Transform Your Space: DIY Faux Bone Inlay Nesting Tables from a Thrift Store Find

There’s an undeniable thrill that comes with uncovering a hidden gem at a local thrift store. For avid DIYers and home decor enthusiasts, these establishments are veritable treasure troves, especially during certain times of the year. I often find that the weeks leading up to and immediately following major holidays, like Christmas, yield the most extraordinary finds. People embarking on massive purges to prepare for guests or to make space for new holiday decorations unwittingly stock the shelves with incredible pieces just waiting for a second life. This insider tip has served me well, leading to some of my most cherished projects, and it’s precisely how I stumbled upon the subject of today’s transformation.

Just a few Novembers ago, I struck gold. I returned home with a haul of items that, at first glance, seemed unassuming but whispered endless potential. These humble finds eventually blossomed into some of my favorite home accents: a enchanting Christmas village centerpiece that brought festive cheer, a cleverly repurposed coffee table turned elegant ottoman, and my delicate, yet surprisingly resilient, “concrete” magnolias. But among these fantastic projects, there was one set that truly captured my imagination: a pair of unassuming, slightly-banged-up but utterly charming nesting tables.

The Diamond in the Rough: Our $20 Nesting Tables

To be completely honest, these nesting tables were already in remarkably good condition. They weren’t wobbly, the joints were solid, and their basic structure was sound. The best part? The entire set cost me a mere $20! The only drawback was the outdated design on their tabletops, which simply didn’t align with my evolving aesthetic. I knew instantly that with a little creativity and effort, these sturdy tables could be transformed into something truly special, elevating them from a humble thrift store find to a statement piece.

Inspired by Luxury: The Anthropologie Dream on a DIY Budget

My mind had recently been captivated by the exquisite beauty of Anthropologie’s bone inlay dresser. The intricate patterns, the luxurious texture, and the sophisticated artistry of such pieces are absolutely breathtaking. However, their equally breathtaking price tag, often soaring into the thousands ($1,298 for that particular dresser!), kept them firmly in the realm of aspirational decor. As a dedicated DIY enthusiast, I thrive on the challenge of recreating high-end looks without the hefty price tag. It suddenly clicked: these $20 nesting tables were the perfect canvas for attempting a faux bone inlay finish. This ambitious project became my contribution to that month’s Trash to Treasure Tuesday, a fantastic collaborative event where fellow creators transform forgotten items into functional art.

Now, I need to preface this by saying that I am by no means a trained artist. My drawing skills typically don’t extend beyond the realm of stick figures. So, if the thought of intricate stenciling seems daunting, let me assure you: if I can achieve this stunning transformation, you absolutely can too! This project is far more about patience and technique than innate artistic talent. It’s a testament to how simple tools and a clear vision can yield surprisingly sophisticated results, turning a basic piece into a luxurious faux bone inlay masterpiece that looks like it stepped out of a high-end design catalog.

Essential Supplies for Your Faux Bone Inlay Nesting Tables Makeover

To embark on this exciting DIY journey, you’ll need a few key supplies. I’ve provided some affiliate links below for your convenience, which means if you click and make a purchase, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. For more information on how affiliate links work, you can refer to my disclosure page.

• Stencil brush: Essential for precise application and preventing paint bleed.
• Indian inlay stencils: The star of the show, these patterns mimic the intricate look of bone inlay.
• Fusion Mineral Paint in Coal Black: Our rich base coat, providing a deep, elegant foundation.
• Fusion Mineral Paint in Raw Silk (a tester size will do the trick): The contrasting color for our stencil design, creating the faux inlay effect.
• Paper towels: Crucial for dabbing off excess paint from your brush to ensure clean lines.
• Natural bristle brush: Ideal for smooth, even application of the base coat.
• Small artist brush: Your secret weapon for precise touch-ups.
• Painters tape: To secure your stencils and create crisp edges.
• Matte polycrylic: The protective topcoat that will seal and safeguard your beautiful work.

Step-by-Step Guide: Crafting Your Faux Bone Inlay Nesting Tables

1. Prepare and Base Coat Your Tables

Begin by thoroughly cleaning your nesting tables to remove any dust, grime, or residue. A clean surface is paramount for optimal paint adhesion. Once dry, I meticulously painted all surfaces of the tables with two generous coats of the Fusion Mineral Paint in “Coal Black.” I used a natural bristle brush, which helps achieve a smooth, even finish, ensuring the original, undesirable design was completely obscured. Allow ample drying time between coats and before moving to the next step. This dark base color will provide a dramatic contrast for our lighter stencil work, making the faux bone inlay pop beautifully.

2. Select and Plan Your Stencil Layout

Once the “Coal Black” base was fully dry and cured, it was time to introduce the intricate “Raw Silk” white for our stencil designs. The Indian inlay stencil set comes with a variety of patterns, offering wonderful flexibility. Take some time to arrange your stencils on the table tops, playing with different configurations to see what best suits the dimensions and aesthetic of your particular piece. I opted to use the geometric patterns for a defined border around the edges of the tables, reserving the more elaborate floral patterns for the central areas. This combination created a balanced and authentic inlay appearance.

3. Master the Stenciling Technique

This step is crucial for achieving crisp, professional-looking stencil lines. Secure your first stencil firmly in place using painter’s tape to prevent any shifting during application. Dip only the very tip of your stencil brush into the “Raw Silk” white paint. The most important part? Blot off nearly all of the excess paint onto a paper towel until your brush is almost dry to the touch. This “dry brush” technique is key to preventing paint from bleeding under the stencil. With a light, gentle dabbing motion, apply the paint over the stencil. Resist the urge to use heavy pressure or too much paint – a light hand yields the best results, creating sharp, defined patterns reminiscent of genuine bone inlay.

4. Patience is Key: Overlapping Patterns

As you progress with your stenciling, especially when patterns need to overlap or connect, exercise patience. Allow each section of paint to dry for a few minutes before repositioning the stencil or applying a new, adjacent pattern. This seemingly small waiting period is vital for preventing smudges and ensuring that your intricate designs remain sharp and clean. Rushing this step can lead to blurred lines and compromise the overall elegant effect you’re striving for. A little patience now saves a lot of touch-up work later.

5. Achieving Clean Edges with Painter’s Tape

For areas where your chosen pattern might extend beyond the edge of your table or if you want a particularly crisp, straight line to terminate a design, painter’s tape is your best friend. Simply lay down a strip of painter’s tape precisely where you want the pattern to end. Stencil right up to the tape, and then carefully remove it while the paint is still slightly wet (but not smeared). This technique creates beautifully clean, defined edges, ensuring your faux inlay looks intentional and expertly crafted, even on pieces with irregular shapes or specific design boundaries.

6. The Art of the Touch-Up

Even with the most careful stenciling, tiny imperfections can occur. A slight bleed-through here, a small smudge there – it’s all part of the DIY process. Once your stenciling is completely dry, take a small artist’s brush and your “Coal Black” paint. Carefully go over any areas where the white paint has bled or smudged, using the black paint to sharpen the edges of your stencil work and clean up any stray marks. This final touch-up phase is incredibly satisfying and makes a significant difference in elevating the overall professional appearance of your faux bone inlay. It’s where the magic truly comes together.

7. Seal for Durability and Longevity

To protect your beautifully stenciled design and ensure the longevity of your nesting tables, apply several coats of matte polycrylic to the table tops. This protective finish will guard against spills, scratches, and everyday wear and tear, making your tables not only stunning but also highly functional. A matte finish helps to preserve the authentic, slightly aged look often associated with real bone inlay, avoiding an overly glossy or plastic-like appearance. Allow each coat to dry completely according to the manufacturer’s instructions before applying the next. This final step seals your hard work and prepares your tables for years of enjoyment.

The Stunning Reveal: High-End Look, Budget-Friendly Price

And just like that, with a bit of paint, some stencils, and a touch of patience, a simple set of thrift store nesting tables is transformed into a sophisticated, high-end piece of furniture! The final result is simply adorable, exuding an elegance that defies its humble origins.

I find myself constantly admiring them, and honestly, you have to get incredibly close and scrutinize the paintwork to even begin to discern that they aren’t genuine bone inlay. The illusion is remarkably convincing, a true testament to the power of a well-executed stencil and a carefully chosen color palette. This DIY bone inlay knockoff truly fooled even my discerning eye!

Beyond their newfound beauty, I adore how incredibly versatile these nesting tables have become in our living room. We have two accent chairs that previously lacked convenient side tables, and these nesting beauties have filled that void perfectly. They can be pulled out for guests to hold drinks or books, or neatly tucked away when not in use, making them an ideal solution for smaller spaces or flexible living arrangements. I honestly never realized how much I needed nesting tables in my life until now – their functionality is as impressive as their aesthetic appeal.

And the best part? These gorgeous “Anthropologie-inspired” pieces look like they cost a fortune, but in reality, the total investment for their transformation was a mere $84. Compare that to the staggering $1,298 price tag of the inspiration piece, and you can truly appreciate the incredible value and satisfaction of this DIY project. It’s a fantastic way to achieve that sought-after high-end look without breaking the bank, proving that creativity and a little elbow grease can go a very long way in home decor.

Have you ever undertaken a stencil project that made you incredibly proud? I don’t typically attempt stenciling often, but this particular success has definitely ignited a new passion within me. I encourage you to give it a try – you might just surprise yourself with the beautiful results you can achieve.

Looking for more inspiring transformations? Don’t miss out on the incredible before and after projects from the rest of the talented Trash to Treasure Tuesday crew. Hop over and check out their amazing work below:

Clockwise from top left, discover more amazing DIY makeovers:

Prodigal Pieces | Artsy Chicks Rule | Confessions of a Serial DIYer | Girl in the Garage

 

If you’re eager to try this project later or want to inspire others, feel free to pin this post for future reference: