Selecting several complementary end tables for your living room can be a huge challenge.  You don’t want them to match but coordinating table legs, sizes and finishes can be daunting.  A simple and often overlooked solution is a skirted table.  They are a great way to provide additional table-top space while adding some softness to your room.  And the great thing is that you can change out the table skirt seasonally to give the room a fresh look. 

A sturdy table is a very important place to start.  Cock-eyed, wobbly tables are often what scares people away from skirted tables.  A good one is worth the extra money because you don’t have to worry about what you put on it and some designs also double as hidden storage.  This is where I bunk all my magazine piles when I am having company.    Here are a few models to consider.

This nice, sturdy table also features great storage.

Tables that are 24-30″ in diameter are appropriate as end tables or night tables.  Generally, you want the table to be a couple of inches higher than arm of your sofa or your mattress.  36″ Diameter tables can stand by themselves in a foyer or in the corner of your room.  They can also be used for dining tables in tight quarters.  Of course, you can use any table you already own but it may be more challenging to find a table skirt. 

Standard tables and skirt sizes:

24″ High and 24″ Diameter Table with a 72″ Tablecloth

30″ High and 30″ Diameter Table with a 90″ Tablecloth

30″ High and 36″ Diameter Table with a 90″ Tablecloth

I recently saw that Ballard Designs had a nice selection of tablecloths.  They are also featuring the Terrific Trio which includes a table, tablecloth and glass topper.  The glass gives the table a really polished look and keeps the tablecloth safe from stains and wear.  If you purchase your own glass, go with 3/8″ with a beveled edge.

I don't care for this style which tends to wobble on carpet and uneven tile floors.

This Mission Style table is solid and could be used with or without a table cloth.

Ballard’s tablecloths come in a variety of styles and patterns.  They have a great selection of fabrics that ranges from florals to solids and stripes. (Make sure to take advantage of their swatch program where you can order 10 free swatches and only pay $5.95 for shipping)  You can also send them your own fabric and they will create a custom item in 8-10 weeks.  I feel you can go two ways when selecting your fabric:

• Choose an accent fabric that you don’t use for much else in your room.  Something eye catching like a velvet, floral or animal print.
• Choose something neutral that will provide a great backdrop for anything you put on the table and will work with future fabric selections.

I prefer for the tablecloth to just graze the floor.  Go a little longer with extra fabric puddling the floor if that’s your style but never ever use a skirt that’s too short.  It looks skimpy and totally ruins the luxurious effect.

This table has ample storage and can be ordered from 24-32" high.

With style, color and storage, a skirted table may be just the thing you need to finish off your room!

Click to Win Great Prizes!

Ask A Free Design Question!

Tags: decorating tips, fabric, tables

This entry was posted on Monday, December 1st, 2008 at 1:28 pm and is filed under decorating tips, fabric, tables. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.