How to Make a Table Pad and Other Furniture Covers

Scratched surfaces are not uncommon in furniture; normal wear and tear on pieces like dressers and end tables is bound to happen. There are some ways to cover scratched furniture that you can do at home for little money.

End tables and night stands are easy enough to cover. Have a piece of glass cut with or without beveled edges. Arrange photos on the table and then set the glass. Or, use silk flowers to make a floral arrangement on the tabletop before positioning the glass. Other ideas are leaves, fabric, wallpaper, or even an old poster. Cut the poster and arrange a photo mat around it before placing the glass on top. Do the same with a dresser, coffee table, kitchen table or counter top.

Something similar can be done with a small table and a very large picture frame. Remove the prop and hardware from the back to allow the frame to lay flat on the table. The frame must be the same size or slightly larger than the table, not smaller. Place pictures, fabric or wallpaper in the frame and glue the frame to the table or simply lay it on top.

Kitchen tables can always use a table pad since they seem to scratch easier than most other surfaces in the home. No matter what shape your table it's easy to make a protective cover that will hide scratches, if needed, or to keep the table from getting marred. Get thick cardboard to begin the cover. Try a cardboard supply place or ask at a retail store that sells large appliances to see if you can get a large piece. If not, piece a couple of small sections together with strong tape.

Cut the cardboard to the shape of the table. Cut a piece of quarter-inch foam the shape of the table as well. Use spray adhesive to attach the foam to the cardboard. If using cardboard sections that have been taped together the foam will also help hold them together. Cut a piece of fabric or vinyl to cover the cardboard and foam. Cut the material about three inches longer, all the way around, than the table.