Tables and Chairs - Oh My.

I currently own this Ikea table + chairs set.  It's boring but non-offensive {in most situations} and simple.  It was also super cheap.  When I am in need of furniture to fill a space and short on inspiration, or patience, or money, I got with basic Ikea.  It rarely disappoints.

It has been three or four years since we purchased this set of furniture and I am in need of something new.  However, I am still short on funds {does anyone else wonder if they will be perpetually broke?}.   So, I am turning to the wonderful world of Ikea hacks.

My idea is to "hack" the table by staining the wood a gray, rustic look, and maybe add new legs.  The new legs thing might be a bit ambitious and beyond the reach of my diy skills and tool kit.  I also want to invest in new or thrifted chairs.  Finally, I need to accomplish all of this while my husband is out of town.  I am pretty sure he likes the way things are now.  Men...so afraid of change :).

I love the look of industrial chairs with a rustic wood table.

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I would love to complete this little project before the end of the year....wish me luck!