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Wednesday, February 10, 2010

You Have To Love A Skirt!!


I realize that a lot of people don't like skirted tables.  They were so over done in the eighties which is why they have left a bad impression in some people's decorating pschy.  I do, however love  a well dressed table.  I think they can add a soft touch to a room.  Sometimes it can bring an elegance or whimsy and sometimes it can make a room look handsome and sophisticated.  It is another way to bring pattern and texture into a room. I have had a picture of Brunschwig and Fils in my design inspiration folder for years. It is tailored with just a few very large pleats and it adds such a sophisticated look to a room.  Someday, I am going to have my seamstress make it for me.  I will place it  on my dining room table where right now I have a full length table skirt by Ballard in a white quilted diamond pattern.  I have had mine for several years and it washes up beautifully.  They are actually cheaper now than they use to be.  They also come in burlap for all of you that love the look of burlap that is so popular right now.  The 108" is only $69, that will cover a 48" round table to the floor. Not a bad price and a great way to update a table you might not be too happy with at the moment.

 
My 108" tablecloth from Ballard
  
                          

Now I would like to show you how lovely some table skirts can look and how they add to a room.
This half round table top has been covered with a handsome, very large pleated skirt and is being used as a console table.  Can you just imagine all the stuff you could hide under this skirt?

This is just pretty.  A floral is made less fussy by using larger pleats on this dressing table.

A skirt even makes this simple little sink look much better.

This homeowner took skirting to a very casual level using a shoe lace method on the sides. Pretty clever!

This is one of my favorite looks using a Greek Key pattern. I am still contemplating using this somewhere in my home.

This is not an acutal skirt, but a table cloth with a flirty scallop by Katrin Cargil. I just had to show this to you.

This is so handsome!  It is in the San Francisco apartment of up and coming desinger Grant K. Gibson He is so talented , be sure and visit his blog.  This skirt is so tailored and I love the trim on the bottom.  See how a table skirt can change a room and even its function.  This is being used as a bar, however, it could just as well be a console with lamps on it.

Jan Showers chose to use a tailored skirt to cover a table in this beautifully appointed room.

I know it is bold, but it is black and white stripes!!! My favorite.

Designer John Saladino

Another console skirted table. Notice the wide band at the bottom?  I really like this look.

Another pretty dressing table.  This skirt is lush with gathers out of a fun striped silk.

This is done by designer Tom Scherer.  I am not an orange girl, but the design of this table with each pleat being trimmed out is a wonderful look.  This is just an overall great looking foyer. I love that wallpaper in the background.

Last, but not least, is my wonderful friend Eddie Ross' bathroom sink skirted.  you have to see the "before" on his blog - what a wonderful transformation.  Look a Greek Key hand towel in gray. Classic at its best and budget friendly.  This is what I love about Eddie. He can make something look like it cost so much more, but on a budget.

I hope that you can now see how a skirted table can take on so many personalities.  There are so many options.  Do you think a skirted table could add to your rooms decor?

"Enjoy the Process" Of:  Adding a table skirt to your room.

Kathysue

23 comments:

Allie and Pattie said...

I agree that the 80s were a disaster for the skirted look, but how elegant these are! I love the softness they add and as a textile lover, I find it a great way to showcase a fabulous fabric. Great examples!
xoxo Pattie

Lynn said...

These table skirts are beautiful! I love using table skirts in my decor.. as it adds a certain beauty to any room.. Thank you so much for sharing!

Blessings,
~Lynn

Kim @ Savvy Southern Style said...

I love all the skirts, but I like the scalloped tablecloth the best I think...Kim

Foley said...

Honestly, hadn't given a thought to table skirts until your post. I love the tailored pleated ones...the best part was the ability to "hide" things underneath them!!

Heather said...

These are so pretty! I like the wide band at the bottom of one and also the greek key.

Tricia said...

I love skirted tables and especially those with pleats. Love Eddie's sink skirt, his tutorial on that was great~ almost made me think I could do it too!

Blondie's Journal said...

I love the pleats, they add a bit more formality...

xoxo
Jane

La Dolfina said...

Did you say some people don't like skirted tables??
What?
I love them...
How could you not after what you've just shown us?
Another great post Kathysue!!!!!
~xo always

Marty@A Stroll Thru Life said...

Kathysue, you always find the best pictures and examples of what you are talking about. I love skirted tables. I love your dining room, I think it is just perfect and without the tableskirt and the slipcovered chairs, it wouldn't look the same at all. So beautifully done. Hugs, Marty

Room Service ~ Decorating 101 said...

I tend to be skirtless, but these pictures could get me to change my mind...

Sue said...

I like the look of a tablecloth on a dining table...but a skirted bedroom table or occasional table tends to remind me of my grandmother's house. Maybe I need to get over that!

Sue

Bargain Decorating with Laurie said...

Kathysue, I love table skirts (whether they are in or out). They are a huge reason that I wish I could sew. I think I'd have so many different table skirts if I could whip one up on the sewing machine. These are such beautiful examples. laurie

Grant K. Gibson said...

Thanks so much Kathysue!
I loved the post and loved reading about your other examples (and my own too)!

Grant K. Gibson

Acanthus and Acorn said...

This is a great collection of table skirts. They do seem to be popping up a lot these days. I have always been a fan, even if it's just for certain occasions.

Kathysue said...

Grant it is so nice to see you here, glad you came by and thank you for your wonderful inspirational picture. Kathysue

Reichel Broussard said...

Hey Kathysue! Lovingn the greek key one AND the laced one. Gorgeous eye candy :) You, Terri, Sarah & I should meet up for the next Antique Fair since we missed meeting up for the WES! We can start up the East Bay Blogger's crew that I've keep rambling about :)

Kristens Creations said...

Hi Kathysue, what beautiful inspiration pictures! I could probably use a skirted table somewhere...now you have got me thinking.
Thanks for checking out my tables and new chess set. Your right...there is something about them that is fasinating. Kristen

xinex said...

I like them when simple trimmings are added. Thanks for helping me welcome my grandon, KathySue. And yes, I am a very happy grandma...Christine

Verdigris Vie said...

Oh how I love the box pleat tables and ottomans - So polished !! So perfect.. Wondeful post KathySue

Vitania

Kat said...

I would have said that I would avoid a skirted table like the plague, but those pleated ones have changed my mind! So clean and modern looking. If I could just figure out how to keep Miss Sax from running underneath and covering it with cat hair! Kathy

Unknown said...
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Ms. Pammy said...

This is my new FAVORITE blog.

Linda @ theLENNOXX said...

Wow thank you so much for this link Kathysue! Great minds think alike, huh? Love the examples you showed in this post, I haven't seen any of them before =D

Have a great day!

xo Linda