When it comes to furniture makeovers, sometimes all it takes is a little paint, a touch of gold, and a creative vision to transform a simple thrift find into a one-of-a-kind statement piece. That’s exactly what Sheri from Brass Walnut did with this stunning side table, inspired by the viral chair that captured thousands of hearts on Instagram.
This project proves that art doesn’t just belong on walls—it can live on the very furniture you use every day.
The Vision: Turning Vintage into Modern Art
After the success of her bold black-and-white chair with striking color-blocking details, Brass Walnut set out to reimagine a similar design for a thrifted pedestal table. To achieve the artistic pattern across the table’s surface, she used a brush stroke technique—adding movement, texture, and depth before applying the gold leaf.
The result? A vintage-modern blend of rich black, warm wood tones, and shimmering gold leaf that feels timeless yet contemporary.
This project is proof that with the right products and a bit of imagination, you can give new life to tired furniture pieces while creating something that feels both personal and elevated.
Products You’ll Need
- Clean Slate
- One Step Paint in Black
- One Step Paint in Graphite
- Gel Stain in Hazel Mahogany
- Matte Sealer
- Gold Leaf & Size
Step-by-Step: How to Recreate This Look
Here’s exactly how Brass Walnut achieved this high-contrast, artistic finish using Amy Howard at Home products:
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Prep the Piece
Start with a clean surface. Brass Walnut used Clean Slate, a gentle yet effective furniture cleaner, to remove old wax, oils, and buildup. -
Paint the Base
For the legs and base of the table, she applied One Step Paint in Black, brushing on two smooth coats for a deep, velvety finish. -
Create a Custom Top Stain
To neutralize orange undertones in the wood, she mixed Gel Stain in Hazel Mahogany with One Step Paint in Graphite. This created a rich, modern brown-gray tone that perfectly balanced the dark base. The mixture was brushed on, then wiped away to highlight the wood grain. -
Seal for Protection
Two coats of Matte Sealer were applied across the entire table for durability and a soft, refined sheen. -
Add the Glamorous Touch
Finally, using Size and Gold Leaf Sheets, Brass Walnut added organic streaks of metallic gold across the tabletop. Once the leafing was set, she applied one last coat of Matte Sealer to protect the finish.
Why We Love This Project
This table is more than just furniture—it’s functional artwork. The contrast of matte black, earthy wood, and metallic gold creates a piece that feels luxurious, modern, and completely unique.
Brass Walnut’s creativity shows that you don’t need to be a professional artist to create something extraordinary. With the right tools and a willingness to experiment, you can transform ordinary thrift finds into elevated statement pieces.
✨ Ready to try your own DIY furniture makeover?
Pick up your favorite Amy Howard at Home finishes today and start crafting furniture that’s every bit as beautiful as art.