Decoupage Ideas for Table Tops

Turn an ordinary table into a work of art and a conversation starter with a little bit of decoupage glue. Arrange flat items such as photographs, papers and fabrics in between layers of decoupage glue on your table top and apply a clear-coat finish to the top. Your table will function like any other, but it will look like a one-of-a-kind creation to add that extra element of surprise to your decor. Does this Spark an idea?

Travel

Use your tabletop to highlight the places you've visited. Paint the table and use a large map to be the base of your design. Add small mementos of your trip in layers on top of this, leaving portions of the map exposed. Include post cards from your favorite places, transportation ticket stubs, road maps and tourist brochures. Add photos of yourself in these places if you have them or even include destinations that you have not visited yet so your table becomes a decorative travel wish list.

Kids

Let your kids inspire the decor in their bedrooms and play rooms. Paint the table in their favorite colors, then use their own art work to embellish it. Decoupage the top of the table with their crayon drawings and finger paintings. Use their paper dolls to adorn the table legs and hold them in place with more decoupage glue. Use stickers of their favorite characters to tie the theme of the table in with the rest of their decor, or include cut-outs from decorative papers in shapes and colors that match their bed linens and curtains.

Family

Preserve your family history in a way that puts it on display instead of hiding it in an album. Decoupage the top of your table with photographs of your family members, from the ones currently living in your home to the ancestors. If you don't want to permanently lose your family photos to a decorative theme, use professional-looking color copies of your photos instead of the originals.

Stylish

Match your table to your decor using decorative papers and fabrics. Choose fabric swatches in the craft store or visit the paper-crafting aisle to find printed papers with fanciful patterns. Layer them in a scattered fashion on top of the table and seal them in place with decoupage glue. For a feminine touch, layer scraps of lace with hot-pink fabrics and animal prints. Go for a more subdued option with solids and tone-on-tone prints, or add shabby chic style by arranging the squares of fabric like a patchwork quilt.