Types of Table Skirting
A Guide to Table Skirt Styles, Designs, and Practicality
The table skirt is making a stylish return, offering both functionality and elegance to your home decor. Gone are the days of old-fashioned ruffles and excessive fringe; today’s table skirts are sleek, tailored, and versatile enough to fit any room, from dining areas to bedrooms. This guide covers the various types of table skirting and how to use them to enhance your space.
What is Table Skirting?
Table skirting refers to a piece of fabric draped over a table, typically extending to the floor. It serves to soften hard surfaces, introduce texture and pattern, and often conceal storage space beneath the table. Skirting can be applied to a wide variety of tables—whether it’s a skirted side table, console table skirt, or even a skirted round table for your dining room.
Importance of Table Skirting
Beyond its aesthetic appeal, table skirting provides several functional benefits. It offers hidden storage by covering the space under the table, which is especially useful in smaller rooms. The addition of fabric also softens the overall look of a room, balancing hard materials such as wood, glass, or metal. Whether you choose a round skirted table or a rectangular skirted table, this element adds a touch of elegance and charm to any space.
Types of Table Skirting
There are several different styles of table skirts, each offering a unique look. The type of skirt you choose will depend on your decor style, the purpose of the table, and the level of formality or casualness you want to convey. Let’s explore the most common types of table skirts in detail.
1. Box Pleated Skirts
Box pleated skirts are one of the most popular choices for a tailored, structured look. This design features pleats that are folded inward at regular intervals around the skirt, creating a sharp, clean line. The pleats add depth and dimension without overwhelming the room, making them perfect for spaces that require elegance and formality.
Best For: Formal dining rooms, traditional living spaces, and skirted entry tables where a polished, elegant appearance is desired.
Design Tip: Pair box pleated skirts with heavier fabrics such as linen or velvet for a luxurious feel. Adding trim or piping to the pleats can further enhance the look. Secure the skirt with table clips or table cloth clamps for a neat finish.
2. Gathered Skirts
Gathered table skirts have a more casual, romantic feel. The fabric is gathered or bunched at the top, creating soft, flowing lines as it cascades to the floor. This style adds a touch of whimsy and works well in both rustic and informal settings.
Best For: Cottage-style homes, casual dining areas, and bedrooms. Gathered skirts are also ideal for creating a soft, romantic atmosphere in spaces such as a round skirted side table or beside a cozy armchair.
Design Tip: Choose lightweight fabrics such as cotton or muslin for a relaxed, airy look. A floral or gingham pattern can add to the charm of a gathered skirt, making it a perfect fit for more informal, country-inspired spaces.
3. Tailored or Flat Panel Skirts
For those who prefer a minimalistic and clean aesthetic, tailored or flat panel skirts are the way to go. These skirts have no pleats or gathers and are instead made of flat panels of fabric that hang straight down. This creates a sleek, streamlined appearance that works well in contemporary or modern interiors.
Best For: Modern homes, minimalistic spaces, or any room where simplicity is key. A tailored skirt can add sophistication without drawing too much attention to itself, and it's an excellent choice for a skirted desk or skirted bedside table.
Design Tip: Opt for solid, neutral fabrics in shades like white, gray, or beige for a truly understated, modern look. Use table skirt clips to keep the skirt in place and ensure a clean, seamless finish.
4. Fringed Skirts
Fringed skirts take a more decorative approach, adding a sense of luxury and opulence. These skirts typically feature a layer of fringe along the bottom edge or throughout the fabric, giving the table a textural element that stands out.
Best For: Glamorous interiors, bohemian spaces, or rooms where you want a bit of vintage flair. Fringed skirts can work well as statement pieces in otherwise neutral rooms, like a skirted console or skirted table cover.
Design Tip: Use velvet or brocade fabrics to enhance the dramatic effect of a fringed skirt. Rich, jewel-toned colors like emerald green or deep purple pair beautifully with fringe to create a striking, opulent look.
Table Skirt Designs and Fabric Choices
Once you’ve chosen the style of skirt, the next step is selecting the right fabric and design to complement your room. The beauty of table skirts lies in their ability to be customized to fit any decor. Whether you’re looking for something casual or formal, bold or neutral, there’s a fabric and design that can suit your needs.
Fabric Selection
Linen: Ideal for tailored and box pleated skirts, linen provides a crisp, elegant appearance. It’s a great choice for formal spaces but can also add casual sophistication in lighter colors.
Cotton: Lightweight and breathable, cotton is perfect for gathered skirts and more casual settings. It’s versatile and can be easily dressed up or down depending on the color or pattern.
Velvet: For a luxurious look, velvet is an excellent option. This heavier fabric adds depth and richness, making it perfect for box pleats or fringed designs in more formal settings.
Muslin: A more casual, budget-friendly fabric, muslin works well for laid-back gathered skirts or as an underlayer for more complex designs.
Brocade and Damask: If you’re aiming for a more traditional or opulent look, brocade and damask fabrics are ideal for creating intricate, detailed table skirts. They often come in rich patterns and textures that can add drama to any room.
Plastic Skirts: Affordable and practical, especially for outdoor events, plastic table skirts like the black table skirt, white plastic table skirt, or even pink table skirt offer a temporary yet stylish solution for parties or picnics.
Design Patterns and Colors
Solid Colors: Simple, solid-colored table skirts can bring a sense of calm and uniformity to a space. Neutrals like beige, gray, and white are timeless choices that blend well with most design styles. A white table skirt or disposable table skirts can be used for casual or formal settings.
Bold Patterns: For a more playful or daring approach, opt for bold patterns like stripes, ikat, florals, or geometric designs. These patterns can instantly liven up a space and become the focal point of the room.
Seasonal Fabrics: Table skirts offer a fantastic opportunity to switch up your decor with the seasons. Choose lighter fabrics and pastel colors in spring and summer, while opting for heavier materials and richer colors in fall and winter.
Customization and DIY Ideas
With the variety of fabrics, colors, and designs available, custom table skirts are a great way to personalize your space. From a skirted round table for your dining room to a console table cloth in your living area, the possibilities are endless. Explore diy table skirt ideas to create your own unique look using table skirt cloth or plastic skirts for an affordable yet stylish transformation.
Versatility and Functionality of Table Skirts
Table skirts are incredibly versatile and can be used in multiple ways throughout the home. Beyond their decorative appeal, they serve as functional solutions for hidden storage, particularly in smaller spaces where maximizing every inch of space is important.
Common Uses for Table Skirts
Dining Tables: A skirted dining table can add elegance and charm to your dining room, while also creating a soft, inviting space for guests.
Side Tables: Perfect for living rooms or bedrooms, skirted side tables can hide books, electronics, or other household items, keeping the space looking tidy.
Entry Tables: A round skirted table in the entryway creates an inviting focal point as soon as guests enter your home.
Console Tables: Skirted console tables provide both style and storage, often used to hide unsightly cords, storage boxes, or other items.
Types of Tables to Skirt
Table skirting ideas aren’t limited to dining or entry tables. You can create a skirted round table, a round skirted side table, or even a skirted table base for a unique look. Try experimenting with a plastic skirt for outdoor settings or disposable events. For easy installation, use table cloth clamps or table clips to secure the fabric in place.
Elevate Your Space with the ehomemart’s Perfect Table Skirting
Whether you're looking to add a touch of elegance to your dining area, create hidden storage with style, or enhance your event setup, the right table skirting can transform any space. From tailored pleats to gathered skirts, and from luxurious fabrics to practical plastic table skirts, the possibilities are endless. For every occasion—whether a formal dining setup or an outdoor gathering—you can find the ideal skirting solution at eHomemart.com. With a wide selection of table skirts, including custom table skirts, plastic table skirts, and buffet table skirting designs, eHomemart.com provides the quality and variety needed to create a polished and inviting space, no matter the style or event.
Frequently Asked Questions
How to Make Table Skirting?
To make table skirting, measure your table and select the fabric. Cut the fabric to fit, allowing extra for pleats or gathers. Hem the edges, then use table cloth clips or table skirt clips to attach the fabric to the table securely.
What is Swag Table Skirting?
Swag table skirting is a decorative style where fabric is draped in loops, creating a sweeping effect. It’s often used for formal events and adds a luxurious touch to the table.
What is the Definition of Table Skirting?
Table skirting refers to fabric that is used to cover the sides of a table, typically in a decorative fashion, reaching down to the floor.
Where to Buy Table Skirting
You can purchase a variety of table skirts, including disposable table skirts, plastic table skirts, and white table skirts, from various retailers. One great place to explore is eHomemart.com, where you’ll find an extensive selection of custom table skirts and buffet table skirting designs to fit any occasion or decor style. For outdoor use, try the white plastic table and secure the fabric with table cloth clamps or table clips.
