Simple Things I Adore: Skirted Tables

Designer: Amanda Nisbet

Designer: Amanda Nisbet

Would you believe that the beautiful skirted table pictured above probably started out life as something like this?

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Or this?

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This not so attractive table is called a decorator table. Mostly made from particle board, this table usually comes in sizes of 24″, 28″, 30″ and 36″ in diameter, available at big box stores, and usually come with a piece of glass cut to fit the table top. As you can see, despite the name, there is nothing decoratory (that’s not a real word :-)) about this table, but it can be a great avenue for some real creativity with the help of some beautiful fabrics.

Personally, I prefer to use a more heavy duty option like a conference table since the particle board tables can be rather flimsy. Also the glass that comes with the cheaper version is usually very thin. A thicker piece of glass makes for a stronger table and of course, will hold up a lot better over time

Photo: Newly Wed Diaries

San Francisco Designer Grant K. Gibson

Grant K. Gibson

Grant K. Gibson

 

Skirted tables can be a beautiful asset in a room. They add a certain romantic elegance, especially when draped in beautiful silks or linen fabrics. They look absolutely luxurious when tailored with inverted box pleats and embellished with beautiful trimmings or a contrast fabric. If not done well however, a skirted table can look like a sloppy mess, so choose your fabric type, pattern and color carefully. Also, be mindful of how the items are arranged on the table top. Please see my recent blog post about creating beautiful vignettes for some great tips

Photo: Tom Scheerer

Photo: Tom Scheerer

They make wonderful vanity tables or sink skirts in a bathroom, and work great as nightstands, consoles tables, kitchen cabinet skirts, sidetables, or in the laundry room to disguise the washing machine and dryer. They are also wonderful for hiding wires or stereo equipment in a living or family room. I especially love the rectangular skirted tables with a very tailored cover and thick glass on top. Used in an entry hall, it serves as a great place to set up a wonderful vignette of special mementos. Another great use for a skirted table is in a dining room – as a dining room table. Yes, this is where I usually get the most resistance, especially from male clients. The softly draped fabric over a plain box adds instant warmth to a dining room, and is a wonderful addition in a room with alot of wood pieces. It is a great way to add some softness and richness. When a dining table has no real architectural interest or has seen better days, a skirted table can be a wonderful solution.

The Clifton Home

The Clifton Home

Photo: Bear Hill Interiors

Designer: Jan Showers

Photo: Gretchen Leigh Clark

Photo: Gretchen Leigh Clark

Photo: Scot Meacham Wood

Photo: Scot Meacham Wood

Cote de Texas Blog

Cote de Texas Blog

 

The preferred fabric is a heavy weight linen or silk. The heavier the fabric, the more luxurious the drape; just like a wonderful drapery fabric. Avoid using really thick upholstery fabrics. Skirts should be lined and preferrably interlined. The best lining to use is blackout lining. This adds to the weight, which adds richness, and the sun won’t shine through and expose what’s covered underneath. A 3″ puddle is ideal unless it is a tailored inverted box pleat skirt – in which case a 1″ floor break works fine. The puddling allows you to pull the skirt up with your hands and let it fall to the floor in graceful, effortless folds – such a beautiful effect!

Photo: Alamodeus.net

Designer: Mark Lohman

The Lennox.com

Kelley Interior

The design possibilities are endless for skirted tables. You have the ability to pick your own fabric for a well coordinated look in a room, and even change fabrics to your hearts desires, or decorating seasonally. But just in case you are not yet convinced, here are some more images of beautiful skirted tables.

Photo: Lonny Magazine

Photo: A La Mode Blog

skirted table

Jenny From The Little Green Notebook Blog

Jenny From The Little Green Notebook Blog

Photo: Elements Of Style Blog

Palmer Weiss

Wisteria.com

Wisteria.com

How about a skirted table that is a bit more unique and fun?

skirted table

skirtedtable

photo (7)

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Bryan Ferry via Pinterest

Bryan Ferry via Pinterest

 

So the next time you are looking for a simple solution to add a strong design statement or just to fill the corner of a room or entry hall, consider a using a skirted table. As you can see, they are definitely not your grandma’s polyester tablecloth.

To satisy the DIY weekend warrior in some of you, I wanted to share this article by  Maggie Rose Interiors that guides you step-by-step to creating a no-sew skirted console table. Enjoy!

Please don’t forget to comment and share! :-)

Be Inspired!

Veronica Solomon

Veronica Solomon

 

 

 

26 thoughts on “Simple Things I Adore: Skirted Tables

  1. Wow I never thought of that. I have a table in the corner down at the end of my hallway. I am going to put a skirt on it and that will dress it up. Thanks for sharing. As always, I love the ideas that you post.

  2. Such a small adjustment to a table and it changes everything! I find myself looking around my house right now looking for a table to do lol! I love the ideas!

  3. I like the idea of using fabric table covers because you can change them when you want a different look. And, your idea of adding a cover to an older table that has seen better days is great.

  4. Pingback: 5 Things I'm Really Into | The Naked DecoratorThe Naked Decorator

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