Family Room Ideas for a Tan and Dark Brown Couch

A tan and brown couch is a versatile addition to any family room. You can use a dark brown and tan couch to give the space anything from a casual to a sophisticated look, depending on what items you incorporate into the design. Use the brown and tan couch as a starting point for a decorating theme. Does this Spark an idea?

Elegant Look

Accent a dark chocolate brown and tan couch with subdued tones to create an elegant-looking family room. Paint the wall a creamy ecru or soft white shade. Place cream or white throw pillows in each couch corner, and fold a coordinating cashmere blanket over the back. Decorate a coffee table with a crystal vase filled with white roses or calla lilies as a fresh touch.

Exotic Touches

Exotic decor touches will complement a dark brown and tan couch. Enhance the couch with leopard-print decorative pillows and a matching throw blanket for a cohesive look. Create a focal point by placing a large leopard-print rug in the center of a family room that has wood floors. Choose furniture pieces like a coffee table, side table and entertainment center set that are constructed out of dark mahogany or cherry wood. Place a tropical plant in an empty corner of the room.

Rustic Appeal

Use a brown and tan couch as the starting point for a rustic look in your family room. Place a coffee table made out of recycled, rough-hewn wood in front of the couch. Alternatively, choose a coffee table constructed out of logs for a cabin-inspired look. Pine green couch pillows and a matching rug will add to the room's natural appeal.

Modern Style

When decorating your family room with a modern style, look for furniture pieces with clean lines. Enhance the dark brown and tan couch with a dark wood coffee table featuring a glass top. Accent the couch with a modern dark brown or tan leather chair featuring a square shape and shiny chrome legs. Complete the look with a chrome standing lamp or wall sconces.

How to Build Rustic Tables From Oak

A rustic oak dining room table in either a rugged farmhouse style or with a clean, sleek finish will encourage your guests to linger over dinner. Trestle tables date back to the Middle Ages when they became popular because they could be easily dismantled and stored out of the way during battles at the castle. Today's trestle combines form with function, and making one by hand can aid in making today's home truly your own castle. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

Make the Tabletop

1

Carve a slab of oak to make it 36-inches by 72-inches. If you can't find a slab, glue together pieces of 3/4-inch oak, alternating the direction of the rings with each piece. Clamp the wood together, or use biscuit joints to join the pieces.

2

Finish the edges by either using a drawknife or a hand planer for a rugged look, or use the table saw for a sharp edged finish.

3

Sand the top carefully.

Make the Legs

4

Cut the newel posts to the desired height.

5

Attach a corbel on each side, angling an 8-inch lag screw into each. Make certain the corbels and the end of the newel are level. Use a corbel that is at least 10-1/2 inches long to make the table stable.

6

Cut the stretcher bar to length and attach it between the newel posts by screwing a lag screw through the post and into the stretcher bar. Plug the hole with a dowel rod, leaving the dowel exposed 1/2 inch.

7

Cut two 12-inch square leg plates out of 3/4-inch wood.

8

Attach the leg plates on top of the newel post using 3-inch deck screws.

Assemble the Table

9

Turn the table top over and draw a line around the perimeter, 3 inches from the edge.

10

Cut twelve 1-by-2-by-8 inch pieces. Attach them on their flat side to the underside of the table using 1-1/4-inch deck screws. Space these cleats along the inside edge between the spots where the legs will attach.

11

Miter the edges of the 1-by-4-inch pieces, which will form the apron around the perimeter of the underside of the table. Set these pieces in place outside the cleats and secure in place with screws.

12

Set two 2-by-4-inch stringers on edge between the apron pieces where the legs will be installed. The ends of these stringers should butt up on the long sides of the apron. Secure in place with 3-inch screws.

13

Center the legs and affix with 1-1/4 inch deck screws.

14

Turn the table upright. Fill any holes with wood putty. Sand the table completely. Stain and seal.

Decorating Ideas for a Banquet Hall

The decorations for a banquet hall set the mood for the entire event. It's important to select your theme and colors prior to picking out the specific decorations. Set a budget for the decorations. Write checklists to ensure you have all the decorating tasks completed on time for the festivities.

Outside Luminaries

Use outside luminaries to light the entrance to the actual banquet hall. You can purchase pre-made luminaries or make them yourself. To make luminaries, buy white lunch-sized paper bags. Spray paint paper bags in colors that match the decorating color scheme inside the banquet hall. Allow the paper bags to dry overnight. Place a small amount of play sand in each of the bags, to weigh them to the ground. String small matching light bulb strings along the tops of the bags or down in the bags. Check the lights to ensure they work before the event. Turn the lights back on approximately 30 minutes before the actual event.

Candle Lighting

Fill small glass jars and containers halfway with colored play sand. Set a small candle in the jar or container. Place these on the tables at each person's place setting. Use a large candle and floral centerpiece for each of the tables. Use pillar candles for the entryways and exits. Dim the electrical room lighting during the event.

Festive Lighting

Hang a disco ball in the center of the room from a chandelier to create festive lighting. String colored lights around the baseboards of the banquet hall. Check the lights to ensure they work before the event. Hang Chinese lanterns around the room. String colored lights around each of the tables in the banquet hall. Use small, decorative and colorful table lamps as the centerpiece for each table. Plenty of light and a variety of colors will create a festive party mood in the banquet hall.

Balloons

Use balloons around the support columns and pillars of the banquet hall. Completely cover these structures with small balloons and place larger-sized balloons at the top. This will create a balloon column. Use colors that complement the rest of the banquet hall decorating theme.

Balloon sculptures are appropriate for weddings, anniversaries and other events focused around a couple. Personalized balloon sculptures will help to set the tone of the banquet event. Balloon sculptures 4 to 5 feet wide are ideal for filling up empty spaces in the banquet hall. Smaller versions are suited for specific tables such as the sign-in table, cake table or gift table.

Balloon arches are appropriate for placing over different tables in the banquet hall. Use balloon arches over gift tables, the cake table, buffet tables and the drink table. These will direct guests where to go, as well as be festive and beautiful decorations for the banquet hall.

How to Shabby Chic a Wood Table

Your old wood table may be nondescript, tired, dull or brown with cracked varnish, but you can make it the center of attention with a little effort and minimal cost. Give your table shabby chic makeover to revive it, and your room's decor. The makeover doesn't have to be confined to tables; once you've tried the shabby chic technique, you'll be eager to revamp other pieces. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1

Lay out newspaper underneath and around the table. Put on the face mask and ventilate the room; varnish should not be inhaled.

2

Sand the table to remove all cracked varnish. You don't have to remove all the previous finish, but try to get as close to the original wood as possible. Wipe the table clean with damp rags and allow to dry.

3

Remove and replace the newspaper under the table. Apply a coat of primer with a paintbrush. Allow the primer to dry.

4

Apply the first coat of latex paint with a paintbrush. Allow the paint to dry according to the label directions.

5

Rub the white candle randomly over the table, making sure not to leave a pattern. Work the candle especially on areas that show natural wear, such as the table edges and legs.

6

Apply the second paint color with a paintbrush. Let the paint dry.

7

Rub the table gently with clean sandpaper. Where the candle was applied, the top coat of paint should easily lift off, revealing the color underneath. In areas of heavy wear, rub the paint back to the natural wood.

8

Apply a coat of varnish with a paintbrush. Allow the varnish to dry according to the label directions. Apply a second coat and allow it to dry.

How to Build a 12-Foot Farmhouse Table

Farmhouse tables are rustic, hold simplistic elegance and are large enough for a big family. Add to the primitive charm of the farmhouse table by making it yourself. The building project isn't difficult and can be accomplished in less than a weekend. Some basic carpentry skills are all you need, and if you have aged wood to add to the character of your table, all the better. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1

Cut the two 1-by-4 boards down to 40 inches each. Cut two of the 1-by-6-by-12-foot boards to a length of 136 inches.

2

Lay the four cut boards out to create the frame for the base of the tabletop. Put the two 40-inch boards to the inside of the two longer boards for the side of the frame. Stand them up on edge. Use the carpenter's square to make sure the joints are even at the corners. Screw in through the outer side boards and into the ends of the cross pieces using two wood screws per corner.

3

Cut 11 pieces of 2-by-2 to a length of 40 inches each. Set these inside the frame between the longer side pieces at 12-inch intervals. The last one will have a slightly shorter distance between the support and the end of the table frame. Screw in place by screwing from the outside through the side boards and into the end of each support. Use two screws for each end of each cross support.

4

Mark the point on both ends of the short sides of the frame that is the exact center. Place the first two tabletop boards alongside this center point, one to each side of the mark. The top boards are the remaining eight 12-foot boards. Align the boards so there is a 4-inch overhang on each end. Screw in place by placing three screws down through each board and into the end board of the frame. Set the screws about two inches apart across the boards. Sink the screws to the level of the wood surface or below; do not let them protrude above the wood.

5

Place the remaining boards by adding a board alongside each of the first two, and so on, until all eight of the tabletop boards have been put in place. Screw them in place the same as the first two, adding three wood screws down through the board at each end and into the end pieces of the frame.

6

Turn the tabletop over. Secure the tabletop boards to the cross supports by screwing through the supports and into the tabletop boards from the bottom. This secures the boards to the supports from the bottom and eliminates a tabletop full of screw heads to putty over.

7

Secure the leg posts while the table is still upside-down. You can use table legs with a shaped design that can be purchased at a home supply store or just plain wood posts. Set the posts into the corners of the frame. Secure by screwing through the outer boards of the frame and into the posts. Use two screws to each side of the post or leg (four per leg).

8

Turn the table upright. Fill the screw head holes with wood putty, then sand. Seal the table with a good finishing oil such as tung oil or linseed oil.

How to Remove Water Rings From Table Tops

It seems that no matter how often you put out the coasters, your guests will still leave their wet glasses on your good table tops. When this happens, light rings develop around the area where the glasses have dripped. At first glance, the water rings may seem a bit alarming, but by following a few steps, you can remove water rings, and restore the beauty of your table tops. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1

Apply a layer of petroleum jelly or furniture polish to the water rings. Allow the lubricant to sit on the table top for approximately eight hours. Remove the lubricant with a soft cloth.

2

Rub a small dime-sized amount of mayonnaise into water stains to remove them from table tops. Wrap a soft cloth around your fingers and rub until the water stain disappears.

3

Pour a small amount of denatured alcohol on a soft cloth to remove water rings that the lubrication process did not take off. Gently rub the soft cloth with the denatured alcohol over the water rings until they disappear, which should take approximately one minute.

4

Remove any denatured alcohol residue with a second soft cloth. Polish the table top with furniture polish to replace any sheen that was removed by the denatured alcohol.

5

Apply a small amount of mineral oil to stubborn water rings. Rub the water rings out of the table top using a 0000 steel wool. Continue rubbing until the water rings disappear.

6

Wipe away the steel wool and mineral oil residue using a soft cloth. To even out the sheen, apply a furniture wax.

How to Paint a Checkerboard Table

A tables with a checkerboard top can play two roles. It can have a practical purpose as a functional game table for checkers and chess. In addition, its grid of contrasting colors can add a bold accent to your decor. Some common color schemes for checkerboards include black and white, red and black, and olive green and buff. A traditional checkerboard has 64 squares. If you plan to use your checkerboard table for regular games, you can protect the surface from wear with a layer of varnish. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1

Fill in any holes on your tabletop with wood putty. Run a putty knife over the repairs to remove excess putty. Allow the putty to dry. Lightly sand the repaired area so it is the same as the surrounding surface. Spot-prime repairs with a dab of primer and a foam brush.

2

Lightly sand a glossy surface with a sanding block. Wipe off the tabletop with a tack cloth.

3

Roll an even coat of paint over the entire top of the table. Use the lighter of the two colors for this base color. Let the paint dry overnight.

4

Measure the side of your table. Divide this number by 8 to determine how big to make each square on your checkerboard. Use a piece of chalk and a yardstick to mark out your grid.

5

Place strips of tape just inside the lighter squares. Use a razor to cut the ends of the tape straight across. To prevent confusion, place an X made of tape in each light square.

6

Roll out the dark squares with a foam roller. Roll in both directions to evenly disperse paint. Peel off the tape as soon as you finish painting each dark square.

DIY Farmhouse Table

Farmhouse tables are a basic part of American furniture. Farmers rarely had the money to buy expensive furniture; a farmhouse table was built very simply, using the common tools and materials they had handy. Almost anybody can build a sturdy farmhouse table.

You can build a similar table using standard pine lumber from your local home center. Simple butt joints, assembled using box nails, are all that is needed. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1

Lay two of the 4x4s (legs) on the ground, about five feet apart and parallel to each other. Lay one of the 1x4s on top of them, overlapping the edges so they form a U-shape of two legs joined by a long side rail to support the top. Spread some glue between the joints where they overlap, and drive three box nails through each end of the rail into the legs (six nails total). Do not position the three nails in a straight line. Stagger them, so you are less likely to split the wood. Wipe off any excess glue with the damp cloth.

2

Repeat step 1 with the other 1x4 and the other two 4x4s, and let the glue dry. You now have two leg assemblies, one for each side of the table.

3

Set one of the leg assemblies on the floor so the bottoms of the legs point straight up in the air. Attach one of the longer 2x4s to the end of this leg assembly. The cut edge of the 2x4 should align with the outside edge of the 1x4 side rail, so the leg appears to be inside the frame formed by the 1x4 and the 2x4. Apply some glue to the area where the 2x4 and the leg assembly overlap, then drive three nails through the 2x4 into the leg assembly; stagger them as you did before. Use the damp cloth to wipe off any excess glue. This is one of the short end rails of the table.

4

Attach the other long 2x4 to the other end of the leg assembly, following the instructions in Step 3. This 2x4 is the short end rail for the other end of the table.

5

Put some glue on one cut end of the short 2x4 and position it halfway between the two short end rails, then drive three nails through the 1x4 into the end of this 2x4. Wipe off any excess glue. This is a center support for the top of the farmtable.

6

Attach the remaining leg assembly to the three 2x4s, using glue and nails as in the previous three steps. When finished, you will have completed the farmtable base. Once the glue has dried, turn the table base over so it sits on the legs.

7

Use the measuring tape to mark the center point on each of the short end rails with the pencil. Position two of the 1x8s on top of the frame, with their joint placed over the pencil marks. Drive three box nails through each one into both of the end rails and the center support; you will need nine nails per board. Do not use glue. Add boards, nailing them to the frame until the top is completed.

8

Stain the table with the finish of your choice, following the manufacturer's instructions.

How to Seal Newly Painted Furniture

When you have a situation where the shape and size of the furniture is perfect but the color is not, you may choose to paint it. A common mistake made after painting furniture is forgetting to seal the paint. If you don't seal it, you might see nasty water rings, nicks and scratches over time. Using a clear polyurethane to seal the paint will add years to the furniture. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

Painting Furniture

1

Sand the surface with sandpaper to roughen the wood, so that paint will adhere better.

2

Wipe the furniture with a clean and damp cloth.

3

Put the first coat of paint on the furniture. Once it dries, apply a second coat of paint.

Sealing the Paint

4

Wait several days before applying the sealer. Use drop cloths underneath the furniture to protect your flooring.

5

Wipe the furniture with a clean and damp cloth to remove any dust and dirt.

6

After it's dry, apply a thin coat of clear polyurethane with a paint brush. If the furniture has large pieces of flat surfaces, use a small roller to leave a smoother look.

7

Allow the first coat of polyurethane to dry. If there are imperfections or bumps, lightly sand the surface with fine-grit sandpaper.

8

Wipe the surface with a damp cloth to remove sanding dust. After it dries, apply another thin coat of polyurethane.

How to Make a Patio Table

Patio tables are a nice way to be able to hang out in your own yard. However, patio furniture can be very expensive, and is not always made of a good, lasting quality. Making your own patio table is a great alternative to the more expensive furniture options, and can look just as good and even last longer. This table is made from an old outside door, and is pretty simple to make. It can be made in under a day, and looks quite nice when finished. It has a slightly rustic look, and fits in well with any shabby chic look. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1

Measure the door and subtract two inches from around all sides. Cut the 2-inch by 4-inch boards to match the subtracted measurements. Screw the frame tightly together using the wood screws. For added sturdiness, glue the screws in as well.

2

Cut a sheet of plywood that as big as the 2x4 frame. Use the wood glue to attach the plywood sheet to the 2x4 frame. Let dry.

3

Drill a hole through the four corners of the frame, making sure to drill both the plywood and the 2x4s. Screw in the pre-made table legs, or screw in the additional 2x4s. If making your own legs, you will need to decide how high you want the table to be and cut the wood to that size. Bracers for the legs may also be necessary.

4

Flip the wooden frame over. Remove any door handles or objects that are sticking out from the door. Place the door on top of the frame. Attach one half of the piano hinge to the frame, and the other half to the door. It is very important that you use a door intended for outside use, otherwise it might warp.

5

Sand the whole table until it is smooth. Brush the table off with a dry cloth to remove the sawdust. Stain or paint the table in your desired color. Usually paint will require a primer before putting on the real color. When staining, applying a wood varnish after the stain has dried is a good idea. Let dry for at least 24 hours before using.

Coffee Bean Centerpiece Ideas

Coffee beans have come a long way. There was a time when these caffeinated jewels were only appreciated for the flavor they added to our cups. Today, they are roasted and covered in chocolate for Valentine's Day and used as decorations. Build your centerpieces around coffee beans for table decorations your guests will not soon forget. Does this Spark an idea?

Different Shades of Coffee

Coffee beans come in many different shades of brown and black. Layer the shades in a large glass vase for a dramatic centerpiece. You may prefer to use several small vases to showcase a row of individual colors and line them up across the table. Nestle candles in the coffee beans to turn the vases into candleholders. Use a large pillar candle in the single vase and small votive candles in the short vases.

Flowers

Place white roses in floral tubes, also called water picks, to keep them hydrated. Fill a fish bowl vase with coffee beans and stick the roses into the beans until the top of the vase is covered in the roses. Use tall, square vases filled with coffee beans to display bolder colors like fuchsia, orange and purple. Wrap a wide brown or ivory ribbon around each vase.

Coffee Trees

Paint a trio of different sized Styrofoam trees brown. Hot glue coffee beans to them and arrange them on a mirrored tray in the center of the table. Add gold ribbon to the trees for the holidays or leave them unadorned as year-round centerpieces. Alternate rows of dark and light beans to add visual interest.

Party Favor Centerpieces

Fill Chinese takeout boxes with chocolate-covered coffee beans.

Write the names of your guests on miniature Chinese takeout boxes. Fill the boxes with chocolate-covered coffee beans. Leave them open and poke a pair of chopsticks in each box. Place the boxes in a circle on a round table so that they are positioned in front of each guest's place setting. Line them in a zigzag design along a rectangular table, again placing them in front of the guests' plates. This allows each person to see his name clearly written on the box.

Potpourri

Fill small sheer sachets with aromatic coffee beans. Tie them shut with different colored ribbons and bows. Place these sachets around a shallow vase filled with colorful flowers in the center of the table.

Standard Coffee Table Height

Coffee tables and ottomans are hard-working pieces of furniture in many homes. They provide a great place to kick up your feet or set down your plate. To help your coffee table fit in your living room and look proportionate to your furniture, take a few considerations into account when deciding on the height of your coffee table. Does this Spark an idea?

Standard Heights

Coffee tables range in height, as there's no standard height across the board. Most stand from about 16 to 18 inches high, though 20 inches high is not uncommon. Some coffee tables have tops that raise and lower to accommodate different uses, allowing you to raise the top to eat or use a laptop computer, then lower it to watch television.

Sofa Seat Height

The height of your sofa seat cushion should influence the height of your coffee table. If you find your sofa seat cushion sits at 20 inches above the floor, but your coffee table is 16 inches high, the coffee table will feel dwarfed and uncomfortable to use. Try to find a coffee table that is within 1 or 2 inches of the height of your seat cushion.

Television Stand Height

Another important consideration, if you use your living room for watching television, is the height of your television and stand. Very modern stands are typically low to the ground. When a coffee table is used with such a stand, placing a tall glass on the coffee table can block your view of the television, making TV watching uncomfortable. In this case, find a lower coffee table.

Entertaining

The final important consideration for the appropriate coffee table height is whether you'll be doing much entertaining in your living room with your coffee table, or whether you'll use the space for dining often. If you will use it often for dining or entertaining, a taller table will be more comfortable to eat from when seated on your sofa.

DIY Pedestal Dining Table

A pedestal dining table is an elegant and contemporary addition to the dining room. The table's pedestal, located in the center of the bottom of the table, allows for comfortable seating uninterrupted by table legs. Basic carpentry skills are needed to construct the table, which could be stained or primed and painted dark gray or black and finished with acrylic sealer paint. Many lumberyards will cut the wood to the sizes needed for the table's construction if requested. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1

Cut four pieces of plywood to measure 24 inches square with the table saw.

2

Connect two pieces together at the edges at a right angle with the wood glue. Clamp the pieces and let the glue dry for two hours. Hammer in brads to secure the connection. Repeat with all squares to create the box-shaped pedestal for the dining table.

3

Cut an 8-foot by 3-foot piece of plywood with the table saw for the dining tabletop.

4

Center the tabletop over the pedestal. Hammer brads through the table top to connect the top to the pedestal. Cover the brads with wood putty, smooth it with a damp finger and let the putty dry for one hour.

5

Sand the entire table thoroughly with the sandpaper. Paint with primer or stain and let dry for two hours.

6

Apply two coats each of acrylic sealer or acrylic paint and sealer, letting each coat dry for two hours.

How to Measure Chairs to Fit Dining Tables

Your dining table and chairs must fit together properly in order to provide a comfortable dining experience as you and family or friends sit around the table. When selecting a table and chairs, take measurements of both the table and the chairs to ensure that they fit properly together. By measuring the height and width of the dining chairs, you can know that the chairs will provide a pleasant dining experience to any guests who sit at your table. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1

Measure the height of the dining table from the floor to the bottom of the table. A comfortable table height is between 28 and 28.5 inches. If the table has an apron on the underside (a support piece that extends between the table legs), the distance between the floor and the bottom edge of the apron should be between 24.5 to 25 inches.

2

Allow at least 24 inches of dining space along the table for each place setting, although most dining chairs are approximately 20 inches wide. If you have an oval dining table, you will be able to fit more diners around the table than if you have a rectangular dining table. This is because you can often squeeze an extra chair or two in around the curves, while, due to its corners, doing the same with a rectangle can be difficult.

3

Measure the dining chairs. Dining chairs are usually 17.5 to 18 inches high from the seat to the floor. The most comfortable distance between the bottom of the table and the top of the chair is about 6 or 7 inches (allowing for legroom). Therefore, make sure the distance between bottom of the table (or the apron) and the top of the chair is not less than 6 to 7 inches.

Decorating Banquet Tables With Roses

Whether used to serve large spreads of food or to seat a big group of people, as a party host, you can dress up a banquet table through various rose displays and arrangements. Pick the color of roses to use based on the occasion, season and time of day. For instance, while pink or yellow roses satisfy an afternoon springtime tea party, an evening anniversary party calls for red roses. To save on money, simply cut roses from your own garden.

Containers

Place the roses in unusual holders like rustic tin containers and painted tin cans. Insert roses in kitchenware like mason jars, wine bottles, glass canisters and colorful pitchers. Depart from standard circular vases by putting the roses in a square-shaped vase. Fill the bottom of a glass vase with marbles and stones for an added bit of color.

Disassembled Roses

Scatter rose petals directly on the table, hugging the displays of food. Place bowls of potpourri, made primarily with rose petals, on both ends of the banquet table. For an added bit of presentation, put the potpourri in crystal bowls. String a garland of roses across the edge of the banquet table, or make your own shabby chic garland craft by inserting a host of roses throughout a line of rope.

Roses and Candles

Illuminate the banquet table using a mixture of roses and candles. For instance, place rose buds in a bowl floating alongside rose-shaped candles. Many florists offer rose arrangements outfitted with built-in candles. You can also decide to simply surround a bouquet of roses with candles in complementary colors.

Non-Floral Roses

In lieu of roses, use rose-shaped items to decorate the banquet table. Place long stem chocolate roses, dyed or wrapped in red foil to resemble the flowers, in a crystal vase. Scatter multiple platters across the table featuring a wide array of edible rose-shaped items, like cupcakes topped with colorful and oversized roses made of icing and various desserts made in rose-shaped baking pans such as mini-tarts, brownies and muffins. Paper or plastic roses found at most arts and crafts stores cater to guests with allergies.

How to Design an Italian Dining Room

Design an Italian dining room to evoke a several hundred-year-old villa in the remote Tuscan countryside or as a contemporary ode to urban modernism in Rome. Consider using sophisticated Italian materials such as terra cotta and marble, as well as playful touches such as trompe l'oeil wall murals. The key feature of any Italian dining room is the appetite-inducing feeling of warmth, style and conviviality that makes mealtime one of the most important parts of every day. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1

Think modern Italy with old-school roots. Incorporate high-quality Italian marble into flooring, or use a long, narrow slab to top a vintage sideboard. Choose an open wooden china cabinet to display handcrafted Italian ceramics you collect on trips abroad or order online. Group terra cotta pots filled with a variety of Italian herbs such as basil, oregano and parsley on a sunny window ledge. Use high-design contemporary Italian chairs covered in white leather with a sleek, streamlined table for a cutting-edge bistro look.

2

Take ideas from traditional Italian pizza parlors. Build a brick oven between the kitchen and the dining area if you have a passion for the perfectly puffed-up, charred crispy crust. Opt for faux finish walls in a stucco style to emulate an especially charming restaurant's warm tones. Try a heavy wooden farmhouse table with benches for seating instead of formal dining chairs. Make the room casual and playful with framed posters from Federico Fellini films.

3

Design an open-plan dining room and kitchen combination to create a connection between the cooks and the guests. Emphasize the mingling of sounds and smells between the spaces, and encourage everyone to develop and indulge a healthy appetite. Fill the windowsills with boxes of red geraniums; hang fantastic, functional cookware from iron pot holders; and install wide French doors opening onto a kitchen garden to show off the natural warmth of home-grown ingredients like tomatoes and eggplants. Select an antique iron dining table with a glass top that is suitable both for indoor use and classic Italian al fresco dining.

How to Make a Dining Table Top

Large single slabs of lumber are hard to come by and can be quite expensive, so most table tops are made from several pieces of lumber joined together. Making a dining table top from several pieces of lumber can give different looks to a table. Use reclaimed lumber for a rustic farmhouse-style table, or nice planks of maple or cherry polished to a fine degree for a fancier table top. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1

Form two planks of 80 1/2 inch 1-by-4-inch lumber (side aprons of the table top) and two planks of 36 inch 1-by-4-inch lumber (end aprons) into a rectangle with the ends of the side aprons abutting the inside of the end aprons to make corners.

2

Glue the corner joints, check for square using a carpenter's square then set in corner clamps to dry; approximately an hour depending on the glue brand. Pre-drill two countersunk pilot holes through the sides of the end aprons into the ends of the side aprons and secure together with 2-inch wood screws.

3

Insert a plank of 34 1/2 inch 2-by-2-inch lumber every 10 inches between the side aprons; seven in total. Push these support planks down so they are flush with the bottom of the side and end aprons, then secure them in place with two wood screws driven through the outside of the side aprons into each end of the support planks.

4

Lay two planks of 86 inch 1-by-10-inch lumber side by side on a work table. Bead a line of glue along one long edge and then use two large F clamps to press the two pieces of lumber together by fastening the F clamp over the outer sides of the two planks. Repeat with another two planks of 86 inch 1-by-10-inch lumber.

5

Lay the two glued planks of lumber side-by-side on a work surface and place the apron frame over the top. Adjust the position of the frame so that there is an inch overhang on the side of the frame and 2 inches on the ends, which will make the table top centered.

6

Clamp the table top to the frame, then pre-drill countersunk pilot holes; three per support plank into each of the table top planks. Secure with 2 1/4-inch wood screws. Turn the table top over, so the frame is on the bottom, then drive three countersunk 2-inch wood screws through each table top plank into the end aprons.

7

Sand the table top and aprons with a sander or by hand. Finish the tabletop with your desired wood finish, paint, varnish, stain, wax or oil.

How to Get Water Rings Off an Oak Table

Getting a watermark out of a cherished oak table doesn't necessarily mean having to strip and refinish the entire table. Before you have to resort to stripping and refinishing the entire table, there are ways to do this with items you most likely have around the house. The key is to replace the oil in the wood finish that was soaked up by the water.

Instructions

How to Get Water Rings Off An Oak Table

1

Spread mayonnaise or olive oil onto a paper towel. Place on water stain for 15 minutes. Remove paper towel. Repeat until stain is gone.

2

Place smooth cloth over the stain. Heat with hot iron set to dry (no steam) on its lowest setting for 3-5 seconds. Lift cloth. Repeat until stain is gone.

3

Dampen a Mr. Clean Magic Eraser and gently smooth over the stain in the direction of the wood grain. Repeat until stain is gone.

4

Dip a clean, lint-free cloth into some oak wood stain. Dab onto watermark and gently smooth in the direction of the wood grain. Let dry.

5

Completely strip and refinish the table. Rub sandpaper over the wood in the direction of the grain until all the finish is gone and you are left with bare wood. Wipe the surface down with a clean, lint-free cloth to remove all traces of sand and dust. Choose a polyurethane stain in a tint you like. Paint the stain evenly and smoothly with the grain of the wood and allow to dry completely. Paint several thin coats for a darker stain, allowing it to dry between coats.

How to Decorate a White Living Room

Think of your white living room as a blank canvas that's just waiting to be injected with personality and style. Decorate your living room with as much or as little color as you want in a style that reflects your personality and taste. There are ways to include color through accessories and textiles that won't disturb the white walls or floor if you can't or don't want to change them. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1

Paint all of the walls white, or include color on one wall to warm up the space and serve as an accent wall. If you are aiming for an all-white living room, consider a warmer shade of white to keep the room from feeling cold and uninviting.

2

Place an area rug in the center of the room to anchor your furniture and add texture to the room. The rug can include a colorful design to warm up the space, or simply add dimension and texture. For example, a faux fur rug or thick shaggy rug would add to your room. Neutral, light colors will flow with the white without interrupting it if you aren't keen on a white rug.

3

Arrange your furniture in a way that promotes easy conversation from any seat within the arrangement. Include a white sofa, love seat or chairs. One colorful chair can add spark and function as a focal point in the room if you wish. If you don't want stark white furniture, opt for a light, neutral shade such as cream or beige. Dark wood tables will contrast with the white furniture, just as glass tables will function without interfering with the white furniture.

4

Cover your windows with treatments that add to the decor, or simply work to control light and privacy. If you don't want the windows to stand out, consider simple shades or blinds covered with white curtains or draperies. If you want a pop of color against the white walls, use colorful curtains panels that include a small, colorful design against white fabric.

5

Hang wall decor that fits in with your design. A colorful piece of art can brighten up an all-white room and ensure the focus of the room is on the art. Black-and-white photographs with black or white frames can decorate the walls without taking too much emphasis off the white room. Use bright-colored frames if this is where you'd like to infuse color.

6

Use accessories to complete the room. Pillows, vases, flower arrangements, houseplants, candles, sculptures or any other accessories can add personality and style to the room. If the entire room is white except for a painting that features mostly red, consider a red vase on the coffee table with white flowers to tie the painting into the room without saturating the room with color. Use colorful accessories that complement each other to warm up your white living room if that is your goal.

Dining Ideas for Small Kitchens

Small kitchens can feel cramped and cluttered if you don't maximize the space appropriately. If you who work with the flow of the space, you can find creative ways to fit a dining area into a small area. Some simple ideas include creating a breakfast nook space, including banquette seating and choosing the correct table. All of these solutions convert hidden corners and seemingly awkward spacing into the small, but effective dining rooms within the kitchen. The idea is toallow for flowing traffic and choosing the right solution for a particular space. Does this Spark an idea?

Breakfast Nook

Occasionally, small kitchens designs include a bay window or a small jutting alcove. While these spaces may seem awkward, they make wonderful dining areas in the kitchen. Commonly called the "breakfast nook" there is no reason why a small alcove cannot be the kitchen's primary eating area. The Kitchen Bath Ideas website, recommends using a narrow, high-top console table to make the most of a small alcove. Place these tables under a window and compliment with high-backed bar stools. Utilizing a seemingly awkward corner of the kitchen allows homeowners to eat comfortably in their kitchen space.

Banquette Seating

Banquette seating is another way to create a dining area in a kitchen with very little space. Choose a corner of wall of the kitchen not occupied by appliances or low cabinetry. The Country Living website recommends building in padded bench seating, known as a banquette. One benefit to adding a built-in banquette is that including hinged seating provides extra storage space below. Compliment banquette seating with a table that fits in the space. For banquettes along the wall, choose a long, narrow table. For corner banquets, compliment with a round or square table that tucks easily into the corner space.

Table Choice

Sometimes creating a dining solution for a small kitchen is a matter of choosing the right dining table. The This Old House website recommends maximizing a small kitchen space by selecting a round table. Typically, these tables take up less space. The lack of harsh angles allows traffic in a busy, tight space to flow easily around the kitchen space. To further maximize travel space around the table, choose chairs that tuck under the table easily. In extremely cramped quarters, it may not be ideal to have a table permanently in the space. A small, folding bistro table and folding chairs may be ideal in some cases. They can be removed when there is a need for more maneuverability in the space. Choose folding tables made from sturdy tables and with high quality finishes in place of the card table standard of the college apartment.

How to Make a Temporary Table for a Party

If you find yourself in short supply of tables for your party you don't have to run out and buy extra tables. Temporary tables can be constructed from materials you, a neighbor or a hardware store likely have on hand. These tables are easily constructed, often requiring no tools or hardware to assemble. Once decorated with linens, flowers and party food dishes, your temporary tables will look as good as more-expensive, permanent tables. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1

Search your house and garage for old doors, large pieces of plywood or other long, flat items which can serve as tabletops. If you have a large whiteboard, for example, you can temporarily use it as a tabletop for a small side table to hold beverages. Also, be on the look out for table legs. Filing cabinets, storage crates and sawhorses all make good table legs.

2

Construct the table's legs. Stack plastic storage crates on top of one another until the table stands as high as you like. You will need four separate stacks of crates, one for each leg. If you use sawhorses as your legs, you will only need two, one for each end of the table. Filing cabinets also make good temporary table legs.

3

Place an old door (with hinges removed) or a piece of plywood on top of your legs. Make certain your piece of plywood is thick enough to not bow in the middle when weight, such as dishes of food or gifts, are placed on it. If your tabletop does bow, make another leg out of crates or use a third sawhorse or filing cabinet placed under the center of the tabletop to help keep the table sturdy and strong.

How to Make Decorations for Tables for a Graduation Party

Making your own table decorations, such as an edible photo bouquet, for a graduation party will give the celebration space a personalized touch. Consider the grade school, high school or college graduate's interests, hobbies and even favorite colors when designing the ideal table decor. Not only will creating your own table decorations be more personal, it will save you money. Use pieces that have sentimental value, such as photographs, along with craft supplies to create one-of-a-kind table decor.

Instructions

1

Make copies of your favorite photos of the graduate. Choose images that represent various life stages, such as her first day of school, a memorable sports moment and prom. Set a large flower-shaped cookie cutter onto the photo and trace around it. Cut the photo out around the outline to resemble a flower head.

2

Make or buy your favorite sugar cookie dough. Cut the dough into flower shapes using the same cookie cutter you used to make the photo cut-outs. Insert lollipop sticks into the bottoms of the cookies and bake them according to recipe instructions to create cookie pops. Frost the cookies with royal icing, which dries to a hard, shiny finish. Use icing hues to reflect the graduate's school colors. Create one cookie pop per each guest so you can use them as party favors as well.

3

Wrap the cookie portion of each pop with an upside down clear cellophane bag. Secure the bags onto the sticks by tying 5-inch pieces of grosgrain or satin ribbon into bows directly under the cookies. Place craft glue onto the backs of the flower-shaped photos and adhere one to the front of each cookie pop bag.

4

Use craft paint and stencils to write "Happy Graduation" on a 6-inch terracotta plant pot. Choose paints to reflect the graduate's favorite hues or her school colors.

5

Cut a piece of floral foam to fit the bottom of the plant pot using a craft knife. Place the foam inside the pot. Insert the cookie pops into the foam to create an eye-catching edible arrangement.

6

Place small candies, such as jelly beans, or glass gems featuring the graduate's school colors on top of the foam up to the pot's rim. Set the decoration in the center of the graduation table.

Crafts That Can Be Made at Home

Businesswoman and former Miss Texas, Phyllis George, once said, "Our ancestors used to create these crafts out of necessity, and now we do them for fun, to make money and to express ourselves." Crafting allows an individual to connect with her heritage while engaging in activities that she enjoys. Whether you craft as a pastime or for profit, the possibilities for this home-based activity are virtually endless.

Revive Old Junk

Reupholstering worn-out furniture transforms its appearance.

Embark on an adventure into a cluttered shed or dusty attic to see what junk awaits transformation into something wonderful. If a set of old kitchen chairs is worn and unattractive, sandpaper, wood stain, padding and fabric are all you need to make them look new again. Reupholster an old recliner, create a mosaic with vintage ceramic coffee mugs or liven up the garden by painting paving stones that have been left untouched for months. From an old carpet, cut out shapes such as hearts, stars and circles to make area rugs for the living room or a child's bedroom. Drill holes in plastic figurines to make nifty, original salt and pepper shakers.

Spruce Up Home Decor

Add an elegant flair to your home by crafting fancy window valances.

Take a look around your home and make note of drab areas. If your curtains are unnoticeable because they blend in with all the other colors in the house, design a fabric valance with contrasting colors. Embellish centerpieces, such as plain votive candles, with pressed flowers or by sprinkling colorful potpourri along the base to add a vibrant touch. Decorate bland light fixtures by replacing the regular pull-chains with colored chains that have decorative ends. Illuminate photo frames by placing a push-light behind them and painting the frames with high-gloss color.

Turn Trash Into Treasure

Reusing items that would otherwise be thrown in the garbage helps reduce waste.

Don't throw out anything or even drop it in a recycling bin before considering its value as a crafting material. For example, you can wash tin cans, sand down their sharp edges and turn them into decorative tin men figures for your garden. Cut up cardboard boxes and use them as a base for bean art, in which you create an image by gluing beans of various colors onto the cardboard. Turn an old CD into scratchboard art with the aid of black acrylic paint and a paperclip, turn it into a sun-catcher or use several to create a hanging mobile.

Craft With Kids

Naturally imaginative, children benefit from the creative outlet that crafting provides.

Spend time with your child engaging in crafts such as making edible finger paints with vanilla pudding cups and food coloring. Make dry-erase boards by placing a blank sheet of copy paper in an 8-inch-by-10-inch photo frame. When you're out of ideas on what to do next, ask your child for suggestions. It will give her a chance to exercise her imagination while helping to recharge your own with fresh ideas. Ask your child to help you with your craft just as you help with hers.

What Is a Bunching Table?

Bunching tables are small square or rectangular side tables used in the living room or family room. They can be arranged separately, or "bunched" together to create a larger surface. Does this Spark an idea?

Materials

Bunching tables come in a variety of materials and styles. The frame and legs can be made of wood, metal or Lucite, and the top can be made of wood, metal, Lucite or glass. Styles range from traditional to contemporary. Bunching tables are also seen as part of patio furniture sets.

Types

Nesting tables are also known as bunching tables. Typically seen in sets of two or three tables that are graduated in size, nesting tables are designed so that one or two tuck neatly beneath the largest of the set. These space-savers can be separated as needed.

Functions

Bunching tables are often designed with functionality in mind. Some have removable tray tops useful for entertaining, others have space for stowage and some have a compartment topped by clear glass where collections can be arranged and viewed. Patio furniture bunching tables might have reversible upholstered tops to be used as ottomans.

How to Refinish a Coffee Table

Finding a nice coffee table can be fun, even if it needs a refinishing job. Be sure that the table you select is structurally sound, so that by the time you are done with it, you will have something worth keeping. For this reason, solid wood is always preferable to laminates or pressboard. After you have a table, wait for some nice weather and be ready to have some fun. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1

Clear a work area that is at least 2 feet wider than every side of your coffee table. Lay down some newspaper or brown paper to collect any debris that may fall. Make sure you have adequate ventilation for the fumes that come from the stripper.

2

Check all the joints to make sure they are firm and not wobbly. If there is movement, apply some wood glue and clamp it overnight to dry.

3

Apply a gel-type wood stripper to remove any paint and or varnish that might be on the table. Use a paint brush and apply according to the directions on the container. Generally, long strokes in the direction of the grain are best. Allow it to sit until the surface has been bubbled and softened.

4

Scrape the surface with the paint scraper in the direction of the grain. Remove as much of the softened gel/paint/varnish as possible and put it into an old coffee can or other container that can be thrown away.

5

Wipe down the surface with an old rag. After it dries a bit, sand the table with the sandpaper until you have a smooth, clean surface. Wipe it again with a clean rag to remove the dust.

6

Apply the new finish with the sponge applicator, working in the same direction of the grain. Do not go over areas more than once. Allow it to dry overnight before adding a second coat, if necessary.

What Is a Foyer in a House?

The foyer, also known as the entryway, is the space just inside the front door of a house. This space is critical for creating first impressions for your guests. Pay attention to a few areas when designing or decorating your foyer to make a dynamic statement. Does this Spark an idea?

Location

The foyer is located just inside the front entrance to the home. In some houses, it is a hallway, perhaps slightly wider than normal. Other homes have walls, railings or changes in flooring or the level of the flooring that set apart a foyer from the main part of the house. Some homes do not have a foyer at all, but, rather, have a door that opens straight into a room. In these homes, you can set up a table with plants on it or add a room screen to create a foyer.

Function

The foyer is supposed to serve as a transition space between the outside of your home and inside your home. You, your family and your guests should feel relaxed and comfortable when you step into the foyer. People who have never been to your home before should be able to tell your general style just by being in your foyer. The foyer can also serve some practical functions, including providing space to hang coats and hats, and hooks for keys, as well as perhaps a bench for putting on shoes.

Lighting

The lighting in the foyer should be welcoming and cheery. If the foyer has a ceiling at least 9 feet tall, you can hang a small chandelier, being careful to keep it at least 7 feet from the floor for adequate head room. Otherwise, you can install wall sconces or recessed lighting with a dimmer switch to control the lighting in the foyer. If you have a table in the foyer, include a lamp that you can turn on when you are expecting guests in the evening. Add a guest book to the table, as well.

Decor

The foyer should be decorated in a way that fits with the style of the rest of the house -- but includes a few key elements specific to the space. Hang a mirror on one of the walls, ideally next to the door rather than across from it so you aren't greeted by your own face when you walk in. The mirror can help you straighten yourself out when you come and go and will reflect light to brighten the foyer. If there is a wall across from the door, hang a piece of artwork that is meaningful to you or framed photos of your family. A table with plants, flowers, candles, framed pictures or other small decorative items will fill space in a large foyer and create a storage area underneath. A striped rug on the floor can direct people's eyes into the rest of the house.

Rewiring Antique Fans

Brief History

An antique fan is considered to be any fan that is 25 years or older and one that does not have "not so cooling" plastic blades. Back then many types of fans were made, including electric fans, fans powered by wet cell batteries, water fans, hot air fans and wind-up fans. At the turn of the last century (the early 1900s) electric fans ran on DC (direct current) and AC (alternating current). There was no national electrical standard, so AC or DC current (20 to 250 volts) ran with currents of 25, 33, 50, 60 and 133 cycles. Manufacturers had to know what current your house ran on in order to guide you to the right fan for your home. The fans that ran on both currents would make a radio buzz, so they were discontinued. There were no two-prong plugs at that time or electrical wall outlets, so plugs screwed into light sockets, the only source of electrical power. (The lights connected to utility poles outside the home through a hole drilled in the wall.) Power cords for fans were no more than 10 to 15 feet long.

Cage and Motor

If the original wires are still intact, they usually exit the motor at the bottom front cover. Remove the cage of the fan and its blade and then unscrew the brass oiler under the front bearing. Unscrew the slotted screws and slide the front motor cover off the rotor shaft. Clean the shaft with steel wool and a few drops of oil to protect the bearing and replace the grease in the oscillator gearing, if necessary.

Rotor Housing

Rotate the rotor a little, then remove it. You should be able to view the internal screws located on the inside of the rear motor that houses the rear oscillator. It is OK to clean off the gunk from the stator, but do not remove it. If the oilers need cleaning, remove the spring and wick assembly first. Replace the wicking (possibly with Duro Felt) with wicking of the same length as the original. Fill the oilers with 10 to 20 weight non-detergent motor oil (not the red 3-in-1 for electric motors).

Replacing Old Wiring

Where the cord is connected to the stator windings, carefully and delicately cut off the old wire and then solder the new wire (at least 18-gauge gold-twisted rayon for the switch and motor and 18-gauge brown rayon for the power cord) to the connections. The connectors (called "pigtails") have a varnish that should be removed. Remove it with a small-bladed knife, and scrape pigtails lightly. Heat-shrink tubing or liquid electrical tape will insulate the solder connections.

How to Clean Painted Furniture

Painted furniture always looks so perfect when the coat of paint is fresh, but it may be the most difficult type of furniture to keep clean. Over time, paint becomes brittle, can become discolored and is easily stained. With a few simple techniques you can clean up you painted furniture and learn how to protect it with your regular cleaning. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1

Clean light stains on painted furniture by dampening a soft cloth with a mixture of hot water and liquid dishwashing detergent. Wring out the cloth as much as possible and rub the surface of the furniture lightly in circular motions. Always follow-up quickly, drying the surface with a clean soft towel

2

Remove darker more stubborn stains on painted furniture by mixing 2 tsp. of borax with enough white vinegar to create a smooth paste. Apply the paste to a soft cloth and rub the mixture into the stained surface gently, just until the stain lightens. Remove with a damp cloth and dry with a clean towel.

3

Use fine grain sandpaper to remove the most difficult of stains; however, use caution. Always test an unseen area first to see if the sandpaper removes luster or reveals darker paint under the surface. Sandpaper can damage painted furniture if used excessively, so only sand stains as a last resort.

4

Apply a light wax-based furniture conditioner during your regular cleaning. Dust the painted surface with a clean soft cloth before applying the conditioner. Rub a light layer of the conditioner into the surface of your painted furniture and buff with a clean cloth. Wood condition will protect your painted furniture from further stains, chipping and pealing.

How to Pour Resin Table Tops

Resins are the consistency of honey and create smooth and durable table tops. They are poured in two stages. The seal coat is a thin layer that fills any pores to prevent air bubbles and the flood coat self-levels to build up the surface. An air temperature of 60 to 70 degrees Fahrenheit (16 to 21 degrees Celsius) and humidity of below 60 percent is preferred when using resins. Resin table tops take three days to cure to full hardness.

Instructions

1

Level the table surface before using resins.

2

Place duct tape on the bottom of the table top over any cracks. This will keep the resin from flowing out of these areas.

3

Measure the two parts of the resin mix in separate small measuring buckets. One part resin to one part hardener is the standard ratio. Read and follow the manufacturer's instructions.

4

Scrape the sides of your measuring containers with a paint stirring paddle to assure accurate measurements. Precise measurements safeguard against a tacky surface that never cures correctly.

5

Stir for three to four minutes to thoroughly mix the two parts of the resin together in a disposable plastic bucket. Scrape the sides of the bucket to ensure complete mixing. Only mix the amount of resin that you can use in 20 minutes of working time.

6

Apply the first light seal coat with a brush. Wait 12 hours for it to dry before proceeding.

7

Glue any items you wish to embed in the table top in place with white glue. This bond is only to hold the items in place while the resin is poured.

8

Mix another batch of resin to use in the flood coats.

9

Pour the resin over your table top and spread with the paint stirrer. Use a brush to move the resin into hard-to-reach corners.

10

Apply flood coats in 1/8-inch layers and allow to dry for six hours between applications. One to three coats is average for most table or bar coatings, but if you have thick embedded items, you may need more coats.

11

Eliminate little bubbles that come to the surface after the resin is poured using a propane torch. This will get rid of cloudiness caused by these bubbles. Hold the torch six inches from the surface and move quickly back and forth. Permanent waves may be created on the table top if this is done too close to the final curing time.

12

Clean up with acetone.

How to Get a White Spot Out of a Wood Table

When the finish on your tabletop develops a white stain, it can be annoying, but in most cases it isn't a serious problem. The stain may be the result of moisture or standing water, or someone may have placed a hot dish on the table. In either case, you'll probably be able to remove it without refinishing the table. As long as the stain is in the finish, and not in the wood underneath, you can remove it with everyday household items. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1

Wash the tabletop, then spread a towel over the mark. Set an iron to high heat and turn on the steam. Place the iron on the towel over the mark and let it sit for about a minute. You can also try setting the iron to a lower temperature and rubbing it into the towel over the stain. This method will work best if the finish is varnish or polyurethane.

2

Dampen a rag with acetone, or nail polish remover, and dab the stain repeatedly until it disappears. This method may work if the finish is lacquer or shellac. Don't rub the tabletop, or the acetone will damage the finish.

3

Make a 50-50 mixture of baking soda and toothpaste and rub it into the stain. Use white toothpaste for this instead of the gel type. You can also try baking soda mixed with a little water, or just toothpaste.

4

Rub in mayonnaise, a paste of olive oil and salt, or a 50-50 mixture of olive oil and vinegar. Allow it to sit for up to an hour, then wipe it off.

5

Spread petroleum jelly on the stain and rub it in. Let it sit overnight, then wipe it off.

6

Spread polishing compound on the stain and rub it in with a polishing cloth. This compound is used for removing stains from automobile finishes and is available at car-parts stores. If the stain is close to the surface, or is embedded in the layer of wax covering the finish, you can rub it out -- without damaging the finish.

How to Clean a Discolored Marble Tabletop

A marble-topped table can be a great way of adding some elegance and natural beauty to your home. Marble's variation and high shine can help to enhance any decor.

Marble is a natural stone and will require special care if you do choose to use a marble table. The wrong type of cleaner, lack of sealant or even just a coffee cup used without a coaster could discolor your marble. You will be able to lessen the appearance of these stains dramatically by using stone-care products. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1

Clean the marble top well with a stone cleaner. Stone cleaners are available in spray bottles for ease of use. Spray the cleaner onto the table and buff with a lint-free cloth. This will remove any surface stains from the marble.

2

Apply a poultice to the marble top. Poultice is a paste used to draw out stains and discolorations from within the stone. It can be purchased at most stone yards and is available both ready mixed and as a powder you mix with water.

Spread the poultice over the discolored areas of the marble top and cover the poultice with a piece of plastic wrap to seal it in. Allow it to sit for one hour.

3

Rinse the poultice off the table with water and then clean the top again with a stone cleaner, buffing the top dry with a lint-free cloth.

4

Seal the marble top against further staining by painting it with an impregnating sealer using a foam paintbrush. Allow the sealer to penetrate for one hour and then wipe up the excess with a lint-free cloth.

How to Clean Oak Tables

Oak tables are commonly found in dining and kitchen areas, with smaller end tables and coffee tables made of oak often in living rooms. Since oak is an elegant, expensive wood, it is important to properly clean and care for your oak table. Instead of chemical-based furniture polishes, use a homemade wood cleaner that's safe for any type of oak table. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1

Dust the oak regularly with a clean rag. Moisten the rag with a little water and wipe over stickier residue.

2

Make your cleaning solution in a jar with a lid. Combine either 3 parts olive oil with 1 part white vinegar, or 2 parts olive oil with 1 part lemon juice for a citrus-scented cleaner.

3

Dip a rag into the cleaner, wring out excess solution and wipe across the oak. Rub in the direction of the wood grain.

4

Continue rubbing in the solution until little or no residue is left behind. Allow to air dry.

Decorating a Sofa Table

Ideas and themes

Though decorating a sofa table may not seem like a big deal, there are a few things to take into consideration when deciding to decorate anything in your home. What do you want your decor to say about you? Do you want a romantic decor, in which the furniture is vintage-looking and painted white, with soft pastel floral patterns on the curtains and rugs? Do you want a contemporary theme? Or maybe a rustic theme? There is also the exotic, African theme and the Asian theme. There are many different themes to choose from, and depending on how your living room is decorated, you will most likely want to decorate your sofa table in much the same manner, to keep with the decor of the room.

Getting started

Depending on your decor style, there are a lot of ways in which you can decorate your sofa table. If you or your guests are prone to drinking beverages in your living room, then coasters on the sofa table are essential in avoiding unsightly rings.

If you have a vintage theme going on in your living room, you might consider decorating your table simply and using a doily. Doilies will give your table an old-fashioned look. You can also add a small knick-knack or two, placed on top of the doily. If you have a rustic theme in your living room, a small, old fashioned kerosene lamp can add to the decor of the table.

African-themed sofa tables can feature a metal giraffe or elephant in the center of the table and an African-pattern table runner down the center of the table to give it some color and keep it from looking too plain.

If you are looking to use an Asian theme, use a piece of silk as a table runner. If your sofa table is too small for a runner, then you can use a small Buddha figurine, a bonsai tree or a fan to decorate the table.

Candles are always a good way to decorate a table. A couple of hurricanes on either side with scented candles can make a living room warm and inviting to guests. Also, you can use a simple flower centerpiece to decorate the table. This is especially useful if you have a romantic-themed living room. Vases, pottery and clocks can also be other items you might consider decorating with, if you are looking for a more contemporary look.

Resources

If you want scented candles that will last a while, then purchasing Yankee brand candles is something you might want to consider. While they are expensive, they will fill your home with a wonderful aroma and they will also last quite a while.

Cultural knick-knacks and decor can be found at places like Cost Plus World Market. Vintage and rustic decor can usually be found in thrift stores or flea markets. There are online resources that also sell this type of decor, if you are uncomfortable with shopping at a flea market or thrift store.

DIY Resin Table Tops

Resin table tops make good displays for pictures, trinkets or newspaper clippings. To make a do-it-yourself resin table top, glue or place objects in a pattern onto a plywood or MDF table top, then pour a polyester resin to seal the objects and create a hard surface. MDF is Medium Density Fiberboard, which is made from compressed wood fibers. It has a smooth surface and is often used in furniture making. Resin table tops are often found in restaurants and bars due to their durability. Use your imagination to create interesting items and designs to embed in the table top. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1

Cut wood trim or polyethylene strips to apply to the side of the table to make a barrier for the resin. Use polyethylene strips if you want the resin to be exposed on the side of the table after curing.

2

Apply wood glue down the length of the strips, and then attach them to the table top with a pneumatic nail gun.

3

Turn the table over and run a glue gun over all of the seams.

4

Paint the box with black paint and set it aside to dry.

5

Turn the table right side up and place a level on it to make sure it is flat.

6

Cover the entire wood surface with a coat of decoupage paste using a foam paintbrush. Apply decoupage paste to the back of any pictures or clippings and place them onto the table top. Cover the tops of the pictures or clippings with the decoupage paste. Place any other items on the table top, and arrange them to suit your design. Allow the decoupage paste to dry until it becomes clear. It should be dry to the touch.

7

Determine how much resin you need for your project. To calculate how much resin you need, measure the top and one side in inches, then multiply these two dimensions together. For example, if a table top measures 30 by 30 inches, then it covers 900 square inches (30 x 30 = 900). Next, multiply that total area by the thickness you want for the table. If the table top will be one-half inch thick, multiply 0.5 by 900 to equal a volume of 450 cubic inches. One gallon of resin equals 231 cubic inches. Divide your cubic-inch measurement by 231 cubic inches to calculate how much resin you need. You would need to purchase 2 gallons of resin for this project (450 / 231 = 1.95 gallons).

8

Mix your resin and hardening catalyst with a stir stick into a small bucket, according to manufacturer directions. Mix one half-gallon for the first pour. This project will require four layers of resin, each one mixed and poured separately.

9

Pour the first layer of resin over the tabletop, and allow the liquid to self-level. Use a stir stick to push it into the corners of it does not flow that way by itself. Cover the table top with the black box, and allow the resin to gel for one hour.

10

Mix the second batch of resin according to manufacturer directions. Typically, less catalyst is needed in this and subsequent batches because of the heat generated from the first pour. Pour the resin over the table top. Cover the table top with the box, and allow the resin to gel for one hour.

11

Mix the third batch of resin according to manufacturer directions. Pour the resin over the table top. Cover the resin with the black box and allow it to harden completely in a warm, well-ventilated space for two to three days. Do not test the resin with a fingertip to check if it has hardened; use a stir stick in an inconspicuous location such as a far corner.

12

Mix a fourth batch of resin according to manufacturer directions. Pour the resin over the tabletop, and spread it with a stir stick, as this forth pour will not self-level. Cover the wet resin with Mylar sheeting to give it a glass-smooth finish. Cover the resin with the black box, and allow it to harden in a warm, well-ventilated place for two to three days.

13

Remove the polyethylene strips if you want the sides of the resin to be exposed. Round the sides with a round-over router bit. Buff the sides to make the resin shine. If you used wood trim, paint or stain the trim to your desired finish.