Another Train Table Question!

[LD92599]

We're still researching what to do re: train table. Our living room is also our family room/playroom. I just can't make a #$$^&#()& decision on this!

We know we want a nice table..something that'll be a coffee table long after it's a play table; also needs to have either drawers or a shelf (for baskets) underneath. Other requirement, or so i thought originally, was the "lip" on top so as to "copy" typical train tables.

My question is this....for experienced train table users..is a lip absolutely necessary? We're having a really hard time finding a coffee/cocktail table that has a lip. We found one in a local furniture store (by Wilshire) that's $499 plus tax/shipping and meets the requirements, except we're hoping to stay under $400!

If we hear from others that the lip isn't necessary then we can expand our search greatly and find something that is more coffee-table like.

This is the table we reallllyyyy wanted from the start, from PBK, but it's on backorder until Feb 24th and all of the orders are spoken for; most likely they won't be placing another order for this (figures!).
http://www.windsorpeak.com/dc/user_files/19893.jpg

TIA!

Laura
mom to William
3.5.2003

LKibala at optonline dot net

http://homepage.mac.com/ld14m

http://lilypie.com/baby2/030305/0/7/0/-5/.png[/url]

[jubilee]

We do not have a train table yet- but do have a coffee table that we set up Logan's train pieces on. They always slide off the table due to his playing- or purposefully shoving it off. If you won't be gluing/nailing the track together, I would think it would slide off the table without a lip. I know I find it very frustrating to calm down an irate toddler because his train track broke apart because part of it slid off the table. And would it be cheaper to perhaps buy a train table now, and then once you no longer want it in use to buy a coffee table?

[alkagift]

Laura,
I can't really help you with the options, but I thought I would mention that I've bought things by ordering from North Carolina and gotten large discounts, even when you include the shipping. The manufacturer has to be someone that they work with, but usually it works. I use Alman's furniture in Hickory, NC--they can order from about 200 manufacturers. I've ordered Lexington furniture from them for about 30% less than what I would have paid locally. I can't find Wilshire as a manufacturer online, perhaps that's a style name or the store?

Edited to add:
Ok, I found one:
http://www.thomasville.com/Products/Product.asp?ItemID=2523
Table 40131-120 in the Attache line.

Another one, but this one is a bit out there, style-wise and the raised edge is low:
http://www.thomasville.com/Products/Product.asp?ItemID=3947
Valencia storage table

From Lane, which I think may be less expensive:
http://www.lanefurniture.com/products/ProdInfoDet2.asp?MasterNo=17190

This would be awesome if it came in other colors--you can call to see if it does:
http://www.lanefurniture.com/products/ProdInfoDet2.asp?MasterNo=15355

Allison
Mommy to Matthew Clayton, 5/19/03

[LD92599]

Allison:

Thanks for the NC recommendation and the links...very helpful! We're going to head out tonight and see what catches our eye..unfortunately all of the "local" type stores that can order tons and tons of furniture aren't open late until Thursday so we're stuck w/ chain stores for tonight! Hmm..though i can pop into the Thomasville store easily...!!

Thanks again!

Laura
mom to William
3.5.2003

LKibala at optonline dot net

http://homepage.mac.com/ld14m

http://lilypie.com/baby2/030305/0/7/0/-5/.png[/url]

[LD92599]

Here's our final choice..i'm calling to order it tomorrow:
http://www.windsorpeak.com/dc/user_files/19983.jpg

It's by Lane:
The Westport Rectangular Cocktail Table is crafted with a lightly worn look on a rich, classic oak finish. The cocktail table has two lined drawers for storage and a shelf to display personal favorites. Removeable casters help make the moving of this piece easy.
Dimensions (W x D x H in inches):
50 x 30 x 19

Julie: Thanks for your insight regarding the lip around the table. I figure we'll start w/ this and if need be we'll make a tray that'll fit the top!

Allison:
Thanks for the suggestion to check Lane! Turns out the store we were in last week can order it locally...and they were $70 cheaper than another local store i called..i'll make one more call tomorrow to NC and go from there!

Next up..finding baskets for the shelf underneath!

Laura
mom to William
3.5.2003

LKibala at optonline dot net

http://homepage.mac.com/ld14m

http://lilypie.com/baby2/030305/0/7/0/-5/.png[/url]

[alkagift]

Laura,
That looks great! Finding one with the lip was certainly difficult. BTW, I found baskets for mine at Michael's on sale for lots less than Target.

Allison
Mommy to Matthew Clayton, 5/19/