Mystery Revealed
I am still not feeling one hundred percent, but slowly I am getting better. My doctor prescribed me a strong cough syrup that is helping. Despite being under the weather, I did manage to get one more project checked off The List.
This item was bittersweet. We bought a new dining room table. Actually we bought an old dining room table, but it is new for us.
I really, really wanted to keep my great-grandmother’s table, but it was just too big for our space. It was awkward to squeeze behind people that were sitting at the table and the chairs could not be pushed in without hooking them over the legs of the table. Luckily my cousin just bought a house, and she is thrilled to take the table. I cleaned it up for her and will show it to you next week.
The new old table was in great condition, but there were some minor blemishes.
One corner had what appeared to be water damage.
I knew that I could make it look a great deal better with my trusty combination. You can read more about how I used these products to restore our kitchen cabinets and our new library.
Just an hour later, the table was looking good. She is not perfect, but she has aged with grace. You can tell in this picture that I also worked my magic on the other table. She looks immeasurably better.
Look at the difference on that damaged corner. It is much less noticeable now.
While I was working on the table, I found this sticker. It appears that this table once resided abroad. The man that we purchased her from told us that he bought her from a French diplomat. Perhaps she is originally from France.
Once I was finished, Douglas had to find the proper length screws to attach the legs to the top. The previous owner did not have any and had never attached them in the thirty years he owned the table.
One thing that I really like about this table, other than the smaller size, was the fact that it came with glass to protect the top. This will make me worry about damaging her less.
The table has nice lines. I love the curve of the legs. She is small, but can sit six comfortably.
Undeniably, my favorite details are the lions paw feet. You know I am a sucker for cats of all sizes, and this is an homage to those kingly beasts. Just look at how perfect they are!
The dining room looks so different with her in there. We now how room to move around. It feels much more spacious.
As you can tell, I was not satisfied with just changing the table. I also moved some greenery around, flanking the bench with two corn plants.
The once lingerie chest that holds our linens has some new plants as well.
I love how this mirror reflects off of the table.
I am not sure if I ever showed you the addition I made last summer to my baskets. Can you see what is on the big one?
Ants and dragonflies! These stick pins were gifts from my sister. She thought of me when she saw them because I have so many ants around my house. I was at a loss to where to put them until I thought of sticking them in the basket.
So, I am feeling much better about the dining room. Once I paint the trim, this room will be done! That will probably be in about six years. Stay tuned!
Happy Homemaking!
I am a teacher, traveler, artist, writer, homemaker and a whole lot more. In January 2009, I bought the Cape of Dreams. It was the second house that I had ever owned, but it was the first that I bought by myself. I now live in the house with my husband Douglas, our dog Kahlua, and Crème de Menthe, the cat. Because, what life is complete without a little Kahlua and Cream? I love arts and crafts of all kinds, and I refinish furniture as well. We are slowly redoing our entire house. You can read about my projects on my blog www.CapeofDreams.com
Such a smart decision. I liked your heirloom table but this one has such grace. And the smaller size certainly seems to work better in your space. Feel better soon! Jo @ Let’s Face the Music
I agree. It was sad that we could not make the other one work, but I feel good about our choice in the end. The happy part is that the heirloom will remain in the family.
love the new table! amazing what those 3 products can do for wood! i bet that new table has had quite a long and fascinating history. i am wondering how she managed to dip one corner of herself into water. poor dear. i’m glad she’s all shined and polished up again, and in a loving home where she’ll be loved and appreciated every day! love the paws. and the mirror reflecting in the table! and the bugs on your basket! love everything! and glad to hear you’re starting to feel better. get lots of rest!
Thanks! You are too sweet! Don’t you wish that furniture could tell us its history? I am also at a loss as to how one corner could sustain that kind of damage, but I guess we will never know. Thank goodness for the magic one two three punch.
I think your combination of chemicals may have also helped with improving your health! Good work!
You have a point there. Douglas opened all of the windows when he got home. No wonder I am not better yet!
Ooo love the new table, the feet are so fancy! Its such a great fit for the space!
It is marvelous when everything comes together the way that it should. 🙂
I wish I could get those wonder products here! I have a coffee table that’s teak that could use some love! I must make a mental note to see if I can get anything similar here in the UK
There must be something similar by you. You just need a wood soap, some kind of furniture oil and a furniture wax.
That’s NICE table! I’ll have to try your refinishing combo on my parents’ dressers … a good rainy-day project. I’m glad your great-grandmother’s table has a home with your cousin–that must have made it easier to part with it. Your dining room looks like it can breathe now!
I bought a new dining set a couple years ago (not high-end), and our cats have taken up wood carving on the legs. It’s useless for us to buy nice things. 🙁
What a shame that your cats claw the table. 🙁 I clip Crème’s claws when she tries to claw anything. I thought it might inhibit her from climbing her post, but she doesn’t seem to have any trouble.
I am sure the magic combo would work on your parents’ dresser. Just make sure that you do it on a nice day when you can have the windows open!
With 7 cats, that would be a lot of nail clipping, and some of our cats (including the one who does most of the carving)would as soon take my face off than have me clip nails! Eric’s cats (4 siblings) are kinda skittery about being handled.
We are fortunate that Creme does not mind. She lies in my lap and purrs away while I clip them. I think that she is insane!
That table is perfect: the size is indeed much better for your room, although I loved the shape of the old table. The lion paws are a nice feature.
Thanks! It does fit better.
I’m glad to see the insect pins found a good home! Xo
Thank you for giving them to me! I’m sorry it took me so long to show you what happened to them.