Here's my simple tutorial on how to shabby chic a table without using Annie Sloan for a vintage style. This can apply to any shabby chic furniture. Includes a how-to video guide to help.

small shabby chic painted table top table as a makeup mirror stand

Some of you may know I used to run a vintage eBay business. And I enjoy scouring the internet or jumble sales near me for unloved pieces of furniture.

So it made sense to learn a new skill last year and restore my finds into loveable pieces again.

It doesn't matter how big or small your table or other old furniture you want to update. This will still work for you!

Woman painting primer on a small wooden table

Why Shabby Chic an End Table?

There's a few key reasons I often choose painting shabby chic style. And I think the following reasons are also why lots do this for quick wins when selling shabby chic furniture on Etsy, or Ebay, too:

It prevents the need to fill chips or damage to furniture
There's no need to aim for the perfect paint job
It's quicker to do - don't always need to prime
Dries really quickly
Any future chips will create a more rustic furniture feel
You don't always need primer.
Chalk paint is often not toxic

Woman holding a can of Leyland acrylic primer undercoat

What's the Best Shabby Chic Paint?

Firstly, the great news is that there are often new products coming on the market. Some are self-priming, some are self-sealing. 2022 Update: I love using Rust-Oleum's Chalky Furniture Paint if I'm in a rush.

BUT, if you want to save money you can make my own chalk paint recipe for pennies! I do this with calcium carbonate a lot because you can mix it with leftover coloured emulsion, making it perfect with tester pots, too!

Some like Frenchic, Annie Sloan and more. But I feel they're more like boutique paints, so expect them to be much more expensive! However, if in doubt, use a primer!

Woman keying varnish finish on a small wooden table

Tools Needed for Easy Shabby Chic Painting

Sandpaper to key (if not using self-priming chalk paint)
Primer (if not using self-priming chalk paint)
Wickes' Chalk Matt Emulsion Paint (or similar)
Clear furniture wax*
Dark furniture wax if you want an aged look*
Or varnish instead of wax*

*Top tips:

Lord Sheraton's Caretaker Balsam is very accessible in supermarkets
You can either varnish or wax - one or the other
If you prefer varnish on a vintage look, I recommend dabbing over with a stain and wiping it off immediately

Woman brushing on primer on a small wooden table

Step by Step for Painting Shabby Chic Style

If you're unsure about the paint you're using, you're best keying the whole piece with sandpaper and giving it 2 coats of primer.

Shabby Chicing on Old Paint Layers

If your piece already has paint on it, you don't necessarily need to strip it back to bare wood, which may mean you need primer.

However, if the paint job is bad, like drips, chips and flakes, you'll need to sand down, fill or remove anything loose.

Adding paint on top of paint can be as simple as a light keying and degreasing. And during any distressing, the contrasting layers will add more interest.

Woman painting chalk paint on a table for a shabby chic style

Painting with your Chosen Chalk Paint

As I'm using Wickes chalky matt emulsion paint, I started off with primer.

Then for my colour, I gave it two coats of paint with a brush, which will offer more texture.

If you want a very smooth finish, I recommend using a smooth HD foam roller.

Tips for Painting Shabby Chic Furniture

If you want a heavily distressed and vintage coverage, you may prefer only adding one coat of paint as any dark wax will enhance the look
Leave the coats to be touch dry in between and avoid overbrushing, which can lift the first layer

Woman rubbing dark wax on top of a clear waxed piece of painted table

Choosing a Finish for your Shabby Chic Table

First, I hand sanded any edges to give a worn, aged look. I don't recommend doing this AFTER sealing your table, as the edges will look too new.

Start light and keep taking a step back.

Sealing Your Furniture Paint

If you need something hardwearing that can cope with water spillages, I recommend using a water-based stain and gently wiping on and off. Then once dry, use something like polyurethane.

You can buy water-based varnish as I did in my drop down floating desk, but after several coats, found it has turned quite gummy, so I now longer recommend it.

Close up of a distressed vintage style small wooden farmhouse table

More Painting Furniture Tips

You might also like my more in-depth post on painting furniture without sanding. It's also a guide on painting furniture with chalk paint I make myself, which I think is the best paint for upcycling furniture.

Or, you could follow my how to make whitewash paint tutorial for even quicker upcycling.

I also show you how I used to make money upcycling furniture with my old flipping furniture business here in the UK.

More Table Projects You Might Like

Yield: 1 shabby chic table