Before & After: Transforming an Old and Dated Honey Oak Coffee Table
Imagine walking into your living room and seeing your old honey oak coffee table transformed into a chic, modern centerpiece that perfectly complements your style. That dated piece you’ve been thinking about tossing could become the highlight of your home decor with a little refinishing magic. Changing the stain to a trendy “greige” (gray/beige or warm gray) and updating the hardware can breathe new life into your cherished coffee table.
Choosing the Perfect “Greige” Stain
Honey oak was all the rage in the ’80s and ’90s, but its warm, yellowish tones can feel outdated in a contemporary home. Enter greige, a versatile and sophisticated color that combines the best of gray and beige. Here’s why it’s the perfect choice:
- Modern Appeal: Greige offers a neutral, modern look that pairs well with various color schemes and decor styles. Whether your home is minimalist, rustic, or industrial, this stain will fit right in.
- Balancing Warm and Cool Tones: The beauty of greige is its ability to balance warm and cool tones, making it a harmonious choice that won’t overpower your existing decor. For example, if your living room features cool blues and greens, or warm reds and yellows, greige will blend seamlessly.
- Timeless Elegance: Unlike trend-specific colors that can quickly go out of style, greige is timeless. It provides a classic backdrop that can adapt to your evolving tastes.

Updating Hardware for a Fresh Look
Old hardware like brass knobs and ornate wood foot pads can date your furniture even if the wood finish is updated. Swapping these out for modern alternatives can make a significant difference:
- Sleek Metal Handles: Replace the brass knobs with sleek metal handles in finishes like brushed nickel or matte black. These modern touches instantly elevate the look of your coffee table. For instance, if you have a mid-century modern aesthetic, matte black handles can provide the perfect finishing touch.
- Streamlined Feet: Those chunky wood foot pads can be replaced with more streamlined feet or legs. Consider tapered wooden legs in a natural or stained finish to give your coffee table a lighter, more contemporary feel.
Preserving Sentimental Value with a Contemporary Twist
Many of us hold onto furniture because of its sentimental value. Refinishing allows you to keep those precious memories while giving the piece a new lease on life:
- Honoring the Past: By refinishing your honey oak coffee table, you’re preserving a piece of your home’s history. The table might have been a wedding gift or a hand-me-down from a loved one. Keeping it in your home, albeit in a refreshed form, maintains that connection.
- Customized Transformation: Refinishing offers endless customization options. Perhaps you want to add a stencil or inlay that reflects your personal style. This customization can transform your table into a one-of-a-kind piece that tells your story.
- Sustainable Choice: Instead of discarding a perfectly usable piece, refinishing promotes sustainability by reducing waste and the demand for new furniture. It’s an eco-friendly decision that also saves you money in the long run.

Revitalize Your Furniture Today with Better Than New Fine Furniture Repair
Ready to see your old honey oak coffee table in a whole new light? At Better Than New Fine Furniture Repair, we specialize in transforming dated furniture into stunning, modern pieces that you’ll be proud to display. Don’t let that sentimental table gather dust in the corner—give it the makeover it deserves. Contact us today for a furniture refinishing quote and start the journey to a beautifully refreshed home. Rediscover the beauty in your beloved furniture with Better Than New Fine Furniture Repair. Let’s turn your old into gold, one refinished piece at a time.
