How to Choose The Right Table Pads for Your Home
Why Table Pads are Important
Table pads are an important component of maintaining the longevity and appearance of your dining room table. These protective coverings are placed on top of the table to protect it from spills, scratches, and heat damage. They can also add a decorative touch to your dining room, making it look more polished and put together.
Choosing the Right Material
When it comes to choosing table pads, the most important factor to consider is the material. The most common materials used for table pads are vinyl and felt.
Vinyl table pads are waterproof and easy to clean, making them a great option for families with young children or for people who like to entertain often. They are also relatively inexpensive, so they are a good choice for those on a budget. However, vinyl table pads can be noisy and may not provide as much padding as other materials.
Felt table pads are softer and quieter than vinyl, making them a more comfortable and luxurious option. They are also better at providing padding and protecting the surface of your table. However, felt table pads are more expensive and not as waterproof as vinyl.
Measuring Your Table
Once you have decided on the material, the next step is to measure your table to ensure that you get the right size table pad. Start by measuring the length and width of your table. Then, add two inches to each measurement to ensure that the table pad will cover the entire surface of the table. For example, if your table is 60 inches long and 36 inches wide, you will need a table pad that is 62 inches by 38 inches.
Custom vs. Pre-made Table Pads
After you have measured your table and decided on the material, you will need to decide whether to get a custom table pad or a pre-made table pad.
Custom table pads are made to fit your specific table, so they will provide the best fit and protection. They are also more expensive than pre-made table pads. However, they can take longer to produce and may require a deposit or upfront payment.
Pre-made table pads are less expensive and can be purchased off the shelf. They are a good option for those on a tight budget or for those who need a table pad quickly. However, pre-made table pads may not fit your table as well as a custom table pad and may not provide as much protection.
Conclusion
Choosing the right table pad is important for protecting your dining room table and keeping it looking its best. Consider the material, size, and custom vs. pre-made options to find the right table pad for your needs. With a little bit of research and planning, you can find a table pad that will provide the protection and style you need for your dining room.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What size should a table pad be?
The size of a table pad depends on the table's shape and edges. For tables with squared top edges, the pad size should be equal to the overall table size. However, for tables with shaped top edges, the pad size will be smaller as it does not include any slopes, bevels, or round portions.
2. What is a custom table pad?
A custom table pad is a table protector pad that is specifically made to fit your table's exact size and shape. These pads are heat resistant and often have a soft cushioned velvet bottom to protect the table's surface from scratches.
3. What do you put underneath a table cloth?
To provide both stability and protection, it is recommended to use a table protector underneath a tablecloth. A table protector not only keeps the tablecloth in place but also offers excellent protection against spills and heat.
4. How do I protect my dining table from hot dishes?
To protect your dining table from hot dishes, use placemats and coasters as a barrier between the hot plates or liquids and the table's surface. Additionally, you can cover your dining table with a tablecloth or table runner for an extra layer of protection against scratches and spills.
5. How much space should be between table top and legs?
To ensure comfortable seating, it is recommended to provide about 24" of legroom below the table and at least 12" of knee clearance. For seating capacity, allow at least 24" of elbow room width per person and 12" to 15" depth from the edge of the table.
6. Why do people use table pads?
Table pads serve multiple purposes. They are used for decoration, protection against scratches, and as a training tool. They come in various shapes and can protect the table surface from the heat of hot dishes.
7. How do you prevent heat damage on a wood table?
To prevent heat damage on a wood table, it is recommended to avoid direct sunlight, use furniture covers, consider using a dehumidifier, apply window film to block UV rays, and monitor the indoor temperature. These measures help protect the wood from warping, fading, and other heat-related damage.
Editor's Notes
During our table pad research, we found 24 table pad products and shortlisted 10 quality products. We collected and analyzed 70,960 customer reviews through our big data system to write the table pads list. We found that most customers choose table pads with an average price of $31.51.
The table pads are available for purchase. We have researched hundreds of brands and picked the top brands of table pads, including LAMINET, tablecloths by design, Homestyle, Newbridge, Home Bargains Plus. The seller of top 1 product has received honest feedback from 784 consumers with an average rating of 4.8.
Rebecca Cantu grew up in a family-owned retail store for home and kitchen products. She worked online and gave assistance to people to buy ideal products for their sweet home after graduating from Northwestern University with a marketing degree. She has been writing content for online shopping guides since 2011 with her professional knowledge and natural sensitivity of appliances.
