One of my favorite pieces of classic design is the skirted table. They can be round, rectangular, or even octagonal. Depending on the scale, they can function as side tables, entry tables, dining tables, or bedside tables, and they always soften up a space. The best part? It doesn’t matter what the table itself looks like so you can splurge on a gorgeous fabric. Did I mention they’re also a wonderful storage solution? Below, I’ve rounded up some of my very favorite skirted tables for a little decorating inspiration. Above, a pretty floral skirted table (low how the pink tape trim pops!) in a dining room by Shelley Johnstone.
A red skirted table in the Hamptons beach house of investor Christopher Burch. I’m guessing there is a small hole in the top of the skirt hat allows the table lamp cord to be hidden.
A blue and white skirted table in Aerin Lauder’s room. How fabulous is that bullion trim?! The look is completed with inexpensive bamboo folding chairs, a fabulous coral chandelier, and the designer’s own spongeware pitcher.
This beautiful library is in Janet de Botton’s home in the South of France. It was published by Vogue back in 2004 and still tugs at my heartstrings. I love the double layered skirt and large lantern. Photographed by François Halard.
Los Angeles-based designer Mark D. Sikes often uses custom skirted tables in his projects. In this entry he’s left the corners loose for a more casual feel (rather than adding a more formal tailored pleat).
Tory Burch’s Manhattan home has one of the most enviable skirted round tables in the book. I love the orange stripes and long tassel trim. Her imari porcelain collection is the cherry on top.
In this bright sun room by Jenny Wolfe Interiors a classic blue and white chinoiserie fabric was used. My favorite touch is the fun white fringe. You may recall the same space decked out for Christmas.
In textile designer Carolina Irving’s Paris apartment textiles are frequently draped over tables. This informal style fits her bohemian aesthetic perfectly. Irving’s green ikat fabric above is one of my all-time favorites.
Here is a simple damask skirt in a room by Alessandra Branca. The four stools positioned around the table are a nice touch, as is the large lantern above.
In this foyer by Mark D. Sikes a blue and green octagonal table looks crisp and classic. He’s added interest by varying the widths of the tape trim. Who doesn’t love preppy pleats and stripes?
Decorator Sam Allen has an opulent Hermes orange skirted table in his home. I’m also in love with his green wall color, quartz votive holder, and chinoiserie mirror.
In Mark Sikes’ own home he had (it’s since been redecorated) a gorgeous chocolate brown table skirt with pleats.
In Ware M. Porter‘s New Orleans dining room an octagonal table is covered in a timeless blue and white China Seas fabric. Explore more of his fabulous home and store here.
In this entrance hall, designer Jeffrey Bilhuber used a rectangular table skirted in a custom fabric by John Robshaw.
Furlow Gatewood also used a John Robshaw textile to cover a table in his home. The blue striped rug, wicker seating, and abundant greenery make for a most handsome sun room.
In this space by designer Christopher Nutter a crisp blue and white rectangular skirted console steals the show. The chinoiserie wallpaper and scalloped lantern don’t hurt either.
Tom Scheerer designed this the front hall and its skirted octagonal center table. The skirt was made in shrimp Oxford cloth from Baily & Griffin and the walls are covered in Lyford Lattice wallpaper by Quadrille.
Aerin Lauder’s bold, blue dining room has a large round table with a fabulous floral skirt (looks like it could be a William Morris print).
More buillon fringe on this vibrant pink console skirt by Paloma Contreras. Can we also talk about those ikat lampshades? Right up my alley.
In this bedroom by Mark D. Sikes, a round skirted table acts as a nightstand. I love how the blue and white fabric has been finished with tape trim and what looks to be Samuel & Sons Harbour Serpentine Braid. It’s all about the details! If you’re interested in investing in a skirted table for your own home below are some of my favorites:
What a fabulous roundup! I’ve been considering a skirted side table for my formal living room and this totally sold it! Thank you for the great inspiration :)
Libbi – Hooray! Love hearing this. Keep me posted on how your living room design goes—that’s so exciting! xo
Elegant and timeless
Paquerette – Miss you guys! Hugs from Denmark! xoxo
Can you recommend sources for round table skirts sans the table?
Michelle – Pottery Barn, Williams Sonoma, and Etsy all have round table skirts! Etsy is a favorite option because you can often order a custom skirt with the exact fabric and length you need. Hope this helps!
Thank you for this post! Such lovely stuff here. Another resource that you can check out for round table skirts is Saffron Marigold ; they the most beautiful block printed round tablecloths that would make gorgeous table skirts!