Table Covering

So many of you have contacted me in regards to the covering on my kitchen table.

My table, featured on page 140 of The Farm Chicks in the Kitchen, has been in our home since Colin and I were married.  And after many years of use, it began to show some wear.  But rather than replacing it, I decided to cover it with oilcloth.  Here are my directions, as described in the book:

1. Spread oilcloth over the top of the table, right side up.  Using the table contour as a guide, make sure the pattern is centered nicely; weight the cloth with bowls or books to keep it in position.

2. Cut the oilcloth to size, allowing an overhang on all edges that is long enough to wrap around the edge and staple to the underside of the tabletop.  The overhang was approximately 2 inches for my table.

3. Using a hand held heavy-duty staple gun, attach the oilcloth to the underside of the tabletop.  First staple the middle of 2 opposite sides, then the middle of the remaining opposite sides, pulling the cloth taut.  Continue all around the tabletop, pulling the cloth taut while making sure the pattern remains straight and even.

Note: my favorite source for oilcloth is ebay.  There are a couple of ebay stores from the U.K. that sell adorable oilcloth that I love, and ship worldwide:

http://stores.shop.ebay.co.uk/tablecloth-co

http://myworld.ebay.co.uk/fabric-factory/

Cath Kidston is also another favorite source of mine for oilcloth, but the prices and shipping can be really expensive.

Image of my table was taken by the super wonderful John Granen.

Comments

[Elizabeth]

I remembered this idea from your book and post. Thanks for the inspiration, as always: http://oldlib.blogspot.com/2010/04/gingham-happy.html

[Liz from Paperbella]

This is such a good idea. It looks so shabby chic! THanks for sharing!

[Lisa]

Hi:

Just wondering about the Fabric Factory? I have sent several messages to them in regards to the oilcloth and if they will deliver to Canada and they have not replied. Do you have difficulty contacting them?

Thanks so much for your time,

Lisa

[Mermaid Debbie]

Love it! I have been planning on doing this to an old table on my porch. I love the polka dots.

[Pat]

this is a great idea - and thanks for the links to the oilcloths!! The patterns found locally are pretty boring! I have been thinking of redoing the d/r chairs with a bright and cheery oilcoth. Not the traditional look, I know - but I think it would be cute- and easy to keep clean!!!

[Jessica Star]

Love this! I am learning so much from your blog. Thanks!

[Mindy]

I love how you share your tricks. Great covering! ~Mindy

[Monica]

Actually I also sell this exact oilcloth in my etsy shop (if anyone is interested). My etsy shop is WarmandSunny.etsy.com. I just love oilcloth. There are so many possibilities that one can do with it.

[tasha]

i really love your table! i holding this idea close to my heart until i have something to use it for. think of the possibilities!

[V and Co.]

okay it's official i went and bought 4 yards of that red with white polka dot...and it's going to explode all over my house! thanks a lot! ;)

[Heather]

well that's just happy and fun! Thanks for the tip, I think I'll use that one in my shabby shack.

[Sian]

I love this idea! I really want to do it with my dining room table. I recently bought your book and I love it! The recipes are great and all the pictures and tips for creating vintage looking things. I love the American style recipes - cant wait to try out the cinnamon buns. I am from Wales, UK and love your blog & the farm chicks!

[Kelly]

Love it in the book. Love it here. Thanks for sharing. ~Kelly

unDeniably Domestic

[Jennifer]

It's gorgeous, thanks for sharing the directions.

[Charlotta]

Love it...we have a bright red Marimekko tablecloth which has been on the kitchen table for the past 3 years...it's treated cotton...not as ridged as oilcloth, but meets the same purpose.
Have a great day!
Char