I use the island in my kitchen - It always has fabric and a cutting mat on it. Have to move it all when I want to bake! It isn't far from my sewing room so it works for me.

You might check out Wal-Mart web site. They have several different kinds of tables that will work. Happy shopping!!!

Or look for a cheap pub height dining table. That's what I use.

I use an old dresser that I put wheels on, then a piece of particle board cut 2ft by 5ft and covered with batting and that teflon fabric like ironing board covers are made of. I iron and cut on this, just pop my cutting mat on it when I need to cut. I put some nails in it to hang my mats and rulers on. And, it makes great fabric storage!

I have two tables in my sewing room, both are old drop leaf dining tables I bought at a thrift store. I keep the extended open but if the is limited space you could just open when needed.

I've been on a search for various cutting tables for the past few months - if you're familiar with the Flickr website, there's a group on there that focuses on craft or sewing rooms - I got several good ideas from the pictures that folks had downloaded of their sewing rooms - Lots of people using items from Ikea!

As for my current room situation, I found a local home improvement warehouse (Hoods in Foley, AL) that had an in-stock kitchen cabinet (two drawers, two doors); my husband added a countertop and it was a good height to use for a cutting table! When I get moved into my new sewing room, I'll post a picture of it to show you how nice it turned out!

My cutting table is a full length mirror that converts into a cutting table. I have pictures if you are interested. But I also made a large ironing board using a half sheet of ply wood and it is fitted (using 1 x1 in boards) to my ironing board, so when not in use it slides next to the TV in my sewing room. I have used it quite a few times to cut on - just put my cutting mat on to of it.

I bought as 6' by about 30" folding table from Sam's a few years back. $44 but I've seen the same thing cheaper since then

I LOVE this... very slick idea! I like the ironing mat on the slide out drawer. Very effective use of a cast off item, and very efficient use of limited space!

I'm going to start looking around. Sadly, thrift stores here in NYC are not cheap at all. But I'll try Craigslist, and a little ingenuity. You all have great ideas!