One Table, two ways

Southern Living, Feb 2003 by Calvell, Alicia K, Head, Alyce

A bargain furniture purchase yields two looks for the price of one.

This flea market table leads a double life-one as an elegant writing table and the other as a child's desk.

Once a prominent piece in a dining or breakfast room, this table fell on hard times. A missing leaf and dings and dents led it to be sold at a flea market at a price we couldn't pass up. Seeing its potential, we paid $120 for it; a small price for the value we received.

To update an extendable table such as this one, simply remove the leaf mechanics underneath. Then attach each table to the wall with screws and L-brackets.

Search for your own double-duty extendable table, or purchase one without leaves, find the center of the table, and have it cut in half to fit your space.

ALICIA K. CLAVELL AND ALYCE HEAD

Step 1: Begin with an extendable table that fits the space you need. Then remove the leaf mechanics so that the table is in two pieces. (Tip: If you have a spot for the table already picked out, take the measurements with you while you shop.)

Step 2: Prime and paint your piece; allow to dry completely. It's also a good idea to sand the piece between coats. (To give each table an aged look, we sanded the final coat in spots where the piece would normally wear.)

Step 3: For stability, measure and mark the places on the walls where the studs are. Anchor table halves to the wall using drywall screws and L-brackets.

Step 4: Finish off the tables with a piece of glass for an elegant look, or fit one with a fabric skirt. Attach skirt to sides with upholstery tacks. Across the front, attach two 12-inch-long self-fastening strips to allow access to storage containers. Sew one strip to the skirt, and staple the other to the table in the correct position.