How to Raise a Sofa to Be Used With a Dining Table

If you want to match a sofa with a dining room table to achieve a luxurious banquette-seating arrangement, there will be just one problem with your idea: Sofas are usually much lower than a dining chair. You will need to raise your sofa's seat to at least 20 inches in height to make dining at the table comfortable. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

Replacing the Feet

1

Measure the height of your sofa from the bottom of the sofa cushion to the floor. Take this measurement while an adult male is seated on the sofa. Measure from the back of the seated person's knees to the floor. For example, this sofa seated-height might be just 17 inches. That means you will need to change legs so as to add 3 inches to the sofa's height in order to make it suitable for use as a dining room banquette (at 20 inches).

2

Turn the sofa over and examine how many feet the sofa is resting on; if the sofa has just four feet, you will need to create four new feet for it.

3

Figure out how the feet are attached to the sofa's base frame. You will find one of two potential situations.

One--the feet are simply screwed into the base. This would be the "best-case scenario" for you, since similar types of furniture feet or legs with screw-in bolts can be purchased at home improvement stores in many shapes, diameters and lengths. You will only have to swap out old feet for new feet.

Two--the feet are attached to the base in some kind of permanent manner, built in as a part of the base and thus not easily removed. If this is the case, you will have to take a different approach to solving the problem by fabricating new "false feet"; instructions are below.

4

Remove the screw-in feet from the sofa. Note the diameter of these feet.

5

Take one of the feet with you to a home improvement store and look for short table or furniture legs. Find a leg unit that has a screw-in bolt at the top and is your desired length from the bottom of the bolt to the base of the leg. You can also cut down taller legs to this desired height. Look for a new leg or foot that is to 1 inch larger in diameter than the original sofa foot. The taller feet for the sofa need to be a little wider than the original feet to provide more support for the sofa at this taller height. "Bun" feet are nice and wide and look good with almost any type of sofa design. Buy as many of these feet or legs as you may need. Make sure the bolts on the new feet or legs are the same diameter as the bolts on the original feet.

6

Cut down any longer new legs as necessary. Measure carefully from the base of the screw bolt down, and cut the legs off cleanly.

7

Stain or paint the new feet to match any exposed wood on the sofa and let dry.

8

Screw the new feet into the foot bolt sockets on the sofa.

9

Turn the sofa over and test it for stability.

Fabricating False Feet

10

Find round wooden furniture "bun" feet that are 1 inches tall and 1.5 times the diameter of the current sofa feet. You can also use circles or "plates" made from wood as long as they are 1 inches thick. If your current sofa feet are 3 inches in diameter, you will need to find bun feet, or circle-shaped wooden boards, that are about 4.5 inches in diameter. Buy two of these bun feet, or circular boards, for every foot on your sofa.

11

Stack two of the buns together, one atop the other. Drill a pilot hole for a 2 inch wood screw in the bottom of one of the buns. Counter-sink this screw hole by inch. Apply wood glue between the buns. Insert a 2-inch wood screw into the pilot hole and screw the buns together. Do this on just one side of the "sandwich." Turn the sandwich over.

12

Mark the center of the top bun or circular plate. Use a compass or a circle template to mark a circle in the middle of the bun that is just 1/8 of an inch wider in diameter than a current sofa foot. If your original foot is 3 inches in diameter, trace a circle 3 1/8 inches in diameter. Drill out or route out this hole pocket, to a depth of just 1 inch. Glue a plastic furniture glide pad to the bottom of the false foot, over the counter-sink hole. Produce as many of these false feet as needed and then sand and finish these stacked bun feet and let them dry.

13

Turn the sofa over, upside down. Apply a generous quantity of a strong wood glue, like Gorilla Glue, to the inside of the pocket of these false feet. Insert a false foot onto the end of the original sofa foot. Tap the bottom of the false foot with a hammer to ensure a tight fit. Apply all the false feet in this manner.

14

Turn the sofa right side up. Test the sofa by sitting in it, and sliding it forward and back on the floor. The sofa should be sturdy and should glide easily without falling off of the false feet.

How to Set a Place at a Dining Table

Dinner is the time of day to take a break and do something pleasant in pleasant company. Setting an attractive table increases everyone's enjoyment of the food. Teach children to set the table at an early age. It is a way they can truly be helpful at a busy time of the day. Allowing young children to select any item they choose for the centerpiece of the family dinner is a fun way to allow them to be creative. For a family dinner with young children, dinosaurs and dolls are as appropriate as fresh flowers. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1

Center the plate on the table in front of the chair 1 inch from the edge of the table. If service plates are used, they are placed on the table with a smaller plate for the first course on top. Service plates are extra-large plates that go under the salad plates and soup bowls that are used for the first courses. You remove them before you serve the main course.

2

Place knives and spoons to the right of the plate. Forks are placed on the left. Place the items your guests will use first on the outside. For example, if the meal will consist of a salad course, a soup course, a main course and cake you would have a salad fork on the left, then a dinner fork and a dessert fork. On the right side you would have a soup spoon on the outside and a dinner knife on the inside. The blade of knife should face the plate.

3

Fold the napkin into a slim rectangle and place it to the left of the silverware. You may also place the napkin on the dinner plate. You may use napkin rings with the napkin in either position.

4

Place a salad plate on the left side above the forks, if you serve salad with the main course. You may place a small bread and butter plate on the right above the forks when you are serving salad as a separate course or not serving salad. You can place small butter spreader along the top of the bread plate. Remove these plates when you remove the main course plates, before you serve the dessert.

5

Place glasses on the right side above the spoon. If you are using more than one glass, the glasses should be in a diagonal line, with the outside glass closest to the edge of the table. This allows the guest to reach all her glasses without knocking any over.

6

Place coffee cups on the diner's right with the handle facing out. Place the spoon on the saucer behind the cup with the spoon handle pointing out. Do not place the cups on the table until just before you serve the coffee.

Dining Room Table Styles

A dining room table is often featured as the main focal point of a dining room. There is a wide array of styles of dining tables to choose from. When shopping for a new dining table, it is best to research the variety of shapes, styles and sizes available to you to ensure that you find the table that is perfect for your home. Does this Spark an idea?

Traditional Dining Room Tables

Traditional dining room tables have been featured in homes for many years. These tables can be found in various shapes and sizes, and are usually made of wood. They may be made of oak, cherry, mahogany, pine or even a combination of more than one type of wood. Traditional tables may be round, square, rectangular or oval. Some may even be custom-made with intricate designs added around the tables' edges or legs. The type of legs a traditional table has depends upon the size and shape of it. Round and oval tables tend to have one large single pedestal-style leg located in the middle of the table. Square and rectangular tables usually have four slim legs, with one leg situated at each corner. The chairs for a traditional dining table are usually made of wood and in a style that complements that of the table.

Contemporary Dining Room Tables

Another popular style of dining room table is the contemporary style. These tables can also be found in various shapes and sizes. They may be made of wood, metal or even a combination of more than one material. This style of dining room table may feature a glass or wooded tabletop with wood or metal legs. The chairs are usually made of the same material as the legs and table's base. This style of dinette set may be more commonly seen in modern homes or cafe-style restaurants.

Casual Dining Room Tables

The casual dining room table is a simple design. It may be made of wood or metal and often features matching chairs. Wicker is a commonly seen medium for casual dining sets. This type of dining table is more often used as a place to enjoy meals than as an addition to the decor of the room. However, these tables can complement a smaller home or apartment very well and do not require extravagant decorating. This style of table may also be used as a breakfast set in a kitchen or for quick meals that do not require a formal setting.

How to Make a Desk From a Dining Table

You have a dining table that you never use, and what you need is a work desk. Rather than get rid of one and purchase the other, why not make a desk from the dining table? It will take just a small amount of work to create the perfect work surface for an office project. When youre finished, you will have a great work space, with plenty of room to spread out books, maps, and papers. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1

Determine if this is going to be a permanent conversion, or if your dining table desk will need to serve two purposes. If the piece has to do double duty, you may want to use items that set up and remove easily when turning your dining table into a desk.

2

Adjust the height of the work surface. The top of a standard desk is around 29 in. from the floor, while dining tables are typically higher. If youre making a permanent change, you can adjust the height quite easily by cutting down the legs of the table with a saw. If the change is temporary, you may need to install a removable tray under the table for your computer keyboard so you can work comfortably.

3

Build up to make space that will let you keep your reference materials and office supplies handy. A purchased or home-made shelf that is about 4 ft. long, 1 ft. high and 1 ft. deep works perfectly: stash your dictionary and printer underneath, use bookends to hold your taller books on top, and add your favorite desk lamp and pencil jar for convenience.

4

Build down to create storage for larger items or those things you dont use very often. You can install shelves between the table legs and line them with baskets to store office supplies. A short, 2-drawer file cabinet should just fit underneath.

How to Make My Own Dining Room Table Tops

Learn how to make a tabletop to build a custom dining room table for your home. Apply the knowledge to other furniture projects such as side and coffee tables for other rooms. An attractive and functional tabletop can be made from any species of furniture grade plywood. Birch, maple and cherry are common options for furniture grade plywood. The builder cuts the plywood to the desired size and shape, and sands and finishes the edges. After making a basic top, apply the principles to make an endless number of tabletop designs. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1

Adjust the depth table saw to cut through wood that is 3/4-inch thick. Set up the fence on the table saw to cut the plywood panel down to 36-by-96-inches using a tape measure. Run the plywood panel through the saw to make the cut.

2

Adjust the fence on the table saw to cut the panel down to 36-by-72-inches using a tape measure. Run the plywood panel though the saw to make the cut. This is the tabletop.

3

Sand the 3/4-inch thick edges of the tabletop using a edge belt sander. Run the edges through the sander until they are completely smooth.

4

Place the tabletop on a work surface. Apply the edge banding to each 3/4-inch thick edge of the tabletop using a flat iron to secure it into place. Make sure the edge banding is even with the edges of the plywood as you run the iron over the banding.

5

Use an edge banding trimmer to trim the top and bottom edges of the edge banding to create a perfectly flush edge on the plywood tabletop.

6

Sand the surface of the tabletop with fine grit sandpaper. Be sure to sand with the grain to avoid scratching the surface.

7

Apply a wood finish to the tabletop. Allow the finish to dry prior to using the tabletop in your woodworking project.

How to Identify the Style of a Dining Table

Decorating your home can be a joyous activity that allows you to express your own personal style. You may choose to completely decorate each room individually or you may select an overall particular decorating style. Various decorating styles such as Colonial or Victorian have distinguishing looks and materials that are associated with them. If you need to identify the style of a dining room table for your home, you can do so with some observation. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1

Examine the wood used in the table. Colonial tables are usually made of black walnut, ash, hickory, maple or mahogany. Victorian tables often are made of maple, rosewood or oak and tend to be heavier. Scandinavian tables can be made of any of these as well but also sometimes use elm and teak; this is not typical of many other styles.

2

Check the feet of the table. Colonial furniture may have a "drake," which is a simple animal paw carved into the wood. Victorian tables can use something similar, though it is more common for Victorian tables to have the foot carved into a claw that is gripping a ball. Victorian designs also may keep the foot as a continuation of the leg, as do Scandinavian tables.

3

Examine any hardware on the table. Colonial tables frequently utilize brass, leather, and iron. Victorian furniture sometimes use glass tabletops. Scandinavian tables don't generally use additional hardware options outside of wood.

4

Look at the table's finish. Colonial tables typically utilize wax, paint or oil varnish as finishes. Victorian style features oil varnish almost exclusively. Scandinavian tables also use stain along with wax or oil varnish.

5

Check for any ornamentation or carving. Carving or stenciling are common with colonial tables. Victorian tables utilize cutting or chipping designs in the wood. Scandinavian designs prefer clear finishes to show off the wood grain.

How to Set a Table for Formal Dining

There's no absolutely right or wrong way to set your table for a formal dining experience; arrangements often vary from country to country and person to person. However, as a rule of thumb, remember in what order you will serve your courses and, in turn, in what order your guests will consume them. The utensils or flatware should correlate with each course, working their way from the outer reaches of the table setting in toward the plate as the meal progresses. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1

Align the chairs at your dinner table so that they are evenly spaced. Ideally, each chair will directly face another.

2

Lay out your table cloth, runner and centerpiece.

3

Place service plates directly in front of each chair. The edge of the plates should be one inch from the table's edge.

4

Center soup bowls on top of the service plates.

5

Starting from the left edges of the plates, lay out the dessert forks, the dinner forks and the salad forks, making sure to align their bottom edges with those of the plates. Again, you are moving left to right as you set out these utensils, from the plate edge out.

6

Starting from the right edges of the plates, lay out the knives (blade edges toward the plates), the teaspoons and the soup spoons, making sure to align their bottom edges with those of the plates. Remember to keep moving from right to left as you set them out.

7

Set the folded cloth napkins just to the left of the salad forks, again making sure to align the bottom edges.

8

Set the bread and butter plates immediately above the dinner forks. The butter knives should then be laid across the plates horizontally, their blade tips pointing left, their blade edges pointing down.

9

Set the water glasses above the dinner knives. The white wine glasses should be set to the right of the water glasses. Set the red wine glasses above and slightly between the other two glasses.

Care of Wood Dining Tables

A wooden dining room table is usually a major furniture investment, and it adds warmth to any home. To care for your table, keep in mind that like all products made from wood, it is subject to environmental conditions. It expands and contracts with changes in the humidity and is easily damaged by water or sun exposure. Although scratches and water damage can usually be fixed, properly protecting your dining room furniture will prevent expensive repairs. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1

Close draperies during the day or move the table so it doesn't sit in direct, bright sunlight because sunlight can fade or bleach the wood. Cover the table with a tablecloth to protect it from sunlight, water spills or scratches.

2

Place glasses on coasters, place mats or tablecloths, and place a cloth underneath vases. Even if water in vases and glasses doesn't spill, it can condense, forming moisture on the table's surface and potentially damaging the table.

3

Dust the table at least weekly to remove dirt and debris that can build up and dull the table's finish. Apply a paste wax or furniture oil to moisturize the table. Avoid silicone polishes, which tend to dull the finish over time. Dust the legs or base of the table, as well as the top.

4

Wipe up any spills immediately with a dry, soft cloth. Spilled water or alcohol can cause white spots or ruin the finish. If white spots remain, dampen a clean cloth with ammonia and wipe it lightly across the surface. Follow with a cloth dampened slightly with clean water.

5

Use votives or containers when burning candles to protect the table from melted wax. If wax gets on the table, place several ice cubes in a plastic bag. Hold the bag on the wax to harden it. Gently scrape the wax off with a plastic spatula, taking care not to scratch the table.

6

Keep the dining room table away from heating vents or radiators and try to avoid extreme temperature or humidity changes. Run a humidifier if the air is dry; low humidity can cause the wood to crack.

How to Draw a Dining Table

If you are learning how to draw, the first thing you need to learn is how to draw basic shapes such as rectangles, circles and so on. The second step is drawing basic 3-D shapes such as cubes, spheres and the like. The third step is learning how to draw basic objects. Dining tables are among these basic objects that those learning how to draw should learn to do and, if you have the basics down, it should be easy to draw a dining table.

Instructions

1

Draw a horizontal line that measures about 2 inches long across the center of a blank sheet of drawing paper. Draw with a pencil so that changes can be made easily.

2

Draw a line at a 45 degree angle, extending about 1 inch from one end of the horizontal line. Repeat this step on the opposite end of the line; both angled lines should be parallel to each other.

3

Draw another horizontal line to connect the two angled lines. You should now have what looks like a slanted rectangle. This will be the table top of your dining table drawing.

4

Draw a vertical line extending about 2 inches from each of the outside corners of the table top.

5

Draw a horizontal line a quarter inch below the bottommost line of the tabletop. This line should be of the same length as the line on the rectangle.

6

Draw a line at a 45 degree angle, parallel to the 45 degree angle line on the outside of the rectangle. This line should also be a quarter inch below the first angled line. You should now have a 3D table top with some lines still sticking down from three corners.

7

Draw a half-inch long line from the bottommost tip of one of the vertical lines, in toward the rectangle. Repeat this step on each of the other vertical lines at the other corners of the rectangle.

8

Draw a vertical line that goes from the rectangle, down to each of the half-inch horizontal lines. These will be the legs of the dining table.

9

Draw a quarter-inch line at a 45 degree angle from the innermost, bottom corner of each leg.

10

Draw a vertical line from the rectangle, down to the tip of the 45 degree angled line attached to each leg, this will give a three dimensional look to the dining table you just drew.

Manual Drafting Techniques

Manual drafting is both an art and a learned technique. To create an effective drawing, all necessary equipment must be gathered, proper drafting techniques must be applied and standard architectural drafting protocol must be followed. Does this Spark an idea?

Necessary Equipment

For manual drafting, a drafting table is needed. If a drafting table is not available, a T-square can be used in combination with a wooden drafting board.

Prepare all the necessary equipment before beginning the drawing. Having a roll of vellum nearby is a good idea in case there is a need to start over or begin another drawing.

Gather an assortment of pencils with varying lead strengths. Make sure you have an architect's scale on hand, as well as a triangle with a 90 degree angle and a small triangle for lettering. You also need drafting dots (or drafting tape), furniture or plumbing templates, a board brush, an erasing shield, a sharpener and a few good erasers.

Drawing Lines

Before beginning the drawing, use drafting dots to tape the corners of the paper to the table. When manually drafting floor plans, a straight edge is always used. When using a drafting table, the parallel bar is used to draw horizontal lines. When using a T-square, the "T" is placed securely against the right or left side of the drafting board to draw a straight line.

To draw vertical lines with a drafting table, place the bottom of the right triangle onto the top of the parallel bar. Use the vertical portion of the right triangle to draw straight, vertical lines. When using a T-square, simply place the "T" portion flat against the top of the drawing board and draw a vertical line.

When drawing vertical or horizontal lines, apply equal pressure as you pull the pencil from left to right or top to bottom. Slightly rotating the point of the pencil and leaning it in the direction you are going will create a line that is constant in strength and form. The pencil should never leave the paper until the line is completed and tracing over a line which has already been drawn is not recommended. Sprinkling a setting powder over pencil lines helps to hold the integrity of the lines. Never sweep the hand across the drawing to remove eraser residue; use a board brush instead.

Line Types and Line Weights

On floor plans, exterior walls are drawn with heavy, solid lines. Windows are also drawn with heavy lines but in a dash-dot-dash format. Interior walls have a slightly lighter line weight. Interior elements such as plumbing and kitchen cabinets are drawn with the lightest line weight. Elements such as upper kitchen cabinets and the refrigerator should be drawn as a dashed line. All lines should be shiny, sharp and never fuzzy.

Lettering

An "F" pencil should be used for lettering. Vertical portions of letters and numbers should not be drawn freehand. Use a small right triangle to draw any straight portions of the letter. Curved portions, such as found in the numbers 3, 5 or 8, must be drawn freehand. It is useful to draw very light guidelines first, representing the desired height of the text. Doing this keeps the text neat and uniform.

Casual Dining Room Decorating Ideas

When you want a comfortable place to eat, decorating your dining room casually is one way to get the effect that you are after. A casual dining room allows you and your guests to eat comfortably. Achieving a comfortable yet attractive aesthetic is something that requires a little bit of work, but is completely worth the effort. Does this Spark an idea?

Light and Easy Styles

One way to keep things casual is to keep things light, both in color and illumination. Place breezy curtains over the windows to get the most light into the room. Paint the walls pale shades of blue and green, accenting the room with stronger versions of the colors to keep them grounded. This creates a Mediterranean effect that welcomes diners and keeps them comfortable.

Elaborate Tables

When you are planning your dining, keep things simple. Do not clutter the area with overly elaborate centerpieces or art. Instead, choose to make the table the focal point of your dining room. Choose a heavy table with good detailing to ground the room, and then leave the rest of the room simple. Paint the walls white to put the focus on the table. Use wood tones in the room to keep the theme going.

Mix and Match

A casual style for your dining room can still be fun and eclectic if you mix up your styles. Combine ultra-modern chairs and tables with a simple, traditional cabinet or breakfast island. This is a good way to vary the visuals in the home, so combine the traditional with the contemporary for a fresh, casual look. Take advantage of the rougher traditional textures and the smooth contemporary textures to create a comfortable look for your dining room.

Natural Furnishings

Use natural materials when decorating your dining room to achieve a casual grace. Use a square sisal rug under the table to give the room some texture without overwhelming it, and place a basket of lemons, limes and apples in the center of the table to offer some natural color. Choose dining room chairs with cane bottoms and which are constructed from woods with a natural, slightly roughened finish.

How to Create a MySQL Table

Creating a MySQL table utilizes the CREATE command and the "Data Definition Language," or DDL. DDL is used to define data structures. MySQL provides a number of column types. Each column holds a specific class of information. To create a MySQL table, you will need to create column types and then put them all together to form a database (your table).

Instructions

1

Write the skeleton of the CREATE command. In this example, the table is named "customers." Replace "customers" with the name of the table you want to create. Example:
CREATE TABLE customers (
);

2

Create an id column. All tables should have an id column to uniquely identify that row, since two rows can exist with identical data. Without an id column, it would be impossible to tell the two rows apart.

3

Define the id column as an integer. It should also be an AUTO_INCREMENT column. This means MySQL keeps track of the id numbers for you in sequential order. Example:
id INTEGER AUTO_INCREMENT,

4

Remember that an AUTO_INCREMENT column is also required to be a primary key and add this line. Example:
PRIMARY KEY (id)

5

Create a string column using the VARCHAR column type. A VARCHAR(n) will hold up to n characters but no more, so be sure to choose an n that's large enough to hold all the data you'll need, yet short enough so it won't waste space. Example:
name VARCHAR(32),

6

Create a real number column. A "real" number is anything but an integer. If, for example, you want to store a customer's balance, you'll need to store cents as well as dollars, so a FLOAT column type is also necessary. Example:
balance FLOAT,

7

Create an integer column. Here an INTEGER is used to track the number of purchases a customer has made. Example:
purchases INTEGER,


8

Create a date column. This example uses a DATE column to store the date of the first purchase. Example:
customer_since DATE,


9

Put the column types together. The command can be on multiple lines to make it easier to read and to store in files. The MySQL command-line client also allows for commands to be entered this way. Example:
CREATE TABLE customers (
id INTEGER AUTO_INCREMENT, name VARCHAR(128),
address VARCHAR(512),
ph_number VARCHAR(20),
email VARCHAR(64), balance FLOAT, purchases INTEGER, customer_since DATE, PRIMARY KEY (id)
);

How to Dress Up the Back of a Loveseat Facing an Entry

The way that you arrange the furniture in your entryway impacts the mood and feel of your home. A crowded entry, for instance, can make your guests feel overwhelmed, while an entryway with not enough furniture can give the area a barren tone. If your home is designed in such a way that the back of your loveseat faces the entry, dress it up. The back of a loveseat is not the most aesthetically pleasing sight, so use more decorative items to spruce it up. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1

Lean a picture frame that's roughly 36 inches by 48 inches against the back of a loveseat in the entryway to your home. Put a picture or painting in the frame. This will become the focal point so that guests see the art rather than the back of the loveseat. The design concept of picture frames on floors gives homes a loft-like feel.

2

Set a console table along the back of the loveseat in the entry. A console table is a small table that is used for decor and storing small items, and it's a common entryway piece. Dress up the furniture even more by adding plants, standing picture frames, candles or vases atop the console table.

3

Hang a throw blanket over the back of the loveseat. The throw blanket will disguise some of the back, and give guests something other than the plain loveseat back to look at. A quilt is also effective for this decoration technique.

4

Line the back of a loveseat with large potted plants. A large potted plant adds color and texture that distracts the eye from the loveseat's back.

5

Place a room divider, such as a tall panel of shutters or a tall bookshelf, against the back of a loveseat in an entryway. The room divider cuts off the area to make two separate spaces, giving the entry a narrower and cozier feel.

6

Arrange oversized baskets along the back of the loveseat. Fill the baskets with decorative items such as rolled up blankets or quilts, throw pillows, and books.

Dining Table Sizes

Dining tables are available in round, square, oval, oblong or rectangular shapes. Table size requirements depend on the formality of the meal and the number of people to be seated. The dimensions of the room in which the table is located also determines size. Does this Spark an idea?

Round Tables

Round tables typically are smaller and seat fewer people than oval or oblong tables. A table that is 36 to 44 inches in diameter seats four to six, one that is 45 to 54 inches will seat four to six and a 60- to 70-inch-diameter table should seats six to eight individuals. Square tables fall into this category, ranging from 24 to 40 inches per side and seating four.

Oval and Oblong

Oval tables have rounded edges, while oblong tables are rectangular in shape and have corners. Tables of both shapes with the same dimensions will seat the same number of people. These range from 28 by 46 inches, seating four to six, to 42 iby 120 inches, accommodating 12 to 16.

Place Settings

Ideally, each individual should have at least 24 inches of room for a place setting. Formal events allow for 29 inches, while specialized or ethnic dinners need larger settings to accommodate utensils.

What Is an Alternative to a Sofa Table?

The classic sofa table is usually narrow and slightly shorter than the sofa against which it is placed. It breaks up the visual expanse of the back of the sofa to allow for a more aesthetically pleasing placement of the sofa when it is positioned along a wall. It is usually decorated with ambient lighting, large floral arrangements or other decorative pieces. If you are short on storage space, or would like a space saving piece of furniture that better defines the separation between living spaces, consider some alternatives to a sofa table. Does this Spark an idea?

Storage

Place a bookcase, a chest of drawers or a dining room buffet along the back of a sofa to provide for much needed storage space in a small apartment or home. Another storage solution would be to place stack-able boxes in an interesting arrangement. These pieces should either be made of the same type of wood as other tables in the area, or you should paint and decorate them to match the surrounding decor. Placing a bookcase behind a sofa along a wall also provides "hidden storage" for seldom used items such as Christmas decorations, boxes of files or other unsightly clutter. Use it as a storage space for pillows and bed linens for a sleeper sofa.

Defining Living Spaces

If your apartment is small or your home is open concept, it may be difficult to define the different areas of the room or to find space for all of the other necessary pieces of furniture when you have a sofa sitting in the middle of the room. Placing a narrow writing desk along the back of the sofa provides you with an instant office without the need to take up space along a wall. Place a small, or drop leaf, dining table along the back of the sofa when there is not enough space for a dining area in the room. These types of furniture pieces serve a much more functional purpose in such areas than a classic sofa table, which may only become a clutter magnet for magazines, bills and other items that have no other home in the small space.

Types of Drafting Jobs

As a drafter, you'll work with designers and machinists to make diagrams and plans of working machinery, homes, city and site plans. Drafting allows for a lot of variety, as there is more than one type of drafting job.

Architectural

An architectural drafter works with homeowners, business owners and architects to help create buildable drawings for homes, offices and other buildings. Although an architectural drafter does not have the authority of an architect to stamp plans for approval before building starts, an architectural drafter is used by the architect to do much of the preliminary design work. The average salary is around $40,000 per year, according to simplyhired.com.

Civil

A civil drafter works closely with an engineer to help draw site plans, topographical maps and other diagrams used in an engineer's calculations. A civil drafter will take information provided by the engineer, such as maps, and surveys, and create readable cross-sections and plans so an engineer can plan buildings and repurpose land with the right information at his fingertips. A civil engineer can make about $47,000 per year, according to simplyhired.com.

Mechanical

A mechanical drafter takes diagrams of machines and drafts them into readable, buildable plans. They also use those plans to decipher what parts will be needed to build those machines, and their blueprints then become maps to the inner workings of machines. Mechanical drafters are responsible for laying out the cross sections of connections. A mechanical drafter will make about $48,000 per year.

Structural

A structural drafter is responsible for breaking down a building into its inner-workings, to show an engineer all of the components, so the engineer can engineer the materials it will need and calculate how to make the building safe. A structural drafter looks at a building and sees all of the steel, connectors and the inner structure, and draws plans to that effect. Structural drafters average $48,000 per year.

Conceptual

Conceptual drafters take the ideas from others and draw them on computers. A conceptual drafter often does not have to be concerned with how the structure will be built or if it is possible, but is instead responsible for innovative ideas. A conceptual drafter is always looking for new architectural design, and uses her skill to show what a building could look like. She also utilizes 3D programming like Revit and DSMax. She'll average $63,000 per year.

Definition of Mechanical Drawing

Mechanical drawing is a type of technical drawing which shows information about mechanical systems like heating, ventilation and air conditioning. Technical drawing, also called "drafting," is a particular form of drawing used by designers, architects and engineers. There are a number of standards and conventions for technical drawing, as technical drawings are meant to show information and are interpreted as such. Elements like layout, text, symbols, types of view projections, dimensioning, descriptive geometry and line thickness are all standardized in technical drawing.

Manual Drawing and Instruments

For years, architects and engineers made technical drawings by hand, with the aid of a few drafting instruments, like drafting compasses.

To draft a mechanical system, an architect or engineer will place a piece of paper (of a set size and with straight sides and 90-degree angles) on a drafting table, which is typically slanted up toward the draftsman. Drafting tables include a sliding straight-edge called a T-square, which can slide across the table to form vertical parallel lines. Draftsmen can also use the T-square as a tool to hold instruments of set squares or triangles with known angles, to create even and straight-edged shapes with proper angles.

To draw curves and circles, the drafter can use compasses for simple arcs and circles or a "French curve," a piece of plastic with a series of complex curves.

CAD (Computer Aided Design)

The first Computer Aided Design (CAD) program, Sketchpad, was invented in the early 1960s, and by the late 60s and early 70s computers became an important tool for mechanical drawing and technical drawing in general--for those with access to large computer spaces. CAD use became even more prevalent with the invention of the personal computer in the 1980s.

2D CAD

CAD software began as a tool for mechanical drawings--it was developed in the 1960s and 70s for aerospace engineers and airplane designers and engineers. There are two types of CAD program used for technical drawings: "two dimensions" and "three dimensions." 2D CAD systems like AutoCAD (which started in 1982, one year after the first IBM PC) largely replaced the discipline of drawing on paper. AutoCAD creates circles, arcs, straight lines and curves--and makes it much easier to revise mistakes.

3D CAD for Mechanical Drawing

3D CAD systems like Pro/ENGINEER effectively render mechanical parts and larger mechanical systems; the end image is always in two dimensions, but can be moved around on the computer screen to show multiple perspectives. 3D CAD systems begin by defining the geometry of a part. Then the technical drawing component comes from the user defining the various views that the computer creates. The software creates projected views, section views, and orthographic projections (all standardized formats in the technical drawing tradition).

Engineering Drawing

Many use the terms "engineering drawing" and "mechanical drawing" interchangeably. Often engineers refer to mechanical drawings as "blueprints," though the the term is not necessarily accurate any more--the name refers to the blue carbon papers that engineers used for drawings before such materials were taken over by more modern reproduction technologies like CAD.

Engineering drawings must convey geometry; that is the shape of the object as seen from various angles. Drawings must also represent the dimensions of the object, the material the object is made of and the finish (the surface quality of the object: shiny, matte, textured and so forth).

How to Choose the Right Size for Couch Side Tables

Couch side tables, also known as end tables, can help to add functionality to a space and accent the dcor of a room. Choosing the right sized end tables can make or break a space. Excessively large end tables can crowd a space and subtract from its functionality, and choosing an end table that is too small can cause it to be drowned out by lamps or books. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1

Measure the length, width and seat height of the couch, and write these numbers down on a sheet of paper.

2

Measure the amount of available space at both ends of the couch, and write these numbers down on your sheet of paper.

3

Look around the room at the layout and other furniture to determine the best shape of side tables for the space. An example would be if the room and furniture have clean, straight lines, consider square or rectangular side tables.

Vanity Dressing Table Ideas

A vanity dressing table is a place to do hair and apply makeup. The table can be an added element to a guest room or a master bedrrom or bathroom. A dressing table allows you to find the best lighting in your room to apply makeup while freeing up space in a small bathroom. Does this Spark an idea?

Placement

You can choose from built-in vanities or free-standing pieces of furniture. You may want a dressing table in a bathroom or as part of your bedroom furniture. Look for nooks in your bedroom where you can fit a small vanity. Place the vanity next to an electrical outlet for maximum function. A vanity can also double as a desk. Cover your computer with a fabric cover when not in use so your vanity has a sleek appearance.

Vanity Style

Dressing tables were in use as early as the 18th century but can also work with a modern style. Look for smaller console tables in a contemporary design, painted in a graphic white or black.

For an elegant or Hollywood look, install sconces on either side of the mirror. For a shabby-chic room, paint the vanity with a distressed cream finish. If your room is art deco, look for a vintage vanity with inlaid wood and subtle curved lines.

Vanity seating is traditionally a small stool that tucks underneath the dressing table. Use a painted dining room chair for added back support.

Using a vanity in a teen's room can make the morning routine go faster if she shares a bathroom. Paint a traditional vanity a funky color like hot pink or daring black for an inexpensive, hip makeover. Cover the chair cushion with a faux fur or animal print to give the vanity a youthful air.

Vanity Accessories

Accessorize the dressing table so it's functional as well as beautiful. Lean a mirror against the wall instead of hanging it for a more casual look. You can collect several mirrors to use on the vanity table to make more of a statement. Give the vanity new life by skirting it. A floral fabric adds a shabby chic or vintage feeling to the furniture while allowing for added storage underneath the table. Hang the curtain with upholstery tacks. Upholster the stool or chair cushion with matching fabric. The top of the table should house useful items that are also beautiful, like a vintage cosmetics case or a hat box to hide toiletries.

Types of Drafting Tools

Drafting tools are used for design in both architecture and design. Without some of the simplest tools known to man, none of the most amazing examples of architecture or marvels of engineering could exist. Interestingly, most of the drafting tools still used today are little different from tools used upon inception, although today's versions tend to be far more precise. Does this Spark an idea?

Drawing Board

A proper drawing board supplies a very smooth and flat drawing surface. Some people prefer to use an actual drafting table for this process rather than a board that can be laid across any table. For those who are right-handed, the left edge of the drawing board becomes the working edge.

T-Square

The T-square is a device that resembles letter for which it was named. It is used not just for drawing straight horizontal lines, but it was also used for locating reference points. It can also be used for guiding an affixed triangle used for drawing vertical lines.

Compass

In the world of drafting, a compass is not that device that tells where true north is located. It's the device often used by students in math class. The needle is placed stationary so that the compass can draw perfect circles and arcs.

Divider

A divider resembles a compass and is even often called a measuring compass. Where the compass has a needle on one end and a pencil on the other, the divider has two spikes. The two spikes can be adjusted for precise measurements.

Protractor

A protractor is also similar to a compass and is used in drafting to measure angles on the drawings. Whereas a compass tends to be metal, even a high quality professional protractor is usually plastic. Protractors are especially useful for determining gradations of the degrees when measuring circumference.

Pencils

Pencils are quite obviously a necessary tool for drafting, but it is important to realize that drafting pencils are not the same as regular pencils. There are no less than 17 different grades of drafting pencils that range from very hard to very soft. Draftsmen typically want to use a pencil that leaves a very sharp and dense line because this facilitates printing.

Scales

Scales are a necessary tool in drafting because very accurate measurements must be made to complete mechanical drawings. So important are scales in drafting that they come in a variety of sizes, shapes, and lengths. Since each and every line must be measured precisely, scales are of extreme importance in the art of drafting.

How to Build a Drawing Board

No artist's collection is complete without a drawing board or two. A drawing board provides a smooth, flat surface you can use to hold papers, support your sketch pad or stabilize your tracing paper so it doesnt move while in use. Create a portable drawing board or a larger board to place on an easel as a surface for your drawing or drafting projects. Build several portable drawing boards to keep multiple projects on hand and come back to them as your mood strikes.

Instructions

1

Measure and cut the foam core board and drawing surface. The finished product can be any size you choose but the foam core board should be 1 inch longer and 1 inch wider than the drawing board surface. For example, if you're making a portable drawing board, cut the drawing surface to 10 by 13 inches and the foam core board to 11 by 14 inches.

2

Check the drawing board surface for any flaws, irregularities or rough areas that could affect your drawing. Smooth out the area and remove the rough spots with sandpaper as needed.

3

Trim around the outside edges of the surface to remove any splinters or jagged edges, or use the sandpaper to remove any rough spots. To trim steel or sheet metal, use tin snips. For plastic boards, use heavy duty scissors or sandpaper to remove the blemishes.

4

Apply adhesive to the back of the drawing board. Tacky glue will adhere most surfaces to the foam core board; however; you may need to purchase another kind of glue if you choose metal for your drawing surface.

5

Place the drawing board surface on top of the foam core board. Center it on the board and leave to sit until the glue has cured; this typically takes a full 24 hours. Check the instructions on the adhesive for an accurate curing time.

6

Wrap duct tape over the edges of the foam board, overlapping the drawing surface slightly. This covers all the edges and minimizes the chances of rough spots scratching your arms. Use decorative duct tape, in colors or a camouflage pattern, to personalize your drawing board.

How to Decorate a Combined Living and Dining Room

Combined living and dining areas serve multiple purposes and are ideal for entertaining. When you're looking to decorate one of these large rooms, it's easy to feel overwhelmed because of the amount of space you need to fill. Instead of letting the space scare you, let it inspire you to see it differently. Once you know how to arrange furniture and work with colors, it's easy to make a comfortable and welcoming shared living space. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1

Paint the walls in both rooms the same color. Select a color that will work well with the colors in both your living and dining areas. Golden colors and yellow will add warmth to these rooms, while white is crisp and will make these rooms feel more spacious. Blue is calming and green is energetic. The most important thing is to choose colors you enjoy.

2

Assess how you can merge both areas through colors and fabrics. You don't have to buy new furniture but you do need to combine elements from both spaces to make the room feel more unified. Try to use fabrics that share at least one color. If green is a dominant color in your rugs, try to use that same shade of green in both areas in window treatments, pillows or upholstery.

3

Hang the same window treatments in both areas. This is an easy way to make the area feel more like a combined area.

4

Arrange living room furniture around a coffee table to establish a defined area for the living room. Center the front feet of the sofa on the edge of an area rug and place tables, chairs and lights around the rug. The rug will help anchor this area as well as provide an area for visiting.

5

Decorate both areas in the same theme. To keep the areas from looking mismatched and junky, decorate in the same theme. Spread your shabby chic pieces throughout both areas for a cohesive look. If you have several modern pieces, be sure to use them in both areas.

6

Keep furniture pieces together comfortably. If your combined living area feels too large for the amount of furniture you have, try not to worry about filling the space as much as creating defined, comfortable areas. Keep the sofa close enough to the coffee table to be useful and keep the tables close enough to the chairs to be functional.

7

Use greenery to keep the rooms feeling warm and welcoming. If the two areas are large, they may feel stale. Plants eliminate this chill in most rooms because green brings a touch of nature inside.

Tools for Drafting

The tallest skyscrapers, sturdiest bridges and most fascinating monuments all started with a simple drawing. The architects or engineers responsible for erecting structures map out plans on a drafting board with tools designed for drafting. Common tools such as pencils, protractors, drafting triangles, drafting compasses and others are used to sketch accurate structure building plans. Using these tools is one of the basics that professionals in the construction trade learn. If you are planning to follow in their footsteps, learning how to use drafting tools is the first step.

The Right Pencil

Know which type of pencil to use when sketching. There are three basic pencils used. The first is a 6H .5mm pencil. This pencil is used to sketch the primary lines of a drawing. Darker pencils such as a 2H .9mm are used to thicken and darken a drawing's outer lines. A .5mm pencil with a darker lead rating typically is used to add lettering to sketches and the plan.

Protractor

Drawing a lot of angles are required when drafting. Sketching these freehand is extremely difficult. To draw a specific angle, position the protractor's straight edge with the vertex of a perpendicular line or right angle. Mark the vertex using the measurements of the arced part of the protractor. Use a ruler to draw a straight line toward that mark.

Compass

A compass is used to create perfectly formed arcs in a drawing. Pull the compass's legs apart to the correct distance sought from each other. Place the centrifugal point at the center of the planned arc. Hold the tool firmly with one hand and use the second leg, with a pencil fitted on it, to draw the arc. Rotate the compass to complete the arc into a circle by using your other hand to twist the top of the compass. It is important that the centrifugal point does not move to draw an accurate arc.

T-squares

A T-square has a gigantic, protruding ruler fitted on a hilt-like base. This tool is fitted onto a drafting table or board. Secure the base on the top edge of the table. This will allow you to slide the T-square across the table to draw accurate and straight vertical lines. Another T-square can be fitted on the side of the table for horizontal lines.

Drafting Tools & Materials

The art of drafting by hand allows the builder or architect to really connect with her work. Even if you plan on doing all your work on a computer, you'll need to start learning drafting by creating plans by hand. You'll become familiar with the techniques and can read older plans done by hand and not by computer. Having the proper tools ensures a clean picture with crisp lines and accurate measurements and makes your job go smoothly.

Drafting Surface and Guides

Before you can start drafting, you need a good drafting board. If you buy only one expensive drafting supply, make it a good quality drafting board. The board should prop up to work on or be adjustable if you choose a drafting table instead of a drafting board, which sits atop a table or desk. A smooth surface and an attached straightedge will create accurate lines each time. A good drafting board can cost a few hundred dollars, depending on size, type and whether you prefer a board or an actual table. Consider also how much space you have and the overall size of your work area.

Since the parallel bar is attached permanently to your board, you'll need a 24-inch metal ruler with a cork backing for making additional lines. The cork backing prevents the ruler from slipping when pressure is applied. You'll also want a clip-on desk lamp if your work area is poorly lit. Even in a bright area, a lamp can help illuminate small areas of your paper when working on intricate details.

Drawing Materials

After purchasing a board or table, you'll need the basic supplies to help you draw. Start your search by examining drafting supply kits. Often all the pencils and some of the basic materials you need come in a prepackaged kit. Purchase a good 2mm mechanical clutch pencil and packets of lead in the following types: H, HB and 2H. Ensure the lead is 2mm so it will fit in your pencil. You'll also want two separate mechanical pencils, one that takes 0.7mm lead and one with 0.5mm. You can find the 0.7mm and 0.5mm pencils in the office supply aisle of most supermarkets.

For your 2mm pencil, you'll need a clutch pencil sharpener that resembles a small round barrel. Good quality white erasers along with smaller erasers will help you fix minor mistakes, and an eraser shield is a must have for erasing tiny lines without erasing the rest of the drawing. To help you draw circles, purchase a compass or a set of circle templates along with a plastic 30, 60, 90 triangle and a 45, 45, 90 triangle. The numbers are the measurements in degrees of each angle in the triangle. As you start drafting, you'll soon develop a feel for how you work best and can purchase additional supplies based on your personal needs and the type of project you typically work on.

Drafting Papers

Finally, once you have a drafting board and the required pencils and supplies, you'll need to purchase paper for drawing on. Regular white paper can work for practicing on or testing out a new pencil, but the most commonly used paper for making sketches is tracing paper. This thin paper allows you to trace over other drawings when you need to transfer part of another sketch and is also cheap. It comes in rolls and works for creating practice sketches. When you are ready to complete a final project or want to present your sketch on high quality paper, use a piece of vellum. Vellum is much more expensive than tracing paper and should not be used for practice. You can tape the vellum over the tracing paper sketch to re-create the drawing in half the time.

Hold your paper in place, using a few small pieces of masking tape in the corners or with drafting dots, small circular pieces of tape designed not to rip your paper. If ripping becomes a problem, press the tape against your pants or another surface several times to cover part of the sticky material and help it lose some of its hold before placing it on your paper.

Differences Between a Credenza, Buffet & Sideboard

Buffets were very important parts of dining room service in the 18th century. Occasionally today, you may see a rolling cart or shelved table being used to move dishes or foods in a restaurant. This was the main purpose of the buffet. Credenzas and sideboards were made as furniture that remained in place. Some sideboards and credenzas were extremely heavy and ornately decorated.

Credenzas

The credenza is basically a center shelf section with side, shelved cupboards. Some of these were also referred to as side cabinets. Many Victorian credenzas were very elaborately decorated with floral parquetry, walnut veneer, cabriole plasters and carvings. Some had marble tops, mirror-lined side shelves and intricate mother-of-pearl and ivory inlaid designs in the center doors. The credenzas of the 1960s were less ornate. Some had black marble tops and were painted black with no visible shelves.

Buffets

Most buffets from the 1800s and 1900s were simply sets of shelves on wheels used to serve food. They had shelves which were open and accessible from all sides. Some had two drawers for holding utensils, matches, napkins and other things the server needed. French buffets in the 18th century had panel doors that covered the entire front. Others had two drawers at the top; they did not have wheels for moving them. They were intended as serving tables permanently placed in the dining room.

Sideboards

Most simple sideboards contained three to four drawers across the upper part of the table base. There were two or three sets of drawers on each side. Many were made with open knee-hole openings in the front center, so they resembled desks. Others had very elaborately carved high backs, some of which contained background mirrors. These were used in dining rooms and served the same purpose as the stationary credenza.

The Differences

The main difference in the three pieces of furniture was that the buffet was the only one with wheels. In the 18th and 19th centuries, food was brought to the table on the buffet serving table. Credenzas and sideboards were fixed pieces of furniture that didn't move. Credenzas had extra shelving on the sides which could be used for food or utensils. Most buffets that had front panel doors only contained cabinets with no shelves. This where the term "buffet" comes from in restaurants. All the foods are served from a central location.