Skirted Tables Are Making a Comeback: Here's How to Make Them Modern

When you think of skirted furniture, you might picture a '90s-era living room, but the decorating style has been seen in homes for centuries. Today's interior design trends involve a heavy focus on minimalist or neutral spaces, but one could argue this aesthetic easily leans toward boring. Fortunately, there are ways to infuse personality into your home without going full grandmillenial.

Skirted tables are trending again, and they're one of the easiest—and least expensive—ways to upgrade your living room, bedroom, or entryway. If you're worried about making your space look dated, we've got you. See how to incorporate a skirted table into your modern home decor, and learn how to make your own instead of buying one for an update that's easy on your wallet.

Why Skirted Tables Are Trending Right Now

Tables, as well as chairs, ottomans, sofas, and even bed frames, have been adorned with fabric skirts since the 17th century. Wealthy Europeans covered much of their homes, including their furniture, in fabric as a status symbol. This practice continued throughout the 18th and 19th centuries, with the fabric becoming more ornate and coordinating with walls and window treatments. Skirted furniture can be found in eras like Regency (à la Bridgerton), Georgian, Neoclassical, and Victorian, when opulence was all the rage.

Furniture became simpler and more streamlined in the 20th century (midcentury modern style is a prime example), so skirted furniture took a backseat. However, due to its elegant and classic appeal, it’s no surprise that we’re witnessing its revival. As people grow tired of bland beige rooms with minimal decor, skirted tables, in particular, are popping up on Instagram and Pinterest feeds. Tables are a more subtle and less expensive way to infuse texture and visual interest than shelling out for a new sofa or reupholstering an armchair. A small side table isn’t a big commitment and won’t overwhelm a room like a skirted couch might.

Benefits of Adding a Skirted Table to Your Home

Not only can a traditional skirted table blend beautifully with a modern aesthetic, there are some additional perks to having one (or more!) in your home. 

They're appropriate for any space: A skirted table will be welcomed in a foyer, at the base of a staircase, next to your bed, or anywhere else you wish to add a little flair. The top of the table can be styled as a vignette in the case of a decorated console table or serve a function as an entryway drop zone.

The skirt provides hidden storage: Place items you need access to but don’t necessarily want to look at underneath the table skirt. Workout equipment, dog toys, crafting supplies, and more can be stashed away without cluttering the room.

Glass tops make cleaning a breeze: If your skirted table has a glass top, spills can be wiped up without worrying about a stain. Even without one, the fabric can be easily washed and the table underneath will stay in mint condition.

They add texture and softness to any space: A skirted table is a simple way to counter more structured or leggy furniture pieces. Bonus points for a skirt with pleats, ruffles, or fringe details.

Easily style for the seasons: Rather than stressing about decking out your home as the seasons change, swap out the skirt’s color and material to fit the vibe. Try lightweight fabrics in pastel colors and floral prints for spring and a heavier one in a jewel tone or plaid pattern once the temperatures cool.

How to Make a Skirted Table

Switching out your table’s skirt can be done if you make it yourself instead of buying one. Which you can totally do, especially if you’re not crafty in the sewing department. But it’s not an overly complex DIY project, and it’s much more cost-effective. If you’re up to the challenge, here’s how you can design your custom-skirted table:

Step 1: Choose a Table

Skirted tables can be round, square, or rectangular, so pick the best shape for the space you plan to use it. Size also matters greatly since you’ll need to know the exact measurements when you pick out the fabric. Feel free to use a table that you already own (and, perhaps, were ready to put to the curb) or go on a thrifting adventure to find one that fits your vision.

Step 2: Choose Your Fabric and Skirt Style

Decide on the color and pattern (if any) and whether you want the skirt gathered, pleated, or straight. Remember, you can always change out the fabric whenever your heart desires. Carefully measure the table’s height on all sides plus the table top’s circumference (if round) or width and length (if square or rectangular). Cut the fabric one to two inches longer than needed for hemming purposes. If you plan to make a pleated or gathered skirt, double or triple the top’s measurements so you have enough material. If you’re content with the simple look of a straight skirt, consider finding a tablecloth in the size you need and skip to step five.

Step 3: Hem and Sew the Skirt

Use your sewing machine to hem the bottom of the skirt around the edge. To make a gathered skirt, sew a basting stitch along the edge of the fabric where it meets the table, and then pull the thread and ruffle to your liking. For pleated skirts, including box pleats, fold the fabric at even widths and sew each pleat at the top.

Step 4: Add the Skirt to Your Table

Drape the fabric over the table and make sure all sides hang evenly. If you have a piece of glass available, add it to the tabletop. You can also use velcro or double-sided fabric tape around the edge of the table to secure the skirt better but still remove it easily when it’s time to wash it or change it out.