What to add as edges to prevent things from falling off tables?

Question

What would be a decorative, easy solution to things sliding off of tables? Elderly people have many pill bottles and small items that slide around as they use things on their nightstand or table beside a daybed. What would be a simple, decorative solution that could be used for any style/type of table? Something that they could do themselves without a lot of tools or expense. It would be great if it would allow a pet, like a cat, to sit on it without everything going flying! (I just gave the whole table to my cat.) This solution could make many people's life much better. Thanks!

Carole · Answer

A tray - either timber or otherwise with high sides would keep it all together. If you worry the tray would slide off, then use non slip grip under it or glue to table top. if they wanted a project to decorate it, they could decoupage it, using pretty pictures from magazines and modge podge. That way they could personalise their tray.

KatAych · Answer

Frame the table top with moulding that is slightly above the flat surface to provide a lip all the way around.

Linda · Answer

There is a product you can buy that prevents slipping. Many people use it to line drawers. You could make placemats with it by cutting them in attractive shapes. I hope this helps.

Sonia Burrows · Answer

I was going to say a decorative tray, but I see Carole has beat me to it. I would glue a drawer liner to the bottom so that it doesn't slide around.

MN Mom · Answer

I would use a tray with an edge or lip . This would not require altering tables etc. Trays can be found just about anywhere in many different colors... wood, plastic, metal can all be easy solutions

Sue c. · Answer

Hi, I have the same problems and am not elderly-yet. I use 2 decorative trays that came from Goodwill or Salvation Army. They corral EVERYTHING. Nothing falls off the nightstand and I can empty them out, wash them off and put back what I need. I paid less than $2.00 for each. You could look at a craft store if you want to finish your own. Good luck!

Hometalker · Answer

Thanks to all of you who responded. They are all great ideas. I'm going to do a combination of both answers!

Sonia Burrows · Answer

Hometalker, please post us a picture when you're done so we can see how everything turned out.

Amir Hyman · Answer

There are several options you can consider to prevent things from falling off tables:

Tablecloths: A tablecloth can help to catch items that are knocked over or bumped off the table.
Table skirts: You can add table roots to the corners of the table to help prevent items from falling off.
Table mats: Placing a rubber or non-slip mat on the table can help to keep items in place and prevent them from falling off.
Table edge guards: There are various types of edge guards available that can be placed on the edges of tables to help prevent items from falling off. These are often made of rubber or silicone and can be easily removed and repositioned as needed.
Table skirts with suction cups: These are similar to table roots, but they have suction cups on the bottom that help to keep them in place on the table. They can be a good option for tables with smooth surfaces.

Mogie · Answer

I found it easiest to use a tray or low bowl to keep like things in.

You can even use a cleaning caddy (the kind you carry around and are made of plastic.

My mom had a tackle box to keep her meds in. That way she could pick it up easily or lock it if company came over.

Deb K · Answer

Hello, you can get nice trays with several type of accessories from amazon for this, hope this helps you out.

https://www.amazon.ca/AmazonBasics-Plastic-Organizer-Accessory-White/dp/B07RWK355K/ref=asc_df_B07RWK355K/?tag=googleshopc0c-20&linkCode=df0&hvadid=335567326787&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=13443147799312236645&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9001388&hvtargid=pla-815651418415&th=1

What to add as edges to prevent things from falling off tables?

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What to add as edges to prevent things from falling off tables?

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