If you are like me, you probably only use your dining room table twice a year...three times if you are lucky. Each time you use it, you need to put down a table cloth, but of course, also need a table pad underneath so that your table won't get damaged.When I looked in catalogs for table pads, I was shocked by the prices. Depending on the size of your table, they can cost over $200. It very well can be a great investment that you can use for many years to come, but at the time, I was definitely not willing to part with that much money for a table pad.
I went to Joann Fabrics , thinking they may have one of these table pads for less. When I asked someone at the store, she referred me to batting. Cotton batting can be used for quilts and crafts, but also works well under a table cloth. And the greatest part...it only cost me $1.99!
The batting at my local JoAnn Fabrics comes in two widths, 90 or 110 inches. (Sizes may vary at your local fabric store because according to the manufacturer, The Warm Company, the Natural Cotton Batting comes in 34", 45", 90" and 124" widths.)
You buy the batting by the yard, so depending on the length of your table, you most likely will only need to buy 1 yard! (This estimate is based on typical rectangular or oval shaped tables that are no more that 36 inches wide.)
Obviously, since this batting is not custom sized, you may have to do some cutting when you get it home, but remember, as long as your table cloth covers it, you are good to go! If need be, the batting can be hand washed with mild detergent and dried in a cool or warm dryer.
If this sounds too confusing or technical for you, but you need a table pad, I recommend going in to your local fabric store with your table dimensions and asking for cotton batting to fit your table dimensions as best as possible.
(Please note: if you go online to JoAnn Fabrics website, you can order batting, however, you will have to buy an entire bolt which is much more expensive and much more fabric than you need!)
Table photos courtesy of Pottery Barn.
2 comments:
It sounds great and affordable to use the batting to protect your wood table. My table expands to 110 inches so this will be an inexpensive way to protect my table. I only use it expaned about 4 times a year. Thanks for the great tip.
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