and-chair makeover, we were excited to share their bright, fresh redo. Here’s the note they sent:
Hello Sherry and John! My mom and I always find inspiration on your blog (I purchased the Target chair after seeing it in your living room and have used your paint colors as a guide — I also love that you have a room-by-room source list, which is super helpful), so we decided to put that inspiration to work on a table and chair makeover. We needed something eye-catching for an outdoor craft show this summer. My mom’s tired card table from the 1970s just wasn’t going to cut it. We found a fabulous oilcloth at a local fabric store and picked a matching paint color (Watermelon by Krylon, indoor/outdoor all-purpose spray paint). The makeover was a hit — people at the craft show asked if the table and chairs were for sale, even though they weren’t! For more on how we completed the project, see the full instructions on our blog. A big thank you for sharing so many great design ideas — you two are a wealth of information! Enjoy! – Jamie (City Chic) & Carmen (Country Mouse)
This cheerful makeover takes a worn, uninspired set and turns it into something that immediately boosts mood and catches the eye. The combination of bold oilcloth and a matching spray paint color makes the whole set feel fresh, modern, and inviting. It’s a simple, affordable project that delivers a lot of visual impact.
Oilcloth is incredibly versatile. It’s durable and easy to wipe clean, so popular uses include table coverings for indoor and outdoor dining, seat coverings for chairs, picnic blankets, placemats, and craft-table surfaces that need to withstand spills. Its variety of patterns and colors also makes it a great choice for small accent projects like drawer liners, tote bags, or even framed fabric art.
If you’re considering this makeover for your own card table and chairs, here are a few practical tips based on this project: choose a high-quality oilcloth with a pattern and color you love; test spray paint on a small, hidden area first to ensure the shade and adhesion are what you expect; clean and sand surfaces lightly before painting for the best finish; and use clamps or weights to keep fabric taut while adhering or stapling it to ensure a smooth look. Those small prep steps yield big results.
Thanks again to Jamie and Carmen for sending these uplifting photos. Their project is a lovely reminder that a little creativity and a few materials can revive an old set into something eye-catching and useful. Does oilcloth have a place in your next project? Would you try this on a card table and chairs — or is there another simple makeover you’re dreaming about?