If you are in the market for a budget living room side table, do not pass up an outdated or ugly thrift shop find. It can be sanded, primed and painted, and the top can be decorated in a unique and very easy way. Flat glass pebbles can be added to create a colorful and one-of-a-kind furnishing that you will never find in a retail store. If the furniture is sturdy, it can be outfitted with a stunning and colorful glass top. You will love the results, and it will likely become one of your favorite living room, family room or bedroom pieces.
Get Started with Durable Primer and Paint
An ugly thrift shop side table does not have to be stripped and refinished. Unless the finish is damaged, it will still be as ugly as ever. Give it a complete facelift by adding a coat of paint in a clean and crisp new hue. It will serve as a fantastic backing for a unique and eye-catching glass top, and unlike sheet glass, it will not have to be cut. It goes on one piece at a time to create a gorgeous mosaic finish.
Begin by lightly sanding away the existing finish. It should be smooth, but it does not have to be perfect. Dust off the side table with a dry cloth, and give it a coat of acrylic primer. After the primer is completely dry, coat it with durable acrylic paint. Allow the furnishing to dry for at least 24 hours before continuing.
Attach the Flat Glass Pebbles with E6000 Adhesive
After the paint is fully dry, attach flat glass marbles using E6000 brand adhesive. It will dry clear, and it will securely hold the pieces in place. Choose cobalt blue glass, opalescent white or a hue of your choice. Start attaching the pebbles in the center, and work your way out toward the edges until the entire top is covered. They might not touch the edges, but they do not have to. Your thrift store side table will no longer look ugly. On the contrary, it will look nothing like it did when it was first discovered. It will look like a designer furnishing, especially when illuminated from above with a stylish tabletop lamp.
