Hi friends! Today, I’m excited to share the process of how we created our beautiful country, cottage-style dining table and chairs. This project was not only affordable, but it also added a personal touch to our home, turning a simple dining space into a place to share meals and memories together.
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Growing up, dinner at the kitchen table was a nightly tradition in our home. My mom would cook, and we’d gather around the table as a family to share a meal and talk about our day. Those moments are so cherished, and I knew when my husband and I got our own place, I wanted a table that would bring people together in the same way.
Country, Cottage Style Dining Set
I wanted something that had the warmth and charm of a country cottage, but also felt sturdy and timeless. Unfortunately, finding a good-quality wooden table with six chairs in that style can be expensive—anywhere from $1,500 to $3,000 for a new set! So, I decided to take a more affordable route and go the DIY path.
As I started looking for inspiration on Pinterest, I came across a few pictures that really captured the look I wanted.
I loved the rustic charm paired with a bit of femininity, especially the soft, worn feel of the chairs in one photo and the simple, natural wood table in another.
I didn’t have to look far to find what I needed. While browsing Facebook Marketplace, I found a table and six chairs that, while a little beat-up, had great potential. The table was only $50, and the chairs were $75.
They were definitely in rough shape, but I knew with a little work, they’d turn into the beautiful set I had in mind.
Country, Cottage Chairs
Step 1: Reupholstering the Chairs
First things first, we tackled the chairs. We removed the cushioned seats, which were screwed into the frame, and then I began cleaning up the fabric. I tried bleaching and bisselling the fabric to get out the stains, but when that didn’t work, I realized we’d need to reupholster them.
For the new fabric, I chose a simple, durable drop cloth. It’s inexpensive and really thick, perfect for reupholstering. The light linen color worked out beautifully, so I didn’t even need to bleach it. I used just one of the four sheets from the pack to cover all the cushions.
My mom helped me cut out a pattern for the cushion fabric—basically a large square to wrap around the seat—and then we stapled the fabric to the underside. For the corners, we did a simple pleat to clean up the edges and add a little extra charm.
Step 2: Painting the Chairs
Next, we turned to the chairs themselves. My dad and husband helped me paint the chairs using a paint sprayer, and we chose Chantilly Lace by Benjamin Moore for a clean, crisp white finish. After the paint dried, we reattached the freshly upholstered cushions.
The result? Simple, clean, and totally transformed! I love how they turned out.
Country, Cottage Table
Step 3: Building the Table
For the table, I wanted to keep the rustic feel but also add some sturdy, natural wood for character. We started by taking apart the original table I bought. I removed the legs and the base ring, then we began working on the new top.
My dad had some rough-cut hardwood stored on the farm from an old sawmill, which was perfect for this project. He and my husband cut the wood to match the size of the original table. I arranged the pieces in a pattern I liked, and they secured everything together with 2x4s and screws.
Once the table top was built, we flipped it over and gave it a good sanding, starting with 60-grit paper and working our way up to a finer 120-grit. I wanted the surface smooth and splinter-free, so after a good sanding, I could run my hand over it without a worry.
Step 4: Staining the Table
Next, I stained the wood using Special Walnut by Minwax. The stain goes on dark but dries much lighter, so I gave the top two coats to achieve the look I wanted. The outside lighting made the stain appear very red, but the true color is a rich, neutral brown (as seen in the photo below with table legs attached).
Step 5: Putting the Table Together
Once the stain had dried, we reattached the base ring to the tabletop and secured it to the legs. To match the chairs, I decided to paint the base ring and table legs white, which tied everything together.
And here’s the final result! I’m absolutely thrilled with how it turned out! This table is already becoming a place where memories are made, just like the one I grew up with. I know it will serve us well for years to come, hosting countless family dinners and gatherings with friends.
I’d love to hear what you think of the table and chairs! Leave a comment below, and let me know if you’re planning to tackle a similar DIY project.
If you want to read more about DIY’s I have done in the past, check out the most recent one here!
