Fashion

Ikea hack – kids’ table makeover

An Ikea Sulva (like a Latt) table painted in Annie Sloan Chalk Paint

An Ikea Sulva (like a Latt) table painted in Annie Sloan Chalk Paint

There are certain pieces of Ikea furniture that you see in so many parents’ houses, and the mini table and chairs set is one of those. We bought our unfinished wood version when Sam was one, so it’s had more than five years’ use and is looking pretty tired.

When we bought it, it was with the view that it was an arts and crafts table which was so cheap he could make whatever marks he wanted on it and we wouldn’t worry. It was his table, his toddler workspace in the corner of the kitchen/dining room which we weren’t too precious about. Over the years it’s seen a fair few scribbles, scraps of sellotape and rather cute animal stamper sets, but it looked tatty and I’d started to think it needed replacing.

I took a quick snap of it and posted it on Instagram, where my creative followers persuaded me it would look gorgeous painted and upcycled into something new, but with minimal effort.
A few days later and I’d bought a nice tin of Annie Sloan Chalk Paint in Louis Blue and was ready to go.

I’d never used chalk paint before but if you’ve ever read up on how to revive an old piece of furniture with a lick of paint, chances are it’s made by Annie Sloan. Her chalk paint range comes in a gorgeous range of colours perfect for creating a vintage look. The texture means the furniture needs little or no treating beforehand, and it can be mixed with other colours to get a custom shade, or just to go a little lighter or darker.

Ikea Sulva - like Latt - table and chairs

I bought mine from a shop called Recollections at Brimstage Hall in Wirral, and the lady I spoke to in there couldn’t have been more helpful, inspiring me with ways I could liven up my little table. She advised me to mix the paint with a little water to get a smoother finish, so that’s what I did and the results are fab.

I didn’t use exact measurements (a bit of guesswork) but I’d say I used two parts paint to one part water. I rubbed the furniture over with sandpaper very lightly beforehand, just in case there were any greasy marks which could have showed through the paint. I say just in case, it’s pretty much nailed on that there will be greasy fingerprints on a kids’ table isn’t it, so I’d say definitely sand it down a bit first!

I did two coats of paint and finished by rubbing in some Annie Sloan clear Soft Wax. You can use a darker wax for more of a vintage finish.

It’s seen nearly a week of heavy use now and there are no bumps or marks visible yet. I’ve moved it out from the corner of the kitchen to the side, so there’s enough room for both Sam and Florence to sit and play, colour or make stuff at the same time.

They love their new little table, with Flo telling everyone who comes round ‘My mummy painted my table’ in a really cute, proud little way! Worth it just for that!

Our table is an Ikea ‘Sulva’ according to the label on the underside, but it seems they have now been discontinued. It’s very similar to the Latt, in untreated pine, which is just £20 for a table and two chairs.

You can find some more ideas on how to upcycle or change up your Ikea furniture on my Pinterest board Ikea Hacks.

Follow Julia Bryson – Rainbeaubelle’s board Ikea Hacks on Pinterest.

x Julia

PS – Painting is very therapeutic, don’t you think?

Ikea Sulva table and chairs before I painted them

Ikea chair ready to be painted with Annie Sloan Chalk Paint

My Ikea hack of painting a kids' table and chairs with Annie Sloan Chalk Paint in Louis Blue

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29 Comments

  • Reply
    Sally wheatman
    September 10, 2015 at 4:47 pm

    That looks lovely, Julia. Very professional job xx
    Sally wheatman recently posted…On the Run: Blogging the European Refugee CrisisMy Profile

  • Reply
    Donna
    September 10, 2015 at 10:47 pm

    Great job! So simple and it looks gorgeous, love the colour! x
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  • Reply
    Mini Travellers
    September 11, 2015 at 4:05 pm

    This is fab, looks really really good. I wish I had your talent at these things!
    Mini Travellers recently posted…Weekend at White Cross Bay, WindermereMy Profile

  • Reply
    sarah christie
    September 12, 2015 at 12:03 pm

    Julia that looks so fab, I just love hat colour it is beautiful. And you can beat Ikea wooden chairs and tables I had these for the boys when they were little x
    sarah christie recently posted…My Weekly Round UpMy Profile

  • Reply
    Katie LifeonVistaStreet Haydock
    September 13, 2015 at 12:13 am

    I love this and am tempted to buy the table and chairs just to paint them THIS colour!
    Katie LifeonVistaStreet Haydock recently posted…Get Smart With Swimming Lessons and EssentialsMy Profile

  • Reply
    Betty and the Bumps
    September 13, 2015 at 7:06 am

    When it comes to any project, there is always. without fail, a huge gap between what I hope to achieve and what I actually produce so I honestly think even painting a table would be well without my reach! I do like the idea of making things better rather than just chucking them out; I think we’re all a bit quick to replace things because we can afford to.

    And I am, as always, very jealous of your floorboards and home generally!

    x

    #sundaystars
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  • Reply
    Lady Nym
    September 13, 2015 at 7:45 am

    They look great! I’ve always liked the idea of upcycling but haven’t ever actually done it (certainly nothing with furniture – I have altered old clothes to make something new before). I love looking at projects other people have had, though.

    #SundayStars
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  • Reply
    Sarah Howe
    September 13, 2015 at 9:11 am

    Looks amazing and seems so easy 🙂 I bet it was very calming just sitting and painting. So cute how proud the littlies were! Xx #sundaystars
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  • Reply
    Rachel @ The Ordinary Lovely
    September 13, 2015 at 10:54 am

    You did it!! Doesn’t it look fab?! Job well done. The colour’s perfect too. You know this is now the start of many painting projects. You won’t be able to help yourself. You’ll pass things in an antiques shop and wonder if you should pop in a buy them just to paint. Don’t say I haven’t warned you 😉
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  • Reply
    Becky (@educatingr)
    September 13, 2015 at 4:04 pm

    I want a little table & chairs for mini r for Christmas! This has just inspired me! Thank you #sundaystars
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  • Reply
    Amber
    September 13, 2015 at 5:48 pm

    Adorable! Aren’t you bloody creative and talented. x
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  • Reply
    Katie / Pouting In Heels
    September 13, 2015 at 6:04 pm

    Just gorgeous! Love the blue colour. Honestly, isn’t it amazing what a bit of paint and elbow grease can do?! We love Annie Sloane paint in this house too esp. Because it helped us transform an original 1920s fire surround from a dark, depressive eye sore into a light, bright lovely focal point. Result! Looking forward to your next painting project… 😉 x

    #SundayStars
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  • Reply
    Chloe
    September 13, 2015 at 7:04 pm

    I love this so much. I’ve been looking for things in this colour for Evie’s room. I didn’t think about just painting stuff with chalk paint. We have this table in white. It’s good to know that when Evie’s older I can uplift it after it’s had it’s fair share of scribbles! xx #sundaystars
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  • Reply
    Everything Mummy
    September 13, 2015 at 7:47 pm

    Looks brilliant! well done Julia, I always have idea about how to epicycle furniture never seems to happen though! #sundaystars
    Everything Mummy recently posted…A forever homeMy Profile

  • Reply
    Heledd - Running in Lavender
    September 13, 2015 at 9:12 pm

    Good job Julia, and that blue is lovely. I’m a little bit obsessed with Annie Sloan paint, it’s amazing isn’t it?! A lot of the furniture in our house have had the Annie Sloan treatment. #SundayStars xx
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  • Reply
    You Baby Me Mummy
    September 13, 2015 at 10:24 pm

    Such a great colour, you did a really good job lovely xx
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  • Reply
    Mrs H
    September 15, 2015 at 10:16 pm

    They look gorgeous. I love the colour. I have heard such good things about the Annie Sloan paint. Does a little go a long way? I have lots of rubbish furniture which could do with being up cycled. I just need to take the plunge. This post has inspired me. Thanks for linking up with #SundaysStars lovely lady. Hugs Mrs H xxxx
    Mrs H recently posted…Sunday Stars – 13/09/2015My Profile

  • Reply
    Helen
    September 16, 2015 at 7:49 am

    What a great way of personalising the table and chairs, as well as allowing them to fit into your home decor 🙂 #HomeEtc

    Helen x

    http://treasureeverymoment01.blogspot.co.uk/

  • Reply
    Potty Mouthed Mummy
    September 16, 2015 at 8:11 am

    Such a gorgeous colour, love it!! Definitely spruces them up a lot. Gorgeous xx
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  • Reply
    Fionnuala
    September 16, 2015 at 9:06 am

    Ah, just my kind of thing Julia! I love paining furniture and am eagerly awaiting the postman’s arrival with my order of chalk paint. You just cannot get it in Germany.
    Your chairs and table have turned out beautifully. The colour is gorgeous.
    #homeetc
    Fionnuala from http://www.threesonslater.blogspot.com
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  • Reply
    Steph
    September 16, 2015 at 9:31 am

    Oh Julia, these are fantastic!!! I think you’ve found your new talent!! What a fabulous way to restore and inject new life!! I need to try this myself now. Will go home tonight and find something to paint!! Haha! Thx for linking up #SundayStars gorgeous girl, love Steph xxx

  • Reply
    Caroline
    September 16, 2015 at 10:49 am

    Looks fab, I love the colour. x
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  • Reply
    Helena
    September 16, 2015 at 4:14 pm

    I really want to do this in my daughter’s room. £20 sounds so inexpensive I’ll definitely keep my eyes peeled for something like it. I’ve been using Rustoleum as I’ve heard that Annie’s paint is expensive. #HomeEtc
    Helena recently posted…From Dreaming to Believing DIYMy Profile

  • Reply
    Lins @Boo & Maddie
    September 16, 2015 at 5:12 pm

    It looks just beautiful! I love that Annie Sloan is stocked in these little local shops, I had to buy some recently and had a very similar experience to you. And yes, painting is SO therapeutic Xx #HomeEtc
    Lins @Boo & Maddie recently posted…A Rural IdyllMy Profile

  • Reply
    Stephanie
    September 16, 2015 at 7:07 pm

    OOh I love an IKEA hack and it’s totally transformed. That’s a good tip too to mix with water for a smooth finish #homeetc
    Stephanie recently posted…The future’s bright…My Profile

  • Reply
    Beth @ Twinderelmo
    September 16, 2015 at 8:37 pm

    i was looking forward to the finished product! Gorgeous colour and I’m glad it’s not all gone a bit wrong afterwards which I worry about if I paint stuff that it’ll start peeling. I’m very excited to get started painting all mine! xx
    Beth @ Twinderelmo recently posted…A Lonely FireplaceMy Profile

  • Reply
    Caro | The Twinkles Mama
    September 16, 2015 at 10:25 pm

    Great job mama — it looks GORGEOUS!!! Totally addictive isn’t it? I’d paint anything that stays still in our house (the cats better watch themselves 😉 ) What a difference — love the colour too xx Thanks so much for linking up with us 🙂 #HomeEtc
    Caro | The Twinkles Mama recently posted…Home Etc #18 — Home and Garden Inspired Blog HopMy Profile

  • Reply
    mummyofboygirltwins
    September 17, 2015 at 8:29 am

    Looks FAB! And now I am also addicted to painting too 🙂 Thanks for linking up – much appreciated xx

    #HomeEtc
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  • Reply
    Sabrina (The Mummy Stylist)
    September 17, 2015 at 11:03 pm

    I really like it, and you’ve chosen such a nice colour. It’s so satisfying to give an old piece of furniture a second chance! Sabrina xx #HomeEtc
    Sabrina (The Mummy Stylist) recently posted…Brown paper – the emergency wrapping paper!My Profile

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