Recently, I made over this adorable little coffee table. (Did you see my last two projects?) I wanted to paint this table glossy black because the room needed a hit of black and the wooden legs had some damage. I liked the leather top though, and wanted to keep it intact.

Keeping the distressed leather top was as easy as using some painter’s tape and being careful to really push it down tight to prevent seepage. A utility knife helps keep edges crisp.

Next, I brushed on some shiny black paint in an oil finish. You could use a foam roller or brush for the smoothest effect, but I somehow like the look of fine brush marks on a painted piece. It just feels more authentic to me. 

And there you have it! I love how the profile of the legs pops in the new black finish and the warm, brown leather top looks much richer when defined by that black border. A few interesting books and flowers from the garden and you’re off! now that’s the perfect coffee table for a warm mug of hot chocolate on a crisp fall day.

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Photo credits:1-3. Michael Penney

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