My cutting table is two bookshelves, open part facing each other. (holds part of stash) I have a 25" x 4' plywood over them. Under the wood, and on the book cases, I have plastic containers to raise to a "no-pain-when-cutting height. A large cutting mat fits on top of this. Also, to extend space in my small room, I place my desk and sewing machine at right angles to the wall so that they extend into the room, and back up to each other. Small, "cozy", yes, but very workable for me.