Table Pad Alternatives

The standard table pad, also known as a "silence mat," prevents dishes and silverware from clattering against the tabletop, keeping your dining table free from mars and scratches. However, if you have an irregularly-shaped table or if you're looking for a pad for another type of table, such as a baby-changing station, you might choose an alternative to the standard-order table pad. Unusual and innovative table pads can save money, use environmentally-responsible materials or suit unusual demands. Does this Spark an idea?

Ecological Alternatives

If you prefer to use renewable, organic or recycled materials, a nontraditional table pad may fit the bill. Avoid standard pads made of PVC or vinyl. PVC is difficult to recycle and contains chlorine, making it hazardous to dispose of by incineration. In addition, PVC contains chemicals, such as lead and cadmium; should these components flake or leach, they can raise the risk of asthma, lead poisoning and cancer. Particularly if using a table pad to line a baby changing station, you might opt for ecological pads made entirely from organic, nonallergenic cotton. For a more economical option, use a simple rubber mat with a cotton sheath.

Customized Pads

If you have an unusual or custom-made table, regular table pads might not fit the tabletop dimensions. Contemporary and mid-century modern designs often feature very slight curves and rounded edges that standard table pads cannot match. Instead of sacrificing your table's distinctive lines with a poorly-fitted pad, look for a pad that you can cut down to size. Chefs Catalog.com offers a quilted table pad made from insulated vinyl and polyester. While the full pad measures 52x108 inches, you can cut it down to any size and shape necessary. For a table pad that works with or without extra table leaves, simply cut down the pad to line each leaf individually.

Extra Protection

If you enjoy serving braises, casseroles or pies in dishes straight from the oven, select a table pad that doubles as a table-wide trivet. Cork, made from the bark of the cork tree, is a natural insulation material, ideal for lining your table. You can choose a thickness to suit how intensively you use the table. Cork's slightly spongy texture quiets silverware and provides a firm, yet cushioned, surface. Purchase a cork board by the roll to cut it down to your table's exact dimensions. As when purchasing any tree-derived substance, look at the cork manufacturer's and grower's standards for responsible and renewable forestry practices.