Table Skirting Techniques

Table skirts are an inexpensive and versatile way to add pizzazz to your decor and can provide storage solutions by hiding objects underneath a table. Table skirts can even conceal unattractive plumbing beneath bathroom sinks. Many table skirt techniques involve only a few items and no sewing whatsoever. Does this Spark an idea?

Assembled Items

Measure your table height from the edge to the floor, and select fabric big enough to cover the table. Add on at least 2 inches for hemming. You'll find your material at a fabrics or crafts store. The fabric can be silk, cotton, felt or even raffia. Using fusible table, hem the top and bottom edges of the fabric (with the exception of raffia). Using Velcro strips, attach one side to the top of the fabric edge and the other to the table's edge. Instead of Velcro, you can use a staple gun and simply staple the edges to the table. The gun can also be used to staple a decorative trim over the top fabric edge for a more finished look. Using a staple gun or furniture tacks will make it easier to create pleats with the fabric.

Using a bathroom shower curtain, measure an appropriate length to cover your vanity or bathroom sink, cutting away the excess, or fold the curtain in half and iron a crease. Use any cut excess to add a second layer of skirting, and angle it away from the center front to form a faux pleat.

If the top of your table is on the shabby side, cover it with wrapping paper in your chosen design (the sturdier, the better), and use a product such as Mod Podge glue to decoupage and seal the paper. Use the Velcro or staple-gun technique above to add the skirting around the table edges.

Ready-Made Options

For inexpensive, ready-made table skirts, stores such as Party City have plastic skirts in a variety of styles. These come with their own sticky backing to attach to the table and are perfect for children's rooms, parties or other temporary situations.

For an elegant look suitable for weddings and receptions, purchase pleated paper fans in either white or a desired color. Fold them out halfway, and use double-stick removable tape to attach the straight edge of each fan to the underside of the table, leaving the round pleated side hanging down. Use several fans arranged end-to-end to cover the length of your table.