Beginner's Guide to Tables

Seasonal Table Runners

Fri, 17 Feb 2006 16:53:01 +0000

Seasonal and special occasion table runners are often made of finer fabrics, such as linen, silk, satin and velvet. Each of these fabrics have their own laundering requirements, so it is imperative that you follow the manufacturers instructions when these table runners become soiled.

Linen has been around forever, and it is a natural fiber, just as cotton is. Linen can be laundered, but doesn’t usually dry clean well. In fact, since linen softens the more it is washed, the better the fabric will feel. Care should be taken to use the gentle wash cycle and a gentle soap, such as Ivory Snow or Woolite. Use cool water to wash and to rinse, adding a small amount of vinegar or hair conditioner to the final rinse since soap residue can cause brown spots over time.

If your special occasion table runner has adornments such as sequins, tassels, or fringe, it will wash better if you first place it in a lingerie back or tie it inside a pillow case before placing it in the washing machine. This method of washing is also good for lace, crocheted table runners, and other loosely woven fabrics. The pillow case allows soap and water to reach the runner, but does not allow it to hang and become pulled out of shape while the agitators are running.

Line drying is good for linen, but if you must place it in the clothes dryer, use the shortest drying time possible without over drying.

Making a Table Runner

Fri, 17 Feb 2006 16:54:01 +0000

Making a table runner is easy, so don’t be dismayed if you can’t find the right table runner for your table in a store.

Step 1: Choose an easy care fabric in the color and design of your choice. You will need at least 2 yards for a 70” runner and 3 yards for a 90” runner. You will need the same amount of fabric for the reverse side of the runner since table runners are double sided as opposed to just hemmed. You will need this second length of fabric even if you plan to trim the table runner with lace, fringe, or other decorative element.

Step 2: Before cutting any of the fabric, prewash both lengths of fabric, dry and press them. If you cut fabric that is prewashed and dried, but not ironed, you may end up with wavy edges and uneven designs in the weave of the fabric.

Step 3: For a 70” table runner, cut both front and back fabrics in rectangles that are 71” X 29”.

Step 4: Working with one fabric at a time, fold the cut fabric in half, with the short ends touching. Make a small mark in the center of the short sides. From each corner, measure down 5” from the short side down the long side and make another small mark on each side. Use a straight edge to draw lines from the center mark to each of the four marks on the sides. Cutting along these lines will create the pointed end of the table runner. After cutting and creating the points on both fabrics, you will have two pieces of fabric that are pointed at both ends.

Step 5: Press ½” of each edge toward the wrong side of the fabric using the steam setting of your iron. Pin both pieces together paying particular attention to matching corners and points.

Step 6: Stitching the two pieces together, allow a 1/8” to 1/4” seam allowance. Finish by adding tassels to each end, if desired.

Note: Steps for making a 90” table runner are the same, except that a 90” table runner should be cut in fabric rectangles that are 91” X 28”.

Choosing the Coffee Table That's Right for You

Tue, 14 Mar 2006 19:58:27 +0000

Your coffee table in your living room or den is often the focal point of those entering the room, so you want to take time to consider what type of coffee table is best for your room and lifestyle. Some people consider the coffee table to be an essential to comfortable living in the room where you most often live and socialize. Therefore, you need to answer some key questions before purchasing your next coffee table. What function will your coffee table serve? What style will best combine with your existing décor? What is your budget? What are your space requirements? Let’s consider each of these in turn.

What is a Coffee Table?

Tue, 14 Mar 2006 19:59:46 +0000

Coffee tables are traditionally a small, low table placed in a living room or den, near a seating area to be used by guests and the family for the placement of coffee cups and other items that may be served. They can also be referred to as cocktail tables. But coffee tables can be used for much more than just coffee, cocktails or even decoration.

Functions for Coffee Tables

Tue, 14 Mar 2006 20:00:19 +0000

The coffee table can serve many useful functions. If you have a home that is low on built-in storage space, a helpful hint is to buy furniture with extra storage space. Coffee tables can help resolve some of your storage problems. Many people use coffee tables with storage space for stowing away games, DVDs, photo albums, magazines, books, remote controls and other essentials to living room comfort. Options for coffee tables that increase your capacity include tables with extra shelves underneath, drawers or even storage bins that roll out from underneath. You can also purchase trunk-style coffee tables that have hinged openings for a deep area of extra storage.

Depending on your lifestyle, some people will use their coffee tables more for entertaining purposes. You may want a coffee table that can be easily moved for parties. Others may want to use their coffee table for games or eating, and therefore a larger surface area will be more important to them. Some coffee tables have options such as pull-out drink trays or nested ends that can be pulled out for entertaining at your finger tips.

Are you looking for an easy way to increase seating in your living area? You might want to consider the increasingly popular ottoman-style of coffee tables. These are large ottomans placed in the center of your seating area that can serve many functions. They can be used as footrests in front of existing seating. They can also be pulled over to the side in the event of extra guests and be used as an extra seat. You do not have to sacrifice storage space, if this is a priority for you. Many of the ottoman-style coffee tables come with a hinged top, revealing a large storage area within.

Other people will view the function of their coffee table as primarily decorative, to enhance the décor of the room.

You have to decide what function or functions are most important to you. A coffee table can be successfully utilized to fulfill any or all of these capacities.

Styles of Coffee Tables

Tue, 14 Mar 2006 20:00:51 +0000

Based on what you have determined to be the primary functions of your coffee table, now you are ready to determine what style of furniture you would like to acquire. The possibilities are nearly endless when it comes to choosing a coffee table. Coffee tables come in all shapes, sizes and material types. You can choose from round, oval, square or rectangular coffee tables, in a range of sizes. Coffee tables come in a variety of different material types also. The most common type is wood; but of course, there are many wood types and stain colors from which to choose within this category. You can also choose metal or iron coffee tables, often with a glass top. There are some choices that would include an inset of stained glass. You need to consider the overall décor of your particular living room or den. This will determine what style and color of coffee table that you purchase.

Not only is there a wide range of coffee table shapes and finishes, but there are also limitless possibilities in the types of furniture styles available. You can find styles ranging from the ultra-modern, to contemporary, to traditional, to artistic. Whatever the style of your existing furniture is, you can find a coffee table to match your tastes. Some may prefer one of the split level coffee tables available to blend with your particular style. Another interesting style is the “clocktail” trend. These are coffee tables with a large clock built into the face of the table, usually with a covering of glass to protect the clock.

If you have chosen an ottoman for your coffee table, this is a very versatile option. You can select a color to enhance specific features of your room. Or you may want to choose a leather finish for durability and style. You can always add a slipcover later to change the look and feel of your room. This is an easy way for a quick and effective change to your room without spending much money.

Size of your room and area that you are seeking to fill are obvious determining factors in selecting a style of coffee table. If you have a small space, you do not want to pick an overbearing coffee table that will overwhelm the room or make it difficult to maneuver.

Prices of Coffee Tables

Tue, 14 Mar 2006 20:01:23 +0000

Since a quick internet search will bring you a range of $99-$4,000 for a single coffee table, you need to first determine your goals for a coffee table. Function and style are very important to help you decide what you are looking for in a coffee table. But equally important is your particular budget. As you set your budget, this will help you determine which coffee tables to consider.

Delivery of Coffee Tables

Tue, 14 Mar 2006 20:01:52 +0000

If you decide to order your coffee table, off of the internet, there are some factors that you should consider. What is the delivery time guaranteed by the website? The average delivery time is 2-4 weeks. You also need to be aware that some coffee tables will come fully assembled and some will require assembly. Make sure that you glean all of this needed information from the website.

One website (www.everythingfurniture.com) offers what they call a free white glove service that is included with the delivery fee. This means that their company will deliver the item to you, perform light set-up within your home and remove all debris.

The same considerations are true of furniture bought in stores. You need to ask about delivery times and fees and assembly.

General Furniture and Coffee Table Buying Tips

Tue, 14 Mar 2006 20:02:32 +0000

- Know your style and décor.
- Know your budget.
- Know your measurements and take them with you when shopping or browsing the internet.
- Ask friends and family for advice on furniture, especially about quality and top stores or sites where they enjoy shopping.
- Look for furniture that fits your lifestyle – Do you have young children? Consider durability and darker fabrics to hide stains. Do you have pets with long hair? Ask about which furniture is easy to clean pet hair with a vacuum. Do you entertain often? You may need a different style of furniture to accommodate your lifestyle. Do you move often or rearrange your furniture often? You may want to also consider the weight of your furniture. Some websites give the weight specifications of their items also.
- Unless you have a large home, choose furniture and accessories on a small scale. This allows for you to move furniture around in your house and be more versatile.
- Do you have little built-in storage space? Consider furniture with storage options.

All of these tips are beneficial in choosing the coffee table that is right for you. You need to especially know the dimensions of the area where you will place your coffee table by measuring the length and width. Make sure that you have these measurements with you when ordering or shopping.

Some Precautions in Choosing a Coffee Table

Tue, 14 Mar 2006 20:03:07 +0000

If you have toddlers or elderly people in your home, you may want to consider buying a coffee table without sharp edges. Round, oval or ottoman coffee tables would avoid the potential danger for these loved ones that sharp edges might present. Also if the area where you will be placing your coffee table is a high traffic area, you may want to also consider staying away from those options with sharp edges.

Another issue to consider is that of ease of cleaning. Some people prefer a mobile coffee table for easy vacuuming underneath. Many coffee tables come with wheels, especially the ottoman styles and many of the modern styles.

Summary of Coffee Tables

Tue, 14 Mar 2006 20:03:39 +0000

Your choice for your new coffee table can visibly enhance the décor and feel of your room and can also be very useful in its function. Coffee tables can be used for much more than just coffee or cocktails. Take the time to consider what is most important to you in functionality, style and price; and your coffee table can become a valuable, beautiful and useful piece of furniture to you and your family for many years to come.

Sources

1. www.coffeetablesgalore.com
2. www.bellacor.com
3. www.everythingfurniture.com
4. “How To Select Versatile Furnishings for Your Home” - www.interiordec.about.com
5. “How to Buy A Coffee Table” - http://buy.lovetoknow.com
6. “How to Buy Furniture”- http://buy.lovetoknow.com

End Tables

Tue, 08 Aug 2006 16:52:32 +0000

Table Runners

Tue, 08 Aug 2006 16:58:19 +0000

Sofa Tables

Tue, 08 Aug 2006 16:59:28 +0000

Coffee Tables

Tue, 08 Aug 2006 17:00:33 +0000

Beginner's Guide to Tables

Seasonal Table Runners

Making a Table Runner

Choosing the Coffee Table That's Right for You

What is a Coffee Table?

Functions for Coffee Tables

Styles of Coffee Tables

Prices of Coffee Tables

Delivery of Coffee Tables

General Furniture and Coffee Table Buying Tips

Some Precautions in Choosing a Coffee Table

Summary of Coffee Tables

End Tables

End Tables Overview

End Tables are made from a Variety of Materials

End Tables that Serve a Variety of Functions

Table Top Suggestions for End Tables

Table Runners

What are Table Runners?

Use and Care of Everyday Table Runners

Seasonal Table Runners

Making a Table Runner

Sofa Tables

Sofa Tables Overview

Functions

Materials

Styles of Sofa Tables

Coffee Tables

coffee-tables/choosing-the-coffee-table-thats-right-for-you.php > Choosing the Coffee Table That's Right for You

coffee-tables/what-is-a-coffee-table.php > What is a Coffee Table?

coffee-tables/functions-for-coffee-tables.php > Functions for Coffee Tables

coffee-tables/styles-of-coffee-tables.php > Styles of Coffee Tables