Furniture expert help please!!!

[ree-Xi]

I am looking for leather/cloth pads (not one-layer tablecloths) for the tops of our living room tables.

The table tops are heavy glass, laid into a frame. The problem is that as relatives come over and kid grow up, they use tables more and I don't want chips/nicks/crayon; AND because they are a bitch to clean (they show every fingerprint) and trap dust. I also want to add some color (black or burgundy) because we have wood floors, so it would also be decorative. My living room is orangy brown hardwood floor, black leather sectional and electronics, silver/glass furniture, Burgundy curtains, wall hangings in complementing colors.

I looked up table pads for dining rooms, but I am not quite sure that they are what I need.

Does anyone have any store/website suggestions, DIY ideas, etc? I bet that the easiest thing is to get a runner of some sort that simply covers each, but I figured going online might help me find something sturdier than plan fabric, and something customizable by size.

I called my local furniture store and they only offer pads for those items currently in stock. I looked online but found dining room stuff. I do know that it needs to be sturdy, water-resistant (wipe up spills), flat but with a little texture, and will stay in place during use.

Table 1 is 26 x 48" and the two side tables are 25 sq inches each.

THANK YOU in advance!!!

[SydneyK]

I think it might be hard to find something that's both functional (in the way you're describing) and decorative. It sounds like you need table pads for function, and a tablecloth for decoration.

Have you looked at tablesaver.com? You can place customized orders through them. I haven't personally used their service, but a good friend has. She ordered pads to fit her dining room table and buffet, and they look great. She has had only good things to say about the company - the pads fit and were delivered in a timely manner. She didn't comment on the cost, though, so I can't help you there. I'm sure there are several companies that sell similar things.

Good luck!

[DSTRen13]

Why not take out the glass and store it for now? Instead of doing something to cover the glass, you can go to your local Lowe's/Home Depot/whatever, get them to cut you a piece(s) of plywood to fit the frame, put some padding on that, buy whatever kind of pleather you like (padding & pleather should both be available at whatever fabric/craft store you prefer), cover it and then staple it on the bottom which no one will see. Then you just fit in in the frame and you're done.

Kind of like this, but easier because it doesn't have to mount on the wall - http://www.apartmenttherapy.com/ny/h...adboard-003559

[ree-Xi]

Sydney, I did look at that site. It does seem more for dining tables, but I will dig deeper. The stuff looks complicated - that might be the reason for the price. It just might be too practical for what we want - essentially a sturdy "table cover". Oh...I just saw the info regarding "Coffee" and "end tables". I emailed them to see if they sell the smaller peices (just the leaves sizes) because I don't need bigger than that.

DSTRen, great idea!!! But right now, that is a lot more work than we would like to do. I've been very sick and we're trying to simplify stuff. It might be a good idea when we are ready to take on more work. Plus, I am not sure of where to put the glass. THe other option was to get new tables but that would be overkill bc we've tried to get rid of good furniture in the past and it's a lot of effort (time, storage, etc.).

THank you both!!!!

[Titchou]

You might try a fabric store and look for the fake leather. Some of it has a knit backing that makes it non slip. But custom dining table pads are great! Many family members have had those over the years. They fold up like a folding screen, too, which makes taking them up and storing when not in use very easy.