Protecting £1k table from toddler..?

[florapalum]

So we bought a super expensive vintage scandinavian table - it's going to be our main dining table for us and our two year old. Yes, this was stupid. But we love it, so there we go.

Would love to be able to protect it from our toddler, without ruining the aesthetic with a bit of glass/leather table cover/always there solution.
We were thinking just large plain cork mats to throw on and off as needed?
Haven't yet found anything quite right. What do you guys use on your tables? Am I overthinking this? Would love some recommendations of mats/products/out there solutions which may exist. Thanks!

You're going to need an always there solution as long as your toddler is awake, I'm afraid.
It's called sods law

If it is vintage I assume it has survived previous toddlers. You either cover or accept the risk I don't see any other option 🤷

Well we have to see a picture!

I mean, you put it in storage and use an ikea one until they’re 7.

Or you have to come to terms with the fact you can never ever let your toddler leave your sight when near the table.

I know what I’d do!

And I agree with pp. Just use it. I read a thread here about saving things for ‘best’ and why bother. Worst that’s going to happen is you have to refinish it. And you may grow to love whatever marks are left behind.

As pp says, it's vintage, it's already survived many toddlers.

I buy and sell mcm furniture. The most immaculate ones are the ones that are hidden under cloths etc. But you don't get to see them.

The worst damage comes from the sun, so I'd be far more co corned about that. Most other damage can be rectified, so I'd use the table as intended and enjoy it.

We have a custom cut piece of clear plastic that looks almost like glass. It's by profolio. It's really good.

profolio.eu/uk/

Just be careful DC doesn't run a toy car along it. I'd go for a glass topper or even the oil cloth that wipes off for 5 years.

We have a thick oilskin that goes on when the kids are around the table

Simply place it in your dining room and forbid the toddler from entering.

I have a clear plastic tablecloth. I take it off when the children go home (childminder), not sure I'd like it full time.

Order a big bit of clear pvc from Amazon to use as a covering . I’ve got a nice oak table and it’s the perfect solution, you can spray it with antibacterial spray and wipe down. My kids do painting, gluing, eating etc all at the table.

Transparent PVC Table Cloth,Clear Waterproof Heat Table Protector, Table Cover for Table Kitchen Cupboard Desk Dining Room Coffee Desktop, Rectangle (Thickness:2mm,Size:30x40cm/11.8x15.7in) https://amzn.eu/d/6oKqDtS

Put the toddler in a zorb ball

You can get a cork table topper on a roll, but longer lasting is a fleecy padded backed leatherette type stuff (JL stock). It's not that stylish though. We have a toughened glass top protector we had made for our nice table, slightly pricey but keep the aesthetic. Until we got that we had a clear plastic cover (by the metre from The Range or JL)

I reeeeeaaalllllly need to see a photo!

PVC or oilcloth tablecloth, then whip off when toddler in bed / guests over for dinner?

Whatever you do, keep toddler /table away from “paint your own” kits, slime, sharpies and other lovely craft supplies!!

I have a clear soft plastic cover for a table that is often used for writing on, so would be damaged without a cover. It’s about 2-3mm thick, I would say. The cover fits the table top pretty much exactly - it doesn’t dangle over the edges like a tablecloth. I can’t remember where I got it from, but if I google “clear soft plastic table cover” lots of similar things come up.

Can I just say - that they don't get better with age - our late teens invite friends back - coasters are not used, especially when the alcohol comes out and you are in bed. You are fighting a losing battle.

Would periodically waxing it be out of the question? That's what I do with mine (admittedly not expensive Victorian one). Rub it on, shine/buff it and any errant liquid/food stuff will just sit on top of the waxed wood. Might be worth combining with mats etc for extra protection? You can get baby/food safe wax products I think.

Is it made from wood? You can just lightly sand and re-wax/polish/lacquer when your toddler is grown. I'm quite precious about our wooden table. I have those straw type round mats from IKEA, trying to prevent water marks and tomato stains. They are not fool proof, but aesthetically pleasing in my eyes. I'm not sure I could aesthetically bear plastic tablecloths etc., I'd rather embrace a true 'volintage' look.

it depends what you want.

personally I think…
you either keep it as is ie. looking gorgeous and risk it

or
You decide you do not want to risk it.
if that’s the case don’t bother risking damage with an inadequate aesthetic protection/cover, just get a oil cloth cover for 3 years and suck it up.
you can get really fun designs and even customise them

Oh, you didn't get the memo. You can't have nice things anymore. Children ruin them all.

Always there solution or at least one that’s on all day. We had a large oilcloth tablecloth and just took that off in the evenings when we wanted to have a bit of us time/dinner/a drink

We have a vintage oil cloth from the 60s/70s. It was used when my two eldest siblings were little, then by us next two siblings. That helps with play dough and painting and tomato sauce but can’t protect it from everything. Our lovely wooden table still has several fork prong marks in it from when one child was two and in a fit of rage. All part of life!

Just shout "NO BURNY, BURNY, OW" everytime she goes within 10 metres of it