How-to Skirt a Table

 

Need help deciding which type of table skirting or what accessories to buy? You're in the right place!
This is a quick and easy guide that will help you understand how to skirt a table, including sizing and proper application.

For the best looking skirted table you generally need 3 things: skirting, clips and a topper.

Table Skirting

Table Skirt Clips

Table Topper

table-skirt skirt clip table top

The skirts are applied last. All of our table skirts have a Velcro strip sewn along the top back edge, for easy attachment to the clips. Skirts come in 3 different sizes - below you'll learn how to determine which size you need.

Table skirting can of course be used without toppers or clips, but without clips you'll need a different means to attach the skirting to your tables.

Shop for table skirts »

Clips slide over the topper and table edge - or bare table edge should you not want toppers.
They come in many sizes to fit different size table thicknesses, and have Velcro on the outward portion.
The Velcro is important because this is what's going to attach to the skirts.

Shop for table skirting clips »

The topper is essentially a table cloth that covers the top of the table and a small amount of its sides.
Our table toppers are specially made from the same fabric as our skirting to ensure they match perfectly.

Shop for table toppers »

If you only need to understand the general process of applying table skirting:

Quick Skirting Setup Steps:

  • Step 1: Starting with a empty table, place your table topper over the table.
  • Step 2: Place your clips over the table edge and topper (usually one clip per foot).
  • Step 3: Pick a starting point and attach your skirt to the first clip. Slowly work your way around the table and attach the skirting to the remaining clips.
Skirting table1 Skirting table2 Skirting table3 Skirting table4 Skirting table5
Step 1 Step 2 Step 2 (Clips closeup) Step 3
Detailed Guide to help determine what you need and how to use it:
Step 1
Determine the table skirt size you'll need.
This is actually easy - skirts come in 3 standard size lengths: 13ft, 17ft, and 21ft (all are ~29" height).
Most people skirt 3 sides of a table - some skirt all 4 sides. The image below shows these lengths and common table size applications. If you have a unique sized table, you will want to look at getting custom table skirts created, which can be made to fit any size you need.
skirting size chart
Step 2
Chose a color, pleat type, and material.

We offer a wide selection of colors, pleats and materials, so you should have no trouble finding exactly what you need.
Our table skirting is available with 2 types of pleats: box pleats or shirred pleats. If you're unfamiliar with the differences, see the images below for reference. (Shirred pleats are the most common)

shirred table skirt
Shirred Pleat Style
  • Most popular style
  • Gathered, attractive pleat style
  • Cost effective styling
  • Commonly used at food stations
    or buffet, cake and gift tables
Box Pleat Style
  • Most elegant choice
  • Deep folded pleats creates an
    attractive appearance
  • Often used for bridal head tables,
    conference tables or anywhere
    for an upscale look

We sell 2 different types (materials) of table skirting - a Standard No-Iron Value Poplin line and a Premium Wrinkle Release Lacoste line.
Use the chart below to help you decide between the two. Both are a great value and of a quality you won't find anywhere else.

Economy vs. Standard vs. Premium Table Skirts Economy
Standard
Premium  

No Iron, Stain/Wrinkle Release Design (unique to TableLinensForLess.com)

    check1  
No Iron with proper laundering
(Industry standard)
check2 check3 Not
Needed
 
Quality Construction & Lasting Durability
check4
check5
check6
 
Long Lasting Color check7 check8 check9  
Shirred Pleat check10 check11 check12  
Box Pleat check13 check14 check15  
Hand made in the USA   check16 check17  
Step 3
Pick your table skirting accessories: clips, toppers and hangers.

Skirting Clips

Almost as important as the skirts themselves are the clips - they're what hold the skirting on the table! All of our clips have Velcro on them, so they attach easily to the skirting (all table skirting we make has Velcro® brand Velcro sewn along the top back side).

We offer a wide selection of clips for a variety of different table sizes. To determine which clip you'll need, you need to know the thickness of the edge of your tables. Once you know the thickness you can pick the appropriately sized clips here. SC, EC, MC, SMC and BC are the more common sizes.

Generally, you want to apply one clip per foot for the best application. Below are some images showing a clip on a table, and the Velcro sewn to a table skirt.

Note: Table skirting clips should be put on from the bottom up.

clip velcro clip
Example of a clip
over a table edge
Velcro sewn along
a skirt's backside

Table Toppers

Table toppers cover the top of your table and complete its look! The exact size of the topper isn't too important because the skirting usually going covers its sides.

Almost any table cloth could work, but if you're looking to match fabrics and/or colors to our table skirting, we encourage you to browse our table toppers page by clicking here.

Skirting Hangers

Lastly, if you want an easy way to store your skirts and keep them clean and looking great, we encourage you to buy skirting hangers. They're offered at a discounted price when purchased with skirting and are a true space saver - your skirts can be tucked away in a closet until needed.

Skirting hangers are simple and affordable!

Step 4
Enjoy your skirts!

We hope you've found this information helpful, and that this guide has made your purchasing decisions easier. If you still have any question concerning how to skirt a table, we encourage you to chat or contact our knowledgeable customer service agents, we'd love to help you!