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Easy Cottage Style Skirted Table Tutorial

July 14, 2014

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Make a charming cottagecore style skirt for any table with a bit of fabric and a few tension rods.

It's an easy DIY project and sewing is optional!

Skirted Side Table in the living room

In May, I decided to give my living room a bit of a makeover.

I found a few new fabrics that I couldn't resist and well, you know the story. 

While it's still a work in progress, I did finish the biggest project on my list.

Adding a skirt to an old Ikea end table.

I have to say, that tiny bit of fabric has dramatically changed the table and the look of the whole room.

I am thrilled with the finished project and can't believe I put it off for so long.

And it was so easy, with or without sewing skills, anyone can tackle this job in a jiffy.

I promise.

Here is my table before the intervention.

It's a very old Ikea model that my husband and I had already painted and stained years ago.

However, even after its first makeover, it was just...there.

Old Ikea Wooden table with a birdhouse lamp on it

Definitely nothing to write home about, which is why you haven't seen it before.

While, I've featured my living room in a curtain and Christmas post, I never showed the table, because I wasn't happy with that corner of the room.
I'm much happier now.

DIY Table Makeover

There's just something so much more charming about that sweet floral pattern. It literally transformed the table. 

And it fits my cottage style living room much better.

Here's how I did it.

How To Skirt A Table


First, I bought my supplies:

A few yards of fabric

Thread- I always recommend Gutermann

Three cheap tension rods

Fiskars Scissors- These are my favorite. They look odd, but they work!

Ironing Tape - If you're not into sewing the panels, this is a great substitute for thread.

Waverly Norfolk Vintage Rose fabric.

1. Measure


I started by measuring my fabric and measuring the table.

The space between the legs was 20" and I added about another 12" to my measurements making each panel 32" long.

That gave me enough extra fabric for seam allowance and to gather the fabric for a ruffled appearance.

The depth of the panel needed to be 14" long, so I measured it to 17", leaving plenty for seam allowance and a generous rod pocket.

2. Cut The Fabric


To cut the fabric straight, I laid it out on the table, measured and marked it on the back with a pencil. Then I used my Fiskars to cut the line straight.

Once I had one panel cut, I used it as the pattern to cut the others.

Cutting fabric panels out on a table

3. Iron


When my pieces were cut out, I ironed my seams on both sides and along the bottom of the panel, to prepare them for sewing.

Next, I ironed the top, folding over two inches, to create a very large and loose rod pocket.

I didn't want the material to cling tightly to the rod. I wanted a soft look, by leaving a larger opening the pocket almost disappears.

Ironing Seams Before Sewing

I am a lazy seamstress and I am not a perfectionist, but I will say that I always take the time to iron my seams before I turn on the machine.

I used to skip this step (lazy crafter here), but I have found that it really does make a difference.

The actual sewing, or gluing, goes much faster and the results are much prettier!

4. Sew (or Glue) The Seams


At this point, I just ran the ironed seams through the machine.

If you're using the iron on tape, just follow the instructions on the package.

Running fabric through the sewing machine

5. Hang Them On The Rod


Once the panels were done, I slid the rods into the pockets.

Then I secured the tension rods between the table legs.

Now, I am not planning to open or close my panels. There is nothing under this table.

However, if I needed the space for storage, I would've used rings on the rod, for easier movement.

I have a ring clip skirted table like that in my basement to hide the kids' old toys.


Hanging Fabric Skirt On Tension Rod

That's all there is to it!

It was a super quick job and, since the fabric was 50% off and I had a coupon to boot, this whole upgrade cost me less than twenty bucks.

I even had some leftover to recover my chair, but that's another story...

Patchwork Chair in the kitchen

Right now, I am loving my table skirt.

It makes a tremendous difference in the room and I can't stop looking at my sweet cottage addition!

Cottage Style Skirted Table

It's Exquisitely Unremarkable!

Waverly Norfolk Vintage Rose fabric on table skirt

What do you think of my skirted side table?

Cottagecore Table Skirt Tutorial
Kim Signature


Post a Comment | 55 Comments

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  1. So cute and pretty Kim! I would've probably hot-glued my skirt since I can't sew! Lol! Glad you could, it'll be easy to switch it when the mood strikes again!

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    1. Haha...oh Vel, you know me so well! I will so be switching it up when the next round of bargain fabric meets my eye! ;) From one frequent redecorator to another...have a super weekend!

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    2. Velcro would also work. You could switch out colors fast and easy!

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    3. Yes! I'm a huge Velvro fan!!

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  2. I think that's a cute cottagey look. You can hide things under there too. :)

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    1. Yes! That is the plan for the one I am making for a table in my basement craft area, too! Did you notice my red pillow? I know that we already discussed this, but I saw yours on your bed. You will have to move them to your dining room or living room when you redecorate! :) They are too pretty to pack away!

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  3. That is one of my favorite fabrics. My sofa was slipcovered in the fabric, but the slipcovers finally wore out.

    Beautiful!

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    1. I remember the post you shared with me, Carol! I am still in complete awe over your slipcovering talents! ;)

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  4. Your table looks so pretty. I keep looking at it because it really is charming. The cloth you chose is lovely. I also like how you put it together simply. Nice job.

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    1. Thank you! It really was easy...it took me longer to buy the fabric and the rods than it did for me to sew and put it all together! I love projects like that!

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  5. Very cute and so practical, it will be easy to remove to launder or freshen in the dryer and you could change the fabric easily if you decide on a different look for different seasons or a permanent change at some point down the road. Very clever.

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    1. magic words: 'different look for different seasons'!!

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    2. Thank you, Lorri. I do like things I can change up...so this fit the bill!

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  6. You have, once again, nailed 'exquistely remarkable'! I'm thinking what table I have that could use that treatment. (Heck, right now I'm trying to remember what table I HAVE! Can't wait to get home!)

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    1. Thanks Nancy! Haha! I have those memory lapse moments all the time lately! Hope you find a table and glad I could inspire you! :)

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  7. I love the way this turned out, Kim! Very pretty.

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    1. Thanks Sally! This table has just always been missing something...it's been bugging me for a decade...or more! It just feels better now! ;)

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  8. I think it's very cute and what a great idea!

    I also enjoyed visiting your Christmas :)

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    1. Thank you, Deb! I'm glad you liked Christmas...July is a good time to think about that, too! I am already dreaming of the season!

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  9. What do I think of it? I love it! The fabric is so pretty. You've taken a nice but ordinary table and turned it into a delightful feature in your living room. Great job, Kim. Great price, too. That second to the last photo showing the table next to your white sofa and glorious red pillow, with the french door and table vignette is absolutely charming. Very cottagey. <3

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    1. Thank you, Nancy! I love it, too! I cannot believe what a difference a few cheap yards of fabric have made in the feel of the entire room! I was going for cottagey...so you just made my day! <3

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  10. love that table, especially the white paint with the dark top and the floral fabric.

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    1. Thanks so much! We painted that table about a decade ago. It came home from Ikea basically unfinished, but even with the paint and stain, it just felt like it was missing something. I think I got it this time! Thanks for the comment!

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  11. I absolutely LOVE it! I made a little table skirt in this way as well! Love the fabric! xoxo Jen

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    1. Oh, I would love to see yours, Jen! I bet it's just darling! Let me know if you have a post of a picture of it! :)

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  12. I was wondering where you had disappeared to! Now, I know: you've been up to your old tricks, creating pretty and practical projects! Your skirted table is adorable, and adds warmth and charm to your room. Kudos to you, Kim!

    Poppy

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    1. I have decided to post only once a week, this summer, Poppy...instead of my usual two! I am enjoying my crafting in between visits with friends, trips to the beach and sitting by the pool! When the weather turns cold again and the kids go back to school, I will return to my desk and my computer! For now, I want to sit in the warm sun and unplug a bit! Thanks for the kind words about my skirt! I like this one a lot, too! :)

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  13. Thanks so much for joining the Say G’Day Linky Party. We have pinned your post to the Say G’Day Saturday board!

    Have a Happy Wednesday!

    Best wishes,
    Natasha in Oz

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    1. Thank you, Natasha! I loved getting pinned!! :)

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  14. Oh such a cute idea and a great way to dress up a table! So glad to have discovered your blog!

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    1. What a nice comment, Alicia! You have just brightened my whole day! :)

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  15. Kim, I love that fabric and it dressed up the table so fabulously! I love it! Thanks for sharing with SYC.
    hugs,
    Jann

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    1. Thanks Jann! The power of fabric never ceases to amaze me!

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  16. What a clever idea Kim! And I love your fabric and you know I love red almost as much as you. ;)
    I'd love for you to share this with us at Project Inspire{d}! ;)

    Best wishes for a blessed and extraordinary week!

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    1. Thank you Diane! I appreciate your offer, I keep meaning to check out Project Inspire{d} again. I

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  17. Kim, when I was noticing that the grouping of chairs and end table was too leggy, I thought of this! And, yes, the ability to change out the fabric with the seasons is an important factor! Thanks for being so full of brilliant ideas!

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    1. Nancy, I could never put my finger on why it didn't sit well with me, but you are right...that's it, those leggy legs!! Good for me, but not my table! ;) Thanks for the comment. You always make my day!! :)

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  18. Visiting from That DIY Party. This caught my eye immediately because I had thought to do this to an old far table I use for a worktable. It is in a little spare bedroom upstairs, but you see it immediately when you get to the top of the stairs. Since I have trunks of fabric, etc. underneath, I have just thrown a quilt over it. However, this idea is much more attractive!

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    1. Thanks! I am glad you found it inspiring! It was so easy to do and now every time I walk by that room, I smile instead of grimace! I think I am going to do it to my craft table in the basement, as well! Good luck! If you decide to tackle it, drop me a line, I'd love to take at peek!

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  19. I think that's brilliant and I love that fabric! Following you now (:
    http://cannaryfamily.blogspot.com

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    1. Thanks so much!! I love this little skirted number now. It’s much easier on the eyes and it was super easy to do! So glad to have you following along! Yay!! :)

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  20. I've not seen this done before and it's really adorable. It added so much personality to the look of the table. Thanks for sharing this!

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    1. Thanks for commenting! It really was easy...give it a go!

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  21. I have cut out fabric to skirt my craft table and was going to staple it - so glad I saw this on your sidebar. I'd never thought of tension rods, but they make so much more sense. Thank you!

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    1. Oh, I’m so happy that you found the post useful! It really is so easy and you can remove the rods in a flash if you change your mind. I actually have another skirted table in my basement and I used ring clips on that one. It makes the fabric easier to move if you plan on using it for storage. Here’s the link in case you’re interested.
      http://www.exquisitelyunremarkable.com/2014/11/ring-clip-skirted-table-easy-diy.html

      Thanks for letting me know that you liked the idea! It means a great deal.

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  22. hi dear, I thought about the rings for the one in my craft room but didn't like the gaps showing. I put cup hooks under the table and hung the rod on them and that did away with the gaps for people to see my "junk"

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    1. Lois, that is a genius idea! Thank you so much for sharing it with us. I love having options and this is a great one! I am going to share it on my Exquisitely Unremarkable Facebook page! :) I hope you visit again!

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  23. Your little table turned out super cute! I love the color of the fabric with the dark table top. Brilliant idea of using the tension rods, super easy to change it up later.

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    1. Thanks so much! I didn't want to damage the wood, so tension rods seemed like the perfect way to go!!

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  24. This is so cute. you are so talented.
    Maria

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  25. I have a round glass table that I want to put a skirt on, any suggestions on what to use for it being round?

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    1. Gail, is it all glass? Is there any part of the table that you could apply a velcro strip to...does it have a metal or wooden frame? I have another tutorial where I use velcro tape to attach fabric to glass cabinets. The same tactic could work for a skirt, as long as there is a place to adhere the velcro. You can peek here: https://www.exquisitelyunremarkable.com/2015/03/creating-charm-with-fabric.html Hope that helps. If you have a picture of the table, you can post it on my Exquisitely Unremarkable facebook page and perhaps someone else will have a crafty fix! 😊

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  26. Love your love for Red. Your home is so welcoming. I always enjoy your emails I receive. Keep up the interesting projects and remember to have fun doing it.
    Thank you Louise

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    1. Thank you so much, Louise! You just made my day!! ☺️

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