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I have a thrifted, vintage all wood coffee table. It has leaves (which I love) and can expand. I want to refinish it b/c the dark wood is too heavy for my space. I really would like a colorful moroccan treatment. I think that, if I use yellows, turquoises, red and greens on the table, I can pull in the colors of a turquoise shelf I have in my dining room and colors from my artwork.

I know it'll be difficult (stenciling, etc.) but if I do it, WILL IT WORK? Or is this just a bad idea? I know the table doesn't have the same shape as my inspiration pics (below), so I'm worried it won't 'read' the same way.

Here is a pic of the table (I know my space needs some work - but this thread isn't about that. )

This message has been edited. Last edited by: Virtuallyworking1,

Inspiration pic 1

This message has been edited. Last edited by: Virtuallyworking1,

Inspiration pic 2

Part of what makes your inspiration tables so attractive is that the design is carried out through the shape of the top and the cut-outs on the sides. These elements, along with the painted design, successfully carry out the Moroccan theme.

Your rectangular table shape along with its hinged drop leaf sides and the stretcher between the legs makes it a clear Colonial American style table.

In my opinion, attempting to create a Moroccan feel with paint using a table of this design won't work well.

You're totally right, Jewel.
I knew it was a bad idea - I just needed confirmation.

I love the table and have always wanted to paint it. Just not sure what color. Hmmm...

Jewel is right, the lines don't lend themselves to the Moroccan design. Would you consider painting it a neutral colour such as grey or bone?

I agree that your coffee table style won't work well with the painting technique you desire. This does not mean you can't paint your coffee table colorfully however. Use stencils, decoupage it or cover the top and leaves in small mosaic tiles to bring color and pattern interest to your space.

Painting your table would make it more in keeping with the rest of the room. But I beg you, don't put any pattern on it! You have a nice rug and toss pillows with sophisticated pattern on them already. The table will look elegant in a solid color.

I agree with the others here. Perhaps you can add Moroccan accents through accessories.

Yes to a solid paint color for the table; no embellishments needed.

choose your paint wisely if the table gets any use... feet on it, food, plates, ect...or with the sides up a great poker table...

Hey VW1. Looked up your annapolis gray and saw it doesn't have a keyed shade chart. Try vintage pewter
CSP-110

in a little sample pot against your ikat fabric - aim for the backing greige in it and then paint the bottom of the table (two coats after sanding) and check the tone to see what we mean. The grain will still come through but now as texture . . it will tie your space together. You can find a great end table like your samples as an end table for your couch.

What a wonderful idea, LDE re: the side tables.
Love it.

I actually have the Annapolis Gray paint card - somewhere - with the up/down shades.

Should I go darker, or lighter?

Darker - at least two steps darker. Furniture someehow paints out lighter than walls

so even when you think you've got a mid tone, on a piece of furniture it looks like a pastel.

I would pick the shade just one lighter than the darkest color in the strip. - you can try two shades in sample pots to prove that out.

Look at the field / ground in your ikat - it needs to be AT LEAST that dark. That might even be a better shade to match than going darker on your wall card depending on if the darker shades retain that terrific balance between gray and taupe that the wall has. If not, use the fabric as the shade to match.

You know, with a little time and patience, you could probably make a cloth cover with cutout edges to give the idea of the table you love. You know how they make the painted floor cloths, etc.? You could do that or just find some fabric that might help emulate the look and make a regular table cloth with the edge details cut out. You know what I mean?

It neither changes the table underneath, nor does it force the table to be something it is not. It could be fun!

....then again, it could be a dumb idea.

And there is always the option of painting under glass (you paint the underside of the glass) and use on top of the table and you would have a waterproof plain glass on top. Use the little round spacers under the glass so the paint won't be directly on the table.