Farmhouse Sofa Table

Back to basics today, Friends, with this simple farmhouse sofa table!  I know farmhouse style is still popular because these pieces sell very easily for me.  People still want simple neutral furniture pieces, and I don’t blame them. 

Let’s face it, not every piece is meant to be a statement.  The neutral ones are functional and beautiful in their simplicity, and they help highlight any colorful “wow” pieces in the room.

Here is how the table originally looked.

I dragged the hubs out thrift shopping shortly after Christmas.  That’s a great time for thrifting because people are de-cluttering and donating a lot.  We found 3 great pieces at Goodwill, including this sofa table for $15 that already had farmhouse bones.

Before I get ahead of myself, I did the usual prep.  No sanding, just cleaning well with White Lightning, a TSP-based cleaner.  I also rinsed well with clear water.  Then I was ready to jump into the fun part of the makeover.

“Stained” Top

If you’ve been to my blog before, you know I have stripped and stained plenty of tops.  But you also know, it’s a lot of work and time-consuming and not my favorite thing ever.  Yes, you get gorgeous grain showing through.  But sometimes faux grain is just as good.

By the way, check out  my Comprehensive Guide to Dixie Belle Chalk Paint for more information on any of these products.

To achieve this look, I painted the top Coffee Bean which is a very dark brown.  Then after it dried, I squirted on some Voodoo Gel Stain in Tobacco Road. 

Sidenote: Since this is a water-based stain, I can use it right over the paint.  All the products in Dixie Belle’s line are water-based, except the No Pain Gel Stain.  That means they all work together and clean up easily with soap and water.

Using a cheap chip brush, I spread the Tobacco Road over the Coffee Bean, but leave some gaps in the coverage.  I want variation in color, and  all the streaks going in the direction of the grain.  It’s a simple technique, but it gives  a rich look!  I also sealed with Gator Hide, a water-resistant sealer, using the blue sponge applicator.

And now for the base.

Sawmill Gravy

For the base I chose a warm white color called Sawmill Gravy.  This shade of white is a new favorite of mine because it is just so warm without being too yellow.  I’d describe the undertone as more brown.

I gave it 2 coats for full coverage, using a synthetic brush.  You can use any size or shape brush that is comfortable for you, but I like the 2″ flat brush.  Synthetic bristles will flow paint on easily and leave fewer brush strokes than natural bristles.

Since a sofa table can usually be seen from all angles in a room, I painted the back as well.  

More Farmhouse Touches

I dry distressed a little with 220-grit sand paper around the edges.  I just love how distressing draws your eyes to the details and adds a little charm.

For the hardware, the knob that appeared missing in the “before” picture was inside a drawer.  I painted right over the existing porcelain knobs and distressed them as well.  That’s another benefit of chalk paint; it adheres to lots of surfaces including porcelain.

By the way, if farmhouse style is your jam, you can click this image and get my free one-page guide to 6 elements of farmhouse style.

You see the clay pot in my staging?  It had that patina on it naturally, and I just added part of the Lovely Ledger transfer to it.  Cute, right?

Resource List:

(These are affiliate links from which I earn a small commission at no extra cost to you)

• Sofa table (thrifted)
• White Lightning
• Coffee Bean
• Voodoo Gel Stain in Tobacco Road
• Gator Hide
• Sawmill Gravy

If you enjoyed this farmhouse sofa table makeover you may also enjoy these end tables or my farmhouse bathroom remodel.  Please Pin for future inspiration!

Leave me a comment and let me know how many neutral pieces you typically have in your spaces compared to statement pieces.  I’d love to know!