Hi AT,
We just bought this high gloss, laquered table. Now we have to figure out how to keep our 17-month old from destroying it (Please don't ask why we would buy a table like this when we have a small child. We must have been high.)
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It's highly susceptible to scratches, so a simple piece of fabric won't do. We've cut out a big piece of cardboard that we can tape to it, but that's not very pretty. I was thinking about trying to find some thick foam or rubber, like a yoga mat. I don't know where to go for that, though.
Any suggestions?
(watch for our old coffee table to appear in the classifieds as soon as I can get my husband to agree to get rid of it!)
Michele in Bernal Heights
Hi Michele,
The table is beautiful.
To protect the tabletop surface and the bottom of the pedestal try wipe-clean white oilcloth, cut to the exact sizes of the circles. (If you decide to let the little one play at the table you can find black oilcloth with a blackboard finish). Secure with Command adhesive strips, which are easily removed, so that the little one can't yank it off.
For child safety you can stretch an expandable bumper around the edge of the tabletop. They aren't pretty, but at least they come in a neutral gray (in three sizes), which will work in this room.
Protecting the upright of the pedestal from child-created scratches and bumps might be a little harder. Any good ideas out there?
I have no idea how to protect it - but I sure do like it!
Michele - can I ask who makes that fabulous sofa?
What about cork? Or maybe a sheet of white vinyl flooring cut to the size of the table?
You could put a piece of plexiglass on top of the table and have it cut to shape. Better yet would be a piece of Lexan (harder and more scratch resistant. Of course a piece of glass would be best...
If all that is too involved one can always adhere clear shelf liner to the table- this would only be a temporary solution but if would help- this might also work in protecting the base and stem...
I wish I had a more helpful hint for your table. I'd love to know where you found that great rocker in the background?
I'd take a picture of the table, along with the measurements, to Foam Order on Howard in SF and ask if they can't help you come up with a removable 'bumper' system for it. Something you could put on for everyday use but store away when you're entertaining.
Or perhaps store it until your toddler is less likely to bump into it or scratch it? Or just love it now and re-lacquer it later?
did it come in a box?
i'm just sayin'...
becca -- looks a lot like a modernica split rail sofa, but i cannot see the bottom well enough on my screen to tell for sure.
you could put a big piece of laminate plastic sheet/big roll.Just an idea though it could work it could not.The question is what happens when you want to remove that plastic sheet to replace it.the adhessive might ruin the finish or it become one with the material etc.the clear plastic though could be the easiest way to do it plus if you do it right it will look as original.
Maybe someone did something like that before?
How about a custom cut piece of clear perspex/plexiglass?
Thanks for all the suggestions! It's up to my husband to decide what to do now.
And thanks for the compliments. I don't remember the brand of the couch, but we got it at a furniture store on Gough in Hayes Valley (I can't remember the name of that either! Reference my earlier mention of a certain 17-month old and a loss of brain cells...). The owner, Emmett, is super nice. They've got lots of good stuff. It's close to Paul K's and across from Stitch.
The rocker is from DWR. Very cute. Great for squishing little toes, though.
Where did you find this delicate table?
Also - love the paint. What color is it?
The table is from Arkitektura, on 9th, across from Trader Joe's. We got it at the big sale they had back in October or November.
As for the paint color, I have no idea. We lucked into finding this excellent, short-term rental that has the best paint job! I'm hoping to find out the names of all the colors for the next house we buy.