Depends if you are using it as a decorative table covering, then a thin batting would be okay. If you are using the quilt when the table is being used, a batting may make things more tipsy on top (like coffee or milk) and that's not a good thing. If you're unsure, leave it out and you still have your options open. Really beautiful top. I have a wall big enough for it if you still have a delimma (LOL).