Living Room Ideas for Chocolate Brown Sofas

The deep rich color of chocolate brown sofas blends with several types of living rooms that include a wide spectrum of color. Pair your sofa with a matching love seat and recliner and choose paint colors that blend well with existing decor. Avoid bright citrus colors because this look doesn't go well with dark sofas. Does this Spark an idea?

Neutral Shades

Neutral shades such as beige, tan and cream work well when used in a living room with chocolate brown sofas. The lighter walls slightly contrast against, but complement the color of the sofa. Paint all the walls in the living room and leave the ceiling white. Place beige and cream-colored pillows on your sofa to tie the sofa together with the walls. Place lamps with white or beige lamp shades on dark wooden end tables. Hang framed photos or art with dark wooden frames to tie everything together.

Forest Green Accent Wall

Dark colors can also blend well in a room with a chocolate brown sofa as long as you create balance by using lighter shades also. Paint one large accent wall in your living room forest green and leave the remaining walls white. Bring in large potted plants to put in two areas of the living room. Place the sofa up against the green accent wall and hang lighter decorations or framed pictures on that wall so that they contrast against the dark colors.

Off-White Walls with Flower Decor

If you want your chocolate brown sofa to stand out, then paint the walls in your living room a textured off-white shade. Feature other darker colors as well to create contrast in the room. Mount a wooden wall hanging, framed picture of burgundy flowers or a quilted wall hanging. Pair your sofa with other chocolate brown or dark furniture and end tables with beige or cream lamps to blend everything together.

Pastel Shades

The right pastel shades can also blend well with a chocolate brown sectional sofa. Lavender and chocolate brown complement each other. However, other pastel shades such as mint green or baby blue can work as well. Neon shades like orange, pink, bright green and yellow won't work though. Paint the walls a light pastel shade and leave the ceiling white. Hang up decor pieces that are slightly darker than the walls to create contrast on the wall and complement the brown sofa. Place light purple and baby blue pillows on your sofa to tie it all together.

How to Set a Dining Table Using Black Plates

When hosting a dinner party, part of the fun is decorating the table to match your mood, the menu or the occasion. Although it is rare, some hosts choose to set their table with black plates. This can add a dramatic flair or a gloomy effect, depending on the other colors used. Bright or light shades complement black well. Remember that your other dishes are not the only items with color at the table; the shade of the food also has an effect. Light-colored foods such as chicken, rice, potatoes, rolls, cauliflower, white cake and vanilla ice cream will complement your decor. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1

Determine the occasion for the dinner setting. The colors you use to complement the black plates will vary depending on the occasion. For example, if the occasion is formal, silver accents and highlights will make the black seem elegant. If the occasion is a holiday such as Halloween, orange accents will make the black seem festive. Likewise, if the occasion is Christmas, red accents will make the black seem cheerful.

2

Choose your accent color. No matter the occasion, do not choose a color that is dark. Browns, dark blues and dark greens will make the table seem gloomy and may affect the presentation of the food. Choose bright colors such as yellow, light blue, red, pink, violet, orange and white.

3

Purchase your tablecloth and centerpiece. Once again, these should complement the color scheme you will have at your table, such as silver for an anniversary or graduation, orange for Halloween or red for the winter holidays. The tablecloth and centerpiece shouldn't be too dark, otherwise the plates won't stand out.

4

Arrange the plates. Put a plate in front of each chair at the table. If you are having a multicourse meal, place the appetizer plates as well. Depending on the formality of the meal, you can either place a "charger," or place-holding, plate underneath the appetizer plate, or you can place the appetizer plate directly on top of the dinner plate. If the dinner plate is black, make sure the appetizer plate is your complementary color, and vice versa. Both plates should not be the same color.

5

Set your flatware and napkins. Flatware is traditionally silver or gold in color, unless you're using plastic. Forks go on the left and spoons and knives are placed on the right, in order of their use. For example, if you're having soup as an appetizer, the spoon should be closest to the guest's hand. However if you're having salad as an appetizer and ice cream for dessert, the knife should be closest to the guest's hand. Napkins are traditionally white, although they can be purchased in whatever color best suits your decor, depending on the occasion you're celebrating. For example, orange napkins would go well with your black plates if you're decorating for Halloween. If you're folding the napkin, place it on top of the black dinner plate. If you're laying it flat, put underneath the flatware on the right side.

6

Arrange your glasses. If multiple drinks will be served, glasses should be arranged in the order they will be used, with the outermost glass to be used first. Wine glasses should be set at the tip of the knife on the right side of the guest. You can either use clear glassware or purchase glassware that has been tinted to match your complementary color --- for example, red glassware for Christmas or silver glassware for your wedding anniversary.

Types of Drafting Tables

Drafting tables have many uses. They are used by engineers, architects, illustrators, cartoonists and other artists. They are designed to adjust from flat to perpendicular to the floor. The prices vary, from used to the best priced in the thousands of dollars. Drafting boards are useful in the home office whether used for drawing or using as a large desk.

Engineering Boards

These are typical boards, and may be used by other professions as well. They were made with a wood frame made and steel is common more recently with a wooden top covered with drafting linoleum. The size of the desktop can vary, from thirty-seven inches by sixty inches being a common size for engineering use to smaller versions for other uses. Most have a long thin drawer under the table and a larger drawer off to the side.

Portable Drafting Board

These also come in various configurations. Some are a white hard board with dark grid marks to allow easier sketching. Another type is a smaller version of a large board with a plastic scale that slides up and down is attached to make drawing straight lines easier. Briefcase drafting tables are self contained and allow a person to keep paper and other supplies inside. The outside is used as a drafting table, some with attached scales. Some are like a large, white clipboard.

Split Top

A split top drafting table is made in the same configuration as a standard board, but it has a smaller, flat section off to the side of the main table with a drawer underneath. This is useful for placing a computer, reference works, paperwork and drawings. The drafter is able to adjust the angle of the larger board as he can with a standard design.

Hobby Drafting Tables

Drafting tables that are marketed as hobby tables have a lighter frame than the engineering type. The board size varies between models, but the functions are basically the same and the user is able to tilt it. The tops may be made of wood, vinyl or some other material. The appearance is compatible with a home environment. These units are generally priced lower than the commercial products.

How to Draw Tables

Whether you want to amuse yourself by drawing items from your home or want to seriously pursue an art career, being able to draw tables realistically is important. WIth few exceptions, an unrealistic setting in a work of art can hurt the overall image as well as discredit the artist. This is why being able to draw a table is crucially important to any artist.

Instructions

1

Select the vantage point from where you'll be viewing the table. Are you looking at it head-on? From above? Maybe from the ground? For this article, we will draw a regular rectangular table from a top to 3/4 side view.

2

Draw a regular rectangle, using your ruler for guidance. Make the top side of the table longer than the bottom side and have the two sides slanting left, toward the side. This will create the illusion of depth.

3

Draw the legs of your table. First, draw the front leg of the table near the lower left corner of the table. Draw two parallel lines down the page, roughly about the length of the second line of the rectangle. Close off the bottom of the table leg with a quick stroke. Repeat that same step with the bottom right corner and then lightly draw the back table legs. Start a little from the corner of the top left corner, draw the two lines and then draw one right at the corner of the top right part of the table.

4

Add some more depth to the table. Draw a smaller rectangle, starting from the bottom left of the table. Have it end at the bottom right corner. Draw it lightly, since you'll be erasing some parts. From the end of that rectangle, draw one along the right side and end it at the top right corner.

5

Draw a line next to each of the table legs and then close the space with a short line. Do the same for the back legs.

6

Clean up the lines. Erase any lines that are are in the original rectangle itself and in the small rectangles alongside it. You can even add some shadowing if you like. Then, sign your drawing. You've drawn a table.

How to Make Unique End Tables

Decorating a room in an eclectic or vintage style and using outdoor decor inside your home is a great way to incorporate unique end tables. Items that started out their functional life as something else can be found in your attic, basement and even your yard. Repurpose these objects to create whimsical and unique end tables that are sure to be a conversation starter. These unique end tables are made from an old antique sewing machine with an iron base and a large clay flower crock. They are simple to make and each can be completed within an afternoon. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

Antique Sewing Machine End Table

1

Disconnect and remove the sewing machine from the inside of the sewing machine cabinet. Place the sewing machine cabinet upside down on your work surface. Remove the wood sewing cabinet from the antique iron sewing machine stand using the drill and a screwdriver bit attachment. Set the wood sewing machine cabinet aside for use in another project.

2

Place the old end table on your work surface with the top side down. Remove the legs from the tabletop using the drill and a screwdriver bit attachment. Center the iron sewing machine stand upside down on the underside of the end table tabletop. Using the drill and a small drill bit, drill pilot holes through the existing holes on the iron sewing machine stand and into the bottom of the tabletop. Attach the iron sewing machine stand to the tabletop using wood screws. Drilling pilot holes before attaching the wood screws will prevent the wood from splitting.

3

Turn your unique antique sewing machine end table over. Sand the sides and top of the tabletop. Wipe the sanding particles from the tabletop using a tack cloth. Apply wood stain using the sponge brush to the tabletop surface and allow it to dry. Apply polyurethane over the wood stain and allow it to dry.

Flower Crock End Table

4

Cut the floral foam brick to fit the inside of an 8-inch clay flowerpot, using a serrated knife. Apply hot glue to the inside sides and bottom of the pot and insert the floral foam. Apply hot glue to the top of the foam and cover with Spanish moss. Insert the stem of the silk flower bouquet into the center of the foam.

5

Place the flowerpot down into a 24-inch flower crock. It is not necessary to glue the flowerpot bottom to the crock. This will allow you to replace your flowers with other objects when the mood strikes you. Place Spanish moss around the outside of the small flowerpot, fluffing to fill the space.

6

Space the four self-adhesive rubber bumpers evenly on the rim of the large flower crock. Place a 24-inch round table top on the bumpers. This will cushion the glass and prevent it from becoming scratched.

How to Make a Musical Table Centerpiece

A musical table centerpiece may be one that plays music to delight your guests during dinner. or it may include a display made with an old musical instrument. Centerpieces with music add ambiance to any table setting, while a centerpiece showcasing an old instrument will add character and charm to the room. You can easily decorate your dining, coffee or occasional table with either style of musical centerpiece. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

Music Box Centerpiece

1

Place a mirror tile in the center of your table. You can angle the tile as a diamond or leave it square. If you are making a centerpiece for a long table, you may wish to line more than one mirror tile down the center of the table. Mirror tiles are sold in boxes of six at your local home improvement store. Selections include plain mirror tiles, beveled edge mirror tiles, antique style mirror tiles and colored mirror tiles.

2

Select a music box with a lid that opens on a hinge. Lift the lid and place it in the center of the mirror tile.

3

Drape strands of crystal prisms from inside the music box to the mirror tile. Fill the inside of the music box with colorful glass cabochons, rhinestones and crystal prisms. The objective is to simulate a treasure chest.

4

Place two 6-inch crystal candle holders on either side of the music box, or in the front and the back. The position of the candles is a personal preference. Insert tapered candles that are at least 8 inches long into the candle holders.

5

Spread more jewels and crystal strands on the mirror tile around the music box and the candle holders.

6

Wind the music box before your guests arrive to make your table centerpiece musical.

Musical Instrument Centerpiece

7

Place an oval mirror in the center of your table. Stack two old books on top of the oval mirror, close to one end. The older and more worn the books look, the better.

8

Place a violin in the center of the mirror with the neck propped against the books. Thrift stores, yard sales and used music stores are good places to search for old musical instruments.

9

Arrange the bow in front of the violin and the books.

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.

Volume Conversions vs. Metric Conversions

Metric system is an international system of measurement. It is also known as System International d'Unites (SI). It is formed of three basic units; meter (m) for length, kilogram (kg) for mass and second (s) for time. These three units can be used to measure everything in the world. Metric conversions are used for converting different measurement system units to SI units and to convert SI units to any other system.

Conversions

Metric conversions can be used to convert temperature, length, area, weight and volume units to the standard SI unit and vice versa. Volume conversion is just a part of metric conversion. It is used if the quantity to be converted is a volume.

Units

The seven major quantities used in metric conversion are length, mass, time, electric current, temperature, amount of substance and luminous intensity. The units used for these quantities are meter, kilogram, second, ampere, Kelvin, mole and candela, respectively. Volume is derived from the base quantity, length. Volume is length*length*length; here * stands for "multiplied by." Thus volume = length cubed, or to the third power. The SI unit for volume is cubic meters, written as "m cubed." A cubic meter is equal to 1,000 liters. So 1 liter = 1/1000 m cubed. So, volume conversion uses l or m cubed as the standard unit. You can use prefixes in both volume and metric conversions. The prefixes are powers of 10. If you prefix, k to m, then you change meter to kilometer, where 1 k = 10 cubed.

Formulas

Metric conversions include a number of combinations of conversions for all quantities like miles to kilometers, pounds to kilograms, inches to centimeters, etc. Different formulas calculate all these conversions. For example, if you want to convert miles to kilometers, multiply the value in miles by 1.60934. In the case of volume conversions, some possible combinations are gallons to liters, cubic feet to cubic meters, cubic feet to cubic inches and cubic feet to liters.

Uses

Metric conversion is used to convert quantities like weight, length, and area to standard SI units and also do the reverse conversions. Volume conversion is used to convert volume to standard SI units and also vice versa. Now many volume and metric converters are readily available, where you have to just enter the value to be converted and the source and destination units. The converter will do the conversions using the appropriate formula and give you the result (see Resources).

How to Decorate a Mulberry & Turquoise Bedroom

If you want an artsy, eclectic-looking bedroom, decorate it with a color scheme of mulberry and turquoise. Mulberry is a reddish-purple tone, similar to plum or wine, that contrasts well with vibrant turquoise. To break up the two bright hues, incorporate a fresh neutral color, such as white, into the look. Since a mulberry-and-turquoise color combination works in bedrooms for both adults and children, it's ideal if you're looking for a long-term bedroom design. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1

Paint the bedroom walls a light-to-medium turquoise shade to set the backdrop for the color combination. Choose crisp white paint if you prefer to use a neutral hue.

2

Decorate the bed with a turquoise quilt or comforter. Accent the bedding by folding a mulberry-hued cashmere throw blanket at the base of the bed. Create a luxurious look by piling several mulberry- and turquoise-hued decorative pillows at the top of the bed.

3

Place a bench featuring a mulberry-hued velvet cushion at the foot of the bed as a decorative seating element. Create a reading nook with a mulberry-colored chair and white accent table. Set a white bookcase against the wall to have reading materials close at hand.

4

Decorate the room with coordinating white bedroom furniture, such as a headboard, night stand and dresser set; white pieces provide a fresh contrast to the bright colors.

5

Complete the look with mulberry and turquoise decor items. Place a lamp featuring a white base and a mulberry and turquoise damask print shade on a night stand or table. Accent a wall shelf with a turquoise vase holding purple flowers, such as hydrangeas. Place sweet-scented mulberry candles in white holders to give the bedroom a soft ambiance.

How to Build a Wooden Table & Bench

Wooden tables look great both indoors and out. Outdoors, they provide a focal point for entertaining family and friends. Indoors, they give an informal setting for special occasions or daily use as the family table. While the one described here is the more traditional picnic table, you can choose to use an exotic wood such as cherry or bird's-eye maple, and transform the traditional into distinctive. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

Table

1

Put the 48-inch lumber on the worktable and set the bar clamps on them crossways. Open them enough to clamp the 2-by-6's together.

2

Place the 60-inch lumber on the clamps. Apply glue to one edge and set another one against it. Repeat this until all five are on the clamps.

3

Tighten the clamps making sure the glue oozes out all the way up and down the joints. Clean up the excess glue with a damp cloth, then rinse all glue from the cloth. Allow the glue to dry according to the manufacturer's instructions.

4

Remove the clamps after the glue is dry. Sand the tabletop with a belt sander. Next, turn it upside down and mark it 6 inches from the ends.

5

Set the electric miter saw on a 22-degree angle. Place the 30-inch lumber on the worktable. Measure from one of the long edges and make a mark at 2 inches. Cut it with the electric miter saw starting at the 2-inch mark. Next, drill a countersink hole about halfway up the angle. Make the hole two inches deep. Repeat this on the other end and then on the other 30-inch piece of lumber.

6

Apply glue to the bottom edge of 30-inch lumber and place them on the marks made in Step 4. Secure them to the table with the 3-inch deck screws. Next, apply glue to one end of the 4-by-4-by-36 inch pieces. Place them at the point where the 22 -degree angle stops. Secure it to the 30-inch cross member secured to the tabletop in Step 5. Repeat this with the other three 4-by-4s.

Bench

7

Place the eight pieces of 2-by-4-by-60-inch lumber on the worktable. Separate them into two sets of four. Measure in from the ends, and make a mark at 6 inches. Repeat this from the opposite end and then make a mark in the center. Place the framing square on the marks and draw a line across the width of the 2-by-4s. Place an X on the inside of the lines on the ends and one side of the line in the center.

8

Drill pilot holes through the lumber with the 1/16-inch drill bit. Next, turn the pieces over and drill a countersink hole a half-inch deep on each of the pilot holes.

9

Place the six pieces of 2-by-4-by-14-inch lumber on the worktable. These are the cross members for the bench. Apply glue to one of the long edges, place the 60-inch pieces on them so that the 14-inch pieces are on the lines drawn in Step 2. Secure the pieces to one another with the 3-inch deck screws. Repeat this process until the bench tops are completed.

10

Place the 12 pieces of 2-by-4-by-18-inch lumber on the worktable. Apply glue to the ends and the side of each piece where they meet the 14-inch cross-members from Step 3. Secure them together through the 18-inch piece into the 14-inch cross member with the 2-inch deck screws.

11

Place the 2-by-4-by-48-inch lumber on the worktable. Turn the bench assembly on its side and place one of the 48-inch pieces halfway up the 18-inch piece. Mark its location so you can remove it, apply glue and replace it. Secure it with the 2-inch deck screws. Repeat this until all four of the 48-inch pieces are installed to the benches.

Seashore Decor

Seashore decor combines all elements of the seaside and implements them into decorating one's home or personal space. Beach decor items can be bought at gift stores, decorating stores or they can be collected along lake shores and among ocean tides. This style is popular among seaside cottages, and creates a nautical and welcoming atmosphere for guests. Does this Spark an idea?

Function

Seashore decor is used to display seaside items and collectibles related to ocean and sea life. Physically collecting seashore decor items is typically done in warm months when the beaches are open and the water is not frozen. Items such as driftwood, sponges, polished water rocks, starfish and shells can be displayed alone or used as accents on decorative wall pieces or tabletops. Many people love the tranquility of the seashore; by decorating in a seashore theme they share and display their love for the sea.

Types

Seashore decor objects include either ocean or freshwater themed items. Ocean seashore decor is slightly different then freshwater and may lend a more tropical theme and include items such as dolphins, ocean water fish and crabs. For freshwater seashore decor, the theme may lead more toward freshwater fish, northern wildlife such as deer or moose, along with driftwood and lighthouses. Polished glass and treasure chests would be decorative accents to add to both decor styles and can accent coffee tables and small shelves.

Geography

Many beach homes decorate their living spaces with seashore decor. Hotels and bed-and-breakfasts that are located on Great Lakes or smaller freshwater shorelines may decorate their spaces with light houses that are original to the area, as well as fish such as salmon and trout that are often caught in and around the location. Oceanfront condominiums can often include seashore decor that is similar to the area, such as in the Florida Keys where the seashore decor may include shell curtains, lamps with seashell lampshades, nautical knotted rope, exotic flowers or palms, and beach photos that can be hung on the wall or used as accent pieces inside the home or on a deck or porch.

Features

Seashore decor can include large glass bottles or vases that hold beach sand, colorful sea glass and small shells; this is also a good way to display beachcomber finds. Shelves can display starfish, antique fishing lures and netting to create a display that is seashore inspired. Decorative wooden boats and tiny ships created in bottles look great on shelves or on coffee tables. Shell framed photos of family and friends can create a stunning wall decor accent.

Effects

Having a seashore decorated room shows off items collected from walking along the seashore or gathered while vacationing by the sea. Many items that have been given as gifts, such as conch shells or painted coral, can be used as accents for coffee tables and shelves. At craft shows, art vendors and small gift boutiques, many artisans sell hand-painted items, such as signs that include seaside quotes such as "Its five o'clock somewhere" and "This way to the beach," showing the friendly and jolly antics used in reference to the seashore or the beach.

How to Draw a Table & Chairs

Drawing common pieces of furniture is less difficult than it may seem at first, particularly when you are equipped with the right materials and a little patience. Whether your subjects are Windsor Back or upright chairs, a long elegant dining or casual kitchen table, you can render these pieces effectively and accurately in a careful drawing. Because tables and chairs are the foundation for many still life and interior works, learning to sketch these domestic staples will greatly enhance your artistic repertoire.

Instructions

Drawing the Table and Chairs

1




Be exact.

Holding your ruler parallel with the horizontal line of your paper, draw a line near the middle of the page, approximately 4 inches long. Draw another line 1 inch below this one, but parallel to it. Allow this line to extend slightly beyond the first line. This will be the top of your table.

2




Draw the angles for your tabletop.

Holding your ruler diagonally, connect the upper and lower lines with a deeply slanting line. This line should create corners on this side of the table, and the bottom corner should jut out farther than the top. Repeat this on the other side of the table, so that the vertical, connecting lines of the table are slanting in the same direction. This is your tabletop.

3

Holding your ruler vertically, perpendicular to the horizontal tabletop lines, draw a line 3 inches from the two front-most corners of the table. Holding the ruler in the same way, draw an identical line 1/8 of an inch to the right or left of the existing line. Connect the lines at the bottom with a short line. These are the front table legs.

4




Erase unwanted lines.

Holding the ruler vertically again, so that it is parallel to the two existing table legs, draw a line 2 inches from the back two corners of the table. As you did in the previous step, draw another identical line 1/8 inch to one side of the first line. Connect the lines at the bottom where they stop. These will be the two rear table legs. Use your eraser to get rid of the lines that go through the tabletop itself.

5




Don't forget a place to sit.

Holding your ruler vertically near the left side of the table, parallel to the table legs, draw two lines 1 inches apart that begin inch above the front of the tabletop and end where the front most table legs end. These lines will be one of the chairs. On the inside of each of these lines, draw a symmetrical line less than 1/8 inch from the existing one. Connect these lines at the top and bottom. These are the back legs of the chair.

6




Be sure your pencil is sharp.

Holding your ruler horizontally and perpendicular to the chair's legs, draw four lines on the upper half of the chair back 1/8 inch apart from one another connecting the two chair legs. Approximately halfway down the chair, draw a horizontal line on the chair back. Holding your ruler diagonally, at the same angle you used with the table sides, draw a 1- inch line out from the chair, towards the back of the table. Draw another line parallel to this coming from the other side of the chair. Connect these with a horizontal line that parallels the first you made. This will be the seat of the chair. Erase all extraneous lines that overlap the chair back.

7




Capture the domestic scene.

From each of the front corners of the chair's seat you have just drawn, using your ruler draw two lines 1/8 inch apart from each other that end approximately 1 inch short of the back legs of the chair. Connect these lines with a short horizontal line at the bottom. These are the front legs of the chair. Erase any extraneous lines that overlap the chair back.

8

Move to the right side of the table with your ruler and pencil. Repeat steps 5-7 to create a second chair at the table. Use your eraser to clean up any smudges or unwanted marks.

Building Patio Furniture

Building Basics

Patio furniture is rugged and made for the outdoors, so it can be built with basic tools like a drill, hammer and circular saw. You can fasten the parts of the furniture together with bolts or galvanized nails. It will look outdoorsy and be just as comfortable as indoor furniture. It will also be weatherproof and a lot less expensive.

Tables

Patio tables can be built by creating two simple leg frames made from 2-by-4 boards. You can brace them with cross sections and bolt everything together, then create a patio table top of long 2-by-6 boards. Just lay them side by side then attach a cross brace underneath them. Use a 2-by-4 for the brace. The table top can be attached to the legs. That is all that is involved. You really will only need to understand basic concepts, take measurements and know how to operate a saw.

Chairs

The chairs can be a little more challenging, but the same principals apply. Build legs out of 2-by-4 boards, then attach them to a seat and a back. You can opt to make benches as well, which are much simpler. This involves creating two leg braces, then using a 2-by-8 board for the seat. All of these can be bolted together or nailed together.

Staining and Finishing

The final step is going to be to stain or paint your furniture. Use red outdoor or exterior paint for the best results. Or, choose a natural stain to preserve the look of the wood. Either way, you need to be sure the furniture will resist rot and corrosion. If you can find, find a glossy finish, exterior latex that is easy to clean so you can maintain the furniture just by cleaning it.

How to Clean Teak Tables

Teak's durability and natural oil content make it an ideal material for outdoor furniture. Teak tables can stand up to the elements, resisting rain, sun and wind, plus insect damage. New teak is a golden color that fades to gray with time and weather exposure. Regular cleaning is necessary to maintain teak's beauty. Teak oil can protect the wood and maintain a shiny finish, but the extra oil feeds mold and mildew growth. If you decide to oil teak tables, clean them several times per season to prevent fungal growth. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1

Apply one-step teak cleaner to the table with a soft-bristled brush.

2

Scrub the teak table thoroughly with the brush and allow it to sit for 10 to 15 minutes.

3

Rinse the teak table thoroughly with a garden hose.

4

Dry the teak table with a towel. If desired, apply a thin layer of teak oil to the table with a soft cloth and wipe away any excess.

Metric System vs. American System

To deal with the great variety of units of measure used around the world, in 1790, the French government set out to create a set of international units that would be used by all countries. In 1960, the metric system was coined the International System of Units because of its international acceptance. The metric system is the standard in almost every country except the United States. In addition, the metric system is used almost exclusively in scientific studies.

Temperature

The metric system measures temperature in degrees Celsius, while the American system uses degrees Fahrenheit. To convert degrees Fahrenheit to degrees Celsius, subtract 32 and multiply by 5/9. The Celsius system sets 0 degrees at the temperature that water freezes and 100 degrees as the temperature that water boils. Fahrenheit uses 0 as the temperature generated when salt is used to melt ice and 96 as the temperature of a healthy human.

Volume

Volume in the metric system is measured in liters. In the American system, volume is measured with cups, pints, quarts and gallons. A liter is equal to 1.05 quarts. In the American system, 2 cups equal a pint, 2 pints equal a quart and 4 quarts equal a gallon.

Distance

The metric system uses meters, while the American system uses inches, feet, yards and miles. A meter is equal to about 3.28 feet. In the American system, 12 inches equals a foot, 3 feet equals a yard and 1,720 yards equals a mile.

Mass

The metric system measures weight in grams, while the American system uses pounds and ounces. A gram is equal to 0.0022 pounds. A pound is equivalent to 16 ounces.

Advantages of the Metric System

The metric system is advantageous because there is only 1 base unit---grams, liters or meters---for each type of measurement and all of the others are related by a factor of 10, using prefixes in front of the base unit. From the base unit, the prefix deci- represents 1/10 the size, the prefix centi- represents 1/100 the size and the prefix milli-represents 1/1,000 of the size. To represent larger sizes, the prefix deca- represents an amount 10 times as big, the prefix hecta- represents an amount 100 times as big and the prefix kilo- represents an amount 1,000 times as big.

Table Skirt Sewing Projects

Unlike table cloths, which are only meant to cover the surface of the table, table skirts reach all the way to the ground. This decorative touch is found most often on side tables and can easily be altered depending on the room's decor or situation. Whether it's as simple as adding a few decorative touches or creating a whole new atmosphere, with a bit of sewing ability you can alter a table skirt to fit your tastes.

Adding Shapes

When you want to add more color to a table skirt, or even just a touch of whimsy, adding brightly colored shapes or silhouettes is an uncomplicated way of doing so. For a little girl's room done in pinks and purples, use one color as the base of the table skirt and the other for the cut outs. On the extra fabric draw the outlines of whatever shapes (flowers, butterflies, fluffy clouds etc.) you wish to place on the table skirt then cut them out. The amount that you'll need will depend on how much of the background you want visible. Once all of the shapes are cut out, lay the table skirt flat and place the shapes in a pattern that most appeals to you then pin them in place. All that's left to do is to sew the shapes in place around the edges and trim off any excess threads.

Regal Appearance

Table skirts are usually available in only solid colors and when put in place can be a bit drab. A quick way to add a personal touch and better incorporate the table skirt into the rest of a room's decor is to create your own overskirt. The most basic of these require only a large square of fabric, matching thread, a needle and scissors. The size of the overskirt and the kind of fabric you use is entirely up to you. The thing to remember is that whatever size you make your overskirt, add an extra inch or two onto the edges so that you can hem it. Once you've sewn the hem onto your overskirt, you can add decorative touches like tassels onto the corners of with only a few quick stitches.

Combination Skirts

For a room with several accent colors or a vibrantly painted child's bedroom, a way to carry over those colors into the table skirt is to combine several table skirts into one. To start, you'll need two different colored table skirts. With a fabric marker, divide each table skirt into equal quarters and cut along the lines. When each skirt is in 4 pieces, exchange 2 pieces from each one (the easiest way is to exchange panels in the same position). Sew the table skirts back together by creating a raised seam along the underside so that when you place the skirts on the tables the stitches won't be visible.

How to Decorate With a Wingback Chair and an Ottoman

A wingback chair gets its name from its specific design structure. Such a chair has wings that rise up from the arms, along either side of the chair's back rest. Wingback chairs debuted in the 1700s, gaining popularity because they could shield the sitter from drafts common in houses of the period or the heat of a roaring fire. If you have the luxury of such a chair along with an ottoman, you'll need to decorate the room with these pieces in a way that maximizes the comfort they provide and that gives them the attention they deserve. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1

Purchase a wingback chair that complements the color or pattern of your couch or bed, but that doesn't match it exactly. Matching your chair exactly to the main pieces of furniture in the room will make the entire room look overly matched and slightly generic. For example, if your couch is blue, any shade of red, green, yellow or cream will complement the couch, if that color is part of your overall color scheme. In fact, a patterned blue wingback chair, such as a blue striped or blue floral chair will also match.

2

Place the wingback chair in a corner of the room, preferably in a corner that doesn't have a window. The wings of the chair will prevent the sitter from seeing the view from the window, so use one of the more undesirable and window-less corners of the room.

3

Place an ottoman in a matching fabric by the foot of the chair. While you can get away with using a complementary fabric that doesn't match as well, the ottoman really should look like an organic extension of the chair itself.

4

Place an accent table beside the wingback chair. If the wingback chair has dark fabric the table should be lighter, or vice versa, to create a sense of balance.

5

Place an overhanging standing lamp beside the chair to illuminate the area. The wings of the chair may prevent full illumination from a table top lamp.

How to Convert Inches to Metric Millimeters

The metric or international system defines a meter as the basic unit of measurement. One millimeter denoted as "mm" corresponds to 1/1000 of a meter and is equivalent to 1/10 of a centimeter. However, the Customary System adopted in the United States uses different units -- inches, for example. Use a calculator to convert a measurement in inches to millimeter units.

Instructions

1

Consider the basic relationship: 1 inch = 2.54 centimeters.

2

Multiply the length in inches by 2.54 to convert it to centimeters; for example if the length is 11.45 inches then 11.45 x 2.54 = 29.083 centimeters.

3

Multiply centimeters by 10 to convert the length to millimeters; in the example, 29.083 centimeters x 10 = 290.83 millimeters.

How to Hang a Mirror Over a Dining Room Table

Many designers use mirrors to bring style and elegance into their design themes. But you don't have to be a designer to use a mirror as a decorative accent. Adding a mirror to your dining room is an excellent way to create a new look for your space. Mirrors are a great way to open an enclosed space simply by positioning it adjacent to a window or light source. You can add even more drama to your dining room by placing the mirror a little lower on the wall and placing a tall centerpiece on your dining room table. There are many possibilities to what you can achieve. Use your imagination to develop your own style. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

Instructions

1

Obtaining accurate measurements is vital to achieving a uniformed design. Choose the feature wall and measure it from end to end. Locate the center and mark it.

2

Measure the length of the dining room table. Center the table in the middle of the feature wall.

3

Measure the height of the feature wall. Measure the length and width of the mirror. Find the center of the wall over the dining table, mark the center to hang the mirror.

4

Use a level to mark the spots to insert the nails. Mark 2 to 3 places on a straight line.

5

Tap in picture hanging nails on the indicated locations. The triple nail version is recommended for mirror hanging.

6

With the help of a partner, hang the mirror onto the nail by its hanging wire.

7

Use the level to ensure the mirror is straight on the wall's surface. Double-check to make sure the mirror and table are centered.

8

Add decorative accents to table and mirror if desired.

How to Learn Metric System in the Sixth Grade

Sixth-grade students are pre-teens who are capable of learning song lyrics or the rules to a new video game in a short time. Why? Because it interests them. The metric system on the other hand can end up boring a student. Approaching the subject in a creative and fun manner will make learning the metric system an easy task.

Instructions

1

Design a metric stair chart like the winner's platform at the Olympics with the addition of two more steps on each side. There are seven steps altogether. The middle one is for the specific measurement like; gram, liter, and meter. Draw a character that runs the chart from one stair to another. Let the students give the character a name.

2

Begin with a gram, the measurement of dry weight. Put the word "gram" on the middle step. To the right are measurements smaller than a gram. The first prefix to the right is deci, one-tenth of a gram. The next one is a centi, which is one-hundredth of a gram, and the last one is milli, which is one-thousandth of gram. Let students create a story or song that involves each stair.

3

Note that each stair to the right adds one zero to the right of the initial number. For instance; 1 meter equals 10 decimeters, 100 centimeters and 1,000 millimeters. Moving to the right on the ladder requires multiplying. An example is three meters equals 300 centimeters; two stairs to the right added two zeros. You can make the character grow or become smaller for each stair for visual effects.

4

Work toward the left of the middle stair to measurements that are larger than a meter. The first stair to the left of the middle is deka, which is 10 times larger than a meter. Next is hecto, 100 times larger than a meter. The last stair is kilo, which is 1,000 times larger than a meter. Moving to the left on the stairs is always divided or you can make it easier by moving the decimal to the left for each stair. For example 40 meters equal 4 dekameters because you moved one step to the left and moved the decimal point by one.

5

Identify the middle step as a meter to measure length, a gram to measure dry weight or a liter to measure liquids. Prefixes are used interchangeably with units of measure such as millimeter, milligram and milliliter. Create teams and let students compete for the correct answers.

6

Practice moving between stairs multiplying or adding zeros to the right and dividing and moving the decimal to the left. Make the scale fun by playing games.

How to Draw a Drafting Table

A drafting table is a table designed for artists and architects. Drafting tables have an angled drawing surface which tilts the items on the workspace toward the person seated at the table, much in the way that an easel is designed to hold a canvas angled toward a painter.

Instructions

1

Draw a horizontal line an inch long.

2

Draw a second horizontal line an inch long. This line will be half an inch to the right and half an inch below the line you drew in step 1.

3

Connect the left point of the first line to the left point of the second line by drawing a straight line between them. Connect the right point of the first line to the right point of the second line by drawing a straight line between them. You have just drawn a parallelogram. This is the top of the drafting table.

4

Draw a vertical line 3/4 inch long, the top of which connects to the bottom right point of the parallelogram. This is the front right leg of the table.

5

Draw a vertical line 3/4 inch long, the top of which connects to the bottom left point of the parallelogram. This is the front left leg of the table.

6

Draw another vertical line 1 inch long, the top of which connects to the top left point of the parallelogram. This is the back left leg of the table.

7

Draw a final 1/2-inch-long vertical line protruding from the bottom of the table between the front two legs. Position this line in such a way that if you extended the line another half an inch on the top, it would connect with the top right point of the parallelogram. This is the back right leg of the table.

Places to Buy Patio Furniture

Unless you happen to be fortunate enough to live in an area where moderate temperatures are the norm, most patio furniture is sold seasonally in garden supply stores, membership warehouses, and big box stores in late winter or early spring. Other outlet options are online retailers and specialty stores that sell patio and outdoor furniture year-round. Many independent brick-and-mortar stores showcase higher-end patio furniture produced by a variety of manufacturers. Does this Spark an idea?

Patiostore.com

Online retailer Patiostore.com carries a line of recycled products.

If you've done your research and have determined the style and maker of patio furniture suitable for your needs, online retailers offer an avenue for purchase. Patiostore.com, based in San Antonio, Texas, is an online retailer of patio furniture. Unlike some online retailers, Patiostore is not a spinoff of a brick-and-mortar store. Patiostore sells strictly online. The company carries recycled "green" items as well as a large inventory of traditional patio furniture made in a variety of durable outdoor materials.

Patiostore.com

3419 Northeast Parkway

San Antonio, TX 78218

888-814-7531

210-829-7531

patiostore.com

Tyndall's Casual Furniture

Independent retailers often offer custom and special-order items year-round.

Regionally available brick-and-mortar specialty retailers such as Tyndall's Casual Furniture, located in Delaware, are examples of independent retailers that offer casual furniture for indoor and outdoors rooms year-round. The inventory in these stores may swell during the spring and summer seasons. New items and new manufacturers are offered each season in addition to a steady inventory of items that are consistently strong performers year after year. Tyndall's offers delivery services to surrounding states. This is often the case with independent retail stores, so don't be afraid to consider them as a source for your patio furniture. These specialty retail stores tend to offer sales and service for special- or custom-order items that might not be available through an online or big box retailer.

Tyndall's Casual Furniture

16813 Coastal Hwy.

Lewes, DE 19958

302-645-2200

tyndallscasualfurniture.com

Seasonal Patio Furniture Sales

Large retailers offer seasonal items limited to a few manufacturers and styles.

At the end of each winter and into early spring, home and garden centers, big box stores, hardware stores, and membership warehouses sell limited lines of patio furniture. Home Depot, Lowe's, Sam's Club, Costco, K-Mart, Walmart, Target, and Ace Hardware offer seasonally available patio furniture. Discount retailers such as Big Lots, and department stores Sears, J.C. Penney, and Boscov's sell seasonal patio furniture as well. The amount and selection carried at these stores typically depends on store display space. The trick to purchasing your items from a seasonal retailer is to purchase at the beginning of the season when most items are available. If you plan to add to your outdoor furniture, it is best to purchase items within the same season, since many of these items are not repeated the next year.

How to Pick Decorative Accessories for the Dining Room

The central focus of dining rooms is usually the furniture--a large cherry wood table, antique chairs, an ornate chandelier or an heirloom china cabinet. These focal points can be complemented and dressed up further by the right accent pieces. Read on for some tips on how to pick decorative accessories for the dining room, and unify your entertaining space. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1

Use a notepad and pencil to write down all the measurements and information you need, and bring the pad with you when you shop.

2

First, consider all the existing finishes in the room. Do you have a lot of wood or metal finishes? Are all of the metal pieces black iron or shiny brass?

3

Consider the style of the room. Is it a formal or casual space? Is the furniture modern, traditional or eclectic?

4

Make note of the colors, of the walls, flooring, fabrics and any existing accessories. Don't forget about the table linens you use for entertaining--you don't want a new centerpiece to look great with the wood table top but clash with the tablecloth. If you think you might have difficulty matching the fabrics or other colors, try to bring samples with you to the store to assist you when making selections.

5

Consider the scale of the room. Do you have high ceilings and long bare walls? Is it a smaller space with very little room behind the dining chairs? Small accessories in a large room can look sad or ridiculous, and too large accessories can overpower a space or get in the guests' way.

6

Start with wall art. Be sure to measure the wall space before you shop. Large stores can often deceive the eye and make the art pieces look tiny. It's very easy to accidentally come home with paintings or prints that take up the whole room. Bring the tape measure to the store, as not all art is labeled with measurements. Make sure the frames on pictures complement your room's existing finishes. It's especially important to choose something that matches the style of your room. Art can stand on its own and doesn't have to match exactly, but avoid extremes. If you have a traditional, formal dining room with dark wood finishes, a pop art piece in a black metal frame will look jarring and out of place.

7

Choose pieces that are pleasant to look at. You and your guests will be eating in this room, so you want to choose photos, paintings or sculptures that are warm, soothing and appetizing. You'll often find special sections in home stores for kitchen and dining room art, with pictures that focus on food, flowers, or beautiful scenery. It's not necessary to choose food-themed art, but avoid anything too provocative, dark, or distracting. Mirrors can be a beautiful accent that can also make a room look larger, but not everyone wants to watch themselves eat. Consider hanging the piece higher on the wall, or using several small mirrored pieces rather than one large one.

8

The right centerpiece can enhance the beauty of your table and warm up the room. Consider the size of the table and the distance between the table surface and the chandelier. You don't want to select something too tall that will bump into your lighting. If you want to have the centerpiece on the table during meals, make sure it is not too tall to obscure guests' views of one another, or so wide that it interferes with the place settings.

9

A centerpiece can also be made up of a cluster of items. Stagger the pieces slightly and use objects of different heights. You can group a vase of fresh flowers, for example, with a slightly shorter sculpture and then a china or glass bowl.

10

Use unusual objects. A centerpiece doesn't have to be traditional. In a modern dining room, a glass sculpture can look beautiful. Formal, traditional dining rooms can have a cluster of antiques on the table--ceramic pieces, small wooden chests, even a birdcage. Take objects from around your house and try grouping them on the table, even if they don't match, just to see what sorts of styles and sizes of accessories look the most attractive.

11

Candles always make a beautiful statement in a dining room. A large hurricane candle holder can make a beautiful centerpiece, as well as pedestal candles grouped on a mirror to reflect the light. Traditional candelabras or pillar candles can also be spaced out along the center of the table, or placed on buffets or sideboard pieces. Once again, keep in mind the style of your room and choose neutral candle colors or match to your linens and dcor.

12

If you have additional furniture pieces in the room, china and serving dishes make for beautiful display objects. You can buy stands to display plates upright and show off the elegant patterns. Delicate china cups and saucers, elegant soup tureens, glass pitchers and silver serving sets also make for attractive accessories and suit the theme of the room.

13

A dining room can also be a great place to display collections. Inside the china cabinet, or on narrow shelves on the wall, you can exhibit your china figurines, clay sculptures, or fine crystal. Fine or unusual pieces can be admired by guests and be a great conversation starter. Like with wall art, consider the style of the room and the appropriateness of the pieces for dining room display.

14

Buy pieces together. Decorative accessories can be collected over time, but a nice way to unify the space and be sure that items work together is to buy them at the same time. If the store carries furniture as well, try your centerpiece displays out on an available table to see how the size, scale and color work together.

How to Clean a Granite Patio Table

Granite patio tables are built to endure wear and tear, and they can easily be cleaned with a mild cleansing agent. Granite adds an elegant touch to a patio furniture set, and by taking proper care of the table, it can keep its elegance for years of outdoor enjoyment. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

Cleaning the Table

1

In a spray bottle, add two cups of water. Then add two spoonfuls of liquid dish detergent (about two squirts). The detergent will break up food particles, dirt and debris that has accumulated on the granite table. This can be used as an everyday cleaner for your granite patio table.

2

Add in an optional cup of distilled white vinegar, which will clean the surface. Be sure to use only this type of vinegar, as others do not have the same disinfecting quality of distilled white vinegar.

3

Also add an optional 1/4-cup of baking soda, which will work as an added cleaning agent; it will also deodorize the granite surface.

4

Shake the bottle to combine ingredients, then spray it directly onto the granite patio table. Wipe it clean with a damp cloth or sponge, and repeat as needed until the table has been cleaned to your satisfaction.

Removing Stains from the Table

5

First blot as much of the stain as possible with paper towels. Many times this will collect the stain before it has a chance to set into the granite table.

6

Next, spray the cleaning solution onto the table, and repeat this application three to four times to remove the stain. This will remove most stains, requiring no additional work.

7

If the spray-on solution does not clean, use a dish to mix 1 cup of baking soda, and stir in water a few drops at a time until you have created a thick paste.

8

Apply a thick layer of the paste to the table, and let it sit until its dry. This will usually take several hours.

9

When the paste has fully dried, wipe the area clean with a damp cloth or sponge, and the stain should be removed entirely. If any stain remains, repeat this procedure again.

How to Decorate a Console Table

Usually situated in the entryway, the console table often serves as a catch-all for keys, mail and anything else that regularly comes and goes. Console tables, however, can also make strong design focal points, whether in the foyer, the living room, a bedroom or an upstairs hallway. The standard console is long and narrow, but you can creatively repurpose other pieces, such as a low dresser, if you have an ample area. While a minimalist might keep the console as bare as possible, the table offers a way to showcase small collections and add visual interest to a space. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1

Think about how you use your console table. Because they're long and narrow, most consoles are used as a place to put one or two lamps to bring soft light into a space. In the hallway, it may sometimes hold keys and mail; in the dining room, it may function as a sideboard during dinner parties. Keep the function of the table in mind as you decorate.

2

Consider the design aesthetic of your space. Use the console as a way to both reflect and magnify--or turn up the volume--on your home's overall vibe. While this is an abstract idea open to interpretation, it could mean creating a concentrated collection or adding bold touches of color to an otherwise monochromatic scheme. For example, a collection of turquoise vases of varying sizes and materials, or a large collection of seashells artfully displayed, both deliver more visual power on one surface than when spread throughout the home.

3

Make the table the focal point--or anchor--of the room through artwork. Consider centering a large mirror or piece of art above the table and designing around it. Keep the large piece proportional to the table. For example, if the table has a glass top and thin, iron legs, don't place an oversized, thick mahogany frame over it. The resulting look is top heavy.

4

Choose to go symmetrical or asymmetrical in the arrangement of objects and artwork. A symmetrical design is evenly balanced on both sides--one lamp on either end of the table, a large vase of flowers in the center and an oversized mirror centered on the wall flanked by two small pictures, for example. Symmetrical placement of objects tends to easily lend itself to a more formal look. Asymmetrical design, on the other hand, often comes off as more casual. You can achieve it by placing one lamp on the table alongside some randomly placed objects such as a stack of coffee-table books and a small statue; center a single piece of artwork to visually organize the look, or hang many smaller frames in a random pattern on the wall.

How to Decorate With Copper Top End Tables

The warm glow of copper offers the strong presence of the metal element to your home decorating. In Feng Shui, metal brings the luck of helpful people and brings auspicious energy into the home, according to Lillian Too, author of "Essential Feng Shui." To integrate copper top end tables into your interior decorating scheme, add accessories and other decorative elements that play off of and balance copper's warm tone. Add a strong copper ornament to create a triad with the end tables brings the room together. Working in groups of three adds balance to a home decorating theme. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1

Arrange the copper top end tables next to the main seats in the living room, great room or home theater area. For example, set the end tables at each end of the sofa or love seat that faces a picture window, fireplace, television or movie screen. For a room with armchairs, place the end tables to the right of the two main chairs.

2

Sit next to one of the end tables and reach over to it as though reaching for a drink. Adjust the position of the table, if needed so that it's in convenient reach of the seat. Check the second end table's location from the seat next to it.

3

Add an area rug in front of the main seats. This helps to define the space. Choose a rug with warm tones to work with the copper in the end tables. Colors found in nature, such as coral, salmon, olive, violet, turquoise, deep red, dark brown and tan complement copper. A patterned rug, for example a classic Oriental rug or a contemporary geometric or striped rug, allows you to bring multiple colors into the room.

4

Create a triangle of copper by centering a copper ornament midway between the copper top end tables, either in front of the seating area or behind it. For example, center a copper vase on the mantel, add a copper bowl to the middle of the cocktail table or display a copper sculpture on a sofa table or mantel. A sofa table is a long, narrow table that fits behind the sofa.

5

Select accent pillows -- throw pillows to display on the sofa or main chairs. Choose solid colors or a subtle print in two of the colors of the room. Accent pillows offer a convenient way to tie the room's colors together. For example, if you had cream drapes before you bought the copper top end tables and you still like them, pick some accent cushions in the colors from the drapes and the new rug, such as two pillows in turquoise and cream. Add two other cushions in a warm, solid color to go with the rug, such as coral.

6

Add decorative coasters to the copper top end tables to protect the finish. Choose a simple lamp in a matte finish for one or both tables, such as a contemporary lamp in black or an Art Deco lamp in aged brass. Add a tropical plant or terrarium the same height as the lamp to the other end table, if you opt for only one lamp. This will provide visual balance between the tables and bring more life into the room. The bright flowers of tropical plants go well with copper.

How to Convert English Measurements to Metric

English measurements are those measurements of length, area, volume, weight and other physical characteristics whose base units are demarcated in inches, feet, pounds and further base units found in the English standard system. Conversely, the metric system is the system of measurement that relies on base units of meters, liters, newtons and other metric base units. Since both systems are in common use as of 2011, procedures for converting from one system to the other have been developed. All base unit conversions may follow the same generalized procedure.

Instructions

Example: What Is the Metric Equivalent of Five Feet?

1

Write down the length you intend to convert. For the current example, this appears as "5 ft," representative of the English length of five feet.

2

Reference the appropriate conversion factor from a scientific textbook or a unit conversion website. The Washington State Department of Transportation hosts a useful reference on standard to metric conversion factors, which includes the length metric of 0.3048 meters per foot.

3

Use the calculator to multiply the original length -- in this case, 5 ft -- by the appropriate conversion factor. The desired end unit in the current example is a meter, so the referenced metric may be used in its originally written form of 0.3048 m/ft -- note that the meter unit appears on top and that the feet in both factors will cancel one another out in the conversion. Written out, this operation appears as (5 ft)(0.3048 m/ft) = 1.52 m.