Categories: Blog, Kitchen

Customising Your Kitchen Table: Options for DIY Enthusiasts

🕑 Reading Time: 9 minutes
Published On: 15/05/2024By
Customising Your Kitchen Table: Options for DIY Enthusiasts

Picture this: it is a Saturday afternoon, and you are hosting a casual get-together for friends. Though the table is set, it looks dull and lacklustre. Buying a new one has crossed your mind, but finding something unique yet within budget seems daunting.

Instead, what if your existing kitchen table could be transformed into a stylish, conversation-starting piece? In this blog, we have compiled a list of inspiring DIY projects that can turn any ordinary table into a standout feature.

10 DIY Options to Customise Kitchen Tables

  1. Chalkboard Tabletop

    This option lets you jot down notes and recipes or let children doodle while you cook. To achieve this, clean the table surface thoroughly and apply a primer suitable for the table’s material. After the primer has dried, apply two to three layers of chalkboard paint, ensuring each coat dries fully before applying the next. Opt for high-quality chalkboard paint to achieve a durable, smooth finish. To keep the surface looking fresh, regularly wipe it with a damp cloth to remove any chalk residue.

  2. Decoupage Delight

    Unleash your artistic side with a decoupage, by using decorative paper, old maps, or fabric to cover the kitchen tabletop. Start by cleaning the table and lightly sanding the surface to ensure the adhesive sticks well. Apply a layer of glue, sealer, and finish to the tabletop, place the chosen material, and smooth out any air bubbles.

    Decoupage materials can be found at craft stores – they include brushes, as well as a variety of decorative papers or fabrics. Maintain the table by wiping it with a damp cloth, while avoiding harsh cleaners.

  3. Stencilled Patterns

    Choose a stencil pattern that complements the kitchen’s decor and secure it firmly on the tabletop. For materials, you will need stencils, painter’s tape, paint, and brushes or sponges. Using a sponge or brush, apply the paint over the stencil in thin layers to avoid bleeding.

    Carefully remove the stencil to reveal the design and allow the paint to dry completely. Seal the design with a clear protective coat to ensure durability. Maintain the appearance of your stencilled table with regular dusting and gentle cleaning.

  4. Tile Mosaic

    Add a Mediterranean touch to the kitchen table with a tile mosaic. Gather colourful tiles, break them into smaller pieces using a tile cutter or hammer, and arrange them on the tabletop in your desired pattern. Secure the tiles with tile adhesive and let it set. Fill the gaps with grout, smoothen it out and wipe away any excess. Materials needed include tiles, adhesive, grout, tile cutter, and grout float. The tile mosaic surface is durable, and can be cleaned easily with mild soap & water.

  5. Wood-burned Art

    Here’s your chance to infuse the kitchen table with rustic charm. With a wood-burning tool, you can create detailed designs or simple patterns directly on the table’s surface. This technique is most effective on unfinished or lightly sanded wooden tables. Start by lightly sketching the design with a pencil; then carefully trace over it with the wood-burning tool. Regularly dust the table and apply a wood conditioner to smooth the surface. Wood burning adds a personalised, handcrafted element to the table, making it a unique piece of art in your kitchen.

  6. Resin Pour Art

    Create a glossy, artistic tabletop with resin pour. Mix resin and hardener according to the manufacturer’s instructions, then add pigments or small decorative items like shells or glitter. Pour the mixture onto the table and spread it evenly with a spatula.

    Allow it to cure for a durable, glass-like finish. Materials needed include resin, hardener, pigments, decorative items, and a spatula. Resin surfaces are easy to clean with mild soap & water, and their glossy finish is durable & eye-catching.

  7. Reclaimed Wood Inlay

    Incorporate pieces of reclaimed wood for an eco-friendly, stylish upgrade to your kitchen table. Cut the reclaimed wood to fit within the existing tabletop or create a border around the edges. Secure the pieces with wood glue and finish with a clear sealant to protect the wood.

    Materials required include reclaimed wood, wood glue, saw, and adhesive. Maintain the table by regularly dusting and occasionally applying wood conditioner. This method adds a rustic touch and promotes sustainability by reusing materials.

  8. Painted Table Legs

    Focus on the legs of the kitchen table for a subtle yet effective change. Sand the legs to remove any existing finish, then paint them in a colour that contrasts with the tabletop or in a bold hue that complements the kitchen’s colour scheme.

    Use a primer before painting and finish with a protective topcoat. Materials needed include sandpaper, primer, paint, and brushes. Regularly dust and clean the painted legs with a damp cloth to keep them looking fresh.

  9. Epoxy River Table

    This stunning technique embeds a ‘river’ of coloured epoxy resin within a wooden tabletop, creating a visually striking effect. To achieve this look, cut a channel down the centre of the table or select two slabs of wood with a natural gap. Secure the wood pieces and seal any gaps to prevent leaks.

    Mix epoxy resin with your choice of pigments or dyes, then pour it into the channel, allowing it to fill the space. Once the resin cures, sand the entire surface smooth and finish with a protective sealant. This method combines natural wood elements with contemporary epoxy art, creating a unique, eye-catching table. Clean the table with a damp cloth and avoid placing hot objects directly on the surface to prevent damage.

  10. Glass Overlay

    This technique involves placing a custom-cut glass sheet on a table, providing a smooth, reflective surface that protects the underlying material. To start, measure the table accurately and order a glass sheet to fit, ensuring it has polished edges for safety.

    Choose clear glass to showcase the table’s original design, or select frosted / tinted glass for a unique effect. Secure the glass with clear adhesive pads or silicone bumpers at the corners to prevent slipping. Clean the glass regularly with glass cleaner and soft cloth to maintain its shine and clarity.

Conclusion

Whether you choose the playful functionality of a chalkboard tabletop, the artistic flair of decoupage, or the rustic elegance of wood burning, each approach offers a unique way to revitalise a central piece of your home. By investing time and effort, you can transform an ordinary table into a distinctive, personalised work of art that meets aesthetic preferences and enhances the daily living experience.