Do you have an old folding table that is starting to show its age? Are you looking for a way to give it new life without investing in a costly replacement? You’re not alone. Folding tables, especially when used outdoors or as temporary seating, can endure considerable wear and tear over the years, which can diminish their aesthetics.
Fortunately, there are many simple ways you can transform your tired-looking folding table into something attractive enough to be proudly displayed in your home.
In this blog post, we’ll explore some great ideas about how to make a folding table look nice. From upcycling decorative covers to using the tabletop’s surface as part of the décor by hanging art or displaying plants – we’ll help you find creative methods to revitalize any tired old piece of furniture!
What Will You Need?
Whether you’re looking to simply spruce up your folding table or give it a complete makeover, some basic supplies will be necessary for various techniques, depending on how ambitious your plan to get these items can range from adhesive tape and wall-safe hooks to fabric and paint.
Below is a list of supplies that may come in handy for how to make a folding table look nice:
- Scrap fabric, paint, or adhesive paper
- Paintbrushes and foam rollers
- Wall-safe hooks/adhesive tape (for displaying art)
- Shelf liner/decorative paper
- Decorative covers (tablecloths, runners, etc.)
- Plants/planters (for a natural feel)
By having these supplies on hand before you begin, you’ll be in an excellent position to transform your folding table from shabby to chic!
Now that we have our materials together let’s make a folding table look nice!
10 Easy Steps on How to Make a Folding Table Look Nice
Step 1. Clean the Table Surface:
Before you get started, give your table a good cleaning. A damp cloth should do the trick. Be careful not to use any harsh chemicals or cleaners that could potentially damage the surface of your table.
Step 2. Cover Up with Decorative Fabric:
If you’re looking for a simple way to make your folding table look nice, covering it up with fabric or another decorative covering is an easy solution. You can choose any type of material you like, from tablecloths to runners. There are even some adhesive fabric covers that can be easily applied to the surface of your table.
Step 3. Use Wall-Safe Hooks or Adhesive Tape:
For a more decorative approach, use wall-safe hooks or adhesive tape to hang artwork or photographs on the surface of your folding table. This is an especially great idea if you’re looking to make a folding table look nice in a kid’s bedroom! Moreover, the artwork can be easily changed or updated to suit changing tastes or aesthetics.
Step 4. Paint the Folding Table:
For those willing to get their hands dirty and put in some elbow grease, painting your folding table is another option for making the folding table look nice. Choose any type of paint that fits your aesthetic and get creative – you can even add patterned designs to the table if you’re feeling ambitious! Don’t forget to use a foam roller or brush for even coverage.
Step 5. Use Shelf Liner or Decorative Paper:
If painting isn’t your thing, line the top of your folding table with a shelf liner or decorative paper for a more subtle effect. This is great if you plan to use it as a workspace and need something that won’t distract from whatever activity you might be doing. If the paper gets dirty, you can easily replace it with something new.
Step 6. Add Plants/Planters:
To make a folding table look nice in an outdoor setting, adding plants or planters can be a great way to bring nature into the space while brightening up the area at the same time. Choose plants that are suitable for full sun or partial shade, depending on how much light your folding table receives.
Step 7. Hang Lighting:
To make a folding table look nice at night, consider hanging strings of lights around the perimeter for an extra bit of ambiance. This looks especially great in outdoor settings and can add a beautiful touch to any event you may be hosting! You can even hang lights directly from the table’s surface for an extra unique look.
Step 8. Add Accessories:
Adding accessories such as tablecloths, placemats, and napkin holders brings personality to your folding table while also protecting it from scratches and spills.
It’s important to opt for items that are easy to clean if you plan on using them outdoors or in other high-traffic areas. These can also be swapped out easily to fit whatever occasion or season you may be hosting.
Step 9. Accessorize with Candles:
Candles are a great way to add warmth and romance to make a folding table look nice. Choose ones that fit the aesthetic of your space, and be sure not to leave them unattended, as they can pose a fire hazard. Another great option is to use battery-operated candles, as they still have the same warm glow without the danger of an open flame.
Step 10. Use Decorative Storage Boxes:
Decorative storage boxes can be used to store items such as craft supplies, books, or whatever else you may need while keeping a folding table look nice. Be sure to choose boxes matching your overall theme so it all can tie together nicely! This is a great way to make your folding table both practical and stylish.
By following these simple steps, you’ll have no trouble making your folding table look nice and stylish. Whether you’re looking for something more subtle or decorative, plenty of options are available to suit whatever aesthetic you may be going for. With a little creativity and effort, your folding table will soon become the centerpiece of any room!
5 Additional Tips and Tricks
- 1. Add a Tablecloth or Runner. Adding a cloth such as a tablecloth or a runner is a great way to make your folding table look nice. This can instantly add color and texture, providing an easy way to clean up any spills quickly.
- 2. Use Decorative Accents. Placing items such as vases, candles, books, or sculptures on the table will help bring it alive and make it look more inviting. Choose pieces that match your existing decor for a cohesive look, or use bold colors and patterns to create contrast.
- 3. Hang Art Above the Table. Hanging artwork above the folding table will draw attention away from its plainness and instead focus on how you have decorated the space around it. Consider hanging framed prints, a mirror, or even a tapestry.
- 4. Install a Lighting Fixture Above the Table. Installing pendant lights or any other type of light fixture will add extra illumination and make your folding table look more attractive. Choose fixtures that match your existing decor for an elevated aesthetic.
- 5. Bring the Outdoors Inside. Incorporating natural elements such as plants, flowers, and stones can give your folding table an organic feel and bring life to the space around it. If you’re not able to bring in live plants, consider using faux greenery instead – it looks just as good!
- By following these simple tips, you can spruce up your folding table and make it look nicer than ever! With a few simple touches, your table will be the envy of all your guests.
5 Things You Should Avoid
- Don’t skip important steps like sanding or staining. Taking shortcuts when it comes to preparing the surface of your folding table will only result in an uneven, splotchy look that can be hard to fix.
- Don’t forget to use a protective sealant on the finished product. Without a sealant, your folding table could suffer from water damage and permanent discoloration over time.
- Don’t forget about cleaning up any messes as soon as possible after they occur! This will help you prevent stains from setting into the surface of your folding table, making it difficult to remove them later on.
- Avoid harsh chemicals and abrasive cleaners when trying to clean up spills and messes. These can damage the surface of your folding table, leading to discoloration or warping.
- Don’t place hot items directly on top of a folding table without any kind of protection in between them. This could cause warping and other permanent damage that is difficult to fix.
Following these simple tips will help you keep your folding table looking great for years to come!
Conclusion
Times have changed, but folding tables have been around for decades, and the truth is that they still provide the same useful purpose: convenience and versatility. With a little creativity, you can also make them look nice.
Remember to use some of the tips discussed in this article on how to make a folding table look nice. Such as adding a tablecloth or runner, using decorative accents, and hanging art above the table.
With these simple touches, your folding table will look just as nice as any other type of table. You’ll never need to worry about catching up (or at least keeping up) with your contemporaries when it comes to having a great-looking space!
