One of the first pieces of furniture we owned as a new married couple was this sofa table. I have always liked it, particularly it’s pretty lines. But it was a little tired and needed some chalk paint.
I started with Annie’s French Linen just because I like the name. I painted the entire surface with a quick coat of this color. Next, I left the lid off of the paint can forcing the paint to thicken. I wanted the paint thick enough that I could use a palette knife to apply the next layer of French Linen.
See how thick this paint is in this layer? This is where the texture in my finish comes from.
Once that thick layer of paint is dry, it is ready for the top coat. I mixed equal parts Old White and Pure White to get this color. 
The underneath texture is immediately visible, but in order to reveal the underneath color, you have to start sanding away the topcoat. I sanded just enough to show just a touch of the French Linen underneath.
You can of course seal the surface with Annie Sloan’s wax (which I almost always do), but this time I went with a high gloss water-based sealer. I wanted a high sheen for a dressier look.And just for added fun today and completely unrelated, let’s talk about one of my all time favorite pictures that is sitting on this new sofa table of mine. Here are my three children, with all 4 of my sister’s children, having ice cream in Yvoire, France.
It was one of those great moments that is forever burned into my memory:
As is what happened next. Poor Thomas, do you see his scoop of ice cream on the ground behind him? And do you also see his big sister standing behind him contemplating what she should do about it? 
Oh sweet Caroline. She made the right decision and offered hers up out of love. I should have this series of pictures framed on my sofa table too. I think I will.
And while we are on the subject, my big sister returns home this week from her 2 year stay in Geneva, Switzerland. I am missing this view of hers (on her behalf) already. They saw about as much of Europe as any young mother can see, while having four little ones tethered behind her. Well done Mary. You ignored fear, stepped one foot out in faith, and set your foot down on dry land in the middle of your Jordan River. Well done, and welcome home.
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Looks great – as usual. I wish you lived close to me, I want you to do something to my den tables!!! We will never forget our trips to Switzerland, will we? I also love these pictures and our Caroline is so much like her Mother, it’s a little freaky. Ha! Thanks for sharing my girl! Only 4 more days and my oldest girl and family will be home – can’t wait!!!! Love to All!
I love, love your painted sofa table but not as much as sweet Caroline sharing her ice cream cone! You must frame the pics of that loving act.
You need to frame those photos of the ice cream cone! Absolutely Priceless. Kind and compassionate children are raised by kind and compassionate parents. Kudos for being positive role models.
1. Beautiful table. Can’t wait to peek at more of that room.
2. My sis/hubby and her kids just left here, but we’ll see them, again, soon and I’m totally stealing the icecream photo idea.
3.Yay for Mary coming home! Enjoy!
I do believe we have all been there… the picture I mean! Hilarious!
Welcome home to Mary, to Chick-Fil-A and family (not necessarily in that order).
Finally, answer me a question if you find a speck of time… do you prefer the Annie Sloan clear wax or the darker wax? I’m going to paint a table for our new house (squeal) and I have yet to work up the nerve. Thanks in advance my dear!
I can’t believe Mary was there two years! Did that go fast or is it just me? It’s probably just me.
Love the sofa table!…And the chandelier…And the whole rest of the room that’s visible in that pic! Those icecream pics are adorable! What a sweet girl!
Will you please tell me where you got your baskets to put the magazines in? i have been looking for some baskets like that. love the table it looks much better!
World Market