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.
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Between posts on my website, I document my life on Instagram. You can follow along with me there.
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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
Posted by: Charlotta | January 18, 2010 at 08:08 AM
It's gorgeous, thanks for sharing the directions.
Posted by: Jennifer | January 18, 2010 at 08:16 AM
Love it in the book. Love it here. Thanks for sharing. ~Kelly
unDeniably Domestic
Posted by: Kelly | January 18, 2010 at 08:51 AM
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!
Posted by: Sian | January 18, 2010 at 09:43 AM
well that's just happy and fun! Thanks for the tip, I think I'll use that one in my shabby shack.
Posted by: Heather | January 18, 2010 at 10:03 AM
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! ;)
Posted by: V and Co. | January 18, 2010 at 04:00 PM
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!
Posted by: tasha | January 18, 2010 at 04:31 PM
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.
Posted by: Monica | January 18, 2010 at 05:01 PM
I love how you share your tricks. Great covering! ~Mindy
Posted by: Mindy | January 18, 2010 at 05:38 PM
Love this! I am learning so much from your blog. Thanks!
Posted by: Jessica Star | January 18, 2010 at 10:07 PM
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!!!
Posted by: Pat | January 20, 2010 at 05:35 AM
Love it! I have been planning on doing this to an old table on my porch. I love the polka dots.
Posted by: Mermaid Debbie | January 20, 2010 at 07:05 AM
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
Posted by: Lisa | February 08, 2010 at 06:55 AM
This is such a good idea. It looks so shabby chic! THanks for sharing!
Posted by: Liz from Paperbella | February 17, 2010 at 05:28 AM
I remembered this idea from your book and post. Thanks for the inspiration, as always: http://oldlib.blogspot.com/2010/04/gingham-happy.html
Posted by: Elizabeth | April 22, 2010 at 05:25 AM