Using Paint to Create a Restoration Hardware Inspired Tabletop

We’re sharing how to use paint to create a Restoration Hardware Inspired Tabletop today!

As we’ve been working on the dining room at my childhood home, Loblolly, my Mom has only had 2 requests:

1.) A place to display her ironstone collection.

2.) For all 12 of us to be able to sit at the dining room table at the same time.

A Deal They Couldn’t Refuse…

While my parents were out shopping for table legs one day, they came across a deal for a table and 6 chairs they couldn’t refuse.

This jumping-off point enabled my Dad to add the Restoration Hardware inspired tabletop my Mom envisioned to the table base they found that day.

After that, the search was on for a piece of wood.

And once my Dad chose a beautiful piece of White Oak, I knew immediately we could get the look she wanted with a mix of Annie Sloan Chalk Paints and dark furniture paste wax.

Here’s a look at how to use paint to create a Restoration Hardware Inspired Tabletop…

Restoration Hardware Inspired Table Supplies:

• Wood Tabletop (My Dad created a tabletop from a piece of white oak)
• Annie Sloan Chalk Paint in French Linen
• Annie Sloan Chalk Paint in Pure White
• Cup of Water
• Paintbrush
• Clear Furniture Paste Wax
• Dark Furniture Paste Wax
• Paste Wax Application Brush
• Lint Free Cloth
• Medium Bristle Brush, optional
• Tarp

Restoration Hardware Inspired Table Steps:

Gather your supplies and lay a tarp down to protect your worksurfaces, as this project can sometimes be messy.

Make sure your tabletop is free from dirt and debris.

First, apply a wash of Annie Sloan Chalk Paint in French Linen with a paintbrush.

If you’re not familiar, a paint wash is where you water down the paint to a thin consistency (like crepe batter) and apply it to your piece of wood.

Allow the French Linen wash to dry completely.

Next, create a wash using Annie Sloan Chalk Paint in Pure White and apply it on top of the French Linen.

Allow the paint to set for a few moments, then wipe the white paint away with a lint-free cloth.

It’s best to work in small sections for this portion of the layering process.

Be sure you’re only leaving the white paint on long enough to settle in the grooves, nooks, and crannies of the wood.

Once you’re finished, you should be able to see both layers of French Linen and Pure White.

This technique really helps to highlight the woodgrain of your Restoration Hardware inspired tabletop.

And the gray-white mix is so pretty too!

Applying Furniture Paste Wax…

Finally, apply a coat of clear paste furniture wax.

Followed by a coat of Dark furniture paste wax.

When the dark paste wax gets to a haze, buff it with a lint-free cloth or a medium bristle brush.

The apron and legs of the Restoration Hardware inspired table are painted with Annie Sloan Chalk in Paint Pure White.

In my humble opinion, I have to be honest, this is not a beginner project.

This table is huge and my arms were so sore by the time I got finished.

It takes a bit of muscle to work the wax into the grain of the wood because you want the finish to be consistent.

Once I saw the look my Mom’s face though, it was totally worth it.

She was so excited!

Especially, once we hung the twin chandeliers and she saw how everything looked against the French Linen painted buffet and hutch.

For years, my Mom has wanted a simple farmhouse style table we could all comfortably enjoy together.

And I’m excited she finally got her wish!

As we’ve been sharing throughout the series, decorating takes a lot of time and sometimes you have to take projects in phases.

But I promise patience and persistence pay off.

So, don’t give up!

Until next time, I’ll see you on Instagram, Facebook and Pinterest.

Many blessings,

CoCo