Are you looking to transform your outdoor space without breaking the bank? Look no further than the Ikea Tarno hack! In this article, I’ll explore how this simple and affordable DIY project can take your outdoor area from shabby to chic, while maximizing the potential of small spaces.
Looking for more affordable Ikea Hacks? Check out this Ikea Kallax Shelf to Bench Transformation, or this Farmhouse inspired Ikea Lack Coffee Table Hack makeover.
My own journey with the Ikea Tarno hack began when I stumbled upon this hidden gem at a local garage sale, priced at a mere $20. It’s compact size immediately caught my attention. I have a small area on my front porch that needed a functional and stylish seating solution.
Determined to revamp this neglected set, I opted for an all-in-one primer and paint designed for outdoor use. To keep costs low, I decided to purchase a $5 sample can of paint from Home Depot (Behr Marquee’s Teal Zeal).It surprisingly provided more than enough coverage for two coats on all the wooden surfaces.
By sharing my personal experience, I’ll guide you through the step-by-step process of this Ikea Tarno transformation, sharing tips and tricks along the way to help you achieve remarkable results within a limited budget. Get ready to witness the remarkable before-and-after journey of this bistro set makeover and discover how you can create an inviting outdoor space, even in the smallest of areas.
Before and After: The Stunning Transformation
Before
When I first laid eyes on the Ikea Tarno bistro set, its worn-out appearance left much to be desired. The wooden parts, which had seen better days, were covered in a flaking stain that had lost its luster over time. The once vibrant colors had faded, giving the set a dull and neglected look.
However, despite its shabby exterior, the structure of the bistro set remained intact. There were no missing screws, and every component was stable, promising a solid foundation for the transformation. The metal legs on both the table and chairs were in surprisingly good shape, requiring no additional work or paint. Despite its lack of appeal, it was evident that with some tender loving care and a touch of creativity, this set had the potential to become a stunning centrepiece for my small front porch.
After
The metamorphosis of the Ikea Tarno bistro set was a true game-changer, accomplished within the span of a single afternoon. With a pocket-friendly investment of just $5 for a sample can of latex paint from Home Depot, I witnessed a breathtaking transformation unfold before my eyes.
The revamped bistro set now boasts a vibrant and summery color palette, infusing my porch with a refreshing coastal ambiance. Every time I step outside, I’m greeted by the cheerful hues that exude a lively and welcoming vibe, reminiscent of a seaside escape. Not only has this transformation added a pop of color to my outdoor space, but it has also rejuvenated the worn-out wood, leaving behind a smooth and flawless surface that no longer bears the burden of flaking stains.
Another creative way to revamp this bistro set is to tile the table top. Check out Catherine’s fab Tik-Tok inspired Tiled Top Tarno Bistro Set Hack.
Step-by-Step Guide: Ikea Tarno Hack
Step-By-Step Guide: Ikea Tarno Hack
Follow Below and discover how easy and inespensive hacking the Ikea Tarno Bistro set can be. A simple coat of paint revamps and breath's life into this $20 garage sale find.
Materials
- Sample Can of Behr Marquee Interior/Exterior Paint Satin Finish in Teal Zeal (58GG 71/202)
- Paint Brush
- Painters Tape
- Sand paper/block 60 coarse
- Tarp
- Ikea Tarno Bistro Set
Instructions
Step 1: Preparation
Before starting I inspected the set to make sure the table and chairs were structurally good. I made sure there wast here were no missing screws, nor legs that are rusted through. If you're buy yours used it's a good idea to inspect beforehand. If new you can assemble and move to the next step.
Step 2: Cleaning, Repairing and Sanding
I wiped down the set with a damp cloth and water to get all the debris off of it. If you wipe down the wood you want to make sure it fully dries before sanding and painting. Tighten any screws that are loose too.
If your wood is also a bit rough or flaking, take a piece of sandpaper (I used 60 grit) and sand down the wood until smooth. Wipe off the excess dust before painting.
Step 3: Taping
I decided to tape the metal parts close to the wood to protect them from getting paint on it. If you're super careful and take your time you don't really need to do this step. Just makes it faster to paint. I used basic green painters tape.
also used a tarp below my bistro set since I didn't want any drip off paint. to stain the concrete on the porch 
I
Step 4: Priming and Painting.
I went to home depot to look for paint colors and decided on a paint color called "Teal Zeal" by Behr. They make it in a indoor/outdoor paint & primer all-in-one.
Plus it' a sample size amount (234 ml can) which was more than enough to cover all of the wood with 2 coats. If you're paint doesn't have a primer in it, you might need to prime the wood first.
I used a 1" wide paint brush which was the perfect size to get fast application on the 2" slates while still in control of paint.
1 coat of this paint gave some superb coverage, but I wanted the color to be brighter and I had lots of paint still left over. So I waited 30 minutes for first paint coat to dry then painted a second coat. The second coat of paint went way faster since the purous wood was already coated with the first coat.
If you're looking for more color inspiration, here's some paint color ideas you could paint your Tarno with: white, lemon yellow, red, mint green, navy blue, grey, wood stain, forest green, etc. Also you can paint the metal legs with the same color or another bold & vibrant color for a fun contrasting look..
Step 5: Touch-ups
Once I was done painting the Tarno and the paint was still somewhat wet, I took all the tape off. If you want for the paint to completely dry before removing the tape, some of the paint could peel off with the tape.
I did notice that in places where I didn't press the tape down hard enough I got some paint bleeding on the metal legs. But since the paint was still not dry, I took a q-tip dipped in rubbing alcohol to clean up the rogue paint.
Step 6: Finishing Touches
My Bistro set was complete! But I wanted to add some finishing touches for a decorative look. The table is pretty small so there's not much real estate to place a big centrepiece on it. I went to the Dollarstore and picked up a small metal watering can and filled it with some white artificial flowers (also Dollarstore).
Some other ideas to add a decorative look to your Ikea Tarno are: patterned fabric seat cushions, candles, LED lantern, Solar lantern, fairy light jar, vase of fresh flowers, planter with lavender, garden statue, etc.
Ikea Tarno Hack: After Pictures
The Ikea Tarno bistro set hack has proven to be a transformative journey, reviving my outdoor space with style and charm. Through a simple and affordable process that took just an afternoon, I was able to turn a shabby set into a chic and inviting bistro ensemble.
Now it’s your turn to unleash your creativity and share your own bistro set makeovers. Embrace the potential of small spaces & small budgets and create a captivating outdoor oasis that reflects your unique taste. Get inspired, gather your materials, and let the Ikea Tarno bistro set hack be your gateway to a shabby-to-chic transformation that will elevate your outdoor living experience.
Let the hacking begin…
Peace, love & color,
Jasmine
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