How to Make a Folding Table Look Nice: Design Ideas

Every business owner has some of those classic folding tables stashed somewhere in their storage area. You know the kind. A wooden or plastic folding table that only sees the light of day for events and holiday parties.

While these trusty tables always do what you need them to when called upon, it's safe to say they leave much to be desired in the looks department. Thankfully inside every one of these scratched, stained, and at times forgotten tables is a fabulous piece of furniture.

Here are some ideas and design tips to help you make your folding table makeover a success.

Painting It

The good thing about folding tables is that they are so versatile. They can be transformed into all kinds of event tables, booths, work desks, and trade show displays, depending on how you reinvent them. Giving your folding table a new paint job is a great way to give it new life.

Regardless of how you want to use the finished table, it is recommended to start by using spray paint on your folding table legs to hide signs of wear and tear. Metallic spray paint generally works best, but any kind or colour of spray paint will do the trick.

Then comes the fun part. You get to let your imagination run wild and give the tabletop a fresh, revitalizing coat of paint. Acrylic paint is ideal for painting a plastic folding table. If you have a wood folding table, products like liquid wood can be helpful. Its restorative properties reinforce and harden the wood, leaving you with a beautiful wood table you'll be proud to bring out of the basement.

Adding a Layer

If, like many of us, your table top is too damaged to be painted over, try concealing it with an extra layer. You can add a sheet of plywood to the top of your table to give it a nice new wood surface you can then stain and design further.

Use a fine grit sandpaper to tackle any rough edges and give your surface a smooth feel and an appealing look. If you use any kind of glue to secure the added layer, we recommend allowing it to dry completely before you continue decorating.

With an added wood layer, your table will be more sturdy, and depending on how you stain it, a more sophisticated or rustic aesthetic. The wood surface is adaptable, which allows you to tailor it to best display your products at your next company event. 

Covering It

Covering a folding table is one of the simplest and most effective ways to stylishly transform it. The quickest solution is to use a tablecloth. But, with fabric or decorative vinyl with a staple gun, or a bit of hot glue, you can creatively express your personal style and help a table that might otherwise throw off your decor, look at home.

Once you've covered your folding table, you can leave covering as-is for a more subtle look, or you can trim the fabric edges, to make the fabric itself look like the top of your table. With this easy covering method, you can enjoy both the aesthetic of your folding table, and its practicality.

Pop49 Has You Covered

A little work can go a long way towards giving your folding table new life. With a bit of paint, an extra layer, or a simple covering, you can easily improve the look of your folding table and repurpose it.

If, however, you need a table for an event and your old folding table won't cut it, Pop49 has you covered! Check out our custom promo tables. With a variety of materials, shapes, and design options to choose from, you're sure to find a table that fits your needs.