OT: Need a unique way to protect end tables.

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My wife and I just bought some vintage 50's tables for our living room and now we would like to protect them from our 11 month old and cats. These are in our only living space so we do know over time that they could get damaged and we both accept that. We ordered 1/4" glass for the round coffee table. However, glass is not an option on the end tables because of the arch in the front makes the need for a pattern which is very expensive and not worth it seeing the tables didn't cost us that much. So, we are looking for a unique way to protect them without breaking the bank.

I'm thinking that if I can get a 2'x3' scrap of cork flooring that it would be a very neat way to protect them. Especially if I can get a color.

Anyone have any good suggestions? Right now, the towels over them are fine but we really just want something more permanent.

Here are what they look like. As you can see there is an slight curve to the front and a piece of wood which holds the step in place.



Thanks for any suggestions!
Bill

[Paul F.]

I like the cork top idea... just be sure to put a layer of paper or felt between the cork and the wood.

How about making a plexiglass cover? In a pinch, a hacksaw, file and fine wet-or-dry paper can shape and put a decent finish on the edges (just wait until the very last to peel the paper off the sides).

Hope this helps!

[AlphaDog]

The flashbacks I get from looking at those are not pleasant.

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AlphaDog Wrote:
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> The flashbacks I get from looking at those are not
> pleasant.

Sorry about the unpleasant flashbacks... We are like therapy so you're allowed to tell us your issues....

Bill

[Ken Sp.]

What's up with the vintage luggage in the corner--I would protect that also.

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Ken Sp. Wrote:
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> What's up with the vintage luggage in the
> corner--I would protect that also.

These are MY tables... However, these are not MY photos... They are photos of the tables at the antique shop.

[Don Kiyoti]

Oooh Heywood Wakefield! Got for cheap you say? How much for that dresser back there? Where is this shop?

The cork would work but I'd be inclined to use tempered Masonite which could easily be cut to the shape of the tables, with a felt backing to protect the surface. Tempered Masonite is quite hard and durable and makes excellent desktops. It's dark brown in color which I think would be a nice contrast to the blonde (wheat?) finish of your tables.

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Don Kiyoti Wrote:
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> Oooh Heywood Wakefield! Got for cheap you say? How
> much for that dresser back there? Where is this
> shop?
>
> The cork would work but I'd be inclined to use
> tempered Masonite which could easily be cut to the
> shape of the tables, with a felt backing to
> protect the surface. Tempered Masonite is quite
> hard and durable and makes excellent desktops.
> It's dark brown in color which I think would be a
> nice contrast to the blonde (wheat?) finish of
> your tables.


The dresser was a deal @ what I believe was $800.00 and a the dresser w/ mirror was $850ish...

I picked up the end tables from the West side of Michigan... Paid $400 for the pair of end tables which where professionally refinished by a heywood refinishing company which I had been thinking about buying from but the one's I bought where at least $100-$150 cheaper...

Here's the coffee table I picked up.



These are champaign colored so a little darker that wheat colored but defiantly beautiful. I found the company on e-bay and it was only about a 3 hour drive (one way) but I opted to have them deliver them.

Let me know if you want the link.

Thanks for the Masonite idea...

Bill

[rgG]

If you decide to use cork, they make it in rolls. I bought several rolls on clearance at Lowe's just in case I find a need for them. They are thin and would be very easy to cut to shape. Do put a felt backing on the cork, if you decide to go that route.

[decocritter]

They make rolls of cork for shelf paper. I am not sure about the curve around the entire edge of the tables. The finish is beautiful. It seems some "No!" training would be useful, as well as monitoring metal and glass banging toys. The cats should not be too interested in tables.


Those white dishes are my pattern - What was the name of store?