Spool Table Decorating Ideas

Whether you decorate with authentic industrial spools or spool-style tables, the curves and profiles of spools can create a distinctive look to your decor. Because spool tables are focal points, the way you finish, accessorize and accent them can influence the entire decorating scheme of a room. Does this Spark an idea?

Primitive Spool Table

A primitive-style spool table often incorporates features alluding to its industrial roots. Wind rope or wire around the spool for a rustic look. Keep the spool unpainted and unpolished or add a thin coat of milk paint or antique whitewash and allow the underlying hues, surface imperfections and textures to show through. Accessorize the tabletop with a black wrought iron candlestick and simple white pillar candles. Extend the look in the room with other solid wooden furnishings with distressed or weathered wood.

Shabby Chic Spool Table

For a touch of feminine flounce, give your spool table a shabby chic makeover. Use an eggshell or matte finish paint to highlight the irregular surface of your spool table. Pale yellow, faded cornflower blue, lavender, icy pink, sea foam green or cream are good color options. If you want a more embellished look, apply a fleur-de-lis or climbing ivy pattern over the paint with stencils, stamps or vinyl decals. Add a runner on top of the table using a swatch of vintage lace or floral fabric. A simple glass jar or white bud vase can hold wildflowers or sprigs of herbs at the center of the table. Surround your spool table with other painted wooden furnishings scavenged from flea markets, yard sales or thrift shops.

Modern Spool Table

A spool table can also be at home in a modern or contemporary interior. In this design approach, use tables shaped like spools rather than real spools. Look for a stainless steel or chrome table or for a small space, use an acrylic "ghost" table that you can see through. A geometric bud vase in white, black or a reflective surface keeps the look sleek and monochromatic, or you can opt for a pop of color with periwinkle, lime green or mango orange. Underneath, modular carpet tile gives the area graphic pop. Overhead, a curving pendant lamp echoes the silhouette of the spool table.