How to Put a Lamp on a Console Table Without Nearby Electricity

Table lamps are decorative and functional accessories for any room in your home. They come in a multitude of colors, sizes and styles, and provide varying amounts of light. Depending on the layout of your home and furniture, available electrical outlets might be too far away from your console tables to provide power to any lamps placed thereupon. Fortunately, there are several options for enjoying a lamp on a console table without nearby electricity. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1

Plug your lamp into an extension cord and run the cord to the nearest electrical outlet. Find a convenient path from the cord to the wall; the cord should cross the least amount of open floor to prevent tripping people. Install an electrical cord cover on top of the loose cord and secure it to your floor to minimize the cord's visibility and enhance safety. Cord covers are available at most hardware retailers and major wholesale outlets, and come in a variety of colors and textures to match almost any floor.

2

Purchase a lamp that uses candles or batteries instead of electricity as its energy source. Install appropriately sized candles or batteries in your lamp. You can also power a candle-based lamp on LED candles, which are fake candles that run on batteries.

3

Purchase a DC-to-AC power inverter and the compatible batteries, and follow the manufacturer's instructions for installation and use of the inverter. Plug the lamp into the inverter; it will power the lamp with batteries.

DIY: Mosaic Tile Patterns for a Kitchen Table

Mosaic, the art of arranging colored tiles or glass into patterns or designs, is a great way to personalize just about any piece of furniture. You can create a mosaic on any flat surface, but tables are perhaps the most common site. Kitchen tables are a particularly great place to add this touch.

Getting Ready To Be Creative

Good mosaics require time and at least a little planning. First, it is important to gather all the necessary materials. This includes craft glue and grout for securing the tiles, a sponge and a Popsicle stick for applying grout and of course, plenty of flat tiles or pieces of colored glass. While this last item sounds obvious, it important to make sure you have enough colored materials to finish the project. It can be hard to match colors from different sets, so running out of even one kind of tile halfway through can make the finished product look sloppy.

The Overall Design

Choose a design pattern such as a checkerboard or a star burst and a color scheme. For a kitchen, look at decorations and colors you currently have in place for inspiration. Look not only at cabinets and counters, but also at other items such as framed pictures or curtains. Examine the basic patterns being used. Anything from geometric shapes to kitchen-themed items such as an apple can be incorporated into a custom mosaic table. Try tracing multiple designs on a sheet of paper and coloring them in to decide which you like best. If this is your first attempt at mosaic, simpler designs are better. But for those with a little experience, complexity is a welcome challenge.

Applying a Design

Once you have a design sketched out on paper, apply it the tabletop, first as a vague outline and then with tiles. Though colored chalk is best for marking out initial patterns, a pencil will work. Make sure to center your design correctly. You can do this by drawing intersecting lines with a ruler. Then, look at your design and trace any parts that will require detailed work and smaller tiles. If there is more than one area, start with the edges and move inward. Generally, your most complex designs should go toward the middle of the piece. Only sketch out what is necessary; you will find that these patterns are just guidelines. Once it is time to start applying the tiles, focus first on any detailed areas, such as those you sketched out. Only proceed to the background once you have all details and borders in place. When applying the background, work from the edges out, so you first cover the places where design meets background. This technique of detail work first ensures that all patterns look fully incorporated into the larger mosaic.

Finishing Touches

Generally, it is not necessary to apply slivers of material to areas smaller than a quarter of an inch. The grout will cover small gaps, as well as make the tabletop more smooth. Use the Popsicle stick or other pointed object to make sure that grout gets into the small spaces between tiles. Spread the gout liberally over the entire surface, until you can no longer see the tiles; then use the side of the stick to spread it evenly. After about half an hour, wash the table down, using first the sponge very gently across the top. If you can bring the table outside, do so because using a water hose at an angle is the best way to safely clean your new creation. Wash until the excess grout is gone. Let the table dry for about 24 hours. Mosaics are never perfectly flat, so lay a piece of glass across the top.

How to Hang a Mirror Over a Console Table

A broken mirror means seven years of bad luck and a terrific mess to clean up. Having the mirror stay where you hang it--rather than crashing to the floor for lack of a proper hanger, or correct installation--is, therefore, a very good idea. If you can use hangers that are nailed directly into wall studs, go for it. More often, however, the studs are not placed conveniently for the location you've picked for the mirror. Fortunately, there is more than one way to accomplish this task. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1

Screw eyehooks into the back of the mirror's frame about one-fourth of the way down the two sides. The eyehooks should be large enough to hold the mirror's weight. Use a drill to start the holes for the eyehooks so you don't crack the frame. Run picture wire back and forth between the eyehooks several times, twisting the strands together as you go. Fasten off the picture wire by twisting the two ends together.

2

Stand the mirror up on the floor and pull the wire cable upward as if the mirror were hanging from the wall. Measure the distance between the top of the frame and the highest point the wire reaches when it's stretched. Measure and mark the center of the frame on the back with a pencil.

3

Measure to find the center of the console table. Hang a plumb bob from a string and hold the string up against the wall. When the plumb bob settles at the center of the console table, mark the wall using the string as your guide. Using a level, draw a short vertical line at that point on the wall.

4

Hold the mirror up to the wall at the installation point. Ask a helper to evaluate whether you have the mirror high enough on the wall. Mark that spot on the wall along the vertical line you made in Step 3. From this mark, measure downward and mark the distance between the top of the frame and the picture wire hanger you installed. This is the distance you measured in Step 1.

5

Select a triple nail hanger that will hold the mirror's weight. Place the triple nail hanger so the hook over which the wire will go is on the mark you just made. Pound in the three nails with a hammer. Because of the hanger's design, the nails will go into the wall at an angle. Triple nail hangers are available at home improvement stores, arts and crafts stores, and picture-framing shops.

6

Place the picture wire over the hook and adjust the mirror so it's level. Do this by eye or with the help of a bubble level.

How to Make a Tile Kitchen Table

Tile kitchen tables are decorative and durable. Tables can be put down in a mosaic design, simple squares or with one, single ceramic sheet. A single ceramic tile sheet would work best for a prep table because it's easier to keep clean. Debris and food stains can penetrate tile grout, making it unattractive and unsanitary.

Plain, unfired ceramic tile can be glazed with your choice of designs, fired, and then cemented into place with grout. This allows you to personalize your tile kitchen table even further. It is even possible to trace printable designs such as black and white outlines made from your favorite photos onto unfired tile, apply glazes, and fire. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1

Measure the table top, edge and leg dimensions. Make a graph paper mock-up of the table top, one long and one short table edge, and the leg profiles. Lay large and small square tiles, round, hexagonal and octagonal tiles in an eye-pleasing design to fill all space on the table top. Use a tile cutter to make triangular tiles if they're needed to fill a space. Transfer all of the tiles to the graph paper, in the same positions they were in when they were on the table.

2

Take one tile at a time and apply instant adhesive to the back. Set the tiles back into place on the table in the same positions they occupied on the graph paper. The instant adhesive will hold the tiles during the application of the tile grout. Allow the adhesive to dry for 15 to 20 minutes.

3

Use a plastic trowel to apply grout to the entire surface of the table top, forcing grout into every space between all of the tiles. Scrape as much grout from the surface as possible. Wipe all of the tiles with a damp sponge to remove excess grout from the faces of each tile, leaving all grout between tiles intact. Allow all tile grout to dry 2 to 3 days.

4

Repeat the process for each table edge, one at a time, and each leg surface, allowing each surface to dry completely for 2 to 3 days before moving to the next one.

5

Apply UV-resistant, clear acrylic epoxy sealant to the entire table-- including the top, all edges, and each leg surface--to seal the tiles and protect the grout.

Types of Antique Tables

Tables are considered antique when they are found to be made before the early 19th century. The types of wood used in many antique tables are varied and may depend upon the country of the table's origin. Avoiding refinishing and leaving the antique table untouched often means that the table will be worth more, with some tables priced in the thousands.

Drop Leaf Tables

In the late 1600s drop leaf tables began to be made and used in the United States. Drop leaf tables are typically round shaped when erect, with two opposite leaves that can be dropped down to hang at the sides of the constant middle leaf. Additional versions of the drop leaf table were created, and they differ only in the way in which the leaves are supported when erect. The butterfly table, swing-leg table, and the Pembroke table are examples of drop leaf style antique tables. These types of drop leaf tables are defined by the way in which the support legs or beams hold up the leaves. Additional legs on the butterfly table fold out like butterfly wings to support the leaves of the table, while the swing-leg table and Pembroke are hinged at the table rails.

Specialized Tables

Specialized tables were created for special purposes, such as card tables and coffee or tea tables. The appearance of these specialized tables is different according to a table's use. Coffee and tea tables may be low to the ground for use in front of lounge furniture, while card tables may sit at waist height and resemble the small round kitchen tables of modern times. Some specialized antique tables were created to fold flat for easy storage when not in use.

Candle Stands

Also known as country stands, candle stand tables are tiny platforms supported by pillars or pedestals with tripod bases. The modern-day use for these tables may be to hold a plant, a vase or a telephone, or it may be an entry-way table for mail. People may even use this type of table as end tables. The antique forms of this table type were used for several purposes as well, including for playing games and writing letters. Most of the tables of this type were made from the 17th century and until the middle of the 19th century.

Dining Tables

Stretcher tables were the early names used to describe the antique type of tables now referred to as dining room tables. Their thin tops and large, elaborately decorated table legs define stretcher tables. The antique versions were also used as family dining room tables and were roughly the same size as the modern-day versions, with some styles actually being a little larger. An antique dining table is not easily determinable because many reproductions have been made out of old floorboards, so a professional may wish to certify the table as a true antique.

Classifications

Because numerous knock-offs and replicas have been made, it is necessary that any persons wishing to sell their antique tables have the tables appraised to determine whether or not the tables are truly antiques. Contacting various antique dealers and getting quotes from each will give you an estimate to work with. Antique dealers may also be able to give contact information for an antique table specialist.

How to Fill Grooves & Refinish a Wooden Kitchen Table

Your kitchen table is the place your family meets to share a meal and talk about the day. You use it to read the paper, do homework and host your friends for meals. Your wooden table is bound to get some nicks and scratches. Don't let a worn-out kitchen table bother you for another day. You can easily fill in the scratches while refinishing the table. You will have a table that looks brand new in no time. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1

Put on a mask and gloves. Apply a thick coat of chemical paint stripper to the surface of the wooden table. Allow the stripper to sit on the surface of the table for 20 to 30 minutes.

2

Hold a paint scraper an arm's length from your body. Apply the scraper to the wood and pull towards you. The paint or varnish will lift from the table. Continue until you have removed most of the paint or varnish.

3

Mix a small amount of dish washing soap and warm water in a small bucket. Dip a sponge into the mixture and wring it out to remove most of the water. Wipe the table to remove the chemicals. Rinse the sponge often as you clean. Let the table dry completely.

4

Sand the table with fine-grit sandpaper. Sanding will remove any remaining paint or varnish and soften the wood. Sand until the surface is soft and smooth. Wipe off the sanding dust with a damp cloth.

5

Dip a putty knife into wood filler. Fill grooves and gouges in the table with the putty. Choose a stainable wood filler. Slightly overfill the groove and then allow the putty to dry according to package directions.

6

Sand the wood putty with fine-grit sandpaper until the surface is smooth and even with the rest of the table.

7

Submerge a clean, soft rag into the stain and wipe it on the furniture. Rub firmly to work the stain into the wood grain. Wipe away any excess stain with a clean rag. Let the stain dry. Apply more coats of stain until you like the depth of the color.

8

Dip a clean, soft cloth into paste wax. Rub the paste wax into the table. Apply three coats of paste wax to fully protect the finish.

How to Make a Bar From Side Tables

Use old side tables as the base for a bar, making a piece of furniture that is functional and a fun place to gather. Whether you want to create a funky and eye-catching piece or something that is more casual and understated, creating your own bar from side tables is a fairly simple project that allows you to express your creativity. With a few basic supplies and two salvaged side tables, you can create a one-of-a-kind piece of furniture for your home that can be the center of many memorable times. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1

Locate two side tables that are at least 3 feet tall. Visit a thrift store or an antique shop to find inexpensive pieces. While matching side tables make a more cohesive look, you can use two different side tables, as long as they are the same height.

2

Cut or purchase a pre-cut piece of plywood that is 4 feet long and 3 feet wide.

3

Place the side tables so that they are spread apart about 2 feet. Set the piece of plywood on top of the side tables. Pull the tables out underneath the plywood so that they are positioned directly underneath each of the ends of the wood.

4

Screw two 8- to 10-inch screws through the top of the plywood into the surface of each of the tables with a drill. The screws should be placed side-by-side with a 3- to 4-inch space between them.

5

Paint or stain the surface and sides of the plywood. Use a color paint or stain that suits your taste. Dip a handheld paintbrush into the paint or stain and use smooth, even strokes to apply the material to the surface and sides of the plywood. If you're using stain, wipe off any excess with a clean cloth. Allow the paint or stain to dry for 24 hours.

6

Apply sealant to the surface and sides of the plywood. Use a handheld paintbrush and smooth, even strokes to apply the sealant. Allow the sealant to completely dry before use, about 24 hours.

How to Learn Math Tables

Mastering multiplication facts may be one of the first and most difficult challenges a young student encounters in a school career. Although many teachers teach times tables using rote memorization techniques and fact drilling, use other teaching methods as well, especially for students who learn visually. Make learning multiplication facts fast and enjoyable to help students learn math tables successfully and positively without stress.

Instructions

1

Present the multiplication facts to the students by fact family -- meaning all the "2" facts, all the "4" facts, all the "5" facts and so on. Consider presenting the facts in the following order: 2, 4, 10, 5, review, 3, 6, 11, 9, review, 7, 8 and 12. This technique spreads out the difficult fact families and lets students gain multiplication success before ending with the most difficult facts.

2

Show students the 12 by 12 number grid and teach them how to use it to solve multiplication problems. This number grid helps students conceptualize multiplication and see how the facts relate to each other.

3

Draw a number line on the chalkboard when you present a fact family. For example, to present the "6" fact family, draw a number line from 0 to 72. Circle all of the multiples of six on the number line and encourage students to count by sixes from 0 to 72. Help students learn to count by sixes so they can do it easily and then encourage them to count backwards from 72 by sixes. The more comfortable students become with counting fact families, the easier the multiplication facts will be to learn.

4

Instruct students to use multiplication flash cards for each fact family to memorize the facts. Pair students up so they can take turns quizzing each other. As students go through the flash cards, they should make piles of the facts they know and the facts they do not know. Students should continue to drill the facts they do not know until they know all of the facts in the fact family easily without figuring or struggling.

5

Give quizzes to reinforce the times tables as students learn the fact families. As you add each family to the students' knowledge base, add these facts to the quizzes until the quizzes include all the facts up to the 12s.

6

Play multiplication bingo. Make up bingo cards with 25 grids and place product numbers in each of the grid squares to make different bingo cards. Call out the common multiplication facts and students can place a marker over a grid if the number is the product of the facts you call out. Students call "Bingo" when they get five numbers in row going across or down.

How to Sand Table Tops

Tables can be the center of a family or home. It is where you gather to eat, where you entertain guests and share your news of the day. Perhaps you found a kitchen table at a yard sale or perhaps you have a kitchen table that has seen better days. You can give that table new life by sanding the table top. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1

Remove the varnish from the table top with a chisel. Keep the blade vertical and press down as you drag chisel toward you across the surface of the table.

2

Clean the surface of the table with a damp rag, then let the table dry before continuing.

3

Fold a shop rag in half and slip it underneath the leather pad that runs between the metal plate and the rollers on the bottom of the sander. This will curve out the bottom of the belt sander's belt.

4

Run the belt sander over the table top, being careful to keep it moving at all times so that it does not mar the surface of the table.

5

Go over the surface of the table again with a cabinet scraper. Smooth the surface of the table until it's smooth. Clean any dust from the surface with a damp rag, then let it dry.

6

Apply a coat of varnish to the surface of the tabletop. Use a brush to spread the varnish evenly.

How to Make a Barn Wood Kitchen Table

Barn wood can be an attractive material for building furniture. It sets a rustic, western tone in recreation rooms or lodge-type settings. The wood is light gray in color and should stay natural, but you can add penetrating oil to help seal it and make the surface more user-friendly. You can construct a small table for a rustic kitchen setting with some random barn-wood planks and a few 2-by-4 studs.

Instructions

1

Place barn wood planks on a flat surface. The accumulated width of the planks must equal at least 36 inches. Flush the ends. Place two evenly spaced clamps perpendicular to the planks and tighten just enough to hold them together.

2

Measure the width of the planks and cut two studs at that length on a miter saw. Run a heavy bead of glue along the back of the cut pieces. Place one stud at each end, perpendicular to the planks, 12 inches from each end. The glued side of each stud must contact the planks. Make sure the glued sides contact the barn wood planks to bond them to the studs.

3

Screw two, 2-inch screws evenly spaced into each plank, down through the studs using a cordless gun. You don't need to pre-drill, and the glue doesn't need to dry before removing the clamps. The clamps are only to secure the planks and keep them snug and uniform against the bracing stud.

4

Place two of the studs on a flat surface, parallel to each other and 30 inches apart. Place one stud at each end, perpendicular to the other two studs. Flush them at the corners with the studs on the bottom to form a square. Put two 3-inch screws through each of the studs at the four corners. Repeat to form two squares, which will be the feet of the table.

5

Run a bead of glue along the sides of the studs underneath the table. Stand up the square legs flush against the sides of the bracing studs on the bottom of the table. Place two hand clamps on the legs where they meet the braces. Tighten to secure the square feet to the bottom of the table.

6

Drill holes 3 inches apart through the studs on the feet into the bracing studs. Insert 3 1/2-inch screws into the holes and tighten with the cordless gun. Remove the clamps. Allow a minimum of one hour for the glue to dry. Stand the table upright.

How to Make Bedside Tables

Bedside tables are one of the greatest inventions around. They vary in shape and size and can be found to fit anyones pocketbook. The most elaborate bedside tables are handcrafted and display rich exotic woods with carvings and colors that are difficult to describe. Depending on your taste, you can build a set of bedside tables that match your personality or they can be simple flat surfaces on which to place a lamp and a glass of water for bedtime. The most difficult part of building a table is the legs. It is recommended that these be purchased. Legs that vary only slightly will cause a table to wobble. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1

Label the 1 piece of oak plywood 18-inches x 24-inches as the top. Drill holes in the edges of the 1 x 2 inch oak, 3 inches from the ends, with the 1/8-inch drill bit. Then, drill the countersink holes with the 3/8-inch drill bit. Do not drill more than halfway through. Do this on all four 1 x 2-inch oak pieces.

2

Turn the top so that the bottom side is up. Draw a line 1-inch from the edge around the perimeter of the top.

3

Run a bead of wood glue to the long edge of the 1 x 2-inch oak and secure it to the bottom side of the top. Be certain to line it up with the 1-inch mark around the perimeter of the top. Repeat this until all four pieces of the 1 x 2-inch oak has been installed.

4

Measure and cut the flat mold to make a picture frame that will cover the plywood edge of the top. Secure these pieces with the brads and set the nail heads with the nail set.

5

Apply glue to the end of the leg that secures to the bottom side of the top. Place it in the corners created by the 1 x 2-inch oak. Secure the leg by driving 1 -inch drywall screws through the 1 x 2-mch oak and into the leg. Repeat this until all four legs are installed. Turn table upright, sand lightly, and finish as desired.

Decorating a Round Table for a Wedding

When it comes to weddings and dcor, the reception tells the guests about your wedding theme. From lighting to great food, all of the elements are key factors in providing your guests with a wonderful experience. The tables are one integral part of the reception. Round tables say elegance and conversation is the mood of the evening, whereas other table shapes and formations are a bit more relaxed.

Instructions

1

Cover the table with one or two layers of tablecloths. The bottom layer should be a darker, thicker material, and the overlay should be somewhat sheer and brighter in color. You can also choose not to go with a tablecloth if the tables are made of elegant materials, such as wood or marble.

2

Add accessories to the table. Sprinkle some confetti that will catch the light and sparkle on the table. Scatter leaves and flower petals if the theme calls for it. Adding beads or faux gems will also catch the light and look glamorous on the table.

3

Lay the place settings out appropriately. A dinner plate with the napkin nicely folded on top is typical.

4

Place the silverware on the sides of each dinner plate. Forks go on the left, spoons and knife on the right.

5

Arrange the glassware to the right of the place setting.

6

Place arrangements in the center of the table. Tall, tapered flower arrangements are popular in rooms with high ceilings. Lower arrangements are better for smaller spaces. Both work well on round tables, and you can incorporate both by using one tall, one short, in an every-other-table pattern.

7

Place candles around the centerpieces to reflect off of the glass, adding sparkle and dim lighting to the room.

How to Repaint a Kitchen Table

Repainting a kitchen table will add new life to your surroundings. Dollar for dollar, painting a room, house or piece of furniture will give the highest return on investment, compared to other alternatives. Achieving professional results is possible with a few tips. The project takes just a couple of days to complete on average. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1

Choose a spot to perform the project. Avoid dusty places and areas with falling debris such as under trees. The debris could fall on the table and contaminate the paint. It is important to choose a well-ventilated area to avoid inhaling paint fumes as much as possible.

2

Prepare the work area. Spread out a dropcloth or sheet of cardboard on which to place the table. This will protect the floor while completing the project.

3

Sand the table lightly with sandpaper. The object is not to remove existing paint but to mar or rough up the surface, providing a good surface for the new paint to bond. For tables with several layers of paint, it is a good idea to remove this paint using a quality paint remover or sanding with a rotary sander and 100-grit sandpaper.

4

Patch any holes or crevices with wood putty, using a putty knife to apply the material. Allow it to dry, then sand lightly with sandpaper. Wipe the table down with a clean cotton rag to remove any dust or debris. The table is now ready to paint.

5

Apply a coat of primer to the table with the paintbrush. The primer will seal the table and provide a good surface for the paint to bond. Allow the primer to dry completely before applying the finish paint.

6

Brush on a coat of finish paint to the table, using the paintbrush or mini-roller with a sponge applicator, depending on the desired finsih. Paintbrushes leave brush marks, whereas the mini-roller and sponge applicator will provide a very smooth surface.

7

Allow the paint to dry. The drying time will vary depending on weather conditions but could take up to 24 hours. Apply a second coat of paint using the same method as before and allow it to dry.

8

Clean the paintbrushes or rollers in warm soapy water if you used latex paint. For oil-based paint, use paint thinner or mineral spirits.

Painting and Distressing a Kitchen Table

Although many people spend a lot of time searching for new furniture to replace old, worn-out pieces, some want their new furniture to look old or dated. Distressed furniture is available at antique shops and furniture stores, but prices are usually on the high end. For example, a distressed kitchen table could cost you a few thousand dollars, depending on the store. Save time and money by aging the table yourself with distressing furniture techniques. These techniques, using paint, wax and other materials, give your kitchen table a weathered look. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1

Sand the table with the fine-grit paper and wipe away all loose paint particles with a cloth.

2

Paint the surface area of the table with one or two coats of flat latex paint. Use two colors if desired. The bottom color will show through the top layer after distressing it, adding more character to the table. Allow the paint to dry.

3

Remove the paint with sandpaper, steel wool, a screwdriver or a scraper. Each tool with give a different look to the furniture piece. It is your choice to weather only the areas in which you would normally see a lot of distress such as the legs or edges, or you may distress the entire table.

4

Apply the paste wax with stain with a brush. A short-bristle brush makes it easier to cover the table with the wax. If you do not have a small brush, cut the bristles to about 3 inches. Allow the wax to dry for two to three hours.

5

Wipe the finished table with a damp cloth.

How to Decorate a Rustic Kitchen Table

Nothing is more welcoming that a rustic kitchen table. Whether its in your dining room or in a small kitchen nook, a rustic table creates a mood for your kitchen that is cozy and comfortable. While rustic is laid back, you still have plenty of choices to create a mood that is distinctively yours. When you pull it all together, youll have a look everyone will adore. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1

Pick a theme to help you decorate your table. You may want a rustic shabby chic theme, which might include lace and antique china. Another option would be a rustic hunting theme, which could include a fish motif. Consider your dining room and kitchen decor and either match them or find a theme that coordinates with them. If your kitchen is decorated like a lodge, you could easily decorate a rustic kitchen table with an outdoorsy motif to add a refreshing element to the area.

2

Buy a tablecloth that enhances your theme. A lighter color or a floral pattern will be more soft and feminine, while stripes and plaid go with a host of designs and styles. Look for tablecloths with motifs that match your style, such as bears or deer for a cabin-inspired look or a muted floral pattern for a country atmosphere.

3

Create a centerpiece for your table. If your theme is rustic country, try putting a bouquet of fresh flowers in an antique jug or stone pitcher. Another idea is an arrangement in a simple wicker basket or textured pot. Try a group of lanterns for a lodge-inspired atmosphere, or a trio of candlesticks in wrought iron or distressed wood to replicate the atmosphere of a comfy cabin.

4

Select and arrange place mats on the table. Consider the number of guests at your table and find a set of place mats that enhances your dining room decor. Burlap place mats add texture and interest to your table, and they go with almost any decorating style out there.

5

Pick fabric napkins to match your kitchen. Look for solid colors that match your tablecloth and place mats to keep your table from looking busy with too many patterns or motifs.

How to Protect a Wood Table With Glass

Whether you have a newly acquired wood table or an antique, a glass cover can protect the wood surface from accidents and general wear and tear. Tempered glass is recommended as it is harder to break than normal glass. If it does break, it breaks into many tiny pebbles of glass rather than sharp fragments, and it can hold up to the hard use that many tables undergo on a regular basis much better than normal glass. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1

Measure the size of the top of the wooden table. If the table is not a standard shape, you may want to use a large piece of paper and trace the design of the table top onto the paper. You can then provide this to the glass shop so they are able to duplicate the exact shape and size.

2

Decide on the type of edge you want on the glass, both shape and finish, as well as the thickness; one-quarter inch thick glass should be sufficient for most tabletops. For example, edges can be rounded, straight, or beveled with a satin or gloss finish.

3

Contact glass stores in your area and online to obtain a quote for a tempered glass top to put on your wood table. It is a good idea to shop around for the best quote, including the cost of delivery.

4

Inquire about installation costs, especially if you have a sizable table top, as large pieces of glass can be heavy and unmanageable.

5

Clean the wood tabletop once the glass top arrives so that the glass can be put in place immediately.

6

Clean the glass and put it in place on the wooden table top.

Learning Math Tables

Math tables are used to illustrate elementary math concepts like addition, multiplication, number notation, fraction/decimal conversion and ratios, like those involving interest. The most commonly used math table is the multiplication table. Tables are especially helpful for visual learners, as the information is spread out for the eye to see. However, auditory and kinesthetic learners can learn math tables as well.

Read

Knowing how to read a math table is half the battle. Tables are laid out in rows (sections that go across) and columns (sections that go up and down). Tables usually have headings to indicate what the rows and columns represent. It is usually the combination of row and column that will give you the answer you need. For example, the multiplication table below can show you that 7 x 9 is 63, provided you place one finger in the seven row and move it sideways until it is in the 9 column.

Practice

To truly learn the table, you need to practice with it. Solving math problems that use the table, such as multiplication problems or fraction-to-decimal conversions, is a great way to do this. You can write your own problems, use problems from your math textbook, or print worksheets from math sites on the web (see resources).

You can also use the table to make your own flash cards. Use index cards and markers to record each fact from the table you are learning (such as 7 x 9 = 63). Auditory learners can record themselves saying each fact and then listen to it daily. Kinesthetic learners can copy a large version of the table (use chalk and an empty parking lot) to move their bodies while reading the table.

Print a copy of the math table or tables that you are trying to learn and use highlighters or colored pencils to help you show the connections between the numbers in the tables by color-coding coordinating numbers.

Test

Test yourself by completing timed drills that give you problems to solve. Many online math games are timed (see resources for sites with math games), or you can print work sheets and set a timer for gradually shorter and shorter time periods (start with 10 minutes and work your way down to one minute).

Draw

After using the math table in a variety of ways, it's time to make your own version. If you have really learned the table, you will be able to make your own from memory. You can print an empty version of the table or use graph paper to make your own. Use a ruler to pencil in the lines and make sure to write down the headings. Then fill in the rows and columns to the best of your ability. Compare your version with the table. Make flash cards for any sections you missed. Practice those and try again until you can re-create the table from memory. Then you will have learned the math table.

How to Paint a Kitchen Table & Chairs

You can quickly give your kitchen an updated look by painting your table and chairs. Select a color that coordinates with the walls or cabinets for an understated look. Yellow is a popular color for kitchens and complements most types of wood. For a dramatic effect, choose colors in bright or contrasting shades. Fire engine red will give your kitchen a contemporary, urban feel. Adding new seat cushions and table linens can also add a finishing touch to your newly painted furniture. The key to a high quality paint job is the proper surface preparation. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1

Protect the floors with a drop cloth. Lightly sand the table and chairs if their surface is glossy or very smooth. Wipe off the furniture with a clean, damp rag to remove any grit, dirt or dust.

2

Prime the furniture with a compatible latex-based primer. Use a primer specially formulated for metal surfaces if your chairs or table are metal. Apply the primer with a brush, being careful to follow the direction of the grain of the wood. Allow primer to dry completely before painting.

3

Paint the furniture with a latex-based paint in a semi-gloss finish. Take care to follow the direction of the wood grain. Clean up any drips as soon as they happen. Apply two coats of paint, letting the first coat dry thoroughly before the second application.

4

Seal your paint job with a latex-based varnish, as kitchen tables are subject to regular wear and tear. Varnish will protect the surface and allow for easier cleaning.

5

Wash all brushes with soap and water. Smooth the bristles of your wet brushes back into shape and allow them to dry upright.

What to Put on a Sofa Table

Just because it's called a sofa table doesn't mean that it has to be relegated to behind a sofa. Also called a console table, a sofa table can serve your home in a variety of places and ways. What you put on, under and around your sofa table is determined by where you place it, how you use it and your own personal style. The sum of all the parts you assemble is called a "vignette." Does this Spark an idea?

Design Considerations

When creating one, most decorators agree with Thom Felicia that you need to "consider balance, color, contrast, texture and scale." Balance means that you arrange the articles on top, underneath and above the table in proportion to the space and each other. Also, a general rule is to always make groupings of threes, fives and so on. A trick to make a distinctive grouping of smaller items, such as collected seashells, is to place them on a tray.

Sofa Table as Sofa Table

Use table lamps in proportion to table and sofa.

Instead of anchoring your sofa flush up against the wall, place a sofa table behind it to add more depth and interest to your room. Place table lamps in proportion with your sofa and ceiling height on either end. In between, display a grouping of sculptural objects, such as art glass, candles or wood carvings, towards one side, perhaps a stack of art books toward the other. If you're floating your sofa to redefine your living space, choose objects that visually connect one space with the other.

The Sofa as Console Table in the Living Room

Sit the sofa table in front of a bay or picture window.

In the living room, a sofa table can move out to sit in front of a bay or picture window or along a small stretch of wall. Place complementary seating on each side. The table offers the ideal place for you to display your favorite family photos. A dramatic effect is to make all the photos black and white or sepia tones, and replace in different styles and sizes of frames.

Make a Statement in Your Foyer

In the foyer, a sofa table placed either on the side or end wall is the ideal opportunity to introduce your guests to your style and build expectation. Hang a dramatic mirror or wall art above the table. Place sculptural elements underneath. On top of the table, bring in your objects of art. For example, if you subscribe to the feng shui way, design a vignette that includes the five elements. Include a tabletop fountain, a pair of Chinese Foo dogs, a religious statue, candles and round-leaf plants.

The Sofa Table in the Dining Room

In a small dining area, a sofa table becomes a sideboard when serving guests or a decorative accent when not. Display candelabras, artistic serving dishes, perhaps a bowl of fruit on top, a mirror above and interesting storage boxes or baskets to store your colorful table linens below.

How to Make a Kitchen Island With an Old Table

Creating a kitchen island from an interesting old table is a good way to add artistic appeal and make a nice gathering place. Part of the island can be designed for bar stools or cooking projects, so that it provides room for kitchen activities. The most interesting features of the old table can be left completely unfinished and exposed to add visual interest to the kitchen. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1

Find an old table that is at least 36 inches high. Construct a solid wooden base to sit the table on if it doesn't meet the height requirements. Secure the base to floor joists using stainless steel screws. Build the kitchen island with countertop at least 3 inches in depth. Use durable laminate, tiles or chopping block material.

2

Decide if you will use the table in its unfinished state, or if you prefer to sand and refinish parts of it. Refinish the table for painting the entire surface by first sanding it thoroughly. Brush on a good brand of primer and allow it to dry. Sand the table thoroughly again. Paint with a natural-bristle brushes to avoid brush stroke marks. Apply very thin coats to minimize the brush strokes. Thin paint slightly with paint thinner to make the coats smoother and minimize brush strokes even more. Allow the paint to dry thoroughly between coats.

3

Construct a framework for the island if the table is not sturdy enough to support countertop weight. Use 2-by-4 boards to build an island design that accommodates the table and exposes its best features. Slide the table into place under this framework, with no weight actually resting on the table, and secure it to the framing or the kitchen floor. Attach the framing unit to floor joists using angle-iron L-shaped fittings.

4

Enclose one or two sides of the framework with wood materials that match your kitchen cabinets, leaving a couple of sides of the old table and its legs exposed. Measure for countertop materials and have them made by a home improvement store. Design a countertop large enough to accommodate a bar overhang and bar stools on one side. Leave part of the table top exposed to support a chopping block countertop or room for a portable chopping block approximately 2 feet square.

5

Paint artistic scroll work on edges of the exposed old table. Install sturdy drawer pulls or metal accents to match the hardware on your kitchen cabinets. Use an artist's brush to incorporate a small border or painted pencil line on the table legs that will match one or more colors from your kitchen floor.

DIY Advice for Priming a Wooden Kitchen Table

Priming a wooden kitchen table is very much like priming any other wooden surface. It seals all of the wood pores and allows the top coat to be smooth, even and beautiful. Care must be used to give a good base for the primer to adhere to. The higher the quality of the primer and paint, the better the finished product will look. Does this Spark an idea?

Preparation

To make a perfect medium for the primer to work on, all of the old finish needs to be stripped off the table. There are many consumer types of strippers, and they will have step-by-step instructions on how to use them.

After stripping is completed, lightly sand the surface to make it smooth. If you use a damp rag to remove dust after sanding, always make sure the surface is completely dry before applying primer.

Why You Need to Prime First

Because of its organic nature, wood is porous and thirsty. Porous means there are all sorts of little indentations and thirsty means it likes to soak up liquids.

Paint is designed for the liquid carrier to evaporate, leaving the paint particles on top. Wood traps paint particles in pores and then drinks in the liquid, which will create a dull and listless top coat if there hasn't been a primer.

Priming will also block water and other natural stains from bleeding onto the top coat, thereby keeping the finished color true.

Priming also seals the wood grain, which can play havoc on a finish. Many times the grain will absorb the finish coat, showing the original grain and ruining the finish. Priming seals this grain and allows only the finish coat to be seen. And because it has sealed off the wood grain, it allows the top coat to adhere solidly to the primer, which will make it last for years to come.

Doing the Job

Always use the highest quality primer and materials. The better the primer and the materials used to put it on, the better the finish will look when you are done.

Lighter colored finishes benefit more from being applied to a primed surface. Although a bit more tedious, you may want to use two coats of primer if you have a lighter colored finish coat.

Once the primer is applied, follow manufacturer's directions for drying time before either adding another coat of primer or applying the finishing coat.

How to Paint a Table

Sometimes all old furniture needs is a pick me up with paint. This is especially true for table tops and dinette sets. Frequently used wood tables can get chipped, dinged and worn looking over time. Painting these everyday pieces can give them new life and lots more years of use. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1

Work in well ventilated areas such as a garage or work shop.

2

Clean your table top thoroughly with soap and water and let dry.

3

Use coarse sand paper to rough up the surface of the table top. Go over the entire thing several times. It isn't necessary to remove all the old finish; you're just trying to create a surface that paint will adhere to.

4

Wipe off the table top with tack cloth until no dust particles remain. Fill in any small holes with paintable wood putty and let dry. Sand smooth and wipe with tack cloth.

5

Apply primer over the entire table top. Any good wall primer will do for this part of the project. Let dry thoroughly.

6

Decide what color you want your table top to be. If you plan on painting the rest of the table, consider choosing contrasting colors for the legs and top of the table.

7

Paint the table top with your chosen color. Use water based latex paint for easy cleanup. For a really smooth surface, use 1 to 2 inch foam brushes. Brush the paint in long smooth strokes to apply. Apply two to three coats until you are satisfied with the color and look of the surface.

8

Finish the table with a protective topcoat of satin water based varnish. This is especially important if the table is to be use outside or without a table cloth. The varnish will give the painted surface a water resistant coating. You can also purchase a glass table top to go over your paint job.

The Best Way to Clean a Wooden Kitchen Table

Wooden kitchen tables must be cleaned carefully. While it may look clean from far away, dust and food hide in the crevices and ridges of the table. Acidic cleaners, like vinegar, should not be used on wooden surfaces, since they can strip the natural shine from the table. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1

Dampen a cloth and run it over the wooden kitchen table. This is to remove the majority of dust and food on the table.

2

Wet the head of an old toothbrush with water, and use it to scrub away the debris hiding in the seams, scratches and ridges.

3

Dry the wooden kitchen table with a paper towel.

4

Spray wood-furniture polish onto the kitchen table, Rub it in with a dry cloth. Make sure to rub the cloth in a circular motion to buff the wood and restore its shine.

Can You Use a Sofa Table as a Dining Table?

Hosting guests and having lively conversation around a dining table counts as one of the activities that makes entertainining so enjoyable. However, not all homeowners have a dining table for this purpose, or the table they do own will not accommodate the number of guests invited to the house. If this is the case, using other alternatives like the sofa table is acceptable, and, in fact, echoes the way guests dine in some Eastern decorating motifs. Does this Spark an idea?

The Setup

Using a sofa table as a dining table isn't a far-fetched idea. In fact, many decorating traditions, like Japanese decorating, actually encourage the use of tables that are no higher than the coffee table as part of their dining room decor. These styles make use of cushions positioned around the table to function as the seating. When using the sofa table, you can add cushions, but also make use of the couch and chairs you have around the table as well, depending on how high these furniture items sit in relation to the table itself.

Adjustable Tables

Some of the newer styles of coffee tables come with adjustable legs or pull outs, which give you greater latitude when trying to convert the sofa table to the dining table. The pull outs expand the actual amount of table space you have on which you can place dinner plates, silverware and glasses while leaving the center of the table free for the serving platters. The tables with adjustable legs raise up to dining table height, allowing you to scoot chairs underneath the table.

Protecting the Table

If you normally use the sofa table for other activities, you'll want to take steps to protect the table against scratches or burn marks from hot plates. Add a tablecloth to the table and place mats to each place setting before you lay anything else down on the table. These items will guard against scratching and provide the first layer of defense against the damage that hot cups or plates can do. Also look for wooden trivets or hot pads to put under hot dishes you have on the table; a large butcher block provides an even better option because of its thickness and portability.

Considerations

If you've only provided floor cushions for your guests, there will be some guests who will have difficulty with this arrangement. They may not have the ability to get up from the floor because of age issues or physical ailments. Several solutions exist for this. If the table is physically close to the couch, have the guest sit on the couch instead of the floor. TV trays set up next to a chair nearby will allow the guest to interact with the others while still acknowledging the limitations the guest faces.

How to Build a Farm-Style Kitchen Table

Farm families have historically been large groups because of the amount of work needed to make a family farm successful. Even without large families, there were lots of hired hands. Mealtimes have these people gathering around a table to eat. Farm kitchens, and their respective tables, historically have been large to accommodate the number of people, and sturdy. These tables have often been handmade from lumber available around the farm. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

Cutting

1

Set the 1-by-3-inch lumber on the sawhorses. Measure and mark four sections 29 1/4 inches long. Measure and mark two lengths of the remaining 1-by-3-inch lumber 23 3/4 inches long. Cut the sections and set these aside.

2

Set the 1-by-4-inch lumber on the sawhorses. Measure and mark four sections 29 1/4 inches long. Cut the sections and set these aside.

3

Set the 1-by-6-inch lumber on the sawhorses. Measure and mark two lengths 88 inches. Measure and mark two lengths 23 3/4 inches. Cut the sections and set these aside.

4

Set the 2-by-2-inch lumber on the sawhorses. Measure and mark eight sections 23 3/4 inches long. Cut the sections and set these aside.

5

Take the eight pieces of lumber measuring 29 1/4 inches; these will become the legs. Measure and mark 5 1/2 inches from the top of each leg. At the other end of the lumber measure and mark in 1 inch from the opposite corner of the leg. Draw a line from the 5 1/2 inch marking down to the 1-inch marking. This will be the line you use to make tapered legs.

6

Cut the lumber along the line on each board to create a tapered leg.

Legs and Frame

7

Make a set of four legs out of the tapered legs. You need one each of the 1-by-3-inch legs and one each of the 1-by-4-inch legs. Match a 1-by-4 with a 1-by-3.

8

Set each pair so the non-tapered edge of a 1-by-3-inch leg sits flush against the side of a 1-by-4-inch leg to form an "L". Make sure the top and bottom of the legs are flush together. Drive a nail through the side of the wider leg into the end of the narrow leg. Do this step with each pair to create the four legs.

9

Set up the legs so the 3-inch board makes the end of the leg with the 4-inch board becoming the side. Place one of the long 1-by-6-inch boards against the inside corner at the top of the leg. This is the wider non-tapered end. Put another leg at the other end of the board with the 4-inch board being the side on that end. The longer 1-by-6-inch board becomes the apron for that side of the table. Hammer five nails through the side of the legs into the side of the apron to make it sturdy. Repeat this step for the other two legs and apron to create the two sides of the table.

10

Connect the two sides with the shorter 1-by-6-inch boards as the end aprons. Set these up so the ends of the boards butt against the sides of the longer aprons on the inside of the leg corners. Nail five nails through the legs into the sides of these boards. Make sure the tops of the sides are flush with the tops of the legs. Set a level on each corner of the table and adjust the construction as needed to get the table even if needed.

11

Measure and mark 10 inches from the top of each leg. Line up one of the remaining 1-by-3-inch boards between these markings at the ends of the table. Hammer four nails through the legs into the sides of these boards. These become the stretchers that keep the table legs from bowing in or out.

Tabletop Assembly

12

Measure and mark 9 1/2 inches from the inside corner of one leg along the side of the table. Measure and mark 2 inches from the first mark. Alternate the measurements from the second mark using the 9 1/2-inch measurement first. You should have eight 9 1/2-inch marks with seven 2-inch lengths between them. Mark the same lengths using the same method on the other side of the table.

13

Place a 2-by-2-inch post between the two sides within the 2-inch markings. Hammer a nail through the sides of the table into the ends of the post. Repeat this step six more times along the table length. These become the seven under supports for the table top.

14

Find the center of the table ends. Mark this position on both ends. Place a 1-by-8-inch board on either side of the marking. Make the boards touch and the ends flush. The boards should overhang the table end by 4 3/8 inches on both ends. Use two screws per board per end to attach them to the frame.

15

Place another 1-by-8-inch board along the outer sides of the two center boards. Set up the boards the same way as the first two. Screw the boards into place. Screw into the ends only.

16

Flip the entire table over on its top. Minimize any spacing between the boards composing the table top. Pre-drill eight holes along each cross-plank placing two holes per board for the top. Drill and countersink the screws into the holes. This will make the screw heads even with the wood.

17

Turn the table upright. Fill in nail holes with wood filler. Sand down the table to finish.

How to Build a Console Behind a Sofa

A console table stands behind a couch. The narrow, long table is relatively simple to build, especially if you make a simple design with straight legs and without much embellishment. Stain the table to match the rest of your furniture. If you are using the table between the sofa and a wall, you can leave it unstained, since no one will see it. You will use power tools to build the table, so be cautious and wear eye protection. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1

Cut the 2-by-4-inch boards into four 30-inch long pieces using the circular saw or the hand saw. Wear eye protection while cutting. These are the legs for the table.

2

Cut the 2-by-1-inch boards into two 9-inch long pieces and two 36-inch long pieces. Sand the edges of the boards so that they are smooth.

3

Drill four 1/2-inch deep holes across the long, narrow side of each 36-inch long, 2-by-1-inch board. Space the holes evenly apart, starting 3 inches in on each side. Also drill three 1/2-inch deep holes across the long, narrow side of the 9-inch long, 2-by-1-inch board.

4

Drill two 1/2-inch deep holes on each short side of the 36-inch and 9-inch long boards. Space the holes 1 inch apart, 1/2 inch in from the top and bottom edges. Drill two 1/2-inch deep holes on two sides of each 2-by-4-inch board, spaced 1 inch apart, 1/2 inch in from the top of the board. When you assemble the table, you want the holes on the table legs to line up with the holes on the sides of the table.

5

Drill a 1/2-inch deep hole into the center top of each table leg. Make sure the top hole is on the side of the leg that also has the four holes.

6

Measure 2 inches away from the short ends of the 15-by-2-inch board, which is the table top. Make a mark at these spots, as this is where the 9-inch boards will attach to the top. Also measure 1 inch away from the long ends of the table top and make a mark.

7

Drill three holes on each side of the table top, between the marks you made 2 inches in. Drill four holes on each side of the top, between the marks you made 1 inch in. These holes should line up with the holes on the sides of the 36-inch and 9-inch boards.

8

Coat the ends of the 1-inch dowels with wood glue and push into the holes on the table top. Coat the ends that stick out of the table with glue and push the 9-inch and 36-inch boards into the proper spots to assemble the undersides of the console table.

9

Position the table legs on the underside of the table top, between the 9-inch and 36-inch boards on each corner. Trace around the outside of each leg with a pencil. Remove the legs and find the center of the square you just traced. Drill a 1/2-inch hole in the center.

10

Coat the remaining dowels in glue and insert into the short sides of the 9-inch and 36-inch boards as well as into the leg holes in the table top. Coat the opposite ends of each dowel with glue.

11

Slide the table legs on top of the dowels and press to secure in place. You'll have to wiggle the legs a bit to get them to fit into each dowel. Leave the table upside down and allow to dry overnight.

12

Stain the console table if you wish using a foam brush. Paint in one direction so that there aren't any streaks. Let the stain dry for a day or two before placing the console behind the sofa.

How to Install a Microsoft SQL Server Management Console

SQL Server Management Studio (SSMS) is a tool used to manage your databases. You can manage a database on the location server, or you can use SSMS to connect to a remote database on the network and manage the tables, stored procedures and general settings. You can install the utility directly from your SQL Server installation DVD. SSMS is included with SQL Server 2005 and 2008.

Instructions

1

Insert the installation DVD in the computer's drive. The autoplay feature automatically opens a splash screen that asks you if you want to install the software. Click the "New SQL Server stand-alone installation or add features to an existing installation" option to get started.

2

Type the product code located in the installation DVD package. If you install the free Express edition, the product license option is grayed out. Click "Next".

3

Check the box next to "Management Tools - Basic" and "SQL Client Connectivity" options. These options are the two basic requirements to run SSMS on your computer. You can also check other options, if you want to install them on your local computer. Click the "Next" button.

4

Review the options you selected in the final window. Click the "Next" button and the software installs on your computer. After the software installs, reboot your computer.

5

Click the Windows "Start" button after your computer reboots. Click "All Programs", then click "Microsoft SQL Server," then click "SQL Server Management Studio" to open the software.

How to Decorate a Kitchen With a Marble Kitchen Table

Marble-topped dining tables give an eat-in kitchen a rich quality and when the decor of the kitchen complements the table, the entire space looks elegant and appealing. Marble comes in a variety of colors, so you can easily decorate your kitchen using the color inspiration from the dining set. Whether you want to transform your kitchen into a rustic country kitchen or French bistro, your marble dining table will fit in. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1

Paint the kitchen in a color that reflects the style you want in the space and complements the color of the marble. For example, if you are creating a French bistro look in the kitchen, use a neutral palette of whites or creams to create an airy, clean decor style. In a rustic kitchen with medium to dark-colored marble, choose a paint palette that features grays, browns or yellows.

2

Pair the table with chairs that are reminiscent of the style you want in the kitchen. For example, in a French-style kitchen, look for wrought-iron chairs. Marble in a country kitchen can be paired with rustic-looking benches or wooden chairs for a shabby chic appearance.

3

Place an accessory from the kitchen to the center of the table to tie the room together. Place a fruit-filled basket onto the table to add color, or use faux or fresh flowers. For example, in a French-inspired kitchen, bundles of lavender in a glass vase on the marble table create a beautiful centerpiece. In a country kitchen, add a cake stand in the center of the table to fill with baked goods.

How to Paint an Old Kitchen Table

After suffering regular wear-and-tear over a number of years an old kitchen table may need to be repainted. Whether it's a dated garage sale cast-off, family hand-me-down, or your own serviceable--but marred--table, your old kitchen table can be restored. With proper preparation and application, paint can freshen up the appearance of an old kitchen table so you can once more serve family meals with pride. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1

Clean the surface of the old kitchen table by scrubbing the table with a soft brush and mixture of detergent and water. Wipe the table clean with a damp cloth.

2

Sand the old kitchen table with 220-grit sandpaper to remove any bits of old paint and rough the surface for the new paint. Sand with the grain of the wood. Wipe the table clean with a cloth.

3

Brush a coat of stain-blocking primer onto the old kitchen table and allow it to dry. Sand the table with 220-grit sandpaper again and wipe the wood clean.

4

Brush a new coat of paint onto the old kitchen table. Apply an even coat to the entire table and allow it to dry. Sand the table with 220 grit sandpaper and wipe the wood clean. Brush a second coat of paint onto the table and allow it to dry.

What Are Accent Tables?

If you need a place to set your coffee cup, place a plant or hold a lamp, then you probably need an accent table. End tables, coffee tables, console tables and plant stand tables are all categorized as accent tables in the home. Offered in an assortment of sizes, shapes and styles, they will suit any room's decor. Accent tables are constructed of wood, glass, metal, rattan or an artistic combination of these elements. Does this Spark an idea?

End Tables

An accent table that is positioned at either end of a sofa or beside a chair is called an end table. These are commonly 24 inches high, comfortably accommodating standard sofa and chair heights. End tables provide a convenient place to set your drink, book or snack while sitting, as well as a resting spot for a favorite lamp. Storage compartments, pull out trays, shelves and drawers are popular features built into various styles of end tables.

Coffee Tables

Coffee tables are accent tables situated in front of a sofa or in the middle of a seating group, such as a sofa and chairs. Lower than end tables, the coffee table is about 18 inches high, the approximate height of a sofa or chair seat. Coffee tables are convenient spots for placing your drink, snack or book and are useful as game tables. Hinged tops, shelving and pull-out drawers provide a large storage area.

Console Tables

Console tables are narrow tables about 30 inches high. When placed in your home's entryway, they provide a favorable location for depositing your keys, wallet, mail and purse. These tables enhance your home's decor by holding decorative vases, artwork or plants. Positioning a console table behind a sofa, provides a surface for lamps, picture frames or other ornamental objects. The sofa and console table together act as a room divider by breaking up large spaces in a room.

Plant Stand Tables

The type of accent table made specifically to hold a single plant is termed a plant stand table. These tables average 20 to 25 inches in height, and have a smaller surface than any other accent table. A healthy green plant atop a plant stand table adds decorative flair and color to an otherwise empty corner. These are also useful in outdoor living spaces to highlight a favorite potted flowering plant.

Homemade Entertainment Center Ideas

You just bought a fabulous new big screen TV. Now your budget is a little short for a new entertainment center. Don't despair. You have plenty of options that you can make yourself. Just look around your house or hunt through consignment stores for the ingredients to create a homemade center that will house your TV and all of your media components. Does this Spark an idea?

Dressers and Console Tables

Make an entertainment center out of an old dresser, dining room side board or console table. A dresser or side board works well because it's usually wide and strong enough to support your TV and has drawers or cabinets that are great storage areas for DVDs, CDs and electrical cords. If the piece is not large enough or strong enough, hang the TV over the dresser and use the furniture as storage. Console tables look stylish when used as a stand for your entertainment equipment. Consider using baskets beneath it for storage. The console must be strong enough to support the weight of the equipment, so test it out before you put your new investment on top of it.

Wooden Book Cases

Wooden book cases are ideal for media centers because they can hold your equipment as well as baskets for storing DVDs, CDs and other media gadgets. They do have limitations, however. Tall bookcases will limit television width. Shallow bookcases will limit deep components. Long horizontal bookcases are best, allowing you to put the TV on top and the components on shelves below. If the shelf unit has a back to it, you'll have to drill holes to allow the cords of your components to go through the back. Use a furniture cord hole cover kit to disguise the hole.

Trunks

Using trunks as coffee tables is all the rage, so take it step further and use a trunk as a base for your media equipment. The top of the trunk must be flat. If you have doubts that it will be able to support the equipment, buy a piece of thick plywood and have it cut to the size of the trunk surface, then place it on top of the trunk. Avoid using the inside of the trunk for storage, as it will be unrealistic to open the trunk once the equipment is on top. Stain the wood a nice color that complements the trunk.

The Old College Try

You used wooden planks and cinder blocks to make media shelves in college. Upgrade that idea using a piece of wood on top of two filing cabinets or end tables. Buy a thick piece of plywood and have it cut to the size you need. Use a wood stain so it matches the color of the end tables or paint the wooden top and the filing cabinets the same color, such as white or black. The filing cabinets will make great storage spaces for your media accessories, and the the end tables will likely have drawers or shelves that will make ideal storage areas.