You may remember this jewel that entered my house about a month ago via the free section of CraigsList.
In fact, I’m positive that if you saw my post back then and my letter to the table’s original “creator”, then you most definitely remember it. How would it be possible to forget such a wonderful collaboration between Britney Spears and Kid Rock? It’s probably seared into your brain, and for that I am sorry.
But…did you ever think it could be reborn as this?
“Wait, what? That’s the same table?” you are asking yourself. Why yes, yes it is.
After stripping, sanding, rebuilding, priming, painting, distressing and sealing, my free Britney Spears coffee table as turned into one of my favorite pieces in my home.
I added new legs and used them to make the table a little taller. I added new dividers, covered them with wainscoting, and edged them with trim. I painted the table with paint left over from the playroom armoire redo. The whole project probably cost me about $40.
I distressed it with a hammer and some sort of nail-type thing I found in the garage.
When adding accessories to my coffee table, I tried to remember the tablescape discussion we had last week. I think I was able to pull off the books-natural element-bowl/plate/tray trifecta pretty well.
I cut some branches off of one of the bushes in our front yard, added them to a glass vase that had come with a floral bouquet years ago, and tied a scrap of burlap around the vase. The books are some of my favorites: a thrift store poetry book and a Texas gardening book on the top and a stack of Pottery Barn decorating books in one of the bottom sections. A little urn filled with acorns sits on top of the Pottery Barn books and a white tray filled with to-be-read magazines sits on the other side. I bought a basket from Target to put in the middle section to collect the random stuff that finds it’s way to the living room. I added a sweet Tiger Stripe pumpkin and a few candles to complete the look.
There’s plenty of space left for feet, board games, computers, dirty socks, school work, and all the other things you guys mentioned that are on top of your coffee tables. Believe it or not, but my child/dogs/husband have not touched ANYTHING on this table once in the past week. NOT ONCE. Go me!
What do you think? I LOVE it, and I feel like I have righted a wrong in this world.
CraftyCripple says
I LOVE it, you are so clever, it is a perfect coffee table now. I need to get one with a shelf so the that the top stays clear of my junk. It looks beautiful – YAY you!
Emily@remodeling this life says
you are the most amazing DIYer ever. Wanna do one for me? Think we can find another kid rock and britney table to start with?
sharae says
I LOVE it, wonderful job! π
Pixie says
I have been wating anxiously to see the transformation and it was so worth the wait! I love a re-do that transoforms the unloved into a loved and cherished item. way to go!
Kimm at Reinvented says
Lindsay, that is awesome. You have made the world a LOT less ugly. π I wonder what the original owner would say? π
Queen Mommy says
Holy buckets!! That's aMAZing!! I think I would have run far, far away from that "piece," but you turned it in to something beautiful. Congratulations!
Suzan says
Truly, if there were a Nobel prize awarded for this sort of thing, you would be the winner! Wondering where you got your replacement legs? I am going to make a coffee table out of an old leaded window but don't know where to look for nice legs. (I have seen the cheesy turned spindle looking things and those won't do!)
Kelli says
Simply amazing redo! I love it all!
Jenny@ L.O.T.s of Love says
Great job! For once I saw the potential too (I never see beyond the ugly)and you exceeded my my idea!
Beth says
Awesome!
Kristy says
I love it – what a great transformation!
I really believe that seeing the potential in something is a skill that can be learned – over the last few years, I'm finally getting good at seeing what something could look like once I paint it. Now I'm working on seeing even farther beyond that, so I love to see transformations like this. I really love the changes you made to the legs and the dividers to dress up your table.
tinycandi says
Wow! That is amazing! You did an awesome job!
Nashelle says
You have done this world a great service! So awesome. Just beautiful!
Jennifer Rizzo says
Holy cow! That is so pottery barn and awesome! What color paint did you use? It looks fab!
foobella says
Brilliant. You did a really great job.
Kelly says
I seriously just spit up some of my coffee, Lindsay. I mean, really, what is there to say? The picture of it Before is just too much for words. Holy cow. And $40. Really?
Kelly
http://tearinguphouses.blogspot.com
p.s. I really, really like the color that you chose to paint it. It seems like a very rich cream.
p.s.s. I'd love to see a detail photo of the trim you put around the center pieces, if you have one.
Martha says
Absolutely beautiful!!! I love it and now I want one. Who would ever know the travesty it was…fabulous now. You are too smart.
C. Beth says
It looks awesome! Love it.
southerninspiration says
Wowsers…..what a knockout Brittany is NOW!!!! I love, love, love it!!
Suzanne
austinfarmtotable says
Incredible Lindsay! You did an amazing job saving that table and making it a beautiful centerpiece to the living room.
Amy says
All I can say is WOW! That is amazing!
Anonymous says
You did an amazing job. Truly inspirational.
Jennifer@Isrelspace says
I love it! You made it even better than I had imagined! I mean, I knew it would be fabulous but you always go the extra mile π Great job!
Emily says
I am amazed. I love your blog, and this transformation confirms why I keep coming back. I never imagined that there would be hope for that table. It is beautiful.
Bethany says
Amazing transformation! It is so beautiful!
Brooke says
That is so beautiful! What a transformation!
Peanut-Butter Kitty says
You did a wonderful job. Looks like something you would find in a PB catalog. Enjoyed the visit!
Megan says
you rock my decorating world! Amazing, amazing job.
Missy says
That's probably the best before and after I've ever seen. I love it!
Catherine Hansen Peart says
Woo hoo, you nailed it!!! Great job.
Kim says
you.did.not.do.that.
wow π
Mandy says
Fab.U.Lous. Serious talent.
Paula says
What an unbelievable transformation! You done good, girl!!
the BLAH BLAH BLAHger says
While I was sad to see Britney and Kid go, this turned out beautifully! Another smashing success from Lindsay! : )
Keri says
My goodness Lindsay! That is awesome! I am off to go scour craigslist's free section right now!
marty (A Stroll Thru Life) says
What a super transformation. You did such a fabulous job. I love the new look and you do have a great eye for what can be instead of what is. Looks wonderful. Hugs, Marty
Sara says
I was rendered virtually speechless when you first posted that table–and not because of its beauty. Today I am again rendered virtually speechless, but this time in a You-Are-Awesome-And-So-Is-That-Table kind of way. Amazing!
Sheri says
Oh my word, I know I commented on this horrendous thing in the past, but now it gives me great pleasure! Someone has worse taste than I do! By the way, LOOKS INCREDIBLE now!
I have a linky party going on, come by and link up! http://theshadesofpink.blogspot.com/2009/10/room-month-monster-dominoes.html
Sarah @ Dream In Domestic says
I love it! You did such a great job! Don't you just love recreating cheap items into something fabulous?!
Beth@The Stories of A to Z says
It's absolutely gorgeous. And yes, your karma should be insane after this good deed!
Kelly at I Dream of Decor says
That does not even look like the same table! it really looks amazing and I love the new legs:)
Jenn says
Oh good Lord! Why on Earth would someone do that to such a lovely piece of furniture? π I'm so glad you rescued it and made it beautiful – it looks absolutely amazing.
Lyn says
WOW!! Totally amazing transformation! I never would have had the vision……
You did a fantastic job with it.
Stephanie @ A Fine House says
Absolutely love it! Question: Did you spraypaint or use a brush to paint the table?
Room to Inspire says
This transformation is unreal, I kept going between the before and after photos…truly amazing. You definitely have a gift for seeing the potential in a piece of "mis-styled" furniture!
Chelsea
Jenny Garland says
OMFG, You did it again! I have been dying to see Britney reincarnated. GORGEOUS, girl! I say you earned 2mil karma pts π
squareby says
I am in complete awe. That's AMAZING! ABSOLUTELY AMAZING! Seriously, you rock.
Nadir @ Hodgepodge says
GORGEOUS!!! You'd never know that such an ugly table could be turned into something this beautiful. Bravo!!!
Jen says
Bravo! Nough said!
jodi @ back40life says
girl – you did a FABULOUS job! the person who gave it to you for free is kicking themselves right now! well done!
Lisa-Marie says
You know the saying 'You can't make a silkpurse from a sow's ear'? Well, you just made a silk purse! That is one beautiful coffee table!
Brenbren says
WOW! I can't believe how amazing it turned out!
Good job!
Anonymous says
I think every home should pay homage to Kid Rock and Britney, but in this case, I am so glad you made an exception. I am completely amazed at the transformation!
LuckyStarErin says
that has got to be one of the most amazing things I've seen in a a while! WOW!
Pam says
That is TRULY one of the best transformations I have ever seen. Award worthy, Darlin'.
melissa * 320 Sycamore says
I really can't believe it's the same table! I love the spindles especially~it looks fantastic, Lindsay!
pk @ Room Remix says
I can't believe this transformation! Excellent makeover Lindsey! I love the new table.
pk @ Room Remix
Get Your Martha On says
Good gracious! Amazing! You should really send the original owners of that table a picture of what you did with it. It's gorgeous. Thanks to you and In the Fun Lane, I'm looking at 1980s furniture with whole new eyes.
Kara@ Creations by Kara says
That is the most amazing transformation I have seen in a long time! Love how you added the new legs and the beadboard. Simply stunning!!
Shanty 2 Chic says
Wow! What a great redo!!!! You did such a terrific job!! Isn't it crazy that people just give things away….lucky for you:) ~Ashley
marmielu says
Wow! That is truly incredible! You have done a fantastic job.
Mary Lou
LizO says
Proof that with a bit of imagination, a bit of work and hope you can make something beautiful out of something, um, like that. Hehe.
Jessica @ This Blessed Life says
holy crap, that is amazing.
Annette says
That table looks amazing. Great Job!
Jessica says
It looks amazing!!! I absolutely love it. I think I have painted at least 10 things that exact color lately. It is beautiful!
**Amy** says
I don't know…I really think it "reeked" of class the way it was before. Ha Ha! J/K You are amazing! I love it!
Carolyn @ My Backyard Eden says
I love it! I was wondering what you were going to do with those "S" shaped pieces. Replacing them was perfect! It's a great piece! Great job!
Jennifer says
That is a fantastic before and after!! Very inspiring! π
Rachel says
What a fabulous transformation. You did an awesome job.
Miss G says
GREAT job! I also like your glue gun graphic by your signature. π Kelly
Cheri says
That's amazing! I wouldn't have thought of replacing the legs and dividers–beautiful job. I want one! Love the paint color, too.
littlepurpleroom says
OH Thank You !
You have righted a terrible wrong.
That table was hilarious now it is gorgeous, we will all probably sleep a little better tonight.
You did a great job.
love your blog.
Amanda @ Serenity Now says
"Oops, you did it again…" π
Oh. My. Gosh. I have been waiting and waiting to see what you'd do with that hideousness.
It is completely awesome. I now have hope for all those icky things I see at Salvation Army.
You rock, Lindsay…and so does your new profile pic. π
Amy says
Amazing! That is all I can say! Absolutely amazing! I wish I had one. π
Angela says
That is one of the most amazing transformations I've ever seen! I seriously had to scroll up and down between the "before" and the "after" picture about a dozen times just to make sure that it was indeed the same table! Your work is outstanding!
Nissa says
I cannot believe that is the same table! You did a fabulous job!!!
Angry Julie Monday says
Poor poor Britney!!!
Awesome transformation Linds..you have so much more patience than me.
BLJ Graves Studio says
That is an AMAZING transformation!
Just say Julie says
Fantastic! I have to be honest, I think my eyes would have been scroched from that before, I doubt I would have been able to see past that. Isn't Craigslist the best?
L. Duncan says
GIRL GET OUT! I had to look at the before photo over and over! I love it and for $40 you did a great job.
Michelle says
Oh Lindsay, you have outdone yourself. This is unrecognizable, thank goodness! It looks amazing. I love the wainscoting and the table scape is just right.
Dogmom Diva says
Lindsay, perfect! I would never have known it was the same table!! Beautiful!
Jane says
What more can I say that hasn't already been said!!! Gorgeous transformation – great vision to see that now beautiful table from what it previously was. Great job as always!!
Jane
Condo Blues says
That's an incredible transformation. I can't believe it's the same table. Thank goodness it started out as a whole lotta ugly.
Kristin says
I've got a free kiddie table and chairs available to me but it has sticker all over it. Maybe I can give it life after all. Fabulous job!
Sunny says
This is by far one of the most phenom do-overs that I have ever seen! L-O-V-E it!!!!!!!!!!!
Gayla says
omg, this transformation makes my heart so happy.
lindyb says
That is amazing – I am agog!
Chris says
I can't get over it. I just keep going back and forth between the two pictures. Just wonderful!
Kathryn says
NICELY DONE!!!!!!!!!!!!
Jen Kesler says
Absolutely beautiful! I found a similar ugly/beat up coffee table, although not quite as {ahem} good looking as your before version, for $5 at the Goodwill clearance center. I wasn't sure what I was going to do with it, but now I know. Thanks for the inspiration!
Lindsey @ Better After says
Wow! I was hoping to see the swirly table legs revived, but it looks absolutely perfect. Even my husband was speechless!
Amy {The Red Chair Blog} says
Hooray! I have to say that I've been waiting expectantly to see this after–the "before" has been HAUNTING me π Love the way it turned out!
Infarrantly Creative says
Holy heck I am in love. Fantastic job as always Linds!
K @ Thrifty Teacher Blog says
I have to say that is one of the best re-do jobs I have ever seen. I saw that table when you posted it (well, I say saw, but really I had to shield my eyes from the screen when it came up).
Now it looks classic & just plain gorgeous! You need to enter that into a before & after contest!!!
Amanda says
I think I liked the before better.
I'm just saying.
I AM KIDDING. Great job.
LOVE the whole room!
Blessings-
Amanda
Anonymous says
"Lieutenant Dan, you got new legs!!!"
I love it Lynds, you outdid yourself.
Sounds like a lot of work but it's GORG!
~Beth
Anna says
Seriously has to be one of the best before/after transformations I've seen! I just stumbled across you today… adding your site to my favorites list!
Petit Debutant says
WOW that is all I can say. Good riddance to the old table
Jen @ Just for Rachel says
I LOVE IT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I have a question for you though, where did you get the legs that hold up the table? I saw this type of coffee table idea in Ballard Designs that I plan on making from scratch, but haven't found good legs. The one's in Ballard Design are bulkier than yours, but I am liking your a lot! Let me know π THANKS! jen.justforrachel@gmail.com
Jen @ Just for Rachel says
Also, what do you use to seal? Thanks again! jen.justforrachel@gmail.com
Centsational Girl says
This transformation just blows me away, especially the little details you added like the wainscotting, trim and distressing. Seriously, one of my favorites ever !
Move over Pottery Barn, there's a new designer in town. Fabulous Ms. Lindsay !
Kathy @ Creative Home Expressions says
I just saw this over at Better After and had to come by and tell you how great this looks! You're right ~ it does look like a totally different table. You did a fantastic job!
Nancy says
OMG! That's amazing. I just read a post about you on Centsational and I can't wait to read through the rest of your blog.
Anna says
what a transformation, great job!
Heather@PixieDust says
wow, that gives my ballard design coffe table obsession {the La Roche} a run for its money!! the original is as shockingly horrifying as the transformation is simply sublime.
Anonymous says
I LOVE the after. Its so gorgeous! I would love to do that! π
nancyalliston@yahoo.com
Bee says
This is hands down the most incredible DIY transformation I have ever seen. You are a crafting goddess!