If you like clean lines I think the simplest option is to get or make a full length cloth for it and get a glass top. It will provide some hidden storage then, too, if you need it. I know you wanted options other than this, but I think this is the best option.

If you're not sentimental about it, I'd try selling it on Craiglist and buying something you prefer (from CL). Depending on where you live, you might be surprised what it could be worth...

Here is a link that might be useful: maple drum table

This post was edited by olychick on Sat, Jan 12, 13 at 19:17

Find a modern-patterned cloth (with the gray color in the pattern) -- and add a tablecloth and matching cushions to the chairs. Then "move" that new pattern over to the sofa with a long rectangular cushion.

Then find a lamp (either a table lamp or standing lamp) to work into the mix ....

Somewhere in a decorating book or magazine I saw a table similar to that used as a round bookshelf. They stuck books in the area between the first and second shelf such that the books formed a complete circle around the table. I think that table had sort of flat dividers between the 4 sections instead of having the turned legs, like yours, but it might still work -- or maybe you could whack out those turned legs with a hammer -- looks like there'd still be support for the tabletop from the center section.

If you did that to your table, you'd still be left with those table legs and they are kind of ugly/dated. I wonder if you could find some sheet metal or posterboard or some kind of flexible-yet-sturdy-sheet that you could attach to the bottom shelf of the table so it formed a circle around those legs. If you painted it all the same, you could end up with what looks like a solid cylinder with a bookshelf inset into it. Could be really cool and modern!

I wouldn't get rid of it, but neither would I try to fit it into a room that it doesn't work in. Could you put it in a bedroom or a hallway? Save it, even if it ends up in the attic or basement. It's the kind of table you could bring out for special occasions and turn into a dessert table or a small bar with wine bottles and glasses.

I'd maybe touch up the stain to clean it up and stick books in it. You could perhaps refinish it entirely with a clear finish instead of the midcentury orange (if the wood is nice enough) or even go dark.

I don't think it's innately unattractive. I think we just got an overload of that style (and it was mixed with harvest gold and avocado green at the time) when we were younger. When I was seeing that stuff as a kid, it was out of date (which means old and in grubby rooms that needed new carpet) and it was always yucky to me. But I think it's unfair and these aren't all that bad.

You can put a really big Boston fern on it...

I did a search for painted tiered tables and found what I think is a table like yours here. (scroll to the bottom of the page) It does look better with books in it.

If your family likes to play games, you could paint the table and paint a checkerboard (or other gameboard) on the top and use it with the two chairs you have there. You could paint a clock face on the top, or a mariner's compass and use it as an interesting accent table.

If you want to repurpose it, you could take the top off and make an ottoman out of the bottom part.

Or you could just put a table cloth over it. ;)

This post was edited by marti8a on Sat, Jan 12, 13 at 19:57

Similar table, with the spindles removed. Really freshens it up;

Here is a link that might be useful: Painted tiered table

In black, from a search:

I think you can definitely make that table cute, but you can't make it sleek.

My parents have a set of 60s Colonial tables, and one is two-tiered like yours, only larger, and with a bit cleaner profile than yours; the other is a 60s take on an antique dough box. I would never attempt to work them into my living areas.

I would use the cloth over it; however can we see the room? From the rest of the furnishings in your pic, it looks okay.

Dee

I really like the black one. It's a shame to paint it but it is hard to place in a more modern room. Then add the books, a lamp and photos of your parents. I'd never get rid of it unless you're not sentimentally attached to things like that. But it sounds like you are or you wouldn't be asking. Maybe you could have a larger top made so it could work as a game table.

Honestly? It is what it is. If it means something to you, use it. It doesn't matter if it "goes" or not, it will work because you love it. If you don't love it, but it means something, then store it. Just like graywings suggested.

I really like the idea of using it as a round bookcase.

My MIL had a house full of antiques. I grew up with all modern furniture. As time went on she gave me a pie crust table and an old Stockman's desk. More time went by and I learned these were hand me down's from her MIL--that she HATED. Any "worth" they had was removed when she refinished them decades before I came along. She was a modern gal who wanted all new and modern circa 1960. I happen to LOVE them both. When she died we went through the house trying to decide what to do with all her things. We decided early on much of it was stuff SHE loved and it was ok that we did not. The things served their purpose for her and now their time has passed.
You could either save the table in a back room for the next generation who may love it or guilt free LET IT GO.
It's the legs--they are really bringing the table to an unattractive place.

Thank you for all of your honest opinions. My husband saw me checking my phone today and wondered why I was smiling. I told him that I'd posted a the table dilemma on Garden Web and that pretty much everyone feels the table really isn't that great and there isn't much we can d with it aside from covering it. We actually did use it as a display table at our daughter's graduation party a few years ago.

We took it out of the storage shed today and looked at it...yep, still one ugly table. I'll see if a table cloth will help. Thanks again!

If you could replace the legs with tapered cylinders and the turned wood bits with dowels, it could be painted and look more MCM.

Here is a link that might be useful: Table legs at lowes

I'm smiling as I've been in the same position....trying to make myself like something...never works. Sell it or tablecloth it....I'd probably do the latter as I love round tables and I love fabrics...glass top and I'd double skirt it with a square over a floor length cloth with trim on the edges....