A thoughtful console table makeover can help bring a foyer together without replacing furniture that already fits the space. In this project, a secondhand table, a fresh coat of paint, pine planks, and a mix of affordable accessories helped turn an unfinished entryway into a brighter, more cohesive room.
Planning the foyer makeover
The foyer had gradually taken shape with a runner, a mirror update, and a few secondhand finds, but the overall look still felt incomplete. After moving into the home in November 2013, the decorating direction became clearer: a modern farmhouse style with simple, warm details.
Adding a shiplap wall was the first major change. Once that feature was in place, it became easier to see that the console table was the next item holding the room back. A practical tip for similar projects is to choose one strong visual feature first, then select furniture and accessories that complement it rather than compete with it.
Console table makeover with paint and pine
The console table was purchased secondhand for $50. Its size worked well in the foyer, but its original paint finish did not suit the updated space. Rather than replacing a useful piece, the table was refreshed as part of a furniture makeover project.
The table was painted in the shade Ash to create contrast against the surrounding finishes. The paint has a matte appearance with noticeable depth of color; it was provided for the project. Pine planks were added to the tabletop and finished with the creator’s usual DIY stain, bringing a rustic wood surface into the room.
When repainting a table, check that the surface is clean and suitable for the paint you plan to use, and follow the product directions for preparation and drying. If adding boards to the top, measure carefully before cutting so the edges sit neatly and the finished table remains stable.
The completed foyer combines the refreshed table with the shiplap wall, runner, mirror, and handmade botanical art made from book pages.
Affordable foyer decor and practical styling
Small decorative pieces can take up a surprising part of a room budget. Thrift stores can be a useful source for old books, which were found for about 50 cents to $1 each in this project. Books add height and texture to a tabletop, and stacking a few can help create a simple display without requiring purpose-made accessories.
A small plant in a woven pot adds a natural touch. The plant and pot cost $12, and similar low-cost greenery can be used to bring color into an entryway. Choose a plant that suits the light and care conditions in the space; if maintaining a live plant is difficult, an alternative arrangement can provide a similar decorative effect.
A vintage desk fan found for $10 adds character to the display. It does not work and was intended as decor, not for use. This is an important distinction with vintage electrical items: do not plug in a nonworking or uninspected appliance.
A picnic basket purchased for $2 had been stored away until the foyer was ready. A quick gray wash toned down its yellow-orange wood. The basket also serves a practical purpose by holding everyday items such as dog leashes and winter gloves. Before using a decorative basket for storage, make sure its size suits the items you want to keep near the door.
A metal scroll lamp found for $2 needed a replacement shade, which cost about $12. Together, the lamp and shade brought the listed total to $14. When updating a secondhand lamp, check that the wiring and other electrical parts are in safe working condition before use.
The suitcase beneath the table is a family keepsake that belonged to the creator’s grandparents. They took it on their honeymoon more than 60 years ago, giving the finished room a personal detail among the thrifted decor.
Foyer project budget
The listed costs show how the foyer was assembled from a combination of DIY work, secondhand accessories, and pieces already owned:
- DIY shiplap wall: $140
- Madeover console table: $62
- Runner: $90
- DIY book-page botanical art: $56
- DIY sphere pendant light: $25
- Desk fan: $10
- Picnic basket: $2
- Plant and pot: $12
- Lamp and replacement shade: $14
- Letter, glass bottles, books, suitcase, and round basket: free or already owned
Grand total: $411
The final space feels brighter and more welcoming, with a balance of painted furniture, rustic wood, practical storage, and meaningful personal objects. A console table makeover can be a useful starting point for refreshing an entryway: keep furniture that fits, update its finish, and build the styling around items that are both useful and personal.
