I love my big table...DH separated an old 4x4 table. slipped one of my machines down into the split, perfect height for me. Then surrounded it by 2 4x8 sheets of plywood finished on one side. Put legs under it for support (no vibration) Put an ironing pad on end of table that holds machine... Put extra cutting pad on other end, and and taped a 8 measuring tape across the end. My main work area is in different area, cutting area, ironing area display board, and other 2 machines, I have all this in my downstairs. I also have an extra double bedroom, bath, laundry, storage & Family Room so I have to keep my quilting areas clean and tidy. Maybe this will help set up your space. Some times small works better then large..

I got a brand new sewing cabinet from a lady who had to sell, due to messy divorce. She said it had never been used, she pd $250 for it, I got it for $100. Has the gridded surface and the back lifts up for added space to have quilt on. It is also n lockable casters. I had to store it at a friends house till I get my sewing shack moved and cleaned up. The rain we have been having has put a stop to moving it to its new home. Grrrrr.

Plus I found another lady who had fabric, rulers, & lots of books for sale and went on a road trip with said friend and brought it all home. I went thru it and am glad I left her some extra money as I thought $50 was kinda cheap. I bet I got over $800 of fabric, rulers and pattern books. Also some patterns and a wall hanging to finish of 2 unicorns.

I also got 225 yards of fleece from the same lady as the cabinet. $2 per yard. I got a LARGE cutting map, a small one and also a new ruler I had never seen. I paid a total of $70 for the cutting mats and ruler. I can't believe the bargains I have found recently.

My friend and I have made several baby blankets already out of the fleece. She is also making one for her nephew who has helped us by carrying it all in her house. He said he will help me load it into my trailer when ready. Whoo hoo!!

I used to use a large banquet table that was 60" long, 30 deep. ( older, heavy.). I am a piler. I grew to hate that big table. It took up a lot of room. Someone at a rummage sale tipped me off on a sewing table with a drop in for a sewing machine. It is 51" wide and 30" deep. It has a storage cabinet with a door under the table to the left. love the smaller table and I don't have excess space to pile on it. I am my worst enemy when it comes to piling! Horizontal surfaces are fair game.

Sandy

I have an old library table, 48 x 60 purchased from a second hand store. DH cut a hole and dropped in my sewing machine after shoring up underneath with 2 x 4's. It works great. I have found that as long as your quilt is supported, it isn't a problem if it hangs off a little.

I was going to suggest checking Craigslist or yard/estate sales for a big farm or dining room table and adjusting it to your height. I have an office desk that I've done this with, and I made a drop-in for my sewing machine. It was pretty easy.

I have a wood dining room table this is I think 36 x 40. My sons friend cut out a space at each end for my two sewing machines to sit in. I just love it, it easily hold a king size quilt for quilting without hanging onto the floor.

Home Depot/Lowe's also has some wire baskets in frames that are great for storing fabrics. I have a set under one of my sewing room tables for extra storage. There are lots of things made to organize closets that can be put under your sewing table for extra storage.

I use a conference table 4 1/2 feet by 14 feet.