Tuesday, February 18, 2014

85 Ooh La La Marble Top Coffee Table

When I first purchased our coffee table, I knew I would be doing something to it.  The original off-the-shelf version was just that; off-the-shelf typical.  You may remember spotting it in our sofa story post last month.


I purchased the table for $50 from IKEA, and defaulted to this table after endless searches left me with little that fit our apartment size sectional and budget.  My initial thought was to spray paint the frame gold and call it a day, but after spotting a few marble topped tables, I thought that look would be a bit more glam and sophisticated.

I made the decision to do the marble top a few months ago after spotting a few of my favorite people using some marble contact paper to transform surfaces in their home {see Courtney's counter here, Kirsten's side table here and Style Me Pretty's end table here}.  But when I looked at the price tag for the marble contact paper, I nearly passed out.  $65 per roll.

We all know I love contact paper, and I have never in my life seen it cost so much.  What was SO amazing about this one roll?  I sat and pondered the decision for months.

Then, after looking and looking and looking some more, I decided to order an inexpensive option instead.  When it arrived at my door, it was not at all glam, chic or sophisticated.  It had grey, cream and beige running through and there was very little marbling detail present.  Realizing that the cost of the contact paper plus the cost of the coffee table would still bring me in far under typical marble topped tables {which often range from $300-$800}, I finally took the plunge and ordered the expensive paper.


The paper on the right is the costly option compared to the much less expensive version on the left.  I noticed right away the color was more brilliant white, there was nice veining and the roll was much more substantial.  Also, the finish was like no other contact paper I have ever touched before; it was glossy and thick.  I was happy with my choice.

I asked my hubby to assist in the installing of the paper since this wasn't just going to be hidden in a drawer or at the bottom of a cupboard.  I wanted to be sure there were no bubbles or visible seams.  


The only tools we used were scissors to cut the length of the paper and a squeegee for smoothing out bubbles.  We also used a small blade to slice along the edge of the table after the paper was attached.


The squeegee was our best friend throughout this process, and it really was a two person job.  It was really nice having two sets of eyes to watch for bubbles and someone to hold the glass while the other used the squeegee to smooth everything out.

For the few extra bubbles that we were not able to remove with the squeegee, we used a very small pin to poke an itty bitty hole on one edge of the bubble and smoothed things out with our fingertip.  Worked like a charm and the bubbles just seemed to vanish.


It is so, so pretty and completely changed the feeling in the whole space!


What I love most is that it hides all of the fingerprints and puppy nose prints that would frequent the glass top.




We could have sprayed the frame gold, but I like the way the black pops off of the rug and sofa. 



Now I kind of want to cover everything in this beautiful marble contact paper.  And I have enough left for a few more places I have in mind, so I will be sure to get my money's worth.  Enter evil laugh here.

In the end I am glad I waited things out, thought through the options and decided to splurge.  I really love the change it made to our living room and how it took a cheapy IKEA table to a whole new level.  Of course, I have since spotted a less expensive option here, although, I can't personally speak to how realistic the marbling is in person.

I have to say, playing the High/Low game is pretty fun.  Anyone else been working on any good IKEA hacks lately?

85 comments:

  1. I love it! I bought a roll of this stuff a few months ago (literally days before my mom found a 3 ft x 3 ft slab of marble for $10 at a local ReStor!, but I've been too scared to cut it because it's expensive for contact paper. You're inspiring me to get to it already! Thanks for sharing :)

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    1. What an amazing find at the ReStore! I have never seen marble there, such a great score!

      xo!

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    2. Love this!! I have a glass dining table that im always wiping the finger prints off of. Would you say this paper is a good idea/ tough enough for the daily use of a dining table?

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    3. I think so! We have had it on a counter in our lower level for years and it has maintained its beauty through traffic and wear and tear. It may be a bit harder to hide seams on a large table, but there are many great options out there in a variety of sizes.

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  2. I love this! I must say that finding a coffee table and end tables is very difficult. My husband and I have been looking for several years, but nothing has really popped out at us. I love your table, especially the fact that it is round. We have a one year old at home and we currently have a rectangular coffee table. Not good! I will definitely keep this option in mind. Thanks for the post! :)

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  3. That is gorgeous! We just did paint the frame of ours gold- http://www.createbakecelebrate.com/2014/02/create-ikea-coffee-table-makeover.html

    Now, Im trying to think of a fun use for this stuff!

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  4. I really like this update, and I also like that you left the table black! The nice thing is if the "marble" gets dinged up or worn out you can replace it for a fraction of the cost of a new table. I really love how that vase of tulips pop on the table too :)

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    1. I agree! However, my fingers are crossed that it will stay nicely finished considering some people use this stuff for countertops. It seems really durable. But yes, knowing it is not permanent is a huge win!

      xoxo!

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  5. Gorgeous! I noticed that you had to cut two sections to cover the large circle. Are the seams noticeable? Did you have to match up the veining?

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    1. The seam is only noticeable if you look really really closely. I didn't notice a pattern match in the paper, but we did our best to line up the veins. It is such an organic pattern, you really can't tell where the seam starts and stops.

      xoxo!

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  6. Looks amazing! I had no idea marble contact paper even existed!

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  7. I am assuming there is a seam somewhere...unless the paper really was WIDE. Are you concerned that the seam will become noticeable?

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    1. Hi Mysti!

      Yep! You can see in one of the first photos that the table was wider than the paper. There is a seam, but we did our best to line everything up and it is really hard to see it. :) Because we squeegeed the paper and it adhered so nicely, it doesn't feel to me that it will shift the way some contact paper may. I have heard/seen that people use this on counters, so I am crossing my fingers that this will last quite awhile on the coffee table as well.

      xo!

      xo!

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    2. Yes, I see it now. What happens if the seam gets "dirty"? This has always been my aversion to contact paper...the seams....

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  8. This is brilliant! I love how it turned out! You definitely made the right decision going with the better paper. I think this would be fun with colored patterned paper as well, but the marble definitely gives it glam and sophistication.

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  9. Such a great alternative and it looks good. I'm glad you shared the what it feels like too, because sometimes it looks great photographed but is off in person. I think you may have just sold me on this paper :) Thanks Jen! xo Kristin

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  10. I love it! It truly makes your space even more sophisticated. I notice a new chair in the background as well. Can you tell is all about that? I recently spotted a leather one similar with a price tag well above $3000 (yikes!), but would love to find a more budget friendly option! Thank you!

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    1. Hi Dana!

      I purchased the chair from World Market last year during one of their furniture sales {which I believe they run regularly}: http://bit.ly/N98i6p

      xoxo!



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  11. Wow! I had no idea there was such a type of product. What a great way to transform a piece of well anything! Looks fabulous!

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  12. Love it! I don't have anything that I would need to that to right now but I will keep this in mind!

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  13. Amazing idea - Thx for the inspiration!
    Pennie :)

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  14. I don't comment much, but this brought me out of Feedly. :) The table looks amazing! Makes a big impact on the space.

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  15. Beauty-FULL! Great job. Looking forward to seeing what else you decide to cover with this contact paper.

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  16. I absolutely love what you did with the table- very creative! I love your sectional couch too. Where is it from?

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  17. Wow. Just oh my. Wow. Beautiful work!

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  18. looks awesome Jen. I loved Kourtney's project when I saw it too. I think its always good to invest in quality. It looks like a beautiful vintage marble table. Great Job!!

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  19. This looks pretty awesome. I was skeptical when I was reading, but browsing the pictures I am convinced, it really does look good. I would never have been able to put this down without a million bubbles. Very good job on that!

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  20. Ikea hacks make me so giddy! I love the table! It turned out great! Last week, I hacked a boring Ikea cabinet by adding chicken wire behind the glass. Totally cheap and it made such a difference. :)

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  21. Yay!!!!! So good, girl. I am so happy you went for it. I thought the same about the price but after receiving it I totally understood. The weight is so lovely. Been toying with doing a coffee table in our room as well so thank you for the push. So so good!!!!!!!!

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  22. wow that table looks so great!! thanks for sharing this! xo

    http://allthingsprettyandlittle.blogspot.com

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  23. This is such an amazing idea! You're so creative x
    Freya's Fashion Chapter

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  24. That looks really awesome! I have seen this idea on other blogs, but I love the way you used it, it really improves the look of the table!

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  25. When you first said that you wanted a marble looking one I was like "Umm... why? Is that really necessary?" But then I looked at the afters and I loooooooove it! Great job, Jen! I would have never thought about that!

    Sarah

    www.sarahsdaybook.wordpress.com

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  26. LOVE the addition of the marble!! I've been seeing this on blogs everywhere lately... and I'm feeling inspired. Between marble paper and gold leaf.... I am tempted to transform every piece of furniture in my home! Ha! Thanks for sharing... keep enjoying your stunning "new" coffee table. :)

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  27. You...are.. the... BEST BEST BEST! I have been living with a 1950s laminate countertop on my dining room built ins and they are at the bottom of our remodel to do list. But not now! I just ordered a roll and cannot wait to try it out! I was able to go to retail me not and get a 10% off coupon that worked too! I also think that your suggestion is eventually less expensive for me that the amazon option because I have a long counter to do. Thanks so much - a huge fan from NY! :)

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    1. This is so fabulous to hear! I absolutely love when there is a quick solution to fixing what seemed to be a far off project! Have fun tackling those built-ins!!

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  28. What an awesome upgrade to an inexpensive IKEA table! At first I thought, uummm marble contact paper? But wow it looks amazing.

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    1. Haha, I can totally understand. I think I was just as surprised as you at the final outcome. :)

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  29. Amazing! This is one of my favorite Ikea hacks and it goes to show that sometimes it doesn't pay to go cheap. Great Job!!!

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  30. I have something similar for my kitchen cabinet shelving but never thought of it as a table top - very cute idea! You will have to keep everyone posted on how it holds up (especially with three boys in your home)!

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  31. That change is amazing. It ended up awesome. I didn't know they even made marble contact paper.

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  32. Really love it, but can't imagine it on a kitchen island (like the pics) and how that would stand up to cutting, food, water, etc.

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  33. You had me fooled - I totally thought this was real marble! Beautiful results. I have some Vittjsos waiting for my new office - this might be just the thing to fancy them up!

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  34. The tanle looks fantastic! In my neck of the woods we only have (what i thought used to be boring) marble contact paper, oddly enough. Wish i had more options in fun prints! I was wondering if you adhered the paper underneath the glass or on top?

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    1. Hi Aaron!

      We adhered it over the top of the glass because if we were to adhere it under the glass {or essentially flip this over}, you would see the paper backing through the top instead of the marble - if that makes any sense. I tried to think of ways that would allow us to adhere it under the glass, but nothing stuck out at me as being a seamless solution. However, I believe the finish to be durable enough for us to get plenty of use out of it, fingers crossed!

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  35. I skimmed through last pictures first, looked like real marble. You had me fooled before I started reading ;D

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  36. I am soooo excited about discovering your blog and I am looking forward to reading about all your ideas and looking at all your pics :-) all the way from Cape Town South Africa

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  37. The table looks great. I've done a few IKEA hacks of smaller items. I decorated a MOPPE Mini Chest of Drawers for our downstairs bathroom, and some Knuff magazine boxes for storing sewing patterns and magazines. It's amazing what you can find out there when you google "IKEA hack".

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  38. Beautiful..over the years I have used a piece of wood and two file cabinets for a desk...would be great on the wood topper :)

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  39. I love this idea! It's so beautiful.

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  40. I have to say I personally don't like it. The original looks way more classy to me...but thats just me :)

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  41. Absolutely gorgeous! Now Im wondering how I can pull this off with my current coffee table!

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  42. Agree with dita89 - it looks fake and cheap. The before was way better.

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  43. The coffee table looks nice and all but I'm drooling over those tulips. Love!

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  44. ARE YOU KIDDING ME?? I had no idea this stuff exsisted! Imagine the possibilities! My mind is blown. Great job by the way. Love your blog.

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  45. ¡wow! the coffee table looks better

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  46. It's beautiful. I never would have thught to use contact paper. You got a high end look for less.

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  47. Love the pillow with the gold heart on the couch! Do you mind sharing the source? Thank you.

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  48. That is an amazing transformation! I am actually driving 3 hours next weekend to the nearest Ikea for that very table. Want to put it in my sitting room with the Ikea Sandby loveseat. Thought was to spray paint it brass/gold if I do not like the black. Will have to keep this faux marble in mind!!!
    Jennifer, I'm a little concerned about the size of the table with the two seater loveseat. Can you tell me the width of two seats of your sectional? Trying to get a comparison how the table may look, size wise; with my loveseat. Thanks!

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  49. You are genius. Amazing! I love it!

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  50. What an elegant transformation! The paper quality comparison is really helpful. Do you think it would work well on pantry shelves? I'm hoping to try it!

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    1. Absolutely! It has a nice glossy finish which I think would make it great for simple cleanup! And I always love an elegant pantry! :)

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  51. Love this! Where did you get that vase? It's beautiful.

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    1. Thank you! The vase is from West Elm: http://www.westelm.com/products/hive-vases-c046/?cm_src=AutoSchRel

      xo!

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  52. Thank you for such a great post!!! I just saw a marble beautiful coffee table in Homes and Gardens but for over $1,000 it's not in our 'new house' budget. This is such a great alternative :)

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  53. Love it! I know the link you posted goes to the grey color contact paper; I just wanted to make sure that was the color you chose (and not the white) before I order a roll!
    Thanks,
    Lori

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    1. Hi Lori!
      I just double checked and the link in the post goes directly to the roll color I ordered.
      xo!

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    2. You're awesome; thanks so much! Ordering it now...
      Lori

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  54. This is awesome! How has the table top held up since you installed the paper?

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    1. Hi Tessa! The table still looks fantastic! It has received a lot of traffic and has held up amazingly well so far!

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  55. Thank you so much for posting the cheaper and more expensive options for the marbled contact paper. I want to refinish the tops of my bedroom furniture (wardrobe, dresser and bedside table) and this has definitely helped make up my mind that the pricier option will look much better than the one from Amazon.
    You did an amazing job on the coffee table and it looks so high end!

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  56. Wow! That looks like a coffee table with a real marble top. Now this has given me a lot of ideas and I can do much more with my coffee table that I bought from an online site.

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  57. Do you think that would work on a wood table? I have a large oak coffee table I've had for years... still in great shape, very durable, just has some watermarks & such that make it look bad, no indentions really. Been trying to figure out an attractive way to redo the top because I really like the table.

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    1. Absolutely Brandy! I think it would look beautiful on a wood table!

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  58. Hi Jen,

    long time reader - have a mash up of rescued furniture to try and tie together. Thinking of trying contact.

    Wondering how your coffee table is holding up - knowing how often you swap things up - I'd be surprised if it was even still in use :)

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    1. Hi Spanger,

      I have used the contact paper on quite a few projects, even on the counter in my previous office area, and it has continuously held up great! The finish is durable and easy to keep clean, haven't had any trouble with peeling either.

      Jen

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