Chop off the back of an outdated chair & create inspired decor that's perfect for any room

Drawn to nautical design aesthetics and beach house chic? This faux antique end table is a stylish addition to any sea lover’s living room or bedroom. It’s made out of an old chair and comes together in six simple steps, so anyone with a modest budget and an afternoon to spare can whip one up. Dig an old chair out of the attic, or keep your eyes peeled for a curbside find — the more beaten down, the better.
Every element of this end table lends itself to seaside style. Chalk paint in a dark blue-gray mirrors the moody coastline of New England, while the wax finish gives the table the look and feel of a weathered antique. Using an orbital finishing sander after painting and before waxing imparts a slightly distressed style that brings the whole table together. Top with a retro gas lantern and a few clothbound books for a look that befits a lighthouse cottage.
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Materials
- An old chair
- Electric jigsaw
- Random orbit sander
- Medium-grit sanding block
- Hand towel
- Chalk paint, blue-gray
- Round paintbrush
- Orbital finishing sander
- FolkArt Home Decor Wax in Antiquing Wax
Instructions
Find an appropriate workplace and rest the chair on its side.
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1. Use the electric jigsaw to remove the back from an old chair.
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Discard the back, and keep the seat and legs of the chair.
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2. Sand off the finish from the seat and legs. Use a random orbit sander for large surfaces, such as the seat.
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Use a medium-grit sanding block for parts that have more nooks and crannies, such as the legs.
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3. Wipe the chair down with a hand towel to remove the dust from sanding.
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4. Paint the chair with the chalk paint.
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Let it dry.
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5. To give the end table a distressed look, pass the orbital finishing sander over the edges and corners of the chair. Distress as little or as much as desired.
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6. Paint a section of the chair with the antiquing wax.
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Wipe with the hand towel to remove excess product and leave a thin finish.
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Repeat until the entire chair has been covered. Let it dry.
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