He Bought a Table Without Me—Now I’m on a Mission to Make It Contemporary
So… my husband bought this table on Marketplace. He did not consult me. <LOL> And let’s just say—bless his heart—it’s not exactly what I would’ve picked. It’s solid, sure. Sturdy, absolutely. But it has this aggressively bold tiger oak grain that’s practically shouting across the room. I know some people love that classic wood pattern, but for me? It’s a little… loud. Not exactly the soft, modern vibe I’m going for in our space.
But instead of sending it straight back to Marketplace (tempting as that was), I’ve decided to get creative and figure out how to give this table a more contemporary, toned-down look—without reaching for the chemical strippers. Because if I can avoid that sticky mess, I absolutely will.
First step: distract the eye. One of the easiest ways to make a heavily grained wood table feel more current is to break up the surface. A beautiful runner can do wonders—think a neutral linen or a minimalist black-and-white pattern. It softens the table visually and helps keep the focus on your decor rather than the wood itself. Pair that with a statement centerpiece (a big ceramic bowl, a vase of branches, or a modern candle arrangement), and suddenly the tiger oak is just the background, not the main attraction.
If you’re willing to get a little hands-on, light sanding can help knock down the gloss and give the table a more matte, contemporary texture—especially if the finish is overly shiny or amber-toned. Use a fine-grit sanding sponge and go gently. You won’t remove the grain, but you can take away some of the reflective finish that emphasizes it.
Another idea? Gel stain or wood toner. These products sit on top of the existing finish and can help mute the grain without stripping the table completely. A darker stain, like walnut or espresso, can camouflage the tiger effect and make the piece feel sleeker. Just be sure to test it on the underside or a hidden spot first to see how it behaves over the current finish.
If you’re really ready for a modern punch, consider painting the base of the table and leaving the top wood-toned (or vice versa). A matte black or creamy white base can instantly update the piece, giving it a two-tone look that feels intentional and current. Bonus: it’s a great compromise if you want to keep some of the wood’s character without being overwhelmed by it.
And hey, if nothing else works, layering is your best friend. A tablecloth for everyday use can totally shift the vibe. Save the bare table look for when you’re feeling forgiving—or just want to make your husband feel like his bold purchase is finally growing on you.