Wooden dining table decor


33 Standout Dining Table Décor Ideas

Design: Mindy Gayer, Photo: Vanessa Lentine

Your dining room isn’t finished the moment you’ve moved all your furniture in. No room feels fully complete until it’s been adorned with décor—and the same holds true in your dining room. Yes, you may have hung art on your walls or put a pretty mirror in your space, but have you considered what décor should live on your table in between meals and dinner parties?

Thankfully, dining room table décor ideas are abound—and the options are so vast and varied that you can easily find one that suits your space. There are colorful tablescapes, sleek centerpieces, and everything in between. And the best part: dining room table décor is temporary, so you can experiment with one idea today, try another tomorrow, and continue working your way down the list for years to come. 

Of course, this journey requires ample inspo—and we have plenty of it to share. Scroll on to see some of the boldest, prettiest, and most absolutely delightful dining room table décor ideas we could find.  

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Ashley Montgomery Design

Candlesticks make a classic addition to any dining room, and if yours are particularly pretty, let them serve as your centerpiece.

Pair a light wooden table in a sleek white room with black candlesticks and black candles to match. The bold centerpiece will attract the eye without disrupting your minimalist palette, adding contrast and cohesion to your space in equal measure.

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Reagen Taylor

Most of us seek contrast in our centerpieces, and we look for bowls, vases, and candlesticks that will complement our dining room tables. But, why not look for pieces that will match it, instead?

A black bowl can look surprisingly eye-catching on a black dining room table—adding visual interest while maintaining the sleek, sophisticated palette you’ve managed to curate.

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Margaret Wright

Fresh flowers are the cherry on top of any well-decorated space—and they make a stunning centerpiece. Sure, it can be a little frustrating to cycle through dining room table décor on a weekly basis, or slightly less frequently, if your flowers are particularly long-lasting. But, when the upside is a fresh, new centerpiece that looks and smells great, the tradeoff is worth it.

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Yael Weiss Interiors

When you place items close together, they look related, and this rule of thumb will make crafting creative centerpieces a whole lot easier. Simply cluster your décor together tightly enough, and suddenly, the whole will look greater than the sum of its parts.

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Jenn Pablo Studio

Many of us place our centerpieces in the middle of our dining room tables. After all, the word has center in its name. But, playing with asymmetry can be just as fun.

Place your centerpiece off-center, and watch as your space is transformed. Just be sure you’ve placed it off-center enough to look intentional—not accidentally unbalanced.

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Tyler Karu

Don’t force yourself to choose between vases, bowls, and candlesticks if you don’t want to—simply stock up on all three. You can cluster them in the center of your table, or spread them out across it. Either way, you’re in for a dining room table that looks dynamic, textured, and uniquely your own.

07 of 33

Julian Porcino

Vases are a no-fail addition to any space that could use a little décor, and if you have a few stunning options worth showcasing, display them all at once. Mix and match vases of different sizes and colors, and remember that you don’t have to fill all of them with plants.

If the vases echo colors that are already in your home’s palette, they’ll fit right into your space. And if they don’t, look for options that will complement your dining room décor.

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Rikki Snyder

Your dining room table décor can be exactly as sleek or fun as you want it to be, so stock up on options that suit your space. If your dining room is full of vibrant colors, don’t let that stop at your centerpiece. Stock up on vases that are equally bold, and allow them to make your palette even more dynamic.

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Design: Mindy Gayer, Photo: Vanessa Lentine

If you do a lot of reading at your dining room table—or honestly, even if you don’t—it can be worth it to keep a few of your favorite books nearby. Opt for a small stack of your go-to reads, or keep a couple coffee table books on hand.

You can pile them next to your centerpiece, place them underneath it, or use them to replace the one you currently have on display.

10 of 33

Calimia Home

If you’ve paired your dining room table with a sprawling bench, consider decorating it instead. This will keep your table feeling neat and tidy while allowing you to add a touch of dynamic décor to your space.

Look for options that feel practical, like a plush throw or a few books. Décor looks out of place when it doesn’t make at least a little sense, so make sure yours suits the purpose of the bench and the room at large.

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Maite Granda

Fresh fruit is an incredibly pretty thing, so why not take advantage of your just-bought produce and turn it into a centerpiece? Fresh oranges can add a pop of color and personality to an otherwise-minimalist space, and other kinds of fruit can make just as much of an impact.

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LeClair Decor

Table runners are a go-to choice for dining room décor, and there are plenty of ways to make the classic accent feel more contemporary.

Start by opting for a thinner, shorter table runner that echoes the sleekest colors in your space—yes, black is on the menu. Then, pair it with some low-profile dinnerware and some modern décor, and voila, you’ve got a surprisingly sleek tablescape on your hands.

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Bespoke Only

A massive dining room table doesn’t necessarily need a large centerpiece. In fact, a smaller centerpiece might make even more of a statement since it will create such visual contrast.

That’s not to say that you can’t pair large centerpieces with large tables. You absolutely can, and should if you want to. But, if you find yourself drawn to the idea of playing with contrast, size can be a great way to do it.

14 of 33

Forbes Masters

Your centerpiece can be a great place to add new color to your space, but it also offers an opportunity to cement the palette you already have. Keep an eye on some of the accent shades in your space, and choose a centerpiece that matches them.

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Katie Hodges Design

The best décor is both pretty and practical, so look for ways to integrate both into your space. Pair a lush plant with an appetizing snack tray, and watch as your dining room begins to feel even warmer and more welcoming—just be sure to replace the snacks on your snack tray. Otherwise, the décor choice isn’t actually that practical.

16 of 33

Pure Salt Interiors

Many plant-based centerpieces are either fake or in constant need of replacement—we’re looking at you, fresh flowers. But, there’s no rule that says you can’t use a lush live plant as your centerpiece instead.

Consider the lighting situation in your dining room, and look for a plant that can thrive there. Then, find a planter that suits your home’s aesthetic, and introduce the plant to your space.

17 of 33

Studio Peake

Often, we see candlesticks that match each other perfectly, but a less uniform set can look just as great in your space. Consider stocking up on single candlesticks that resemble each other slightly, but not perfectly, and adorn your dining room table with them.

You’ll end up with a tablescape that feels dynamic, but cohesive. And since you’re curating the set yourself, you can make it as vibrant or as sleek as you want it to be.

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Bespoke Only

Dark décor may seem like a bold choice for any space, but it can look absolutely lovely in your dining room. Stock up on sleek black pieces, and watch as they transform your space.

If the rest of your room is already dark and cozy, this décor choice will leave it feeling even more grounded. And if it’s lighter or brighter, they’ll add a welcome dose of contrast to your dining room.

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Ashley Montgomery Design

If your kitchen cabinets are stocked with pretty serving ware, consider displaying some of it on your dining room table. The pieces will act a little like sculptures. And since serving ware plays a key role in dining and entertaining, they’ll make intuitive sense in your space.

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Gray Space Interiors

Want your dining room table to feel decorated, but not cluttered? Try simply setting the table. Put out your prettiest plates, display your boldest cloth napkins, and stock up on a few napkin rings that’ll bring your space together.

Of course, your tablescape doesn’t have to look exactly like this: maybe your shelves are lined with colorful wine glasses or your drawers are filled with antique silverware. Showcase your prettiest finds—and don’t be surprised if you suddenly start daydreaming about dinner parties.

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Design: Mindy Gayer, Photo: Vanessa Lentine

Your centerpiece doesn’t have to be just one item—and it doesn’t have to be a cluster of items, either. Instead, it can be a pair of statement-making pieces.

Create contrast by combining a taller item with a shorter one, or create balance by pairing items of similar heights. If you focus on highlighting items you love, you’re bound to end up with a very delightful centerpiece.

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Katie Martinez Design

Clustering décor can get intimidating. There are so many colors, shapes, sizes, and textures to consider—and that’s a lot to keep track of. So, if you’re looking for an easier way to curate a clustered centerpiece, consider constraining your palette to just one color. By cutting back on the variety you’re playing with, you’re more likely to end up with something that feels balanced and cohesive.

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Julian Porcino

A centerpiece can be anything: a patterned vase, a piece of fruit—or even a completely useless bauble. If you find a decorative item you love looking at, give it a try.

Ultimately, you want to end up with a dining room you love spending time in, and if putting a surprisingly pretty log in the middle of your table will help you love your space more, take the risk.

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Proem Studio

If you’re looking for a less obvious way to decorate your dining room table, consider turning your table runner sideways. Just be sure your table runner is short enough not to hit the floor when you do this, or you might want to consider buying a new option.

This can be a great way to add some color or texture to your space. And since table runners tend to be soft, the choice may leave the room feeling cozier, too.

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LeClair Decor

If a clustered centerpiece seems unwieldy to you, consider using a tray to keep things organized. The tray will add order to your décor, keeping your dining room table feeling neat and tidy. Since it will give you another décor element to play with, it might make your space feel more dynamic, too.

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Cathie Hong Interiors

You can put whatever you want on your dining room table. So, if your shelves are stocked with small, pretty pieces, consider putting them on display. Thanks to their small size, these pieces won’t demand much table real estate, and they can be a great way to add some flair to your space without making it feel cluttered.

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LeClair Decor

Vases make excellent centerpieces—and bold vases make particularly great ones. If you have a statement-making vase you’re looking for an excuse to showcase, put it out. You can put a plant in it, cluster other décor around it, or leave it on its own.

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Sarah Fultz Interiors

If your dining room is incredibly statement-making as is, don’t be afraid to leave your table bare. There’s no rule that says you have to have a centerpiece, especially if it doesn’t suit your space.

If your dining room chairs, chandelier, and wall décor are already working together in perfect harmony, perhaps the boldest—and most thoughtful—design decision you could make is to leave your table exactly the way it already is.

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Design: D2 Interiors, Photo: Amy Bartlam

If you’re navigating a smaller space like a dining nook, don’t unnecessarily weigh yourself down with décor. Yes, you want your space to be pretty—but you also want it to be functional.

Look for ways to add smaller pops of visual flair—you might be surprised to discover how much of an impact a teeny-tiny vase can make.

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Katie Hodges Design

Your tablescape is an obvious place to add color to your space, but if you’re looking for a less obvious choice, use it to add texture to your space, instead.

Display a high-contrast marble bowl, put out a carved clay vase, or showcase a plant that’s incredibly textured. All of these items will make your space feel more dynamic—and they’ll bring out some of the inherent texture in the pieces you already own.

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Design: Whitney Campeau Interiors, Photo: Amy Bartlam

Tablescapes are totally temporary, so take advantage of this flexibility and start experimenting. If you, on a whim, feel tempted to display a bowl of bananas on your dining room table, give it a try.

Worst case scenario: It looks incredibly strange, and you have a handful of bananas to eat. Best case scenario: It looks fun, and whimsical, and exactly like you wanted it to. Where’s the loss?

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Ashley Montgomery Design

Curating a tablescape can get overwhelming. Options are abound, and it can be hard to know which centerpiece is right for your space. Start by simply identifying a few pieces you love, and display them all at once.

If one doesn’t look right, remove it and replace it with another piece you love. Keep the focus on showcasing your favorites, and something is bound to come together.

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Mary Patton Design 

Your dining room is yours, above all else, so try to have fun with it. If you stumble upon a set of stunning rainbow candlesticks, display them—even if you haven’t bought candles for them yet. If you find a pretty porcelain pot at a garage sale, snag it and put it out there, too.

Your dining room doesn’t have to look like something you’ve seen before. Play around with it, take risks, and simply backtrack when something doesn’t turn out the way you thought it would.

These 23 Stunning Kitchen Tables Are Set for Success

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DIY table decor - 12 ways to restore and update an old table

Many people have old furniture at home or somewhere in the country. And most often these are not expensive antiques from tsarist times, but the most ordinary cabinets, chests of drawers, tables and chairs. At first glance, it may seem that most of these things should be thrown away long ago, but take a closer look - often these are solid products made of solid wood or maybe even forged metal, which will last for more than one year if they are beautifully restored. In this article we will talk about ways to decorate tables - kitchen, dining, coffee, work - different in size and shape.

However, many of the options presented are equally suitable for other interior items. Perhaps these examples will inspire you to turn nondescript shabby furniture into a real work of art, because it's so nice to contemplate the beauty made by your own hands!

12 Ways to Give New Life to an Old Table

1. Painting

The best way to update a dilapidated table is to paint it, but first you need to prepare the surface. A paint remover will help clean the product from the previous finish.

If there is rust on metal legs or fittings, it should be soaked abundantly with vinegar, Coca-Cola or a special agent, and after 15-20 minutes, wipe it with a hard scraper.

The wood is sanded with sandpaper, dust is removed, then impregnated with an antiseptic and a primer is applied. All chips, cracks and irregularities are rubbed with acrylic putty on wood.

Can be painted with alkyd enamel, acrylic or epoxy paints, varnishes, metal sprays. You will also need painting tools - a brush, roller, sponge, sprayer.

To give the table a more spectacular look, it can be painted not entirely, but only individual parts. To do this, you will need masking tape or stencils.

2. Art painting

If a monochromatic finish seems too boring - try decorating an old table with patterns. Drawings can be applied with a brush and acrylic paints - manually, through a stencil or according to outlines made using tracing paper.

A table with artistic painting will perfectly complement the interior in ethnic or rustic style, and the images of animals, fairy-tale and cartoon characters will appeal to children.

3. Decoupage

For this decoration you will need a brush, patterned paper napkins, PVA glue and clear furniture varnish.

Pictures are carefully torn off or cut out with scissors, the lower layers of paper are removed, then the resulting thin applications are placed in the designated place, and smeared with glue on top, trying to avoid wrinkles and tears.

If an element cannot be attached the first time, it must be immediately wiped off with a sponge dampened with warm water and the attempt should be repeated with the same fragment.

The dried decoupage is covered with several layers of transparent furniture varnish, otherwise the paper decor will quickly be erased.

4. Craquelure

Craquelure is a cracking lacquer that is deliberately given a look that mimics the texture of antique canvases. It can be one-step (the composition is applied in one layer and cracks as it dries) and two-step (two mixtures are used - one based on epoxy resins, the second - water-based, they interact and a characteristic texture is obtained).

The color of the veins is determined by the undercoat of acrylic paint and the shade of the grout. Most often, powdered golden pigment or pastel is used for this purpose.

Two-step craquelure is usually added to decoupage or hand painting to achieve the effect of an aged painting. One-step is more suitable for products without patterns.

5. Tile

It happens that after the repair there is a small supply of ceramic tiles. It can be used to decorate an old table - just tile a wooden base with tiles. The laying technology in this case practically does not differ from the decoration of walls or floors.

The ceramic top is perfect for a table in the kitchen, terrace, veranda, pergola or even outdoors.

To give the table an attractive look, in addition to plain tiles, it is worth using patterned borders, decorative panels (perhaps even with some plots) or a stylish patchwork.

6. Mosaic

Pictures from small fragments adorn many galleries, temples and palaces. They will look just as elegant in the house, for example, on the surface of coffee tables.

Mosaic elements can be ceramic (even broken tiles will do), glass or acrylic.

From improvised materials, small round cuts of wood, chopped CDs, colored pebbles are suitable. You just need to come up with an interesting pattern and attach the pieces to the table with glue or liquid nails.

7. Self-adhesive film

The simplest and most beautiful option for decorating an old table that does not require fuss with paints is sticking a film.

This affordable material can imitate any surface from rare woods to marble, it can be any patterns, patterns and textures.

Sold self-adhesive film in rolls, and it is easy and pleasant to use.

8. Decorative tape

Stationery and craft stores have recently introduced a wide range of decorative self-adhesive tapes. It will take you no more than 30-40 minutes to decorate an old table with multi-colored tape, and a new bright thing will appear in the interior.

If you want to change the finish, the adhesive strips can be removed just as quickly, and if there is glue left somewhere, acetone will dissolve it without any problems.

9. Epoxy resin

Epoxy resin is a liquid substance that cures quickly in the open air, turning into a hard transparent plastic.

Cracks in wood filled in this way look very unusual, and if luminescent powder is added to the liquid phase, they will glow brightly in the dark.

Dried flowers, leaves, shells, coins can also be placed in epoxy resin, and due to the transparency of the substance, the effect of ice or amber will be obtained.

10. Decor under glass

An original table decoration for the living room will turn out if you make a recess inside it, placing some thematic decor there (sand with shells and starfish, moss or miniature cacti, Christmas balls and branches, small car models, beads, etc.) and cover the top with clear glass.

11.

Dyeing through the tulle

Painting the table through the tulle should be done on top of the base layer, with a pigment in a contrasting color. Before this, the lace must be firmly fixed on the surface so that it does not move and there is no gap. For the same reason, it is advisable to use an aerosol or spray bottle.

12. Potal (gilding)

Golden monograms - a wonderful decoration for a table in a classic style. They can be stenciled with glossy acrylic paint, but a more realistic effect can be obtained with the use of sweatshirts. In essence, this is the thinnest foil imitating precious metals, which is used for artistic purposes.

To prevent the gilding from crumbling, it is covered with a transparent varnish on top.

DIY table decoration (Video)

A small video tutorial on how to decorate an old table with your own hands, creating an unusual lace print on its surface.

methods and techniques, drawings, photo

  1. Preparing for work
  2. Decoration methods
  3. Self-adhesive film
  4. Mosaic
  5. Ceramic tiles
  6. Decorative tape
  7. Epoxy resin
  8. Glass decor
  9. Decoration with tulle
  10. Gilding
  11. Decoupage
  12. Craquelure
  13. Artistic painting

You can give your favorite solid old furniture a second life. To make a table decor with your own hands, you should try a little, listen to the advice of experts and show your imagination. The result of the decor is guaranteed to exceed all expectations.

Almost any old table lends itself to restoration, you just need to approach the matter with a soul

Preparation for work

In order for the work to go quickly and to be of high quality, it is necessary to determine what material the table was originally made of.

  • Wooden products. To clean the table of old paint with your own hands, you need to prepare tools such as a chisel, a sharp knife, a spatula, sometimes a planer may come in handy to completely level the tabletop. Old paint can be removed using these tools (it is also possible to remove the paint with acetone, solvent, etc.), rub it with sandpaper until smooth, even out the cracks with putty, thoroughly soak with an antiseptic, cover with a primer and let the countertop dry.
  • Metal products. You can remove old paint from metal with your own hands using special liquids like a solvent. You can get rid of rust on the countertop with a converter or use cola or vinegar at home. Any of these liquids should be applied to the surface and held for 20 minutes, then carefully removed.

Before restoration, the table must be cleaned of old paint

Decoration methods

There are a lot of options for decorating old wood or metal products. The final result of the decor can be seen in the photo.

Self-adhesive film

The easiest option to make an original practical table with your own hands is to paste over its countertop with a film, the assortment of which is quite diverse in hardware stores. The self-adhesive film must be glued to the countertop, pressing firmly and rubbing it thoroughly so that there are no wrinkles and bubbles, and the pattern is not distorted.

The production of such a table is the fastest in terms of time, because does not require long drying. You just need to get used to it a little and not immediately remove the film, trying to stick it to the entire surface. It is recommended to gradually unwind the roll, processing small areas, gradually covering the entire surface of the countertop.

For better fixation of the "self-adhesive" on the ends of the tabletop, the material is dried with a hair dryer

Mosaic

The decor of the tabletop can be done by decorating with mosaics. It can be made from pieces of old tiles, glass, pieces of disks and other small pieces of materials at hand. To do this, it is necessary to process the countertop in a way suitable for wood or metal, let it dry and cover it with PVA glue. Pieces of materials should be laid out arbitrarily in the form of a pattern or ornament and left to dry completely. Then open several times with varnish until the surface is perfectly smooth.

To hide the ends of the tiles, planks were placed on top of the table top

After the adhesive had dried, the seams were rubbed and the wooden parts of the table were varnished

Ceramic tiles

Table decoration can be done using tiles left over from a previous renovation. It can be plain or with a specific pattern. To do this is quite simple in the usual way of gluing tiles with special glue. With this method of decor, an extraordinary flight for fantasy opens up. You can lay out the tiles in one or more rows, make an original pattern over the entire countertop, mark the corners or go around the perimeter. In any case, it will be practical, especially if the table is outdoors on the site.

Ceramic tiled surface is durable and resistant to moisture and heat

Decorative tape

A very simple and original idea would be to update the kitchen table with your own hands, pasted over with decorative tape. This easy-to-use decorative material can be combined in color to create a unique pattern to suit your taste. The technique of pasting with adhesive tape is similar to the process of decorating countertops with self-adhesive film. See above.

If the finish gets tired, the adhesive strips are quickly removed and the glue residue is removed with acetone

Epoxy resin

The decor of the dining table made with epoxy paint will be very effective. This liquid solidifies and turns into a transparent plastic, filling cracks and depressions on the countertop. To create original drawings on the table, you can put small flowers, pebbles, shells and other small items in these dimples at your discretion. This creates the effect of frozen time in compositions reminiscent of amber, but without the characteristic orange color.

The more cracks and pits in the wooden top, the stronger the decorative effect will be

The perfect gloss of this coating is created by wet sanding the top coat of polyurethane varnish

Glass decor

For a table reminiscent of an exposition of a local history museum, an original decor under glass is suitable. To do this, you need to make a recess of any geometric shape and fill it with shells, colored sand, dried marine life in the form of stars, hedgehogs, etc., as well as dry flowers, pebbles or glass fragments. Then cover the recess with glass of a similar shape.

Tulle decoration

The design of the table, made by dyeing through tulle, will look very gentle and elegant. To do this, firmly attach the tulle to the surface and carefully cover the table with spray paint. Then very carefully remove the material. It should be remembered that the part covered with tulle will have the original color of the table, and the background will be painted with spray paint. Based on this, it is initially worth deciding on the shade of the openwork pattern and coloring the table with it. Only after complete drying is it recommended to start attaching the tulle and further decorating the tabletop.

For decorating using the stencil technique, you will need old tulle or unnecessary lace doilies (they will have to be thrown away after decorating)

Gilding

To make a decorated dining table or a coffee table with your own hands, you can use an exquisite decor method - gilding. This can be achieved by painting the countertop with paint with a gilding effect, or by applying gold leaf. This thin foil is cut out with scissors and glued to the table surface using PVA glue. Then they wait for complete drying and cover with a colorless varnish. The gold pattern will perfectly complement the set, made in a classic style. If desired, you can arrange all the furniture in this way.

Gilding may have a yellowish, lemon, green or reddish tinge, depending on the ligature

Decoupage

To decorate a picture in a decoupage way, it is necessary to cut out the patterns you like from napkins, carefully remove the bottom layer of paper and attach the cutouts to the surface in the design that you like the most. Then dip the brush into the PVA glue and lightly smear the top. In this case, it is necessary to take care of a uniform snug fit of the pattern to the table so that there are no folds and irregularities. If the paper is wrinkled, you should gently wipe it with a sponge or a soft, lint-free cloth, previously moistened with warm water, and repeat the decor process again. After complete drying, cover the surface of the countertop with a transparent varnish. This way of decoration has received a separate recognition of hand-made lovers.

Kitchen table decoupage can be done using paper napkins, cloth or wallpaper

Craquelure

The method of using craquelure varnish helps to achieve the effect of antiquity and antiquity. It is used to age paintings and furniture, which later take on the appearance of cracked and peeling furniture. Work should begin with painting the surfaces in the color that was intended for the veins. Then the craquelure is applied directly, which can be one-step and two-step. When covering the table with one layer, after a while the varnish dries and cracks. Two-step craquelure is different in that it includes a combination of paint with epoxy resin and paint with a water base. As a result, after varnishing, cracking occurs and a characteristic surface is formed.

The effect of craquelure gives furniture a flirtatious look of antiquity and looks very stylish

Craquelure is often combined with other decoration methods, such as decoupage

Artistic painting

This method of decor involves applying patterns to the surface with a brush and acrylic paints using stencils or tracing paper.


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