Refurbishing A Lane Coffee Table

Tags:: Design

I purchased this table months ago from a thrift store in Chicago.

It was a mistake.

As you can see from the before photo, it's more of a project than it is a table. And I swore to myself I would stop buying projects, because in my possession, projects tend to remain projects and rarely turn into tables.

But this project had two things going for it: it's made by Lane, the American furniture manufacturer known for the case goods and accent tables they pumped out in the 1950s and '60s, so I know it's durable and has a recognizable brand name behind it. And it has a suspended magazine rack. People love a suspended magazine rack.

So finally on a nice day in September I started the process of turning this project into a table.

— Katherine Raz

The original table. It looks like someone already stripped the top, but the bottom legs and suspended magazine rack are painted an ugly shade of reddish brown.

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Matthew09.24.2011

What a butcher job with those legs. Top looks great bottom looks horrendous. To each their own I guess.
Blonda09.25.2011

I have seen this piece in person. The final photo does not capture how nicely re-purposed - I hate the term "refurbished" was something ever furbished - the table in a foyer would set the tone for any MCM inspired interior. Taking an unfortunate find and giving it a second life is an afternoon well spent in my book!
st0ked09.28.2011

A nice piece of your own design but you kind of messed up an original from a classic mid century piece. Like an Eames, Russel Wright, or Tommi Parzinger design, something is lost when we reimagine someone else's art.
Golfzilla09.30.2011

I have Lane bedroom furniture and owned it since the early 70s. I still love it, but have problems with internal drawer slider? hardware. Anyone know where to find such stuff?

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