Restored Brutalist Studio Table & Chairs
I’ve been looking for the perfect meeting table for my studio and…
I found one at my favourite charity shop for $40. True story! But let’s rewind all the way back in November last year when I stumbled across the same stunning timber dining set at my tip shop. It was bigger and I didn’t need it but boy, did I want it. I loved the brutalist shape of the chairs, the timber rivets and the curved edges of the table. And I haven’t been able to stop thinking about it, so fast forward to the start of June this year. I knew my DIY Arched Wall Library project was coming up and I knew I’d need to find a table for the renovated space. I happened to stumble across another set at the tip shop but it was $250, so I couldn’t believe it when I went to my favourite charity shop next and they had the same one…for $40!
For me, this project was about paying homage to the original finish and restoring the table and chairs back to its former glory. I loved the existing colour and I was so nervous I would lose that, but after a lot of research I settled on two options - Danish Oil and Sutherland Teak (both by Cabot’s). In the end, I chose the Danish Oil because it’s perfect for reviving tired timber, it protects the timber and enhances the natural grain (something that sometimes gets lost when you use a timber stain). And I am so happy with the result!
To see how this restoration poroject came together, make sure you watch this video!
Before & After
Project Details
🕒 Project Time Estimate: 3 hours
💰 Materials Cost: $41 for the Danish Oil
⚒️ Tools: Detail/Corner sander
👷♀️ Skill Level: Beginner DIYer
Materials
Clean cotton rag
How To
Start by cleaning down the chairs and table. Sand them down to reveal the beautiful timber underneath. Wipe the table and chairs from sanding dust and apply one coat of Danish oil in sections using a clean cotton rag. You can stop at one coat or let the oil soak into the timber for 8 hours before applying a second coat.
Ta daaaa! Restoring this beautiful table and chairs has been a dream!
Sometimes with these restoration projects, less is more. It’s not about covering the existing timber with a stain and a varnish. It’s about celebrating the life it’s already lived and protecting it for years to come. And in case you’re wondering, my beautiful rug is from Miss Amara and it’s the “Tamala Rug”. It makes my studio feel so cosy!
