What can I cover my glass coffee table with (I want to hide it)?

Glass is commonly used on tabletop surfaces, but if you have children and animals, the glass often looks dirty instead of attractive. If you don't have the budget to replace the table, cover the glass with a surface that is easier to live with. There are several options that you can use to change the surface to a more friendly and easier-to-clean option.

An easy and reversible fix for a glass coffee table is to make a simple slipcover for the table. Place a piece of large paper over the tabletop and trace the shape of the table. Cut out the outline as a pattern. Cut a piece of quilt batting the size of the table. Cut fabric 20 cm wider and longer. Place the fabric over the table and notch around the legs. Sew a 2.5 cm pocket around all sides and a tight hem around the leg notches. Insert a string in the pocket while fitting the cover on the table. Pull the string snug and make a knot.

Select a fabric that doesn't fray easily such as a vinyl-covered fabric. Cut the fabric to the shape of the table if the table has an edge that makes it difficult to wrap the edges. Spray the table with spray adhesive. Fold the fabric face sides together and centre it over the glass. Press the fabric to the glass smoothing out any ripples or wrinkles. Work from the centre to the sides. Trim along the edges for a smooth finish.

Select a decorative paper from an art and crafts shop. Cut the paper to fit the top of the glass. Spray the table with spray adhesive and fit the paper to the glass top. Trim along the edges with a sharp knife and allow the adhesive to dry. Spray the top of the paper with several coats of clear coat to create a finish over the paper. This makes the paper waterproof so that you can set glasses on the table surface.

For another option, make the top look like stone. Select a floor tile that looks like stone. Tile the glass table by finding the centre line of the table and tiling from the centre toward the edges. Pull off the paper backing and position your first tile carefully. If your first tile is straight, all the others will be easy to lay. Arrange each tile and align the corners. Roll the tiles with a hard roller like a rolling pin. Trim the edge tiles at an angle to soften the edges.