Covering Your Nice Wood Table

Anonymous in Crystal Lake, Illinois, writes:

My parents have plastic tablecloths on their kitchen and dining-room tables. In addition to being decorative, the tablecloths also prevent the wood surfaces from possibly becoming stained by spilled liquids. When I asked them why they bought tables with wood tops instead of moisture-resistant tops, they replied that they were on sale. What do you think of my parents’ use of protective covers on these tables so that the wood surfaces are not seen? And what do you think of their reason for buying tables with wood tops instead of moisture-resistant tops?

Marilyn responds:

Covering one’s attractive-but-damageable possessions is common. For example, people often put slipcovers on sofas and chairs that they love so they can remove the covers for special occasions and enjoy their beautiful furniture. However, those occasions often turn out to be rare! It’s easy to suggest that these people, including your parents, give the covers away and begin to take everyday satisfaction from using–and wearing out–their possessions, but I don’t think the situation is that simple. First, you would start being careful in how you use those items, making daily living less comfortable. And then, when the inevitable occurs, and the item gets marred or discolored, you have to look at the damage every day unless you can find a way to fix it that isn’t almost as expensive as buying a new item. Possibly the most practical solution is to buy the best-looking, least-damageable item you can find and then using it with minimal attention.