One option is to go with a secretary or computer hutch that will completely close when you aren't using it. The cons are that you still have the file cabinet to contend with and the furniture itself is often bulky and difficult to use.
Another option is to add a pretty skirt which would hide everything (except for the paper). If anyone has a solution for that, let me know. Erin's kitchen, so far, doesn't have a lot of fabric and this would be a nice way to add softness and contrast.
Holly Mathis has a pretty solution for hiding her stuff with this linen skirt. This could be done as an easy no sew project with some iron on adhesive and a tension bar between the desk legs on the three exposed sides. Or you could affix the fabric using Velcro adhesive.
Along the same lines is this skirt found on Absolutely Beautiful Things. Ticking stripes are timeless and fit into just about any space.
Other options are to go with the more tailored look like this no-sew skirt made by Camila
or this one found on The Newlywed Diaries.
Have you made a desk or table skirt? Do you have any tips or tutorials?
~~~~~
I have been invited to be a guest on Ashley's blog, Meet Me in Philadelphia. Congratulations to Ashley and her husband who are on their honeymoon in Greece for two weeks. Ashley has invited several of us over to share summer inspiration. Summer would not be the same without these things. Find out what they are here.





i love the look of a skirted desk- it adds drama without looking messy! and can hide the mess!
ReplyDeletewhat a great idea - the desk skirt - i hate all those chords!
ReplyDeletefabulous!
mrs c. xox
I love skirted tables..desks...vanities-- adds such a nice touch! Happy weekend! Caroline
ReplyDeleteI love the look of a skirted desk, but it'd have to be easily moved in a high traffic area like a kitchen. I could see the kids leaving it open and messy looking after digging out scissors or tape. Great pics! Thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeleteI had a skirt on a vanity I had as a young girl, on little "arms" that swung out to reveal the drawers behind. I had forgotten about that piece of furniture until just now and I certainly wish I still had it!! Janell
ReplyDeleteJanell, I had a vanity just like too and had forgotten until now. This would probably be easy to re-create. hmmm...
ReplyDelete-Rene
Hello! Visiting from a link from Tip Junkie. Love your site. Looking forward to following along..
ReplyDeleteLove the skirt idea! Ticking is so versatile. I love the clean lines of the boxy skirt! Whatever you do it's gonna look great! Headed over to your guest post now! Have a great weekend!
ReplyDeleteKelle
xx
Rene I would really like to try this!! Now to find the right fabric!
ReplyDeleteCome and enter my amazing $250 Giveaway from Tracy Porter!
xoxo
Karena
Art by Karena
I've really been into ticking stripe lately, and I adore the little skirted desk from Absolutely Beautiful Things. Even if they are skirted with tailored box pleats, these kinds of desks are so feminine and pretty!
ReplyDeleteCamille
I LOVE skirts. I put one on the bottom of my built-in and really like how it turned out. Check out this post from my blog. It's way back from Christmas time, but it has a good shot of the skirt for you!
ReplyDeletehttp://greg-shannon-mulder.blogspot.com/2010/11/back-for-holidays-with-some-decorating.html
I used a mini (wood) decorative curtain rod (from Lowe's) to hang them which adds more of a decorative element. Super easy! I get tons of compliments on it...enjoy! If you want more close-up pics I can email you. Let me know!
PS-love your blog. Been a follower for a while but think this is my first comment. Keep up the beautiful work!
Great ideas, Rene! Love the ticking most!
ReplyDeleteHave a nice weekend.
Teresa
xoxo
I skirted a console loosely using the tutorial on Newlywed Diaries. It wasn't too complicated, but I did have trouble getting the front center pleat to look really good and perfectly centered. In our last house, we stacked file cabinets in an alcove, topped with a countertop and a skirt, and made a very efficient little office just off our kitchen. Good luck!
ReplyDeleteI love skirted desks and tables. I am planning on making one of the more tailored ones for my dining room buffet. Bryn Alexandra had a great tutorial on her site awhile ago, I have it book marked for mine. Happy weekend!
ReplyDeleteRene, I agree! A skirt on desks, a vanity or a counter is a wonderful detail! I am a huge fan!
ReplyDeleteYvonne
Our computer table is a table top from IKEA resting on a file cabinet on one end and a shelf on the other, with a table skirt all the way around. We quickly lift the skirt to access files and drop it to hide everything. If I had more space I would like to put the printer under the skirt too. I usually use velcro so it can be removed to wash, but this time I just stapled it on as it is temporary. Next time I will not add fabric to the back either as I think the electronics need more air flow than ours gets.
ReplyDeleteI just discovered your blog now and am loving it! I, too, have a "desk area" in our kitchen. However, instead of a desk, I used a painted dresser (with lots of drawer storage!) I don't actually sit and work there...It's just a message center that "corals things" for us! I wrote a post about it here.
ReplyDeletehttp://harbourbreeze.blogspot.com/2011/04/pottery-barn-inspired-message-center.html
Thanks for your blog!
Thank you Rene! Fixed it.
ReplyDeleteTeresa
xoxo
I'm so loving the skirted desk idea! I have some burlap that just might work for this project! Yea! Love all the clip boards, how fun!
ReplyDeleteMegan