How to Paint and Stencil a Coffee Table for a Fresh Makeover

Will we ever tire of seeing furniture transformed with a little paint? Probably not—especially when we receive inspiring projects like Jesse’s. Below is a condensed and polished version of his blog post about the hexagon-themed makeover he did on a French provincial coffee table.

The original piece was an over-lacquered table that showed a lot of wear, but the graceful curves were still intact and worth saving.

Before - over-lacquered coffee table

The top featured pretty woodwork and a diamond inlay. I decided to combine wood and paint instead of committing to just one approach, so I stripped the table to bare wood, stained the top a dark walnut, and laid out a hexagonal pattern. Here’s the result:

After - hexagon wood pattern on table

I love the way the dark wood flows between the hexagons, and the subtle turquoise beneath provides a fresh, unexpected contrast. The turquoise is a light shade I found in an overstock aisle, so I don’t have the exact name of the paint.

Close-up of hexagon pattern and turquoise underside

Finished table showing shape and color contrast

Jesse did an excellent job balancing the table’s traditional French provincial silhouette with a modern geometric pattern and fresh color. This makeover is a great reminder to take a second look at worn pieces in thrift shops or yard sales—a little creativity and paint can turn something tired into a standout piece.

Psst — Have your own before-and-after project? Send your story, photos, and links to [email protected] for a chance to be featured in a Reader Redesign. We’re always excited to see makeovers.