Had a similar experience with an old coffee table I found at a yard sale. Initially thought about refinishing it completely, but after carefully sanding down the rough spots and applying a natural wax finish, it turned out surprisingly nice... imperfections really do add character.
That's a thoughtful approach to the coffee table. Sometimes less really is more—especially when it comes to preserving character and reducing waste. I've found that embracing imperfections often leads to more sustainable and visually interesting results. Plus, it's satisfying to give something old new life without completely erasing its history... nice job on taking that route.
I get the appeal of imperfections, but honestly, sometimes refinishing or repainting can really elevate a piece. When we moved into our place, I tried keeping an old cabinet as-is for character, but after a few months it just felt worn and out of place. Ended up sanding and painting it—still kept some subtle signs of age, but now it fits better with everything else. Guess it depends on the overall style you're going for...
Yeah, I hear you. I usually prefer original finishes too, but sometimes a quick sand and paint job is just way more practical. Did the same with a thrifted coffee table—cheap fix, looks decent, and fits my space better now.
I get why you'd repaint, especially with thrifted stuff—makes sense. I've been mapping out my new place digitally, and now I'm debating built-ins versus freestanding shelves. Built-ins look cleaner, but freestanding gives flexibility if I change things up later. Did you consider long-term flexibility when you rearranged your space, or was it mostly about immediate practicality? Curious how others approach this...
