Table, Proper and Pretty!

Your paint color is lovely, your drapes drape beautifully, and your favorite chair is perfectly positioned near the window with a view of your roses. One thing is missing; the perfect table. You've got to have a table, right?

You've otherwise created the perfect spot to sit and chat on the phone and or sip your morning coffee or steal a few precious moments to read a book, newspaper, or magazine.... but where to manage the mug? Where to lay the lamp? Where to properly position puppy pictures?

Finding the perfect table sounds like an easy task until you actually set out to do it! Too tall? Too round? Too square? Too big? Too small?

It's enough to make you want to crawl into the above-mentioned chair and cover your head with the throw pillow!

Here are some rules of thumb to help you in your search. It's about visual balance, visual weight, and that golden rule of "form follows function".

You should take into consideration your body height when you are sitting in the chair. Hopefully your elbows rest comfortably on the arms of the chair without strain or slumping. Your table height should be no lower or higher than two inches above the top of the arm. The shape of the table should also be taken into consideration.

Are you forming a corner in a seating arrangement? Consider a square, rectangular or round top.

If you are nestling the chair and table beside a window, round or oval are perfect to create a harmonious space and follow the recommendations of feng shui by allowing the curves to softly move the energy, or qui, of that space.

And what about a lamp on your table? You should be able to sit comfortably in the chair and not be able to see the light bulb in the lamp, so a lamp base of approximately 15 to 18 inches, depending on your body height is a good size range for your table top lamp.

Now that you have your table size and shape determined, perhaps you will want to add a table skirt? Skirting a plywood table is an incredibly easy way to add extra storage to your room. Tuck of basket of your pup's toys underneath it, or a stack to books you want to get to, or a tub of coupons to be clipped.

Depending on which size you select, you might be able to find ready-made table skirts at a local linen or design stores. These readymade sizes are generally 72" round, which is very limiting. Making, or having custom made, your own skirt using fabrics that are complimentary to your décor, is the ideal solution. Consider using the same color and patterned fabric as your drapes or main upholstered piece, perhaps with a kerchief cover over the full size table cloth in a contrasting or textured design with tasseled or fringed ends for a beautifully detailed finish. There are many patterns and instructions available through your local sewing retailer.

You might also want to consider a glass top for your new table, cut to size and shape with polished edges from your local glass supplier. Peace of mind from the damage of drips or spills and protection of your table cloth or wood surface is worth the cost of the glass. It's easy to make a template by putting your table face down onto a sheet of old newspaper, trace around the table edge neatly with a marker, and deliver it to the glass cutters. They can have your glass top ready for you usually within 24 hours!

Once you've determined your height, shape, and details of your new table, and have it nestled beside your favorite chair, go ahead and take a seat, take a deep breath, .and welcome yourself to your new favorite spot in the house!