Furniture and Furnishings - Mismatching side table... Need ideas

Hi there,

My husband and I just moved into a new house and are trying to get things settled in. My question is about a medium reddish brown side table that we have. It no longer matches the decor we have in our study, but the size of it is perfect for my needs. It slides behind one of our lounge chairs and allows me extra space for my printer and phone. It is just tall enough to fit my computer tower and extra harddrives beneath it.

It is not incredibly visible since it does slide behind the chair as I mentioned before, but it drives me nuts that it doesn't match the rest of the decor. Everything else in the room is expresso or black wood. I am trying to find a way to allow the table to blend into the room better. I thought about getting a table cloth that would go to the floor, but I cannot find such a thing for a small rectangular side table. I don't have much experience with sewing, so I'm not sure that I would even know where to start trying to make one myself. The table seems to me as if it is finished. The finish is shinny and possibly water protected. Any ideas on how to unify the room a little more?

Thanks

Tania

If you do not like the color, paint it. It seems you prefer espresso or black.

can you just paint over finished wood? I did not think so.

Clean thoroughly. Sand, prime, and paint. For more detailed discussion re: painting, there are experts on the Painting Forum.

Thanks, I will keep this in mind. I guess I was hoping for a less permanent solution, which is why I was leaning towards some kind of table cloth/skirt/cover.

But I'll add this to the list of possibilities.

Fabric tablecloths come in both retangular and square and in multiple sizes. Measure the length and width of table. Measure height of table. Add 2 x height to length and 2 x height to width to determine dimensions needed for tablecloth. Purchase a tablecloth in desired color or pattern in size closest to the square or rectangle needed. If hemming is needed, there is iron on hemming tape available at sewing supply stores.

Take a look here at how simple the handstitching of the hem stitch and the running stitch, both of which can be used to hem.

Go to Linens 'n Things - Product Guides (http://www.lnt.com/sm-tablecloth-size-chart--bg-1367712.html) to see the most common table cloth sizes. Keep in mind that dining table height is likely higher than your table height, so take that into consideration. But, the tablecloth sizes listed are pretty standard.

Fabrics come in many widths, so you would have to check the bolt at the fabric store if you are considering a piece of fabric. You can use iron on hemming tape.

Depending on decor, you can become creative. Perhaps you already have something on hand. Grandma's over-size crochet doily, a baby quilt, coverlet, couch throw, etc. A thin soft rug, embroidered shawl, or that decorative couch throw. There is no rule for what to use on a decorative table or that it has to reach the floor or do so evenly on all sides like the covers for the little round tables. Cover can even billow or be tucked under.

Thank you so much for your feedback, you've been very helpful!