Ideas for Replacing Your Table Top After the Glass Has Broken

A broken glass tabletop is an upsetting circumstance for any table owner. Some tabletops are actually made of glass while other tabletops are covered with a protective glass sheet. Glass tabletops can shatter because of something dropping on them, the table getting knocked over or temperature differentiations resulting in expansion and contraction in the glass that results in fracture. Several options are available to replace a broken glass tabletop. Does this Spark an idea?

Acrylic Plastic

Acrylic plastic looks similar to glass. It is clear and can protect the table from damage, but it is much more durable, lighter weight and not likely to fracture. Replacing a broken table top with a plastic one is easy since most hardware stores sell acrylic plastic and can cut it to any dimensions that you require. If you don't have the specific dimensions of the broken tabletop, you can either measure the table frame or take it to the store with you to ensure you achieve the proper fit. Acrylics are more likely to scratch than regular glass, so cover tables that see a lot of use to keep the plastic looking its best.

Stone

Stone is commonly used in outdoor tabletops, such as patio furniture, and it offers durability and a rustic look that is very appealing to many people. Marble is frequently used both indoors and outdoors as a tabletop replacement. You can paint the stone to match any pattern or color scheme, which is a benefit over glass since glass tabletops are typically clear and not decorated or modified much. Stone is a more expensive option, but its durability means it can last for years because stone won't shatter.

Tempered Glass

Tempered glass is another choice for replacing a broken tabletop since tempered glass is 4 to 6 times stronger than regular glass, making it much less likely to fracture. The other advantage safety wise is that when tempered glass does break, it cracks into small square pieces and does not form the sharp splinters that traditional glass is known for. Tempered glass is measured and cut to form an exact replica of your broken tabletop and can last for years.

Table Setting Ideas for a Wedding Display

After selecting table linens, centerpieces and name cards that match your wedding stationery, start planning your table settings. Talk with your wedding day caterer and reception venue's wedding planner about available flatware, china, glassware and cloth napkins. You may need to rent or purchase additional table setting accessories to complete your dream wedding table settings.

Choosing Flatware

Wedding flatware varies from simple brushed silver to detailed monogrammed utensils. Choose a style that coordinates with the rest of your reception details. If your wedding cake features a large monogram, duplicate the look on flatware. Ask to see each piece you'll need--including butter knives, oyster forks and dessert forks.

Place all pieces in the order of use, starting at the outside of the plate. Short-tined salad forks or cocktail forks rest farthest to the left, followed by the fork. To the right of the plate is the knife, spoon. If a soup course will be served, the soup spoon rests farthest to the right.

Selecting Glassware

The table setting should include all glassware needed throughout the dinner. This might include a goblet for ice water, a wineglass and a champagne flute. Only dessert beverage glassware gets delivered to the table during a formal dinner.

Place the water goblet directly above the tip of the knife. Wineglasses go to the right of the water.

Arranging Napkins

Use cloth napkins for formal wedding dinners. Leave the monogrammed cocktail napkins on the cake table for guests to use with dessert. Cloth napkins may lie on atop a charger, a china plate, the flatware or fit delicately tucked inside a wineglass. For napkins placed on a plate, use a napkin ring or folding to make it look elegant. If you choose to place the napkin over the flatware, leave it flat.

Wedding China Choices

The china sets the tone of your reception. As guests find their seats and wait for the festivities to begin, the wedding china rests on the table in front of them. Coordinate plates and chargers rimmed with gold or platinum for a wedding featuring metallic hues. For a burst of color, choose a solid-color charger that accents your wedding colors. To keep with an eco-chic theme, use china decorated with handpainted leaves and forgo the use of a charger for a minimalist appearance.

How to Make a Coffee Table Wedding Album

A wedding album for your coffee table invites your guests to view your love story in pictures. You can make an album to display and have a great conversation piece. Your guests will enjoy sharing your special memories and you can display your creative side. Before beginning this project, take time to determine a theme and to make copies of the photos you want to include in your album.

Instructions

1

Select a theme for your wedding album. Think of people, places or things that relate to your wedding day. One option is to begin your album pages with pictures and memorabilia from your first date. Another option is to focus only on the wedding ceremony, reception or honeymoon. Some wedding albums include a family tree.

2

Select the scrapbook or photo album that suits you. If you are doing an intricate project that includes decorative mats, photos, captions and memorabilia, select a larger book that includes acrylic or polyester covers to protect your things. For a smaller project, select a smaller book. Laminating your photos also is an option. Memorabilia include such things as pressed flowers, wedding invitations and napkins. Buy additional pages to add to your scrapbook or photo album, if needed. You can purchase these supplies at craft stores and hobby shops.

3

Determine the fabric or paper to cover your album, if desired. A personalized cover will grab your guests' attention and make your album a decor accessory. You may choose to cover the album in fabric scraps from your wedding dress or wrapping paper from a special gift. Another option is to use paper or fabric that reflects your wedding colors. If the cover is exposed to sunlight, it will discolor over time, but that is fine. It is a piece of history and its appearance should reflect that. Mat a cherished photo to center on the cover to add interest. Paper doilies make good decorative mats. Attach the cover and the photo with the appropriate adhesive. Some options are fabric glue, hot glue or a glue stick.

4

Select the first picture that is the focal point of your first page. Placing your photos in chronological order makes it easy for your guests to follow your story. Another option is to begin with a picture that tells a funny story. Decide the placement of the picture. Add captions, stickers and mats to further explain the picture. Move the articles around on the page until you like the placement before adhering them to the surface. Write captions in longhand to personalize your album. Repeat this process until you complete your album.

How to Build a Book Display Table

An attractive book display table can be a remarkably effective way to attract interest to a group of books. This can result in more sales for a bookseller; a librarian can interest readers in a specific author or subject area; or a teacher can excite students about books displayed by theme in the classroom. With a few crates, a plank of plywood and a tablecloth, you can make a book display table in less than ten minutes. Since the pieces are so lightweight, one person can put it together with ease. Best of all, you have the ability to put your book display table in another area whenever the spirit moves.

Instructions

1

Clear the area where you want the table to go. Choose an area that will not block an entrance or exit. At a book fair, there should be enough room so people can walk around the table and look over the books comfortably. In a classroom or library, having three accessible sides is ideal.

2

Stack the six crates in two columns parallel to each other. Use stackable crates with foldable tops or no tops. They do not have to match in color since they will be covered. However, they must match in height so the board placed on top will be level.

3

Place the plywood on top of the columns. Check that it is centrally placed. The edges hanging over the crates should be equal on the front of the board and the back of the board.

4

Cover the plywood with a tablecloth. Thematic cloths are ideal to add color and promote interest in your book display. For example, if science fiction books are being displayed, use fabric that has planets or star motifs. If you are featuring romance novels, find a cloth that has valentines or hearts. You can find the perfect pattern at a fabric store. If you are at a book fair or conference, use a tablecloth with your company's logo on it. Arrange your book display as you wish.

Craft Show Display Ideas

When you participate in a craft show, your booth design can have a huge effect on your sales. Don't just lay things out on a table---that may not get enough attention. Make your craft items stand out from all the others. Most importantly, keep your area tidy and organized.

Signs

Use signs to convey a variety of messages to your potential customers. Display a large sign that holds your company name and your website address. Set business cards out on the table for people to take. Clearly label all of your items so that people don't have to ask how much things cost. Finally, especially if your crafts look simple, display a sign that says, "I know you can make it---the question is, will you?" This can encourage more people to buy.

Tables

Display tables are prime real estate in a craft show booth---use yours wisely. By covering the table with a long table cloth, an extra space is formed under the table for hidden storage. Organize your items in a neat way. Don't allow your crafts to pile up. Adjust placement as customers move away.

Themes

For some craft artists, creating a theme within a booth space helps the booth stand out. For example, if you sell country-themed crafts, set up your space to look like a country home. If you sell quilts, create a quilted tablecloth to line your table, and make your signs using quilting techniques.

In Use Display

Display your craft as the purchaser would use it in her home. For example, if your craft is meant to hide a tissue box or an extra roll of toilet paper, set it up like that so people can see what it looks like. If you're selling Christmas ornaments, display them on a tree.

Gaining Height

If you're only using the table to display your crafts, you're not using your full display space. Make use of the height by purchasing booth accessories to allow you to display your crafts vertically. For example, place a wire rack and use it to display earrings, or purchase shelving units to display additional products.

How to Make a Dining Table Top

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

Instructions

1

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

2

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

3

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

4

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

5

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

6

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

7

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

Decorating Styles for Room Balance

Balance is what makes a room feel right when you enter it. In Feng Shui, for instance, balance is achieved when yin and yang are in harmony--when more fluid, yielding energy equals the harder, more insistent energy in a space. The balance of a room depends on qualities such as furniture placement, use of color and the scale of pieces, both in relation to each other and to the size of the room. Does this Spark an idea?

Symmetry/Asymmetry

One way to achieve balance is to design the room with symmetry. Move a sofa to the center of a seating arrangement and flank it with matching end tables and lamps. Split two matching chairs and place them on either side of the coffee table. Hang a horizontal painting over the sofa in a low-ceilinged room; opt for a large, vertical painting in a high-ceilinged room. If the room has a fireplace, group the furniture around it.

Or balance a deliberate lack of symmetry with a careful mix of styles and materials--a rattan loveseat can face a clear acrylic coffee table with two carved African wood stools placed on one side and a small chaise cushioned with a strong zebra-print pattern across from them. One end of the sofa gets a sturdy bamboo floor lamp with a paper shade. At the other end, a long paper cylinder lamp hangs from the ceiling. An asymmetrical look is interesting but it requires a good eye and a strong design sense.

Scale and Proportion

An ornate Gothic sofa of dark carved wood set in a room with white Barcelona chairs is going to be a hard look to pull off. And a small room will have trouble absorbing the large high-backed chairs, tall cabinets and grand piano that would look at home in a parlor floor salon. The furniture should be selected to suit the size of the room and the pieces should relate to each other. Eclectic is fine if the small room gets an upright piano, a low stretch of cabinet along one wall topped by a flat-screen TV, a love seat covered in faded velvet and two unmatched chairs, similar in size and upholstered in simple patterns that pick up the color of the velvet. An antique armoire and a single slipper chair balance a queen-sized bed. Don't mix heavy and flimsy pieces and don't use pieces that are too big or too dainty for the size of the room.

Color and Contrast

Color is an effective tool for creating balance in a room. A studio with multiple purposes is pulled together with an all-white treatment. White bedding, wall paint, curtains, tables, accessories and closed cabinets give a sense of space and harmony. A white floor bounces even more light around the room and clear plastic and glass touches don't interrupt the visual unity. A bedroom done in shades of blues with a dark carpet, light walls, chambray bedspread with denim throw pillows and curtains can handle a few red or bright yellow touches in a beanbag chair or a slim desktop. A dining room dominated by a pale, natural wood table and cream-colored walls becomes a gallery when the dining chairs are a mix of primary colors--modern chairs covered in leather or reclaimed wooden chairs painted in glossy hues--and a vivid, unframed, painted canvas stretches along one wall.

How to Make a Coffee Table With Storage

Multiple-purpose coffee tables save space while keeping the living room clutter free. A storage coffee table must blend with the style of the other furniture in the room. It should be more than just a place to stuff items out of view. Multiple drawers hold craft and scrapbooking supplies, game cartridges and DVDs. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1




Find two pieces of irregularly shaped burled walnut about 2-by-4 feet by 1-inch thick. These will be the top and bottom of the storage coffee table. Lay out a 24-by-48 inch rectangle on the bad side of each piece, using a sharp carpenter's pencil. Lay out a second 23-by-47 inch rectangle inside the first one.

2




Drill 1/8-inch diameter pilot holes in the four corners between the two rectangles you scribed on the two burled walnut sheets. Refer to the image that accompanies this step for the correct screw hole positions. Drill corresponding pilot holes in the 23-by-24-inch by 1-inch side pieces. Countersink all the holes. Turn the top and bottom pieces so that the good side is facing up. Place the side pieces between the top and bottom and screw them loosely into place at the four corners with 2-inch brass wood screws. Do not tighten these four screws all the way until after the next step.

3




Fit the 23-by-47 inch sheet of walnut between the top and bottom pieces and the side pieces to make a back piece for the storage table. Tighten the four corner screws all the way. Drill 2-inch deep 1/8-inch diameter pilot holes through each side piece and into the back piece, indicated by the black squares on the image that accompanies this step. Countersink all the holes. Attach using 2-inch long brass wood screws.

4




Drill 2-inch deep, 1/8-inch pilot holes, through the top and bottom, into the back piece, where indicated by the white square marks on the image that accompanies this step. Countersink all the holes. Attach using 2-inch long brass wood screws.

5




Position the two 1-by-1-by-46 inch pieces of walnut 7 inches apart, flush with the front edge, between the side pieces, as indicated in the image that accompanies this step, to form divisions for the drawers. Drill 1/8-inch pilot holes and screw drawer dividers into place. The drawer dividers should create three equal-width openings where the drawers will eventually go.

6




Place the four drawer supports in the indicated positions, between the inside front edge of each drawer divider and the inside back of the storage table. You should now have a storage chest frame without drawers.

7




Build three drawers using a piece of 45 3/4-by-6 3/4-by-1/4 inch Masonite for the front and back of each drawer, a piece of 21 3/4-by-6 3/4-by-1/4 inch Masonite for each of the two sides, and one sheet of 21 3/4-by-45 3/4-by-1/4 inch Masonite for the bottom of each drawer. Use 3/4-inch finishing nails to secure the drawer pieces together in an open-topped rectangle. For a more traditional, dove-tailed drawer design, see the link in Resources.

8

Cut three pieces of 7-inches wide by 46-inches long by 1/2-inch thick burled walnut for drawer facings. Coat the front face of each drawer built in Step 6 with 5-minute epoxy. Press wood facings onto each drawer and clamp firmly until the glue dries overnight. Pad each clamp with a folded felt square to prevent damaging the finish of the walnut.

9

Attach the four 4-by-4-by-4 inch wood cubes to the bottom of the table using 6-inch brass wood screws to make feet. Sand all surfaces of the storage table with coarse, medium, fine and extra-fine sandpaper. Finish the table with several coats of clear acrylic wood treatment.

Funeral Display Table Ideas

With the funeral typically scheduled just days after a death, family members often rush to assemble a funeral display table. Standard display tables include a portrait of the deceased and a floral arrangement. In spite of the limited time, it is possible to create a meaningful display to celebrate and honor the life of the deceased.

Portrait

A portrait of the departed is the focal point of the funeral display table. Customize the portrait by adding interesting matting around the picture that reflects the personality of the departed. For example, if the person was from Hawaii, tropical print matting (made of fabric) might be appropriate. If he was an avid sports fan, he might appreciate matting that depicts his favorite team's colors.

Digital Frame

Digital frames make it possible to download a number of photographs onto the device. Instead of using a traditional frame for photographs, download images onto a digital frame, and play them as a slide show. If the photographs aren't digital images, take them to the photo center and have them scanned, or scan the photographs on a home scanner. Digital frames come in a variety of sizes, and some require an electrical outlet, while others use batteries. If there isn't an electrical outlet near the display table, select a battery-operated digital frame.

Photo Album

Assembling an attractive photo scrapbook for the display table is an overwhelming task for the last minute. One way to quickly create a photo album appropriate for the display table is to utilize pre-existing photo albums, created by family members and friends. Borrow the albums and have select pages photocopied at a copy store, using a color copier and photo quality paper. Insert the photo pages into acid-free photo protectors, and put the filled page protectors into a three-ring binder. Choose a binder that has a plastic front covering, for adding cover art. Design a decorative cover for the binder, depicting the departed's life, and slip it into the plastic covering over the front of the binder. Place the binder on the funeral display table.

Accessories

Add samples of the departed's creations or passions on or by the funeral display table. If she was an artist, include samples of her artwork. If he was an author, display copies of his novels or magazine clippings. Plaques, trophies, ribbons or other awards add depth to the display. A flower arrangement is usually included on the funeral display table, placed at the back of the table. When candles are included on the table, small candles are generally placed in front of the departed's photograph, while tall candles are placed to the side of the portrait.

Life Story

A video or slide show, made up of a collection of the departed's photographs, or excerpts from home movies, is a way to tell the story of the person's life. Play the slide show or video on a computer laptop, and set the laptop on the funeral display table. If none of the family members or close friends has the skill to create the slide show or video, ask the funeral home if they can recommend someone in the area. Funeral homes typically have people they recommend to produce slide shows, used as backdrops to the service. Play a copy of the slide show or video used as a backdrop to the service on a laptop at the funeral display table.

How to Paint a Glass-Top Table

You can transform a plain, clear-glass table top into a work of art by painting it. You can paint on glass with either water-based or oil-based paints. Choose from a wide range of colors in both types of paint, to blend or contrast with your existing room decor. Create a shimmering effect with transparent glass paints or paint a more conventional picture with opaque glass paints. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1

Spray glass cleaner onto the glass top. Wipe the surface with crumpled newspaper to remove dust, dirt and fingerprints. Then buff the glass to a clear, dry shine.

2

Ask a friend to help you lift the glass table top off the table frame or legs if they will interfere with your painting. Set up two saw horses a short distance apart to support the glass top while you paint. Carefully lift the glass and place it on the saw horses.

3

Choose a pattern or picture to paint. Create an original design with your freehand drawing or find a picture that you can trace. You can also use a stencil or template as a model for painting your table top.

4

Place your sketch or picture on the underside of the glass table top with the drawing side facing up through the glass. Secure it in place underneath the glass with masking tape. If you are using a stencil, secure it on the top side of the glass with masking tape.

5

Fill in the design with the type and color of glass paints of your choice. Glass paints and the paintbrushes you'll use for this project are available in art-supplies stores and craft stores. Use thin paint brushes for lines and small areas. Use thicker paint brushes for painting bigger areas. Allow the paints to dry overnight.

6

Peel off the masking tape very carefully and then remove your picture from the glass top.

7

Spray the top of the glass with a glass-finish spray to seal the paints. Let the finished glass painting dry overnight.

8

Place the table top carefully back on the table frame or legs. Wait another day before placing objects on the painted glass table top.

How to Paint a Table

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

Instructions

1

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

2

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

3

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

4

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

5

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

6

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

7

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

8

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

Craft Ideas for Tables With Resin

Resin will allow you to create a table that will not only serve as a conversation piece, but will also last for many years. Use a professional grade resin for clarity and hardness so you don't end up with a yellowish sheen in your work. The sky is the limit when it comes to creating with resin. Allow plenty of time for the resin to dry, and protect yourself from noxious fumes by ventilating your work area.

Maps

Use a map for your project. It can be a map of your city, a country you've visited or a cool topographical map. Add photos, gas receipts from a road trip and anything else that further personalizes your map. If you are commemorating a trip, draw your route on the map before you pour the resin. A map table can become an excellent visual memoir or everyday instructional tool for kids.

Driftwood

Consider using resin to make a table out of driftwood. Use the holes naturally found in driftwood to enclose objects such as seashells, old coins and other items. Resin looks especially nice on driftwood, and allows you to see the rough surface of the wood while the table is perfectly smooth. Resin used to create a driftwood table should be given plenty of time to cure because of the large amount used.

Poem

Celebrate the written word by immortalizing a poem in resin. A table decorated with a poem makes an inspirational writing desk. Consider making two small end tables with different poems by the same author. Vinyl adhesive letters work well for this project. You can pour a layer of resin and "float" a delicate sheet of paper (with the poem written on it) by adding an additional layer (or layers) of resin after the paper.

Children's Art

What better way to commemorate children's artwork than by enclosing it permanently in a piece of furniture with resin? You'll be making a piece that can be passed down for generations. Such tables will bring smiles to a child's face when used as a play table for children's projects, and your respect for your children's art will continue to inspire them.

Fiber

Resin is an attractive medium for showcasing different colors and textures of fiber. Pour resin over fiber art that has already been created, or create a spontaneous mixed-media piece by pouring resin and layering different pieces of yarn and material as you go. This table will be an excellent addition to a craft room or anywhere you'd like to showcase a conversation piece.

Mural

If you will be pouring resin over a long table, such as a dining table, consider creating a mural. You can use a photograph of a landscape for inspiration in making a traditional mural, or try your hand at graffiti art for a cutting edge look. Once enclosed in resin, the gritty look of graffiti will take on a decidedly modern sheen.

Ways to Display Nesting Tables

Nesting tables are typically sold in groups of three, where each is slightly larger or smaller in size so that the tables can be fit together to take up less space. The initial design for nesting tables was meant to make it possible to have extra small tables when necessary without taking up much space. Today, modern interior design has nesting tables being used in other ways. Does this Spark an idea?

Cascading

Create a display area for trinkets and collectibles by cascading nesting tables. The tables should be arranged to resemble a staircase, where each is slightly beneath the one above it, creating a method of displaying items. As nesting tables come in groups of three or more tables, this is a method of displaying the tables that is easy to achieve, even in a small space, since each table only needs to be pulled out slightly more than the one before it.

Stacked

Keep nesting tables stacked all together neatly for tight spaces or occasional use. Nesting tables make it possible to pull out additional tables whenever needed, such as for special occasions, without relying on cumbersome folding tables. Keep the nesting tables in their nesting state anywhere in a room and draw out the table that is needed when required.

Multi Purpose

Utilize nesting tables individually to follow a decorating theme. Just because nesting tables come in a nested state, they are not limited to being used in this manner. Utilize smaller tables as end tables and larger tables as focal points in a room and display different items like lamps and collectibles on each table to tie them in for a common theme.

Display

Display nesting tables in a grouping, with smaller tables out in front and larger tables in back and situate them in a corner or against a wall to create a unique focal point in the room. Display different items on each table, creating a shrine for memorabilia or centerpiece for a room devoted to collectibles. Rather than cascading the tables as steps, utilize their full potential by maximizing the surface space for each table.

Ideas for Setting Up a Jewelry Craft Show Table

Knowing the right way to set up your jewelry booth can help boost your sales; the wrong way can leave you feeling so-so after your craft show. The point of the booth is to showcase your work, make some sales and gain a customer base. The correct way to do this is to make your booth inviting and friendly to customers. There may be other jewelry booths at the same craft show; make yours stand out by putting a little extra effort into the layout.

Table Space Ideas

Know the amount of space you have to work with and plan your tables accordingly. Many craft show spaces are 10 feet by 10 feet with booths on either side of you. You can place a table in front of you so customers can browse your designs as they walk the aisle, or set the tables back into the booth so customers have to walk into the booth. The first way is more user-friendly for the customer and allows you room to store you personal belongings and registers. The second way is less private for you but safer for more expensive jewelry.

Table Decor Ideas

Place tablecloths over the tables that catch people's attention. Choose a fabric in a wild zebra print or hot pink to draw a crowd. Look to your jewelry for color inspiration -- the brighter the fabric, the more interest it will draw. Along the top of the booth or bottom of the table, hang a sign that displays the name of your jewelry company. This will also help customers locate your booth if they are looking for a name.

Jewerly Placement Ideas

Set the jewelry on risers or jewelry boards. The jewelry should be displayed nicely, with no clutter, for customers to view. Group sets of the jewelry together or categorize the items by style or color. You want the jewelry to be visually appealing, so play around until you are satisfied. In addition, place mirrors around the table for customers to try the jewelry on and see how it looks. Customers are more apt to purchase something if they know it looks fabulous on them.

Table Literature Ideas

Lay brochures and business cards on the table for customers to take. The customer may not be in the mood to purchase but may visit a website. Always keep your print material up to date so customers can access you through your website or email. You will also want to keep a brag book on hand to show off your past work. This will allow customers to see what other items you can create.

How to Design a Table Display for a Trade Show

Retailers and manufacturers spend a great deal of money to have someone set up table displays for trade shows. If you are a small business, you can use the same ideas, maximize your visual impact and save money by doing it yourself. A quick glance should give an attendee a firm idea of what your product is or does. A second look should reveal how it works and the story behind it.

Instructions

Planning

1

Measure the table space you will have so you will be able to maximize the space. Decide where you will stand so that you will not be obstructing the view of your table display nor your view of passers-by. If you plan on standing behind the display, you will have to make sure it is short enough for you to see over it. If you will be at the front or beside the table, you can have a display up to four feet high.

2

Decide on a short key message and graphic you want to come across on your display.

3

Plan how you will display your product so that it will be eye-catching. If the product is small, consider stacking to form a pyramid with extras on the front to show more easily. You can have multiple stacks as long as the stacks are evenly spaced. An odd number of stacks is more appealing visually.

Setting Up

4

Purchase a folding three-panel screen that fits together on hinges to open as back and side walls. A panel display screen can double or triple the amount of space you have and will be more prominent because it is vertical space.

5

Add banners with your company name, product name and key message to your panels. Don't let the display products obstruct the view, and don't clutter the panels with more information. Dark lettering on a white or light-colored board is the most eye-catching.

6

Stack or present your products the way you planned. Put out your business cards, press releases, brochures, samples or a giveaway sign-up as you planned.

How to Make an Inexpensive Coffee Table

If you've shopped for a coffee table lately, you're aware that the price can go off the charts. Here are some ideas for a less-expensive stand-in while you wait for your ship to come in. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1

Build a platform of glass blocks; two blocks high (about 16 inches) is about right. Top the blocks with a sheet of thick, ground-edge glass for a slick modern look. Join the blocks with silicone caulk.

2

Cover any type of sturdy base - a footlocker or two same-size broken stereo speakers, for example - with a rich-looking wallpaper such as faux leather, faux marble or faux granite; you might want to paint any exposed hardware a coordinated color or special metallic. Top off your creation with a glass top or a wood top from a home center (apply stain and a clear-coat to the wood or paint it).

3

Put clay flowerpots (can be inverted), sturdy wooden trash cans (inverted), cement urns, porcelain fish pots or a chicken coop to work as a table base. Use the bases singly or in pairs, and top them off with glass or wood.

4

Cut down the wooden legs or pedestal of an old - but not valuable - table to suitable coffee-table height.

5

Purchase an unfinished coffee table and finish it yourself. Unfinished-furniture stores and home centers may offer classes or easy finishing products such as spray-on or sponge-on faux finishes.

6

Purchase furniture legs (sold at home centers) and screw them in to a wooden table top. Finish as desired.

7

Put a couple of stacks of coffee-table books to work as a table base that you can top with glass.

8

Haunt thrift shops and tag sales for a secondhand piece that will work. It doesn't have to be a coffee table per se; consider a cedar chest, rustic toolchest or a flat-top steamer trunk.

How to Make an Epoxy Resin Top Table

Epoxy resin tables are instantly recognizable by their high-gloss finish and the unique depth of their glass-like coating. Epoxy resin tables are durable and long-lasting, making them a popular choice for restaurants. With today's low-odor epoxy resin coatings, making your own epoxy resin table is a fun project. The notable feature of epoxy resin tables is the ability to seal objects and memorabilia within the epoxy resin, enabling you to create a unique table that showcases your interests and hobbies. You can personalize an epoxy resin table with seashells, pictures, jewelry pieces, stamps and even fabric.

Instructions

1

Select a table with sturdy legs. The built-up epoxy resin will be heavy and requires substantial support. Clean the table of any dirt, dust or stains.

2

Apply masking tape on the underside of the table, along the edge, to protect the bottom of the table from drips. Place newspapers under the table to catch drips.

3

Use a hot glue gun to secure your decorative items to the tabletop.

4

Seal the table and decorative items with a mixture of four parts white glue to one part water. Paint the mixture onto the tabletop and allow at least four hours drying time. The sealant coat must be completely dry, with no wet spots, before proceeding to the epoxy resin coat.

5

Open the windows to provide ventilation. Put on protective gloves before working with the epoxy resin.

6

Mix the epoxy resin according to the manufacturer's directions. The amount will vary, depending on the size of the tabletop and the amount and type of objects you are embedding in the resin. Use the coverage guidelines provided by the epoxy resin product to determine the quantity to mix.

7

Pour the mixed epoxy resin evenly over the tabletop. Most epoxy resins will pour to a thickness of 1/16 inch to 1/8 inch. Use the mixing stick to move the epoxy resin over the surface of the table until the tabletop has an even coat. Smooth the epoxy resin along the edges of the table with the mixing stick.

8

Watch for any air bubbles that may develop in the next 30 minutes. Remove the air bubbles by gently blowing on them through a straw or holding a propane torch at least 6 inches from the surface and moving it quickly over the surface. Use a toothpick to pop any bubbles that remain.

9

Use tongue depressors to scrape off excess epoxy resin from the bottom edge of the table. Wait until the epoxy resin begins to thicken before scraping away the excess.

10

Protect the tabletop from settling dust. Suspend a tarp over the tabletop using tall chairs positioned around the table to anchor the tarp and hold it off the surface of the table.

11

Allow the epoxy resin to cure for the time recommended by the product. Apply additional coats of epoxy resin, following the application process, until you achieve the desired thickness.

12

Remove the masking tape from the underside of the table after the final coat of epoxy resin has cured. Remove any remaining drips with 200-grit sandpaper.

How to Make Coffee Table Bases

Coffee tables are set in front of sofas or a set of armchairs in living rooms and family rooms. Make your own coffee table by using wood to make a base and top--or by making bases out of items found around the house or at garage sales and attaching a glass or wooden top. The base should be sturdy and proportional to the table's space. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

Wood Base

1

Cut four top rails for the base, using a saw. The rails should go the length and width of the table, either flush with the edge or 2 inches from the edge to form a lip.

2

Attach the rails--with L-brackets, screws and a screwdriver--to the tabletop.

3

Chisel one of the corners of each of the legs to make a flat area for the bolt. The flat edge should face out from the table rails with the opposite edge snugged into the table rails.

4

Drill holes through the legs and the table rails and attach legs using bolts. Tighten the bolts with wing nuts to ensure the legs will not wobble.

Cement Base for Glass Tabletop

5

Hunt down cement pillars at garden centers to use as coffee table bases. The bottom parts of cement bird bathes or benches make sturdy bases for glass tabletops.

6

Glue felt pads to the top of the base, using as many felt pads as needed to ensure the glass will rest on the felt and not the base.

7

Place glass topper gently on the felt. Make sure the top is centered on the base to ensure stability.

Unique Base

8

Create unique coffee table bases by searching garage sales. Old trunks, stacks of books, terracotta pots turned upside down and anything that is sturdy can make a base for glass or wooden tabletops.

9

Glue felt pads to the top of the base you choose, using as many felt pads as needed to ensure the glass or wood will rest on the felt and not the base.

10

Place glass or wood topper gently on the felt, centering the top on the base.

How to Paint a Stained Table

You can make your old stained wood table look new and modern with a fresh coat of paint. Painting an old table is an inexpensive way to brighten up a room. If the table is heavily varnished, it may be a time-consuming process. But if it's done right, you will have a table worth keeping for a long time. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1

Clean the table with a mild dish-washing detergent and warm water. Use a nylon scrub pad to remove any dirt, oil or wax buildup. Thoroughly dry the table after you have cleaned it with a soft, clean cloth.

2

Feel the wood after you have cleaned it. If you can feel the grain of the wood, you won't need to sand it. However, if the wood feels smooth to the touch, you will need to sand it down.

3

Clear a space outdoors or in a well-ventilated garage to do the work. Put a drop cloth down and then place the table on top of the cloth.

4

Sand the entire surface you wish to paint until it has a dull finish. A 120-grit sandpaper will get most of the finish off. Finish sanding with 150-grit and then 180-grit sandpaper for a smooth finish.

5

Vacuum up the dust from sanding. The remaining dust can be picked up with a clean cloth dampened with mineral spirits. Get in any grooves or corners.

6

Prime the wood with an oil-based primer for an outdoor table or a tinted shellac for an indoor table. Use a good-quality synthetic bristle brush or lambswool roller to apply the primer.

7

Dry the primer according to the primer's directions.

8

Paint your table with a coat of latex or acrylic paint for an indoor table or an oil-based paint for an outside table. Let the paint dry for about eight hours.

9

Sand the first coat with 180-grit sandpaper.

10

Apply a second coat of paint. Allow it to dry thoroughly.

11

Apply an oil-based varnish over oil-based paint, or an acrylic varnish over water-based paint, if you want a more finished look and a longer-lasting tabletop. However, if the table will need to be washed frequently, this step may not be necessary.

Ideas to Protect a Wood Table

Genuine wood furniture is a worthwhile investment that can last for generations if cared for properly. Taking steps to protect your wood tables from damage due to scratches, heat and liquids can allow you to preserve the finish and beauty of your tables for years to come. Does this Spark an idea?

Dining Tables

A tablecloth is a great first step toward protecting your wood dining table.
Vinyl tablecloths are great for everyday dining or for households with small children. Fabric tablecloths are often more attractive than vinyl, but linen, cotton or polyester blends alone are not heavy enough to protect tables from heat and spills. "Table pads are a worthwhile investment for valuable dining-room tables," says Martha Stewart, who recommends using a pad underneath a tablecloth to protect the table&039;s surface.

Coffee and End Tables

Next to your dining room table, the wood tables in your home that take the most abuse are undoubtedly the coffee and end tables. Serving as impromptu dining tables, homework desks and game stations, coffee and end tables need special attention to prevent damage. Use felt or cork-backed coasters for drinks set on the table, and glue felt on the bottoms of lamps, candleholders or other decorative objects that have the potential to scratch the surface. Use trays with felt under them to hold remotes and other odds and ends that tend to collect on coffee and end tables.

Desks and Vanity Tables

The best way to protect wood desks and vanity tables is with glass or plexiglass cut to cover the tops. Glass or plexiglass tops protect desks from damage caused by inks, drinks and accessories, and they protect vanity tables from scratches and damage to the finish caused by cosmetics and hair sprays.

How to Use a Mirror As a Tray for an Ottoman

A mirror tray for an ottoman adds an eye-catching element of hospitality to the seating area. Use it to hold a decanter and glasses, a tea service, magazines or a small floral display. As home-seating areas expand, the need for an additional serving area increases. One coffee table won't hold the drinks for everyone seated at a large sectional. Ottomans make a convenient additional surface for a tray. Adding a mirrored tray enhances the items displayed on it. Use a few design tips to make the most of your mirrored ottoman tray. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1

Select a mirror to use for a tray. Choose a large mirror, at least 18 inches long. This allows room to place a decanter or tea set on it without crowding. Use a mirror comfortable to pick up, so that it works as a serving tray. For example, pick an oval mirror with a smooth wooden frame, a rectangular mirror with a wide wooden frame or a round mirror with a wide metal frame. (See References 1 and 2.)

2

Choose accessories to use on the tray. Find some coasters made of natural materials with cork, felt or rubber backing to protect the mirror from damage. Select a mat to fit under the tea pot or decanter. Choose a non-scratching material, such as an attractive handwoven fabric, to coordinate with the ottoman.

3

Set the mirror on the ottoman. If it's a square, oblong or rectangular mirror, place it at an angle on the ottoman. Keep the mirror tray at least 2 inches from the ottoman's edge.

4

Set the coasters on the mirrored tray at least 2 inches apart so it will be comfortable to pick up the beverages. Set out coasters for the usual number of beverages and stack the extra coasters. For example, set out four coasters on the mirrored tray in a semicircle.

5

Add the mat on the side of the tray nearest to the seat where the person who serves the beverages sits.

6

Put the decanter, tea or coffee service on the mat and the cups or glasses on the coasters. Add additional decanters or an ice bucket if desired.

Instructions for Building an Aquarium Table

Aquarium tables are a recent innovation to interior design. They provide the ambiance of an aquarium, while providing the function of a small table. The aquariums used in these types of tables are the same types of aquariums that would normally sit on a shelf. What allows them to function as a table is the frame that is built around them. The frame can be made out of many materials including wood, metal or acrylic. A simple plan consists of a frame design for a hard wood and a glass top to function as the table top as it rests on the frame. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1

Set your aquarium on a table so it is horizontal, and the longest sides are facing you. Measure the bottom length. Cut four 1-by-4 boards at this length. Two of these boards will be along the outside edges underneath the aquarium, and two will be on top of the aquarium in the same manner. These boards will be referred to as bottom and top boards in the next steps.

2

Set the aquarium on the two bottom boards, and set the two top boards on top. The boards should be flush with the outside edges of the aquarium. Measure the distance from the top board to the bottom of the bottom board. Cut eight boards at this length. These are your side boards that will be secured around the corners of your aquarium.

3

Pre-drill two 3/32-inch holes at both ends of your side boards, position them so they are spaced evenly, and a half-inch from the 1-by-4-inch end. Countersink a 3/8-inch hole that is a quarter-inch deep in every pre-drilled hole. Stain all of these boards and let them dry according to instructions.

4

Screw your first side board to the ends of one top and one bottom board. The pre-drilled holes should be positioned on the center of the 1-by-4 ends of the bottom and top boards, with the top and bottom edges being flush. Screw three more side boards to the ends of the top and bottom boards in the same fashion.

5

Position a side board so it is perpendicular and flush to the top and bottom boards, and so its edge is flush with the 4-inch surface of the other side board. Screw the side board to the edges of the top and bottom boards at this location. Repeat this process on all the corners using the rest of the side boards.

6

Set your glass sheet on the frame to complete your aquarium table. If you need to supply electricity to your aquarium table, a floor rug can function well to hide any power cords.

Christmas Table Display Ideas

Christmas is a time for giving, but it's also a time when you're likely to have more than a few guests stopping by. Go ahead and hang the lights, decorate the tree and put your Santa Claus lawn ornament outside, but don't forget to decorate your table. While some prefer using upscale and expensive decorations, others use the items they have in their house that might otherwise go unnoticed or end up in a box, forgotten about until the next Christmas season. Different ideas for decorating your table incorporate both things you have and some thing you may need to buy. Does this Spark an idea?

Wreath

If you have multiple wreaths that you received as gifts or even an older one that you replaced, using it on your table is a good way to breathe life back into it. Replace any faded, torn or damaged ribbon and set it directly in the middle of your table. Set a large candle in the middle, a potted poinsettia or even a small Santa Claus. Use tableware and linens that compliment the colors in the wreath.

Candles

Candles compliment the Christmas season, regardless of the size, shape or color. One idea is to use smaller candles placed inside large, hurricane-style holders. If you have the holders, try using candles of different heights for a dramatic look. It's also possible to use holders in different sizes and shapes, such as gold and silver holders shaped like stars. Arrange the candles in a long row down the center of your table or cluster them together right in the middle.

Ornaments

Ornaments are a classic Christmas decoration and you're bound to have more than you can actually use. Find white vases or tall clear glasses and arrange them in a cluster, towards the center of your table. Tie a large red bow around them and set an ornament inside each one. Or fill a large glass vase with ball ornaments of different colors and styles and use that as your display or centerpiece.

Baskets

Be on the lookout for great looking baskets all year long or just use old ones you already have. Paint the outside of the basket in a metallic silver or gold, but use a light hand and let some of the natural color of the basket shine through. Fill the basket with pine cones, old decorations or even ornaments and set in the center of the table. Use some fake, plastic snow underneath the pine cones or decorations, which just barely peeks out, but adds a little more color.

How to Make Display Coffee Tables

Make a display coffee table to showcase collectibles, photos or other memorabilia and an additional design element in your living room. You can make display coffee tables from old windows as part of a shabby chic, country or eclectic dcor. You can also make shadow box style display coffee tables from old wooden coffee tables you can find at your local thrift store. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

Old Window Display Table

1

Find an old window at your local architectural salvage yard or flea market. Measure the length and the width.

2

Purchase a wood panel to match the dimensions of your window. You will also need two strips of wood matching the length of your window and two strips matching its width. The wood strips will become the depth of your display coffee table and should be at least 2 inches wide or wider, depending on what you wish to display. You can find decorative legs for your coffee table along with all of the other building materials for this project at your local home improvement store.

3

Sand the raw wood smooth and finish all the pieces with either a stain/polyurethane combination or prime and paint. Refinish your window to match your table base or leave it as is.

4

Attach the wood trim around the perimeter of the wood panel with wood glue and screws. Insert the table legs on the underside of the wood panel with the attached screws or with wood glue and screws.

5

Screw the two hinges to one of the longest sides of the window casing, about 8 inches apart. Screw the hinges to one of the longest wood strips on the table. Your display coffee table opens on the hinged side, so you can easily add or remove any items.

Used Coffee Table Display

6

Find a used coffee table and a large framed picture at a local thrift store. The picture within the frame is irrelevant as you only need the glass and the frame. This is often less expensive than having glass cut and making a frame from wood or buying framing sections. It's also a more eco-friendly way to decorate. The frame and glass should be as large as the table.

7

Purchase wood trim with a width equal to the desired depth of the display part of your coffee table. Paint or stain the table and the wood trim to match. Refinish your picture frame, if needed, to match your table.

8

Glue and screw the wood trim to the perimeter of the table. Screw the hinges to the picture frame and then to the trim on the table.

Table Top Display Ideas

Customize a table top to reflect a specific season, holiday or special event, such as a wedding, baby shower, graduation or anniversary party. Use fresh flowers and other seasonal items to create a personalized table display. You don't have to spend a lot of money to set an elegant-looking table. Does this Spark an idea?

Spring Style

Create a garden-inspired table top display using vibrant flowers, vintage pieces, such as vases, and colorful fabrics. If you're hosting a spring or summer party use blooms from your own garden to save time and money. Create a charming table by covering it with a white lace or eyelet cloth. As a simple and eye-catching centerpiece, fill a vintage crystal vase with a handful of pink, orange and yellow roses and tulips. Fill crystal dessert stands with fresh strawberries and grapes and place them around the table to double as dcor and healthy snacks. Fill antique porcelain tea cups with small candles and set one by each place setting as charming favors. Write guests' names on paper seed packets and use them as place cards.

Autumn Ambiance

Celebrate autumn by decorating a party table with warm harvest hues and natural elements. Set the stage for the look by covering the table with a rust orange, golden yellow or brick red cloth. Place plain white plates on tin or copper chargers to add rustic appeal to the table. For a simple yet elegant centerpiece, place orange and white mini pumpkins and colorful gourds under covered glass dessert stands. As a nature-inspired touch, fill a long wooden vintage box, such as an old tool box or dough riser, with a variety of pine cones, nuts, autumn leaves, mini pumpkins and apples.

Valentine's Day Decor

Create a romantic Valentine's Day dinner party table using festive decorative pieces. Add subtle touches to keep the table both elegant and whimsical. Cover the table with a pastel pink cloth for a charming look. Set red plates on top of white doilies. Secure crisp white rolled napkins with pink organza bows. A vintage milk glass vase filled with pink and red roses will make the ideal romance-inspired centerpiece. Line the table with clear glass candle holders filled with pink and red votive candles to cast a romantic glow across the table. Set heart-shaped gem-encrusted boxes filled with chocolates by each place setting as decadent party favors.

How to Make Coffee Table Out of Beer Tops

If you're a beer enthusiast, you may have developed an impressive collection of bottle cap beer tops that you'd like to display as a tribute to your favorite brands. One popular means of immortalizing beer tops is by using them to create a coffee table design. This simple table requires minimal building skills but yields a visually impressive result, provided you have a large, varied collection of bottle caps to feature on its surface. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1

Cut a 4-foot by 4-foot square of plywood and four 4-foot by 2 -inch rectangular strips of plywood using the band saw or table saw. The large square will become the tabletop and the small strips the sides of the table.

2

Attach the smaller rectangular pieces to the sides of the large square, edges flush and with the wide strips extending below the table to form a lip for it all the way around. Fasten them by driving screws in place from the outside of the short strips into the edge of the large, square piece. Position a screw every 4 inches.

3

Position the four dowels at the four corners of the wood, inside the corners of the lip. Attach the dowels in position with screws from the other side of the tabletop. Attach three screws to each dowel.

4

Paint the table black using glossy acrylic paint. Let dry, then apply a second coat, if desired.

5

Cut strips of cardboard of the same dimensions as the small wood pieces. Cover each of these with packing tape -- these will serve as temporary walls to keep resin from dripping off the edge of the table.

6

Attach the strips of cardboard to the edges of the table with masking tape to form walls around the table's edge.

7

Spray some mold release into a small dish. Use an artist's brush to apply it to the inside of the cardboard walls, but try to keep it off the table itself.

8

Arrange the beer caps on the table to figure out how you want them. If the design you make is a complex one, take a photo when finished that you can use as a guide, later. Remove the caps once you know what you plan to do.

9

Mix about four tablespoons of epoxy resin in the disposable dish with the craft stick according to the manufacturer's instructions. Spread this over the surface of the table in a thin layer.

10

Replace the beer caps in the pattern you've chosen on the table top.

11

Mix the entire quantity of casting resin in the large disposable container using the paint stick. Pour this carefully over the top of the caps.

12

Let the resin set in a well-ventilated area until it cures according to the manufacturer's instructions.

How do I Build a Display Coffee Table?

Display coffee tables serve both a practical and decorative function in your living space. Along with the practical aspects of a coffee table, display tables are like shadow boxes where you can house collectibles, photos and other memorabilia. You only need a few building skills to construct your own display coffee table; have the wood parts cut to size at the lumber store and you can assemble the table in a few hours. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1

Select a window with a wooden frame for the top of your display coffee table. You can find old windows with charming mullions at architectural salvage stores, or purchase a new window in a style that suits your home dcor.

2

Measure the outside dimensions of the window frame. Cut a 3/4-inch-thick hardwood panel to match the perimeter dimensions, less 1 1/2 inches on the width and length. The 1 1/2 inches are to accommodate the thickness of the side wood strips. For example, if the window frame dimensions are 24 inches wide by 30 inches long, cut the wood panel to measure 22 1/2 inches wide by 28 1/2 inches long.

3

Cut two 3/4-inch-thick by 4-inch-wide wood strips to match the length of the window frame. Cut two 3/4-inch-thick by 4-inch-wide wood strips to match the width of the window frame, less 1-1/2 inches. For example, if the width of the window frame is 15 inches, cut two wood strips to measure 13 1/2 inches long.

4

Attach the two wood strips cut for width perpendicular to the ends of the wood panel with a bead of wood glue followed by wood screws. They will sit against the end of the wood panel, not on top of it, and the bottom and end edges should be flush. Attach the wood strips cut for length perpendicular to the front and back of the wood panel. The ends should be flush with the outside of the side pieces and the bottom of the bottom panel. This forms the box for the coffee table's display area.

5

Attach two 3- to 4-inch-long hinges or one piano hinge to one side of the window frame. Position the window frame on top of the box body of the display coffee table. Attach the hinges to the inside of the back piece on the box.

6

Glue/screw a decorative table leg into each corner of the display box body.

How to Make a Table With Clear Poly Resin

Create a modern, clear poly resin table. Use your small poly resin table as a coffee table, end table or just a conversation piece. For an extra hip look, you can keep your poly resin tabletop clear or, for a more artistic look, you can add decorative items to your poly resin while it's hardening inside its mold. Use polyester resin for your table instead of polyurethane or epoxy resins, since polyester resin is better suited for large projects with thicknesses exceeding 1/2 inch. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1

Mix your polyester resin inside your large bowl, following your resins packaging instructions.

2

Pour your resin mixture into the cookie sheet, filling it to the top of the cookie sheets edges or to at least 1 inch of thickness. Spray your filled cookie sheet with your resin setting spray and then allow it to sit for up to three days or however long your resins instructions direct.

3

Paint your dowels and newel stair posts during this waiting period; youll want to paint your dowels since theyll be visible through your clear tabletop. Allow your painted items to completely dry.

4

Turn over your resin-filled cookie sheet and pop out the hardened resin. If it doesnt fall out easily, try peeling back the cookie sheet by the edges.

5

Fit your stair posts to the edges of your resin tabletop, matching the edges neatly. Draw around the stair posts with your dry erase marker. Mark the center of the squares you just drew.

6

Drill into the center marks you made, going all the way through the table top. Wipe away all your marks.

7

Drill into the center of your newel posts, going an inch into the posts. Insert your dowels into the holes you just drilled. Lightly hammer your dowels into the posts to firmly embed them.

8

Insert the emerging ends of the dowels into the holes you drilled into your poly resin tabletop. Firmly embed them into the tabletop to complete your poly resin table project.

How to Make a Cube-Style Coffee Table

Cube-style coffee tables are functional, and also provide a conversation piece. They can include multiple colors, and glass or wooden tops. The crates can be used to store photo albums, flowers or display items. It will only take an afternoon to make this unique, inexpensive coffee table.

Instructions

1




Position the crates on the floor. If you're using two crates, space them out. If you're using three crates, position them next to each other.

2

Position each crate in the direction you want the opening. You can leave the openings facing up to use as storage, or turn the crates on their sides so you can slide objects in and out. If you are using three crates, consider placing the middle crate in the opposite direction of the ends.

3

If using three crates, attach the inside of the middle crate to a side crate with two small clamps. Repeat for the other side crate.

4

Lay the glass top over the crates. The weight of the glass will hold the cubes in place. Make sure the glass top completely covers the crates.

How to Make a Table Display Stand Out

Creating a beautiful and charming table display is a simple way to lend charm and grace to any setting. Whether it is a celebration, a casual get together, or an enhancement for your home environment, a lovely display will provide personality and appeal. Professional designers create original, attractive table displays for the enjoyment of others. You too can create unique and delightful settings, taking pride in your artistry and the delight of others. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1

Consider the purpose of the table display. Is it meant to enhance a special occasion, commemorate a milestone, or just add charm to your home? The context will define the style and contents.

2

Choose a color scheme. Whatever the occasion or purpose of the display, the colors should harmonize with the backdrop. Use the colors already present in surrounding elements, such as wedding colors chosen by the bride for a wedding display, or the colors of furnishings and accessories already in the home.

3

Decide on a theme. Think about the occasion and interests of the main people involved in the occasion that warrants the display, or consider the style of decor already in the home for a personal home display. Nearly everyone appreciates nature, so cut flowers, garlands, plants, or herbs could serve as an appropriate and appreciated focal point for almost any occasion. Other universal suggestions include candles, crystal, porcelain, or figurines. Holidays provide a built-in theme.

4

Gather more ideas from home magazines, websites, model homes, friends, or professional consultants.

5

Choose one element to be the main focal point. Then use smaller, related objects to enhance the focus. If a romantic display is desired, choose a large bouquet in a vase of your choice for the centerpiece, then place candles, small crystal dishes, lace doilies, and small romantic photos in elegant frames around it. If an antique theme is chosen, display a large antique as the focus, then surround it with items reminiscent of days gone by. Ancestral photos, family heirlooms, dried flowers, and other antique items will complement the main piece.

6

When arranging the display, it is especially important to consider the setting. Will the centerpieces or surrounding elements be meant as keepsakes, such as for a wedding? If so, the smaller guest mementos should be placed at each individual setting, with the larger centerpiece displays set in the middle of the table. For a home display, placing the centerpiece slightly off center will cause the eye to linger on it, even while perusing the surrounding objects. For a dinner or cocktail party, the centerpiece should be placed in a prominent, but out of the way location, i.e., the center of the table, one end of the buffet, or behind the bar.

7

Several items of the same type may be grouped together for an impressive home display, such as fruits or vegetables, collectibles like sandcastle figurines or a village display, or sentimental items like family or vacation photos. In this case, the collection is the centerpiece, and there is no need for an additional element which could be distracting. Instead, scatter small, related objects around for effect. Seashells and starfish can complement a collection of beach vacation photos, seed packets surround a bowl of mixed fruits or vegetables, etc. The possibilities are endless.

8

Finishing touches can include parts of the centerpiece like flower petals or tealights strewn about, or background objects like tablecloths and table runners.

How to Paint a Varnished Table

Varnished surfaces are glossy, making it hard for paint to adhere directly to the surface. Varnish is usually used in combination with wood stain. These stains can bleed through paint over time, creating discoloration and spotty coverage. If you want to paint over a varnished table, you'll need to prep the surface first to avoid these problems. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1

Place the table on a canvas drop cloth in case of paint spillage.

2

Sand the table's top and legs with 220-grit sandpaper. This will help remove the topmost layer of glossy varnish for better primer adhesion.

3

Clean the entire table with a trisodium phosphate (TSP) product to remove the sandpaper dust. The TSP-based product will also cut through any oily residue that may be underneath the varnish coating. These residues, including wood stain or natural wood tannins, are not conducive to painting.

4

Dry the table with a clean towel.

5

Prime the table's top and legs with a stain-blocking primer. When you sand off the varnish gloss, you expose any underlying wood stain. These stains bleed through the surface and tarnish your paint. A stain-blocking primer prevents this from happening. A roller makes short work of the tabletop, while a brush is better suited for legs. You don't need to prime or paint the underside, since nobody will see it, but you can if you want to.

6

Apply a coat of oil-based high-gloss paint to the tabletop using a foam roller. A high-gloss sheen makes the table easier to clean. For the table legs, you can use a matte finish if you prefer. Wait for the first coat to dry and apply additional coats as needed.