Table Covering Ideas

Table coverings can convey a theme, a season or a holiday. They can be part of an everyday dcor, changed out as an event requires or when a room needs a quick makeover. Because they are a transitional accessory, table coverings can be casual and quickly thrown together or more formal and created with details like trim and fringe. Does this Spark an idea?

Create Fun

Search out white or light-colored plastic table coverings to use for a one-of-a-kind look. Use stencils or free-hand drawing and paint to apply a pattern to the covering. Plastic primers will help paint stick to the covering. Rustoleum and Duplicolor make plastic paint primers. Spray paints and regular acrylic paint work well on plastic. Acrylic paint works even better when mixed with a gel medium or extender (purchase one made by the same acrylic paint manufacturer) because it thins the paint and allows it to cover more evenly. Use double-stick tape to hold stencils in place. Designate one of the table cloths as a sample and experiment with paints, colors and techniques before creating the final table cover.

Use Remnants

Table covers can be made by layering fabric remnants. Because remnants are not usually a standard size, draping them together in layers can mean having a vast choice of table coverings on hand. Finish all edges by folding and stitching them in place. This keeps the fabric from fraying, pulling and tearing when washed or used repeatedly. Experiment with draping a table using several different remnant shapes and patterns. Use color to tie a group of patterns together, for example, each pattern should share the same red or black or same group of colors. Apply fringe, ribbon or decorative binding to edges to create a playful or formal look.

Try A Krafty Idea

Kraft and butcher paper are made in a variety of colors and can be found at art or school supply stores. Look for a size that covers the width of the table or comes close to doing so. Use plain or paint, stencil and apply glitter and found objects. You can also draw directly on to the paper to convey a theme or celebratory wishes. Drape a single-color tablecloth over the table and then place the paper covering on top. Use paper punching tools to open the paper and reveal the color beneath. Tack the paper to the cloth using double-stick tape or small pieces of Velcro to keep it from blowing off in breezy weather.