Designer Inspired Two Tier End Table Makeover
I think this sweet little table makeover may inspire you in a new way.
As a seasoned thrift store shopper, I always keep my eyes peeled for inexpensive furniture finds that can be transformed into unique pieces with a little creativity. Three years ago, I stumbled upon a little end table at my local thrift shop, and although it wasn’t in the best condition, I saw its potential. The wood surface with a laminate top was beat up, but it was a solid table, and I decided to buy it not knowing what I would do with it. It has sat in my garage collecting dust ever since.
The Benefits of a Side Table in Decorating

Side tables, also known as end tables, are incredibly versatile pieces of furniture that can make a huge difference in a room’s decor. They can be used not only beside a chair or sofa in a living room but also as a bedside nightstand or even as a piece of furniture to set up a small bar. Having two tiers offers plenty of space to hold everything you need close at hand while not taking up a lot of space in a room.
My Two Tier End Table Makeover Inspiration
When I was out in California recently, I visited a Serena & Lily store to see if I could find the table lamp that inspired my thrift store table lamp makeover in my guest room. Although they didn’t have the lamp, I fell in love with their two side tables, which gave me new inspiration. I left the store knowing that the end table in my garage was going to have a new look as soon as I got home from vacation.
The Makeover Process

With a little DIY effort, this two-tier, designer-inspired end table is now one of my favorite furniture makeovers. Here’s a 3-part process to transform your thrift store find:
Step 1: Painting the Table
I started by painting the entire table white using chalk paint and sealing it with clear wax. I didn’t distress or age the finish; I wanted a clean and modern look. The table looked fresh with the newly painted surface, but I wasn’t finished yet.
Step 2: Adding Texture with Paper Fiber Rush Cord
After the paint and wax were dry, I added texture by weaving paper fiber rush cord over the bottom tier of the table. This step was when the magic happened, and the table started to take on a new look.
Step 3: Adding a Woven Tray
The final step was adding a woven tray I’ve owned for years that fit perfectly on the top of the table. This made the end table resemble the style of the tables I saw in the Serena & Lily store. The sleek white finish and the organic nature of the textured weave create a beautiful contrast that I love.
Change the Tray on Top for Different Looks
One of the best things about this makeover is that you can change the tray on top to create a different look. I chose a woven tray, but you can use a large formal silver tray, a large white ceramic tray, a rectangular basket, or even a darker wood tray to give your end table a unique look.
How to Makeover a Two Tier End Table with a Woven Weave Accent Shelf

If you want to give your thrift store find a similar makeover, here are the step-by-step instructions:
- Paint the table: Use chalk paint and seal it with clear wax to create a clean and modern look.
- Sand the table: Sand the table to smooth out the surface.
- Fill holes or gaps: Use wood filler and a putty knife to fill any holes or gaps in the finish.
- Add texture with paper fiber rush cord: Use a 1-2 pound coil of paper fiber rush cord to add texture to the table.
- Add a woven tray: Use a woven tray or a tray of your choice to create a two-tone appearance.
The Result
With a little creativity and some DIY effort, this two-tier end table has been transformed into a designer-inspired piece that adds a touch of elegance to any room. The combination of the sleek white finish and the organic nature of the textured weave creates a beautiful contrast that I love.
The Cost

The total cost of this makeover was $32 (the cost of the chalk paint) + $18 (the cost of the optional tray) = $50. This is an affordable price for a high-end designer look.
Conclusion
This makeover is a great example of how you can transform a thrift store find into a unique piece of furniture with a little creativity and some DIY effort. The combination of chalk paint, paper fiber rush cord, and a woven tray creates a beautiful and elegant look that’s perfect for any room. I hope this tutorial inspires you to create your own designer-inspired two-tier end table makeover.





