How to Change an Outdated Table

Refinish the table by sanding it with a coarse sandpaper. Start at 80 grit and move up to fine sandpaper. Wipe off the debris, clean the table with TSP, and allow the table to dry before applying an appropriate primer. For example, use a wood primer for a wooden table. Allow the primer to dry completely before applying the first coat of paint. Allow the paint to dry overnight or for at least eight hours, sand the paint lightly, wipe off the debris, and apply a second coat of paint.

Apply peel-and-stick tile to the outdated table top. Clean the table first with TSP, and allow it to dry. Lay the peel-and-stick tiles on the table before removing the adhesive backing to map out a design. Start at the center of the table, and work your way out. When you reach the edges, cut the tiles to fit. Do this by scoring each side of the tile where you want it to be cut and snapping it apart.

Replace the legs on the table with new ones. This swap often is enough to give the table an entirely different look. Certain table legs unscrew from the table top while others have screws that need to be removed first. You also can change the height of the table by buying legs that are taller or shorter than the original ones.