How to Make a Dark Wood Shabby Chic Table

Place the table on plastic sheeting in a well-ventilated room. Sand the table with an orbital sander using from medium 60-grit to fine 120-grit sandpaper. Sand with the table wood's grain to remove the table's old finish. Wipe the sanded table with a tack cloth.

Paint or stain the wood dark using a 2-inch wide paintbrush. If you use stain, wipe off the stain in the direction of the wood grain. Allow the paint or stain to dry based on the product manufacturer's recommendations for drying time. Apply as many coats of paint or stain as necessary to achieve the dark color you want for the table.

Apply pastel-colored paint to a rag, and use the rag to wipe the paint over carved areas of the painted or stained table. Wipe off most of the pastel-colored paint, leaving just enough for an antiqued effect. Continue wiping on and off the paint until you have the desired finish. Allow the paint to dry for 24 hours.

Spray the entire table with a clear coat spray finish. Consider using a matte finish if you want the table to have a more worn appearance. Apply several coats of the clear coat spray finish. Follow its manufacturer's recommendations for the drying time between coats.