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I’m often asked by readers and customers how to recreate a specific look they like on an inspiration piece.  So, when Jeff and I built a trunk-style coffee table for HGTV.com, one inspired by a Pottery Barn trunk, I decided to try to replicate the finish as well.

I came up with a look that’s pretty darn close, so I thought I would share how I achieved it…

Here’s the inspiration coffee table from Pottery Barn

…and the one we made…

…and a closer look at the finish…

Can you believe that’s new wood?

I was able to make the wood look older by beating it up, followed by a coat of Dark Walnut stain, a light coat of MMS Milk Paint in Lucketts Green, followed by distressing, and finished with Antiquing Wax.

Here’s a quick video showing exactly what I did at each step…

You can find the tutorial for how to make the trunk on HGTV.com HERE.

I also wrote a tutorial on making a coffee table out of reclaimed bits and pieces.  We made this one out of an old rope bed and the bead board door from the 1940’s part of our basement.

We found a way to keep the pegs that were used to hold the ropes on the table as a little detail and they make me smile.

I just love old things.

By the way, I’m participating in a giveaway over on Instagram where the prize is a trip for two to Sonoma county wine country, including airfare, hotel and all.  Even a goodie basket including my two books.  It’s worth checking out…

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    41 Comments

    1. Paige.Rose

      I seriously love all your inspiration Marian!! It’s always so simple, straight to the point & GORGEOUS!! This table might be my favorite piece to date!! I love the colors & size!! Happy Tuesday!

      Paige.Rose
      from
      http://www.TheQuaintSanctuary.blogspot.com

    2. Dorene @ Seasonal Chapters

      I love the depth of the finish on the trunk style coffee table. The piece looks like it has “history” rather than being made of new wood. I am looking forward to watching the HGTV video on constructing the actual table as well.

    3. Debbie V.

      You make this look so simple that I think that I may have to try this! Great video and I love the direction that you have taken with your blog!

    4. Jeannie

      Oh, my goodness! I love your version of the trunk coffee table better than the PB version! Sounds like something to add to my to-do list.

    5. Sarah Phillipps

      Will you tell us where you found your fabulous hardware for the Pottery Barn knock off trunk? Did you have to age it?

      • marian

        Yep! I got it from Van Dyke’s Restorers online and it came all rusted like that. I applied the antiquing wax over it to soften the rusty look and seal it. I used thumbtacks to tack the corner straps on!

    6. Cindy

      Wow! It looks totally authentic and old! Was it fun beating it up!?

      Cindy

    7. Dianne

      This was amazing. One of my favorite things you have done.

    8. Janice F

      LOVE the table! Oh My!…..as Jeannie said, I like this version better than the PB one, too! Entered the Instagram giveaway…..sure hope my daughter and I get to take this trip together!

    9. karen

      One of the best evah hacks I’ve seen!!! You da man!

    10. Pam

      Love the trunk coffee table……..you guys did a great job!

    11. Marlene Stephenson

      What a great PB look a like. I like your coffee table,i like old things too. Thanks Marian.

    12. Anne

      Great job Marian, awesome result on both projects.
      Thank you for the tutorial.
      Take care,
      Anne.

    13. Veronika108

      giveaway includes your TWO books? Did you write a second book that I have not yet had the chance to buy?

    14. Jaimee

      Thank you for the video! I’m still a bit fearful of full-on dark wax but am gaining confidence each time. Your technique on this trunk was a perfect example of what it can do. Inspiring!

    15. Lauren Baxter

      Great technique, love both of these tables!!

      Lauren Baxter | Lovely Decor
      xx

    16. MaryLisa Noyes

      This gave me the inspiration to save the old siding I found when my drywall was taken down in my kitchen for renovation. I’m enlarging the entry so I figure saving the siding that was inside the wall from when this room was added on decades ago will keep it’s 110 year old history.

    17. B Folk

      Wow, as they say, “great minds think alike”;-) I’ve been eyeing my old cedar chest/coffee table for the past year or so, thinking how I want to give it a new look that my husband will tolerate. He likes plain, unpainted wood finishes (although, I’ve painted a few pieces black, and he actually approves). However, the chest has developed the dread “orange” tone over the years and something needs to be done! Our living room upholstery is a green pattern, so I was thinking of putting a low-key, greenish finish on the chest. The handles really bring it all together. Think I will try this. Thanks for the inspiration and tutorial!

    18. SueSchneid22

      You’re advice is spot on, Marian!

    19. Anne

      Love it. Great job! And not to change the subject 😉 but I’m wondering where you got that awesome rocking horse? Please! 🙂

    20. Michelle

      Love this trunk! Has the tutorial for how to make the trunk been posted on HGTV.com?

    21. Kelsey

      Absolutely stunning! Love it more than PB’s version! Has your tutorial been published on HGTV yet? If not could you let us know when it will be?

      Thanks!!

    22. Patricia

      Has the tutorial come out yet? I want to make this so, but would love the different dimensions for the wood that is needed and a video before attempting! Absolutely love this piece!

    23. Tanya LaRue

      Dear Marian,

      That’s a great name! My dear Aunt shares it with you! It seems to be the big question is….. Has the tutorial come out for how to build the chest? It is such a cute design and we are all waiting to build it so we can paint it too! Please let us know Thanks so much- Tanya

      • Olivia

        Yes! I love everything about this. What are the dimensions of the trunk? Is there a tutorial for that too?

    24. Michelle

      Hi! Loving this trunk so much! Can I ask where you bought the hardware for the trunk..i.e. corner hinge things and handles etc?

      Thank you for your inspiration!

    25. Adi

      How did you build it? Where can I see that ?

      Thanks

    26. Michelle

      Has the tutorial to build the trunk been posted?

    27. Melissa

      I’d like to use this technique on some coffee tables I already have, but I am concerned that the wax finish as a top coat may not be as durable as I need for my 2 toddlers. Will it be water soluble if kids spill liquids on it or if we place glasses on it?
      Thank you,
      Melissa

    28. Stephanie Batista

      This looks amazing!!! I love it!!! Do you have a tutorial on how you made it?

    29. Debora Cadene

      That might be one of my favorite video’s!! I was wondering if your tutorial has come out for the coffee table yet? So excited to see it and make one of my own

    30. Megan

      How much paint was needed to cover the trunk? Would the sample size work? Also is the wax finish durable for spills, and water stains? I also have toddlers.

    31. Frances

      Can i ask where you got the rug from in the picture ?

    32. Tim Long

      I especially like the color of the coffee table legs. Well done!

    33. Frances

      When will the trunk tutorial be up ? I havent seen anything

    34. Jenn

      Has the tutorial for the trunk come out yet?
      I can’t find it on hgtv.

    35. Toni

      Can you please tell me the dimensions of the trunk

    36. jeanie

      I plan on making granddaughter this for Christmas. Hope I can find the tutorial and not have to guess measurements.

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