Changing the look of a piece of furniture can be as easy as using a stencil. This stenciled coastal side table fits in well with my other coastal sun room decor.

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This is a project I’ve been meaning to get to for a while. I don’t know why I put it off because it was super easy and took only about an hour.
Stenciled Coastal Side Table

I gave this small spindle table a fresh paint job a few years ago with the intention distressing it and adding a stencil to the top. That didn’t happen until this week.

I’ve had a set of coastal stencils that I’ve used on some other pieces. These TV Tray Stands used a large star fish stencil.
For the spindle table I wanted something a little smaller. The sea shell stencil is a good size for the table top.

I measured to find the center of the table and taped the stencil in place using Frog Tape. Since I planned on sanding the painted area, I wasn’t too worried about keeping it perfectly flat.
*Tip: Use tacky spray on the back of the stencil to avoid bleed through if you’re not going to sand the piece.

I prefer to use foam brushes when working with stencils. One of the best ways to paint using a stencil is to make sure that the paint brush has only a little paint on it. That will help with bleeding through.
The first layer is very light. Since I was using chalk paint, the drying time was only about 15 minutes.

After allowing the paint to dry between each coat and once I thought it looked bright enough. I removed the stencil from the table. You can see that the paint isn’t smooth and that there was some bleeding. That’s where sanding comes in.

I used my palm sander to give the table a distressed look along the edges and to smooth out and add to the distressed look of the painted sea shell.

Using a small sanding sponge works well to erase any of the paint that was left that I want to remove.

Use a lint free cloth to wipe away the dust and then gave the stenciled table two coats of Spray Polycrylic to protect the paint.
Supply List for Stenciled Table
- Sea Shell Stencil
- Frog Tape
- Measuring Tape
- Foam Brush
- Chalk Paint
- Palm Sander
- Sanding Sponge
- Lint Free Cloth
- Spray Polycrylic
I’m happy to have finally taken the time to finish this side table by adding a coastal look to it. Do you ever procrastinate on easy projects? I do that too often!

Pin Me, Please!
Spindle Table with Coastal Stencil

I’m delighted to join a themed link party that’s hosted by Chas from Chas’ Crazy Creations and Tarah from Grandma’s House DIY. This month’s theme was a Living Room Project. You’re invited to link up your DIY Living Room Projects, too!
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amy says
What a cute idea. I love all things coastal and this table turned out so cute. Thank you for sharing.
Beverly says
Thank you, Amy. Adding the stenciled shell to the top was an easy way to get the coastal look.
Dee | Grammy's Grid says
How cute, I love stencils. I pinned this! Thanks so much for linking up with me at my #UnlimitedMonthlyLinkParty 9, open February 1 to 26.
My themed party 10 for All Things Love and Valentine’s Day is open January 30 to February 10 if you have any appropriate posts.
Won’t you join me at my Short Story Prompt party February 2 to 9 for fun and creativity? Just start typing, see what you come up with! Remember, no story is too short! The prompt is: The sun was shining brightly but then…
Beverly says
Thanks, Dee. I love using stencils, too. Thanks for hosting the party!
Chas Greener says
This turned out lovely Beverly, and I love how our minds think alike 🙂 Great upcycle and thanks so much for joining our DIY Blog Hop. Pinned!
Beverly says
Thanks so much, Chas! Our tables are so similar!Stencils are the way to go for an easy update. Thanks for the chance to join in!
Grandma's House DIY says
Thank you for joining us at our first DIY blog hop! Your table turned out SO pretty!
Beverly says
I was delighted to join in and I’m looking forward to the monthly challenges. Thank you, Tarah.
Marie says
Very pretty table makeover, Bev! Love the color. Pinned 🙂
Beverly says
Thanks, Marie! I love that soft shade of green, too. I appreciate the pin!
Julie says
This turned out beautifully. I love the soft colour and the stencil works perfectly too.
Beverly says
Thanks so much, Julie. I was happy with how it turned out.
Marilyn Lesniak says
Thank you for sharing at #OverTheMoon. Pinned and shared. Have a lovely week. I hope to see you at next week’s party too!
Come party with us at Over The Moon! Catapult your content Over The Moon! @marilyn_lesniak @EclecticRedBarn
Beverly says
Thanks for the party and the shares, Marilyn.
Jo (A Rose Tinted World) says
This is so simple and yet so pretty. Love the distressed look!
Beverly says
Thanks, Jo. I love easy projects like this one.
cie the ornery old lady says
That’s so lovely! It really does add something special to the piece.
Beverly says
Thanks! I love how something simple can change the look.