How to Choose The Perfect Coffee Table for Your Space

A coffee table is not strictly the utilitarian piece of furniture it once was; it can add beauty and complement a room's design. Choosing the perfect coffee table for a space can pull a living area together, add interest to a room or support a focal point. By contrast, selecting an inappropriate coffee table can create a distraction or a disconnect in the room, and make a room feel uncomfortable or stressful. Thoughtful consideration of the space and how the table will be used is critical when choosing a coffee table. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1

Determine the coffee table's purpose. Choose an upholstered or ottoman-style coffee table for lounging or providing a foot rest. Select a coffee table with space below if you plan to eat on it or play games.

2

Think about the dimensions. Any coffee table should measure one-half to two-thirds the length of the sofa it will sit in front of, according to "Canadian House and Home." Also, the table's height should be comparable to the seating height, though most coffee tables are 16 to 20 inches high.

3

Consider the amount of space available. A glass coffee table with clean, simple lines works well for a small living room since it will not take up any visual space. Alternatively, a large solid-wood table provides the weight and substance needed to help anchor an overwhelmingly large space.

4

Choose a shape. A square table provides the most surface area but requires the most floor space, while a round coffee table can create a sense of flow in a small space. A rectangular table works well in most rooms.

5

Evaluate existing furnishings, and select a coffee table of a similar style to create continuity in the room.

How to Choose Coffee Table Sets

Coffee tables have been around for centuries. Although they have changed with the times, it's a given that most living rooms look better with a coffee table set. Most sets come with a coffee table and end tables. How do you choose the right coffee table set for your living room? Consider some different factors before you buy a set for your living area. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1

Consider the size of your living room and the other furniture pieces in the room. If your room and furniture are small, you won't want a large coffee table set. A large set would overwhelm the room. If your living room is large, you will probably want a large coffee table set so it is proportionate to the rest of the room.

2

Pick the area in your living room where you plan to put the coffee and end tables. This will help you decide which shape coffee table set to buy. You can generally buy oval, round, square or rectangular coffee tables.

3

Compare the style of your other living room furniture with the coffee table set you are considering. If your living room dcor is more traditional, choose a coffee table set made of wood. If your living room has a more contemporary scheme, choose a metal coffee table with a glass top.

4

Think about the different uses your coffee table will serve. If you plan to store many books or magazines on your coffee table, consider a coffee table with shelves underneath. If the plan is to mainly serve beverages or refreshments on the coffee table, consider a taller coffee table that will be easily accessible to guests.

5

Look at the different edges on coffee tables you are considering. For safety, if you have children or pets, you want a coffee table with rounded edges. This is especially important on coffee tables with glass tops.

How to Build a Hockey Stick Coffee Table

Building your own furniture is a great way to save money and to acquire a custom piece designed to suit your individual taste. Custom tables, for example, can be made to fit any space you like and can even be made using unconventional materials like hockey sticks for a one-of-a-kind feel. A coffee table made from hockey sticks is perfect for a man cave or rec room and it is a project that can be made in a relatively short period of time using inexpensive materials. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1

Cut two 16-inch pieces of 1-by-4-inch pine and two 36-inch pieces using a table saw. These pieces will be used to construct the frame for your hockey stick coffee table. Cut two 14-1/2-inch pieces of 1-by-4-inch pine to serve as the horizontal supports.

2

Arrange the 16- and 36-inch pieces of pine in a rectangular shape, lining up the edges, and apply a bead of wood glue at each joint. Secure the frame by inserting 2-inch wood screws through the joint at each corner.

3

Insert the 14-1/2-inch pine supports inside the rectangular frame, placing them an equal distance from each side. Secure the supports in place by driving 2-inch wood screws through the outside of the frame into the supports.

4

Decide how high you want the coffee table to sit and cut four pieces of 1.5-by-1.5-inch pine to that length. Standard coffee tables generally sit between 14 and 18 inches off the ground.

5

Apply wood glue to the interior of the rectangle frame inside each of the four corners. Press one of the 1.5-by-1.5-inch table legs into each corner so the sides are flush and secure the legs in place with a 2-inch wood screw through the outside of the frame into the adjacent sides of each leg.

6

Cut a sheet of 3/4-inch pine or plywood to 17-by-37 inches and center it on top of the table frame.

7

Secure the table top in place by driving 2-inch wood screws through the pine or plywood into the frame below. Place two screws at each corner and additional screws approximately every 6 inches. Fill the screw holes with wood putty, allow them to dry then sand the surface smooth.

8

Paint or stain the table as you desire. If you choose to paint the table, apply a coat of interior grade latex primer before adding a coat of paint. If staining the table, apply thin coats of stain using a soft brush and wipe away the excess with a clean cloth.

9

Arrange the hockey sticks side-by-side on a flat surface with the blades are pointing upward. Once you connect the sticks you will attach the block of them to the table top. Alternate the sticks so the blades of adjacent hockey sticks are facing opposite directions. Nail the hockey sticks together as you go, using a nail gun to drive nails sideways through one hockey stick into the adjacent stick, and keep adding sticks until the total width equals approximately 18 inches.

10

Lift the block of connected hockey sticks off the ground and set it on top of the table, checking to be sure it is centered on top of the plywood or pine table top. The back sides of the hockey sticks should be flush with the table top and the flat fronts of the sticks will form the new surface of the table.

11

Drive 1-1/4-inch wood screws through the bottom of the table top into the backs of the hockey sticks to secure them in place. Place one screw through each end and through the middle of every third hockey stick.

How to Make End Tables

End tables made from recycled materials---such as old wooden windows---make for a beautiful statement in any room. Not only are these end tables easy to make, they cost much less than new end tables and you are using salvaged material for an eco-friendly design. Save the planet while saving money; making these end tables is a win-win situation. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1

Find two old windows that are properly sized for your end tables. You can find old wooden windows waiting to be repurposed at your local architectural salvage yard or antique store. Garage sales are also great resources for discarded windows. The legs for your end tables may also be recycled from old tables or purchased new at your local home improvement supply store.

2

Sand the wooden parts of your windows with a medium-grade sandpaper. Wear gloves as you sand to protect your hands from paint and wood slivers. Most old windows have already been painted, making repainting the simplest option. If you prefer to stain the windows for your end tables, you need to sand them all the way down to the bare wood. Remove all of the sanding debris with a damp cloth. Anything you leave on the wood will be part of the table's finish.

3

Tape all of the glass sections with painter's tape around the perimeter, where the glass meets the wood. You could also use masking tape, but painter's tape removes easier. Make sure you do not tape any part of the wood that will be painted or stained.

4

Apply the primer and paint or stain according to the manufacturer's directions. Apply as many or as few coats as you like. Remove the tape and let the windows dry. You may choose to leave your windows shabby chic with the paint partially peeled away. In this case, lightly sand the surface with light-grade sandpaper to remove any roughness. Apply a coat of polyurethane to protect the end table from moisture and stains.

5

Finish the end table legs the same as the windows if they are salvaged. New legs will need to be primed before you paint them.

6

Attach the table legs to each corner of each window. You can screw the legs on with wood screws or you can use a strong adhesive like Liquid Nail.

How to Make Times Tables Fun

Many elementary students will find that learning multiplication times tables is an arduous task, especially if mathematics is not their strongest subject. Whether you are a parent or a teacher trying to help your child or student learn these essential tables, there is a way to make it less painful and even enjoyable to practice and learn the time tables. The key to doing so is transforming the act of learning the time tables from a tedious requirement to an enjoyable exercise, something that is easily done by turning the process into a game.

Instructions

1

Create flashcards. Write out each of the complete time tables, zero through 12, on a separate flashcard. Write the corresponding answer on the back of each flashcard.

2

Establish a reward system. Base the reward system on increments, such as a reward for when the child gets 25 correct in 10 minutes or 30 correct in 7 minutes. The more cards the student answers correctly, the greater the reward. Rewards can start as simple as a piece of candy and then progress to something more weighty, such as a meal at his favorite restaurant.

3

Begin a times table racing game. Set a timer for your desired amount of time, and tell the child what his goal is regarding the correct number of cards answered by the time the timer rings.

4

Sit down facing your student. Hold up each card and have him say aloud the correct answer for each times table card. Put each card that the student gets right in one pile, and the ones he doesn't answer correctly in another pile.

5

When the timer buzzes, count how many he got right and write it down on your scoreboard, which can be a sheet of paper. Add the ones that he got wrong to the pile you haven't gone through yet. Award the child accordingly.

6

Continue the game for as long as desired. Set the requirements higher each time you play, so that the student must get more correct in a shorter amount of time.

How to Buy an Air Hockey Table

An air hockey table is a great way for teens (and adults) to build relationships and get some friendly competition going in the game room. Here are the things to keep in mind when selecting an air hockey table so you get the most for your hard earned dollars no matter how large or small your budget.

Instructions

1

Think about who will be using the air hockey table and if you'd like a professional stand-alone model, something smaller and more suitable for the home or a portable "tabletop" type of air hockey to be use at the kitchen table if your space is limited.

2

Look for a quality air hockey table regardless of the type you desire. You don't want to make an investment in something that will only last a year or possibly two. Look for heavy-duty design and replaceable components.

3

Expect a quality, professional table to set you back around one thousand dollars and a quality home version to run about 500 dollars. Air hockey tables that are priced much below this may not end up lasting very long, but can still be purchased for under 100 dollars and may be just fine for your game room needs. Portable tabletop versions of air hockey can run anywhere from 20 dollars and up, and can still be a lot of fun for anyone on a tight budget.

4

Shop for a good name in air hockey tables. A Gamecraft table, while one of the more expensive models, will certainly last a long time.

5

Compare prices. Looking on shopping sites like nextag.com will enable you to find a wide range of air hockey tables available to fit just about any budget and see customer reviews as well before you buy one.

6

Consider buying used if you want an excellent quality air hockey table. A quality air hockey table is one of those things that will last awhile, and buying a used table with an excellent name ensures you're getting a quality product and it can save you hundreds over buying new.

How to Assemble a Changing Table

For many parents, changing tables are an integral component in a fully equipped baby nursery. Most crib manufacturers make changing tables to match their cribs, and most are fairly basic in appearance and structure. Almost all changing tables are comprised of a headboard and footboard with connecting, grooved horizontal support bars and shelves that slide into the grooves.

Instructions

1

Unpack and identify all parts. Lay them out for easy access during assembly.

2

Lay one end piece on its side and attach all horizontal bars and shelf supports using the bolts provided. On most models of changing tables, there will be a total of eight horizontal pieces, including six grooved shelf supports and two support bars. Grooved pieces should be attached in the positions where the shelves will eventually rest, and the groove should face inward. The support bars go in the top position on the headboard. Some models may include wooden dowels to help hold the bars in place while you are attaching them. Consult the instructions for your changing table for proper placement of each piece.

3

Lay the end assembly on the floor with the horizontal supports pointing up.

4

Slide the shelves down the grooves in the shelf supports until all are in place. Most changing tables have three shelves. The thickest shelf is normally reserved for the top position of the changing table.

5

Line up the holes on the other end piece with the horizontal supports and attach securely with bolts.

6

Attach casters to the bottom of the changing table if your model includes them.

7

Attach both sides of the safety strap to the underside of the top shelf of the table using two bolts, washers and nuts.

8

Place a foam changing pad on the top of the table.

Rules for Air Hockey Table Game

Air hockey is often played as a recreational game. Many people don't realize the game is also a competitive sport with tournament competition. The United States Air Hockey Association oversees competitive air hockey in the United States. The USAA has official tournament rules for playing the game. Of course, players can adapt the rules for friendly games.

Equipment And Sides

Only one puck can be in play during an air hockey game. USAA approved pucks are in specific shades of yellow, green and red. Each player can only use one mallet--heavy round plastic pieces with handles used to hit the puck--during a game. The mallet cannot be sanded down to create an angle. Mallets must weigh 6 oz. or less. A player can stand anywhere on her side of the table as long as she does not cross the centerline. Players switch sides of the table after each game.

Serving

When a player scores, the opposing player has 10 seconds to remove the puck from the goal and serve. A player can only hand-serve a puck after it falls into his goal.

In Bounds

The boundaries of the game are the table surface, the table's inside rails, the goals and the mallets. When a puck touches anything else, it is out of bounds.

General Rules

Players may hit the puck with any part of the mallet. Players may not place the mallet directly on top of the puck. A player has seven seconds to make a shot from the moment the puck crosses onto his side of the centerline. Either player can hit a puck that is on the centerline. A player may not touch the puck with his clothes or any part of his body.

Scoring

Players play a seven-point game. A player receives one point for each goal scored on his opponent, unless the referee called a foul on the scoring player before or during the goal. A goal does not count if the referee suspends play right before the shot. A puck must tilt into the goal to count. A puck stuck horizontally in the goal does not count. Goals that rebound out of the goal do not count. A serving player can't score a goal by tossing the puck into the opponent's goal with a hand serve.

Time Out

Each player is allowed one time out per game. The time out may last 10 seconds or less. A player can only call a time out when she has possession of the puck or when play is suspended.

Fouls

When a player commits a foul, the opposing player gets to serve the puck. When a player commits a technical foul, the opposing player is allowed a free shot. Delaying or stalling a game results in a foul. A player who palms the puck when it is headed towards his goal is charged with "goal tending" and receives a technical foul. A player who loses control of his mallet commits a foul. Anytime a player hits the puck and it leaves the playing surface, the player receives a foul. A player receives a foul for reaching past the centerline. It is also illegal to place an entire mallet across the centerline and into the opponent's side of the table.

How to Start a Billiard Parlor

The 18 to 30 demographic is usually happy to spend money on a good night out. A billiard parlor, particularly one that provides a fun and friendly atmosphere, could be extremely lucrative. According to Entreprenuer.com, start-up costs may range from $10,000 to $50,000. However, if you have the right location and can offer great food and service at a reasonable price, you may be able to recoup your start-up fees in a year or two.

Instructions

1

Determine if you will sell alcohol in your billiard parlor. If you sell alcohol, you may be able to have patrons over the age of 18 but under 21, but there will be stricter rules than if your parlor is alcohol-free.

2

Consider offering a snack bar, caf or restaurant and a private room to rent out for parties, plus flat screen televisions, darts, foosball, shuffleboard, air hockey and an arcade.

3

Call your local health department about obtaining a food license, liquor license and sales tax permit. You may need to pay sewage fees.

4

Incorporate your business and obtain a federal tax identification number.

5

Find your locale. Look for high-traffic areas such as downtown, near apartments or condominiums or college campuses. You will need enough square footage for at least eight billiard tables, 10 to 20 arcade machines (if applicable), restrooms, 20 to 30 barstools around the room with the tables and 10 to 20 tables and chairs where customers can eat. Your kitchen will need drains, a work area, refrigerator, freezer, storage cabinets, dishwashing equipment, deep sinks, exhaust ventilation system, deep fryers, grills and ovens.

6

Purchase wholesale billiard tables, and your choice of shuffleboard ping-pong, air hockey and foosball tables. Purchase billiard table accessories such as triangles, cues, felt, lights, covers and balls. Purchase bar stools and pub tables. For your kitchen purchase liquor pourers, condiment holders, serving trays, ash trays, fryer baskets, blenders, slicers, refrigeration, soup warms, sinks, plumbing and preparation tables. You'll also need soap dispensers for the bathroom and kitchen and other janitorial supplies (See Resources).

7

Purchase business insurance, including general liability (at least $300,000), and workers' compensation insurance. General liability protects you from lawsuits due to injuries and accidents on your property. Workers' compensation provides for any employees who incur work-related injuries (See Resources).

8

Hire employees who are upbeat, friendly and professional. Advertise at your location, on Craiglist.com and in newspapers.

UK Table Tennis Rules

Table tennis has a rich and varied history. According to the International Table Tennis Federation, the game evolved from lawn tennis, becoming widespread after Englishman David Foster patented a table tennis table that moved away from a board-based version using counters and dice. The continued evolution of the game has resulted in the modern version, which is enjoyed the world over.

The Serve

Serves must clear the net completely.

A table tennis serve is correct, according to the British Olympic Association, when the ball is thrown at least 16 cm in the air and struck, bouncing first in front of the serving player and over the net to the opposing player. The table tennis ball must bounce in this way in any of the quadrants, rather than on opposite sides.

If the ball strikes the net and lands on the opponent's half, the serve must be replayed. If the ball strikes the net and does not land on the opponent's half, the non-serving player is awarded a point. Each player serves twice in alternation, until the set is decided.

Points

Following an accepted serve, the opposing player must return the ball to bounce anywhere on the other half of the table. This process, labeled a rally, continues until a player scores a point. A point is scored if either player fails to return the ball, if the ball touches the net or the ball passes beyond the end line of the table once it's been touched by an opposing player.

Fouls

Fouls also incur a point against the offending player, and the British Olympic Association stipulates five circumstances in which a foul is called. The first instance occurs when a player obstructs the ball, and the second way a foul incurs a point is when she strikes the ball twice with her table tennis paddle.

The final three instances of fouling occur when a player touches the playing surface. Therefore, if a player moves the table, touches the net assembly or touches the table with his free hand, he forfeits a point.

Sets

Sets enter a tiebreak situation when the score reaches 10 to 10.

The first player to score 11 points wins each set. If the score reaches 10 to 10 (also called "deuce"), the match continues until one player gains a lead of two points over his opponent.

Match

Decided by either the two players themselves (during an informal match) or the table tennis tournament organizers, the winner will be the first player to reach a decreed number of sets (either five, seven or nine). If a player wins three out of five sets, or four out of seven, she wins the match.

How to Decorate an Apartment Living Room in Mid-Century Modern Trends

Mid-century modern style is back -- and stronger than ever. Clean and clutter-free, it is an ideal style for apartment living. Because this trend is a smart, attractive look that requires few pieces to achieve, it may also be the most kind to your bank account. Whether you remember the 1950s or not, mid-century modern may be your signature look. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

Choose the Furniture

1

Search for a solid-color sofa that exhibits style elements common in modern sofas of the 1950s. Look for one with a tight back, smooth or button-tufted. Combine that feature with track (rectangular) or flared arms -- or no arms. Avoid traditional rolled or overstuffed arms as well as skirts of any kind. Look for chrome or wood legs that are simple, with straight lines and no ornamentation.

2

Look for authentic mid-century modern living room tables, which can still be found at affordable prices from consignment shops, thrift stores and garage sales. Or shop for new tables that evoke the period. The signature leg style of mid-century modern tables was tapered and flared, extending from beneath the top rather than the edge. For recognizable mid-century flavor, choose the popular "step" style for end tables and bookcases, or boomerang style for a coffee table, which are being manufactured once again.

3

Select chairs that have biomorphic shapes, such as were popular in the mid-century modern period. Chairs of that period looked sculptural but were designed to conform to the human body. Choose leather or woven fabrics, which can be solid-color or a small geometric pattern. Although the leg styles do not have to exactly match those of the sofa, try all chrome or all wood legs for a more cohesive look in a small space.

Layer in the Textiles

4

Keep draperies simple in style. Long, pinch-pleated panels were the most popular style of draperies for mid-century modern decor. Choose textural solid-color fabrics or find prints in colors and patterns of the period. Boomerangs and round-cornered squares were common motifs in turquoise, red-orange, gold and tan. These and other modern patterns can be found in authentic mid-century draperies as well as in new fabrics.

5

Decorate the sofa with accent pillows in geometric shapes of square, round and triangle. Choose solid colors that repeat and pull together colors in the upholstery and the other textiles in the room. Arrange the pillows asymmetrically on the sofa with no formal balance from one end to the other. Do not drape throws on the furniture.

6

Use area rugs with caution. Area rugs were seldom used in mid-century modern homes, even on hard-surface floors. If you choose to use an area rug, keep it simple. Select a natural fiber rug or a flat-woven wool rug in a solid color or simple stripe or geometric design with a limited color palette.

Accessorize

7

Decorate with only a few lamps to create a triangle of light. Choose lamps that make a statement, both in size and in their sculptural form. Lamps should be simple in shape, but large, and ideally have simple drum-shaped shades. Avoid small-scale lamps and those with a lot of embellishment.

8

Accessorize a fireplace mantle with one or two large pieces rather than several small ones. For example, the mantle (if there was a mantle over the fireplace) in a mid-century modern home may have displayed a single large vase or piece of sculpture or a pair of modern candlesticks at one end. Often, there was no art hung over the fireplace. Select abstract art in simple frames for your fireplace or elsewhere in your room.

9

Keep additional accessories to a minimum. A single decorative tray in a bold color (reminiscent of the ash trays of the period) may be all that is necessary to dress your coffee table. Use florals sparingly, preferably with only a simple Asian design, or place a large potted plant on the floor. A single personal photo in a frame on an end table or console makes a more modern statement than a collection of photos. The surface area of any table should be more bare than decorated.

Design Ideas for a Third Floor Attic Game Room

Though attics usually serve as nothing more than a storage space, some homeowners choose to renovate these spaces to make them into livable, useful rooms. Some use them as bedrooms while others convert them into playrooms or game rooms. An attic game room is perhaps the most advantageous because it keeps the noise of rabble-rousing teens, children or even adults away from the rest of the house. Many attics are also spacious, allowing for the installation of larger games like pool and ping pong. Does this Spark an idea?

Lighting

When it comes to enjoyment and playing games, good lighting is a must. No one wants to play in a space where they can't see their cards or find an errant ping-pong ball. Recessed lights offer lots of overhead light. Recessed lighting is also less likely to get smashed by flying pool balls, tossed pillows or excited arm waving. Track lighting may also be useful; it allows you to move the lights and turn them to the best advantage while keeping the atmosphere casual. Ceiling lighting does not have height requirements, making it perfect for sloping attic ceilings. Plus, having lights within arms' reach allows gamers to replace a few of the regular light bulbs with colored light bulbs for parties or for atmosphere.

Flooring

A game room must have comfortable flooring, especially in an attic where ceiling height is at a premium and the floor may become a main seating area. The best solution is sturdy, soft Berber carpeting in a dark neutral like stone gray or black. Brown could make a game room look tacky and drab; it's best avoided. Homeowners could also choose sturdy carpet tiles, which allows them to create a pattern with many colored tiles; red and black could create a checkerboard effect while others might prefer to create rainbow stripes. These tiles are also good for places with high traffic and spills; a damaged tile is easily replaced by a new one without the need to replace the entire carpet.

Seating

Attics often have sloping ceilings that are only high enough for some to stand on one side or in the center of the room, which makes seating tricky but not impossible. Floor pillows make good seating around card and board games, especially in places where the ceiling dips. Use ottomans and footstools to replace the traditional bar stools around a pool table or foosball table. Long benches, padded with thick cushions, can sit along the walls, no matter how low the ceilings are.

Games

Though game rooms usually have two or three games in them, an attic's long, rather than wide, space and sloping ceilings can prevent a truly elaborate game room. Homeowners should think about what their friends or children like to play best, and choose one or two games. For instance, one end of the room can host a pool table while the other has foosball or ping pong. In a really small space, one of these games could suffice while a video game system takes up the other space. In the middle of the room place a low coffee table that converts into a card or board game table at a moment's notice.

How to Design a Groom's Table for a Wedding

While people may focus on a wedding reception as a celebration of the bride, designing a groom's table can add to the fun--and restore a little balance to recognizing both partners in the wedding. A groom's table features a cake, pre-cut and securely wrapped in small pieces to take home. There is a tradition that says that any girl or woman tucking the groom's cake package under her pillow the night after the wedding will dream of the man she will marry someday. True or not, it's a fun idea to add to your festive day.

Instructions

1

Coordinate table coverings with the other reception decor. Remember, however, that the groom's table is not required to match the other table coverings. Since it is smaller than the bride's cake table and may be located at some distance from it, consider highlighting it with a stronger tone than the colors used elsewhere. If decor is pale blue, consider a darker or brighter shade of blue. If the other decor is pink, consider burgundy. The same coordination can be obtained by matching the tablecloth and choosing a distinctive overlay.

2

Highlight the groom's table with other decorations. The most classic addition to the table is a standing, framed photograph of the groom. A copy of the wedding invitation, framed, also makes an excellent, coordinating accent. Flowers are always suitable. Remember that the main contents of the table will be trays of wrapped cake.

3

Consider decorating the table with items that say something distinctive about the groom's personality. One way to do this is to use something from his interests as containers for the cake. For a history buff, consider trays or serving pieces that reflect his favorite period. For an avid hiker, consider offering the wrapped cake packages from an open day-pack. Use oversized brandy-snifters as containers for a groom in the hospitality industry. Sports memorabilia can also make the groom's table personal. In general, these are decorative touches, rather than massive displays, but they help to tell guests a little about the groom.

4

Order cake that also recognizes something about the groom. Tradition suggests something very different from the bride's cake. Groom's cake is usually dark or spicy or both. It is typically firm, unfrosted and single-layered, to make it easy to wrap up betore the reception. Most bakeries offer a wide variety of flavors. If your groom loves chocolate or nuts or all things citrus, this will give you ideas for choosing a groom's cake.

5

Provide wrapping materials to your bakery, to coordinate with decor (unless your bakery provides standard wrappings that you like). Foil papers and ribbons work well to bring a bit more attention to your small packages. While white is customarily reserved for the bride, white paper with a colored ribbon is perfectly appropriate. If members of the wedding party are in charge of wrapping groom's cake, add several pairs of scissors and rolls of tape to their supplies to make the job go quickly.

Assembly Instructions for a Kidcraft Table

Founded in 1968, KidKraft creates and manufactures furniture and toys for children. They offer a variety of tables, one of the most popular of which is the Nantucket line. The Nantucket comes in two different color schemes: a honey-colored table with primary-colored chairs and a white table with pastel-colored chairs. Four children can sit comfortably around the table, making this table perfect for play dates or for larger families. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1

Place the table top face down on the floor.

2

Take two washers, two spring washers, two cross dowel bolts, a table leg and an Allen wrench and place them close to you.

3

Fit the table leg into a slot on one corner of the table. If your floor is level, the table leg should stay relatively steady on its own. If not, you can prop it up with a book or your leg.

4

Place one washer against a pre-drilled hole on the table tap. In each corner of the table top, there are two pre-drilled holes. It is easiest to begin with the bottom hole.

5

Place one spring washer against the washer.

6

Insert a cross dowel bolt into the washers. Making sure that the table leg is aligned with the table top, use the Allen wrench to tighten the bolt.

7

Place the other washer and spring washer against the top hole and insert the cross dowel bolt. Tighten the assembly with the Allen wrench. Repeat the process with the other three table legs.

8

Tighten all of the bolts one more time to ensure that the table is solid.

9

Turn the table right-side up.

Arcade Legends Games

Utilizing graphics and features of classic cabinet gaming systems from the arcades of the 1980s, the Arcade Legends system was created for in-home gaming use. It can hold up to 130 games from companies such as Atari and Midway. There have been multiple models and upgrades to the system since it was first released, all costing around $4,000 to purchase (as of April 2011).

Manufacturer

Arcade Legends is manufactured by the Chicago Gaming Company, which produces a line of upright gaming systems for home game rooms and personal use. Besides Arcade Legends, it also sells cabinet systems with Ms. Pacman and Galaga, as well as foosball tables and jukeboxes. Its Supercade system includes 50 classic games such as Millipede, Asteroids, ZooKeeper and Gravitar. Like the Arcade Legends system, Supercade has a trackball, joysticks and multiple buttons for controlling the games.

Games

The first Arcade Legends system could hold up to 90 games, though it often initially came loaded with 30 to 50. Later models, such as Arcade Legends 3, can include up to 130 games. Mostly titles released in the 1980s, these games include Asteroids, Bubble Bobble, Centipede, Elevator Action, Mortal Kombat, Qix, Rampage, Space Invaders, Street Fighter II and the Legend of Kage. Game developers such as Capcom, Taito, Atari, Strata, Midway, Irem, and Williams all have titles included in the system.

Features

The Arcade Legends upright cabinet gaming system comes with a 25-inch CGA monitor, two joysticks, a 3-inch trackball and multiple button controls. It has a coin slot panel door but it has been permanently sealed shut and does not actually function, as this system is intended to be for home use only. Each successive model of the system has been slightly larger than the model that came before. By Arcade Legends 3, the system weighed 345 lbs. and had dimensions of 67 1/2 inches high by 26 1/4 inches wide by 40 inches deep.

Table Console

A smaller, cocktail table-size version of Arcade Legends was released by Ultracade Technologies. This system included many of the same games as the larger version, as well as titles such as Mr. Do's Castle and Darkstalker. Along with a 25-inch screen, two joysticks, multiple buttons and a 3-inch trackball, it also had an ergonomic control panel and dual screen mode so multiple players could sit across from each other while playing. The table version weighed 295 lbs. and had dimensions of 34 inches high by 24 inches wide by 46 inches deep.

How to Fix a Broken Table Leg

A broken table leg often means that the table will be thrown out and replaced. But if the table is in otherwise good shape, or if it has sentimental value, the table leg can be easily fixed. If a table leg breaks off at a clean, straight line it can be repaired with industrial-strength glue. If the break is at a diagonal angle, a few additional steps are needed to strengthen the broken area so it can withstand weight. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1

Move the table to an outdoor location or to a garage. If moving the table is not possible, place a plastic tarp over floor to prevent it from being damaged during the repair process.

2

Flip the table over so that it is upside-down with the legs pointing into the air. Have another person help you with this.

3

Place the broken leg piece back into its original position and line up the broken edges as closely as possible.

4

Wrap masking tape around the table leg three to four times to hold it in position while you continue with the repair.

5

Insert a 1/8-inch drill bit into the drill.

6

Drill two holes in the table leg at 90-degree angles to the tabletop. The holes should be located at the point of the break and should penetrate both the section attached to the table and go through the leg to penetrate the broken leg piece as well. The holes will penetrate the entire leg and come out on the other side.

7

Insert a nail into each hole until the nail extends out the other side of the table leg. Use a hammer to gently tap the nail in if needed. Remove the masking tape from around the leg of the table.

8

Place the tip of the glue bottle against the table leg at the location of the break. Squeeze the bottle gently to insert glue into the break. Work your way around the entire break, inserting glue around the entire table leg. Press the leg pieces together with your hands to compress the glue.

9

Turn a 1-foot-long section of wax paper so that the wax side faces the table leg. Wrap the wax paper around the entire table leg and secure it with masking tape. Allow the table to sit for 24 hours to allow the glue to dry.

10

Remove the masking tape and wax paper from the table leg.

11

Cut off the four nail ends as close to the surface of the table leg as possible. Use wire cutters.

12

File down the four protruding ends of the nails until they are smooth and flush with the table leg. Use a metal file. Turn the table right side up and place it back into position.

How to Refurbish Old Wooden Tables

There are a variety of ways to refurbish old wooden tables, from complete repair to superficial fix-ups. Depending on your needs, here are some steps to getting that old table looking like new. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1

If your table has any wobbly legs, you will probably want to fix those first. Most likely the leg needs to be re-glued. First remove the old glue with sandpaper, steel wool or vinegar. Then re-glue it with wood glue and apply a clamp while it dries.

2

If you think the table needs no more than a good cleaning or would at least like to try that first, get a good wood cleaner appropriate to the current finish of the table or one that is for all finishes and clean the wood as instructed. If this works, that may be all you need to do to restore the original look of the table.

3

If cleaning just won't cut it, you will want to remove the old finish of the wood table. This can be done by sanding it down or using a chemical stripper in the case of a heavy-duty finish.

4

If you have any holes in the wood, you will need a filler to fill the holes up. Apply with a putty knife and then wait for the filler to dry. Once it is dry, you can sand it down to match the wood.

5

Now, determine what kind of finish you want for the wood. A varnish would work well if the table has a beautiful natural wood grain that you like the look of. Paint is a more contemporary look and is also a good cover-up for tables with significant flaws that need hiding. If you use paint, you will need to prime it first.

Decorating Ideas for a Man's Birthday

When planning a birthday party for a cherished man in your life, feature his passions, create a game-filled venue or provide an evening of class and elegance. Keep decorations simple and masculine. Choose a decorating theme tailored to please the birthday guest of honor--he will remember the experience for years to come. Does this Spark an idea?

The Football Fan

Use decorations that depict his favorite sport or hobby.

Get guests into the spirit before they even enter your home. Lay a carpet runner of artificial grass, spray painted with yard line markers, on the front walkway or in the hall leading to your front door. Inside, make a goalpost frame on your wall with construction paper or other materials. Cut an inexpensive football in half lengthwise and mount one of the halves on the wall to look as if the ball has been kicked over the goalpost. Place a table against the wall within the goalpost to display food and gifts.

Make a football-themed centerpiece by adding his favorite team's flag or pom-poms in team colors to a large floral arrangement, also in team colors. As an additional focal point, place a football-themed birthday cake on a second table surrounded by plates in team colors and football-shaped candles on plain glass holders. Light the candles when it is time to serve the cake.

Gaming Arcade

Bring in foosball as both a party decoration and activity.

Use a game theme for an avid arcade fan's birthday bash. Rent a vintage PAC-MAN, foosball and pinball machine to use as room centerpieces as well as party activities. Place the games in different areas of a large room or individually in smaller rooms; decorate the area around each game to match the game's theme. Present food chosen to echo the game's design as decorations. For example, display appetizers on a round yellow platter near the PAC-MAN game. Serve silver-wrapped candy balls from tall clear glass vases near the pinball machine. Feature shish kebob served on rectangular trays in the foosball area.

Formal Affair

Choose masculine colors to blend into formal decorations.

Honor a classy guy with a formal affair. Keep the party decorations simple and classic. Decorate dining and buffet tables to hold all party fare. Prepare floral arrangements for both tables using metal, pewter or wooden vessels to serve as centerpieces. Search for an unusual vessel, such as an antique wooden window box, heirloom family decanter or pewter serving bowl, all of which work well as bases for floral decor. Select richly colored flowers in masculine shades of orange, brown, royal blue and burgundy. Take a modern decorating approach by displaying food on clear acrylic platters arranged on tablecloths that highlight the color of the floral arrangements. Stage the platters to sit at a variety of heights. Add pillar candles in clear cylinder-shaped glass candle holders that are tall enough to completely house the candle and flame. Oversize lead crystal or glass cylinders work well for this project. Position candles between platters on the table for a dramatic lighting effect.

End Table Woodworking Plans

From traditional to contemporary, end tables come in a variety of design styles. With this in mind, building an end table can be a creative woodworking project. It allows woodworkers to test their hand at various designs while still allowing for a personal touch. It also provides an opportunity to create a simple or intricate piece of furniture.

Getting Started

Before putting anything together, make a plan on exactly what you want your end table to look like. Decide on the height, the length and the type of wood you want to use. Also decide whether your table will be a simple stand or if it will have storage such as a bottom rack or a drawer. This will determine how much wood you need and how complicated the job will get.

Once you've decided on all of these factors, obtain the wood you need and begin the process of milling. Start with the top of the end table. Cut out a piece of wood that will function as your table top. The dimensions must be accurate. Make sure that the front and back, as well as the left and right side of the table top, are equal lengths.

Now you can begin milling your table legs, as well as the pieces for the drawer if you will add one.

Legs and Joints

The legs and the joints are going to be one of the most important parts of the project. Decide whether you want your legs to taper down, starting thicker at the top and getting thinner at the bottom. This will require careful milling and designing of the legs so that they all have equal lengths and dimensions.

Once you have decided how the legs will look, begin thinking about the joints. The joints are especially important if you are incorporating a drawer into the end table. If this is the case, your table will have three panels. Two wood panels will make up the left and right side of the end table, while one panel will be installed in the back. The front will be left open to slide in the drawer.

When you cut out the left and right wood panels of the end table, make sure that each end of the panel has two rectangular edges sticking out. These edges, called tenons, will slide into the joints on the front and back legs. They will be glued together creating a frame for the table. The back piece of the table also will be glued and nailed into place.

If you want a shelf added to the bottom of the end table, you will have to add joints to the bottom of the table legs. You will then cut out wood runners that will fit into each of these joints and a shelf that will be nailed into place on top of the four runners.

Drawer

To create the drawer you will need five wood planks. Four of the wood planks will be the sides of the drawer while the last plank will serve as the bottom of the drawer. Cut them to the length and dimensions necessary so that the finished drawer will slide into the table. Glue the drawer sides together and nail in place. Next, you will create two small runners that will be installed inside the drawer frame. These runners will be placed on each side of the drawer frame. Chisel out a long groove on the left and right panel of the drawer. These grooves should fit into the runners you installed. Once the drawer is in place, the grooves should slide right over the runner allowing the drawer to be pulled in and out with ease.

How to Design a Glass Table

A glass coffee table is a furniture piece fit for comfortable living. In a place for quiet reading and relaxing conversation, the table reveals the entire craftsmanship of pleasant wood. The top brightens the room without cluttering the living area with intrusive forms. You can create a good glass table design by carefully planning how the table looks in the living room. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1

Watch for fair reflections for your living room. Before considering the shape or glass, decide how much light you want in the room area and the reflections that will please your eyes. These two simple decisions make the rest of your design choices easier.

2

Choose the table shape that fits the room arrangement. Stand at the place the table will rest to look over the space. Then, walk through the area to see what living space you have available to work with. Once you have judged the space and surrounding shapes, choose a table shape that fills the right amount of space and complements the couch and surrounding furniture.

3

Lay out a table piece that makes a fair platform for a glass top. The wood that lies under the glass gives the top its strength for serving as a table surface. Make the piece large enough to support the top size you want. Select a shape that looks nice in the space.

4

Make legs that give the table an open look and keep the table fairly balanced, and sides that support the table without detracting from the beauty of the glass. Straight, or elegantly curved, slender yet faithful legs make nice supports for a glass topped table. Give the table the height you need to place the reflective glass surface in the right place.

5

Craft the top supports to balance the glass while attracting only a modest attention. The supports stand on the table piece to uplift the glass. Shapes that turn upward and around, with a smooth surface on the top, like gently curved arms or balls, keep the glass gracefully set. Solid squares provide a secure rest.

6

Select the glass top that gives the table a clean look. Crystal-clear, mild blue or deep yellow brown can be the right color for coffee table glass. Settle on a color that matches the living room's color scheme. The shape fits the living space like the table piece. Rectangular glass that rests on a wood rectangle or a glass circle that sets on a circular wooden table piece are ordinary pairs. Yet, a circle can securely rest on a square and make a more engaging shapely pair.

7

Put everything together in a table design in colored pencil on paper. Make building the table practical by drawing a technical design on grid paper with a mechanical pencil. The colored layout illustrates the aesthetic style of the piece. To encourage you to turn the design into a furniture piece, the drawing details the plan of work.

Coffee Shop Interior Design Ideas

Coffee shops have become the new gathering place for people outside of their homes, replacing the corner bar as the place to meet. A successful coffee shop will have many elements in its design that make customers feel comfortable, make them want to linger for a while, and get them to come back over and over again. Every part of a coffee shop design can result in repeat business, if you know what your customers are looking for.

Furniture

People come to coffee shops for many different reasons, and the furniture should reflect this. Some come to meet with friends, and will need larger tables with chairs or stools to gather around. Some are there for meeting one special person, and will need smaller and more intimate tables. Some come on their own simply to relax, so come larger comfortable chairs with side tables would fit in. Good lighting for reading is important, and lots of electric outlets for plugging in laptops are appreciated, as well.

Things to do

Making a coffee shop feel much like home will go a long way towards getting your customers to come back over and over. A fireplace along one wall or in the center of the room can provide a focal point around which people will join and hold conversations. A bookshelf, perhaps added to by the shop regulars, gives lone coffee drinkers some quiet entertainment. Game tables decorated with chess and backgammon boards are naturals for people staying for a while. Quiet music is always a plus for relaxing and just enjoying the atmosphere. Put up a trivia quiz board, and have each customer guess the trivia question of the day, giving them a small discount for correct answers.

Personalize it

Making the customers feel like home will help them to feel as if this is "their" shop. Personalize coffee mugs and put up a shelf behind the counter to display them. Pass out coloring sheets and crayons to customers' children and hang the resulting artwork on the walls. Put up a large bulletin board and post frequently-taken photographs of regular customers. If any regulars are musicians, ask them to play for an hour. If your shop is near a college campus, decorate with school logos. Make the shop a part of the community, and customers will make it a daily stop on their schedule.

Make it seasonal

Decorate your shop according to the seasons. Let the customers decorate your Christmas tree. Put out baskets of artificial flowers in the spring. Hang autumn leaves in the fall. Find colored mugs to use on holiday weeks: green for St. Patrick's Day, red for Valentine's Day. Keep the decorations simple, but constantly changing. Your regular customers will think of this as another home, so decorate it like it is.

Your walls

Keep your wall decorations homey, simple and personalized. Take pictures of regular customers in their favorite seat and frame and hang them. Name drinks after customers and create plaques celebrating them. Hang black and white photos of the neighborhood, from past and present. Take a large group picture of all team members, and have everyone autograph it. Personalize everything in your shop, and it will feel more like home.

Ideas For How to Make a Table Base

Shiny new tables come with steep price tags. Skip the high prices by making your own table base. You don't have to be an expert craftsman with construction skills. All you need is a little creativity and a few ideas for an interesting, efficient and cost-effective table base. Does this Spark an idea?

What to Look For

The idea for a table base is to use something sturdy and interesting as the base for a glass top. This works well for a coffee table as well as a dining table. The base should be about 30 inches high for a dining table or 20 inches high for a coffee table, and strong enough to support a heavy piece of glass. Buy the glass top at any large hardware store. Take the measurements of your base and ask the store workers to cut the glass top to the dimensions you need. The glass should be at least a 1/2 inch to 3/4 inch thick.

Think Industrial

Large metal crates and barrels work well for table bases, as do plastic and wooden crates, such as wine crates or milk crates. Clean them and use them as-is for a realistic look, or refinish the items by painting them or sandblasting them for a more modern look. Lash small crates together with plastic zip ties. Large wooden spools for industrial cables are also stable table bases. Call your telephone or cable company or local hardware store to see if they sell them or give them away.

Think Nature

Large items from nature make affordable table bases. Take a large piece of driftwood for an elegant, nature-inspired look. Look at professionally made driftwood table bases online for inspirations for your table, then haul the wood to a hardware store and ask the workers to level the top of the driftwood for your glass top. Several large logs also make a sturdy table base. Again, have these cut professionally to ensure a flat surface for your table.

Think Antiques

You likely have large items around your home that would make ideal table bases. An antique steamer trunk, an old wheel barrow and a toy chest would all be candidates for coffee tables. For dining-table bases, try a pair of small bookshelves or chests of drawers. Place them back to back, and keep the books or drawers on them for a cute look. Any item that's the right height with a flat top becomes an instant dining-table base, as long as it can support the glass size you desire.

Modern Living Room Designs & Ideas With Pictures

Modern living room styles encompass many different schools of design, from clean and sleek lines to progressive futuristic furniture. When it comes to the living room, keep your design unified by choosing a particular school of modern design and using it as your basic road map. Stick to simplicity, utility and boldness for a modern living room, but don't be afraid to add your own spin to personalize your space. Does this Spark an idea?

Modern

Get bold with modern color choices.

Stark surfaces and clean lines define modern design. For modern style furniture, turn to streamlined upholstered sofas, leather lounge chairs and molded plastic or shaped plywood accent chairs. Steel lamps provide lighting while pop art paintings and prints brighten up the walls. Bold colors and color combinations characterize this style, so try accenting your living room with boldly-colored throw pillows, curtains or faux-fur rugs with simple styles and patterns. Geometric patterns lend themselves to modern living rooms; employ these patterns on curtains or even wallpaper. If you have control of your space, select a large open, airy space with large -- even floor-to-ceiling -- windows.

Ecodesign

Get eclectic and lend the environment a hand with ecodesign.

Ecodesign is a modern design style with an emphasis on sustainability, meaning that the furniture and other products are made with regard to limiting emissions, reducing waste and conserving natural resources. Ecodesign does not equate to all-natural, as plastics are often employed for their recyclable quality. When choosing furniture for an ecodesign living room, select durable items that will last for decades. Bamboo and rattan materials and natural textures work well for this style as do simple choices, such as repurposed oak and teak or other reclaimed wood. Choose furniture and decor that uses a minimum of necessary materials, and go with recyclable materials, such as nonlacquered wood and steel. For textiles, ecodesign often includes durable natural fibers, sustainably harvested wool and soy-based fabrics. Accent your space with live plants and get creative by repurposing nonfurniture items; try using an old trunk as a coffee table or a repurposed quilt as a throw.

Futurism

Organic shapes lend themselves to futurist living rooms.

Futurism is a progression of modernist design, making for an even more daring choice of living room style. Lightness, practicality and forward-thinking designs characterize futurism. For the living room, go with dynamic, multi-purpose furniture, such as couches with built-in tables and lighting fixtures or ottomans that double as benches. Multi-use modular furniture lends itself to the futurist style. Choose simple geometric shapes in your living room design, like simple blocks for coffee and end tables and cylindrical lamps or lights. Organically-shaped seating -- such as hanging or sphere-shaped chairs -- and utilitarian shelves help complete this style. As futurism penetrates all areas of art and design, accent your living room space with paintings and images from the futurist movement, such as abstract paintings or works of cubism.

How to Cover a Coffee Table With Granite

A granite-topped coffee table will add instant elegance to a living room or family room. The beautiful stonework is durable, easy to clean and easy to live with. The table will not move around, and if the base of the table is strong enough, the table can serve as additional seating. Adding a granite top to an existing coffee table is easier than you think. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1

Examine your coffee table carefully to make sure all of the fasteners are tight and that the table is well-constructed to support the weight of a new granite top. If it's well-built, the granite can be attached directly to the top without additional preparation.

2

Paint the coffee table before affixing any granite to the top if you want the wood or metal to more closely match the granite color.

3

Measure the coffee table top and add 3 inches to both measurements. This will give the granite a 1-1/2-inch overhang on all sides.

4

Give your measurements to a stone company and have your granite top custom cut to fit your table. The stone company will finish the edges in any style you select. Keep in mind that granite is very heavy and may require two or more people to lift. Some stone companies will deliver table tops to your home for a small charge.

5

Stand the granite on end and use tape to mark 1-1/2 inches from each side. This will allow you to position the top straight on the coffee table base.

6

Spread a 1/4-inch bead of Liquid Nails Marble & Granite and Solid Surface Materials Adhesive in a back and forth pattern along the outer 2 inches of the coffee table. Continue around the full perimeter of the table. You want enough coverage for the wood and granite to bond together securely.

7

Allow the adhesive a minimum of 24 hours to achieve its initial adhesion state. Try not to move, lift or adjust the table during this period. Cure times for Liquid Nails adhesives can vary depending on humidity and temperature. It takes about seven days for the adhesive to cure completely. After seven days, the table can be lifted by the granite.

How to Build Your Own Wooden Dinette Table

Dinette tables are something we use every day whether it be for eating dinner, doing homework, or reading the newspaper over a cup of coffee, and having a well built one can ensure quality use for many years. While most people have purchased their dining tables, it is possible to build a quality piece on your own easily and quickly. Purchasing kits will also speed the process up.

Instructions

1

Decide on the shape of your table. A rectangular shape is easy to cut, but a round shape saves more space. Draw up your plans with these decisions in mind and account for place setting needs. For a round table you want about a 30 inch diameter; for a rectangular table you want between 36 and 40 inches across the width.

2

Choose a base kit based on the kind of table you have decided you want. A base kit comes with four legs and the apron boards that will be used to attach the legs to the table top. They may also come with corner braces made of either wood or metal and the necessary bolts and screws. This option may be cheaper than buying the pieces individually or making the legs yourself and it will save you some time.

3

Choose a wood to make the table top that matches the color of the base kit you have. Follow the instructions enclosed with the kit and make sure you keep the weight of the table top in mind. You don't want to go heavier than your kit pieces can handle. Use a table saw to cut out the shape of your table, following the guidelines for your base kit. Sand the edges to create a smooth finish.

4

Assemble the table pieces upside down for easy access to the legs and apron boards as well as for increased flexibility. If you purchased a kit, the legs and apron boards should be ready to go. If you made them yourself, you will have to mortise and tenon them to create stability. This means you will have to bore a hole into the legs that correspond with an insert part of the apron board so that they fit together like puzzle pieces without any screws or bolts.

5

Use an industrial strength wood glue to attach the table top to the apron boards and legs and let them dry before installing the supports. Make sure to measure your diameters and consult your plans and kit instruction to ensure a properly centered table. Using screws to attach the table top will also help ensure stability and this is an easier option if you ever plan on having to take the table apart.

6

Attach the corner braces to each leg and the corresponding sections of the table by drilling holes into the table top and legs that correspond to the brace holes. Bolt them together with screws. Make sure your screws are of the correct length for your table top so as to avoid drilling through it.

7

Bolt the braces in place by drilling an appropriately sized hole into the leg connecting the apron boards. Use the brace as your guide. Secure the brace with a long bolt and tighten down to firmly attach the pieces together. Do this for all four legs.

8

Paint and finish your table making sure to use a food safe sealant to ensure maximum protection for you and your family.

What Goes With a Brown Sectional Sofa?

A brown sectional can be an elegant addition to the dcor, or it can overwhelm a room and obliterate the rest of the design. Don't let your living room or rec room get glum. Add some contrast to that brown couch with accessories and pillows. Keep a few other elements in the room, like lampshades or carpets, light in color. Or try surrounding the sectional with sophisticated contemporary paint hues and furniture styles to highlight its dramatic color and long lines. Does this Spark an idea?

Modern Mushroom

Shades of mushroom and gray are sophisticated and contemporary without being cold when a sectional is an earthy cremini color and the walls and carpet are pale slate. Pillows in ebony and gunmetal satin look crisp against the mushroom velvet sofa. When the sectional is large enough to dominate the room, keep the rest of the furniture to a minimum. A modern leather chair in black with a copper-colored metal frame, a few touches of white pottery and as much natural daylight as possible highlight the mix of softer tones. Night lighting on dimmers provides the flexibility to set any mood.

Chocolate Truffle

A large brown sectional in a contemporary loft doubles as seating for several people or as an emergency guest bed. The rich, dark chocolate upholstery gleams against vivid turquoise pillows and accent pieces in an open living room. Place the sectional against a white wall that is softened with a hint of lavender, and keep the floor treatment simple with a flat-weave wool rug that won't detract from the plump, plush stretch of sofa.

Touches of Spring

Fill the corner angle of floor created by a large brown sectional with a light colored fluffy rug in oatmeal yarns. You can keep the room from looking like a cave with a surprising robin's egg blue paint on the walls. Hang an art gallery on one wall over the sofa, and use beautifully framed children's art or a single oversize billboard poster as the visual appeal. No rule says that you must have pillows on the couch, so don't. Display a flowering branch in an abstract-shaped vase on a plain walnut coffee table. Look for flowers that pick up one color in the art on the wall.

Vintage Velvet

A cinnamon-chocolate sofa can dominate a room with 1970's fixtures and styles. Walls and floor in ivory make the room recede, but the oversize sofa anchors the space. The warm velvet tones might be reflected in cherry wood paneling in an entryway divider and a tabletop next to the couch. Tangerine pillows and touches of gold in a swag lamp add brightness, and a glass-top coffee table lets the sofa color shine through. Buttery pumpkin leather chairs, tufted like the sofa, will complete the spare but comfortable look.

How to Decorate a Living Room With a Dark Leather Sofa

Dark leather sofas can create a sense of sleekness and class in just about any living room. Whether going for a contemporary look or a more formal feel, adding a dark leather couch is a suitable way to get started. Furthermore, by adding accessories and other pieces that complement the leather couch, you can easily create a living room design that matches your aesthetic. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1

Choose a color for your walls that offsets the dark leather sofa such as bluish gray or light green. This makes your living room appear more inviting and spacious.

2

Use a cream-colored carpet or rug to complement the dark leather sofa. Pick wall-to-wall cream carpet or a patterned cream-colored rug.

3

Select furniture with similar features to your dark leather sofa. The other pieces may use similar colored legs or backs that are of matching heights. Choose an additional leather chair to complement the sofa, but try not to go overboard with leather.

4

Use chrome picture frames and a glass coffee table if going for a contemporary theme. Alternatively, choose wooden picture frames and a light wood coffee table for a more traditional look.

5

Add a soft cashmere throw blanket and cream-colored throw pillows to complement the dark leather couch and complete the look of your living room.

How to Build an Asian Style Coffee Table

An Asian style coffee table will serve well as a decorative item, tying the dcor of a room together; or as a functional serving area for drinks, appetizers and Asian style dining. An amateur woodworker using readily available materials and household woodworking tools can certainly accomplish building an Asian style coffee table. The key lies in keeping the lines of the project straight and clean, and painting the entire piece in a high gloss black, with a super-gloss sealant coat.

Instructions

1

Sand the individual pieces of wood lightly so that all surfaces have been slightly roughened. Sand tabletop edges until they are smooth and rounded, if desired.

2

Paint the individual wood pieces with a high-gloss black paint, using smooth, even strokes and painting with the grain of the wood. Allow plenty of time for the paint to dry and sand again very lightly before applying a second coat.

3

Sand the second dried paint coat very lightly. Be careful not to sand too deeply or leave deep gouges in the painted surface.

4

Apply two or three coats of high-gloss sealant, allowing plenty of time for the sealant to dry in between coats.

5

Place two of the 8-inch boards to create table legs underneath a 24-inch board for a leg support, with one on each end. Pre-drill holes into the top of the supports, down into the table legs. Drill two holes per table leg, using a drill bit slightly smaller in diameter then the wood screws to be used.

6

Attach the legs to the leg supports by screwing wood screws into the top of the supports. Tighten the screws completely, holding the legs tightly in place under the supports. Repeat for the remaining legs, using two legs on each leg support.

7

Set the coffee table top face-down on a blanket or carpet. Place one leg support at each end of the table top, so the four table legs are in the four corners of the coffee table. Hold the supports flush with the edges of the table on all three sides, using clamps if necessary.

8

Pre-drill holes through the middle section of the leg support into the coffee table top, using at least four evenly spaced holes per support. Make sure that the holes do not break the surface of the tabletop.

9

Attach the table top to the supports using wood screws, taking care not to allow the screws to break through the surface of the table top.

What Is the Height of a Cafe Table?

Caf tables come in a variety of sizes, shapes and colors. Heights vary as well. Some caf tables are tall for barstool seating or standing around, while others are shorter to accommodate smaller or shorter chairs. Whether you are building your own or buying a caf table, you should get a feel for the space you plan to put it first. Consider how you envision people using the table before you decide on which height to build or buy. Does this Spark an idea?

Standard Height

The standard height for a caf table with regular chairs is about 30 inches, or 2 1/2 feet off the ground. Height might vary by an inch or two in either direction. This allows the chair to tuck under the table when it's not being used, and for people to sit comfortably in chairs around the table. Their legs can typically fit under the table, and the table top is at an optimal height for eating or working on a laptop with a normal chair.

Tall Tables

Some caf tables are taller. They are designed for taller chairs or stools. These types of caf tables typically are about 42 inches, or 3 1/2 feet tall. The table tops are usually smaller in diameter than tables that sit lower to the ground, because a wider table top would make the table more top-heavy and more susceptible to falling over. Some of these types of caf tables also have a footrest near the bottom of the table.

Tallest Tables

Some caf tables are designed for people to stand around rather than sit. These tables can be 48 inches, or 4 feet tall. Some might be even taller. This height allows most adults to stand around and socialize, while giving them a surface on which to set food, drinks or other handheld items. They are likely found in cafes that also serve alcohol or stay open later; day crowds at cafes typically prefer to sit, as they are often working or eating.

Short Tables

Caf or coffee tables also come in short varieties. These tables are usually about knee height when sitting around them. They are for placing drinks, books or tabletop items on and are usually located next to couches rather than individual seats. These types of tables come in a variety of styles, from modern to rustic and everything in between.

How to Decorate With Black Leather Sofas & Espresso Tables

Coordinate the decor in the room with your black leather sofa and espresso tables, allowing the room to take on a "show room" appearance. Clean lines and modest decorations will keep the room from becoming cluttered and overwhelming. Add your decorations in a manner that cleverly balances the leather sofa, not detracts from it. Consider the function of the room when decorating. For example, white rugs are usually not practical in a room where children or pets will be frequent inhabitants. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1

Decide on a color palette. Use white, ivory, cream or tan for a simple, modern look. Bright colors, such as blues or aquas can also brighten and lighten the space and ambiance of the room. The color, or colors, you choose should be light to counter the dark colors in the sofa and tables.

2

Paint the walls in a light, neutral shade that matches your color palette. White, cream, sage green, blue-gray or any other light color will work. Another option is to paint one accent wall, preferably the wall behind the sofa. Use bright red, lime green or another bold color. Use a darker shade of the same color as the rest of the wall to allow for an accent wall while creating a seamless flow with the rest of the room.

3

Choose a rug in a light or bright color that coordinates with the walls but doesn't overpower the room. If your color scheme includes lime green, for instance, choose a rug that incorporates lime green with chocolate brown and ivory. The rug could include circles, stripes, squiggly lines or any other pattern. Plain white or beige rugs would work as well.

4

Select accent furniture if the room is large enough. One small accent chair is a good choice for smaller rooms. Choose an upholstered chair in a plain fabric, such as white or ivory. Incorporate color with one or two pillows, depending on the size of the chair, in patterns that utilize your colors.

5

Place plants or flower arrangements--real or silk--sparingly throughout the room. Fill a large, empty corner with a small tree. Use a single large flower in a vase on the coffee table or end table. Colorful vases work with white flowers, or use a glass vase with a bright flower or colored glass pebbles. One or two plants along with one flower arrangement will add "life" to the room without overdoing it.

6

Add finishing touches, such as one or two table lamps. Choose a lamp large enough to appear balanced next to the sofa in your accent color. Place other accessories, such as artwork and throws, to complete the room. Draping a throw over the back of the sofa in a casual way will break up the block of dark coloring and add a comfortable, relaxed feel to the room.