Living in a rather cramp space need not mean mad scramble to hide dirty clothes when friends come over; it does not mean that you have to shove all the unwashed dishes and all other junks from the dining table when a group arrives. All it takes is a lot of imagination and resourcefulness to make the small space a haven where you can entertain friends with pride and joy.

If you have recently moved into an apartment, purchasing furniture need to be carefully thought out. It wouldn’t do to pick any furnishing just because it catches your fancy. You need to consider space saving furnishings that would provide multiple functions as well as blend in with all the other furniture to create an attractive looking room. Coffee tables that have hidden stools underneath, sofas that double up as beds, decorative cabinets with ample storage space, stackable chairs as well as bean bags for kids are good choices.

If you usually ask friends over for a get together or for a dinner party, a smaller apartment need not cramp your usual style. A drop leaf gateleg dining table would be a wise choice as this would not take too much space when not in use. Seating extra guests would no longer be a problem. You only need to make small adjustment to the arrangement of other room furnishings to have more space to set up the gateleg dining table.

Dining tables of this kind was first introduced during the middle of the 17^th century in America. During the colonial days, these oak or walnut gateleg tables feature decorative turnings on chunky legs. This leg and apron assembly called gate that are hinged to the table’s framework would swing out to support the drop leaf ends that are hinged to the main table top.

A single gate is enough to support the drop leaf of a small table but it would need two fold away legs to support bigger leaves to fashion a larger dining table. The gates can be on one side or on both sides of the tables. This option will depend on the additional table space you would need. The drop leaf ends would determine the shape of the table. A round or oval dining table would need a rounded drop leaf while an unshaped straight leaf would form a rectangular dining table.

Innovative and stylishly designed gateleg tables are great flexible options for crowded spaces. A table that is usually used by a family of four can easily seat 6 or 8 persons if the drop leaf ends are set up and used. Extra table space will not be a problem if you want to entertain as the table can easily accommodate your extra guests.

The outdoor provides enjoyment. It gives the person a chance to catch up with his reading, concoct absurdly delicious barbeque and reflect. Do you find comfort in the sound of running water? A little water works in your garden will do the trick. Want to catch up with your reading? Install a round gateleg table and a few chairs. With this, you’ll be reading in no time. This article will focus on one of the elements that will comprise your own piece of paradise—lawn furniture, particularly wooden tables.

But before you purchase such item, one must first measure. Measure the patio space. How big is it? Can it accommodate a round gateleg table and a couple of chairs? How about the pathway? Does one have sufficient walking space? In an estimate, how many will be using the same? Will four chairs be enough?

Who will use the table? How will the table be used? A round gateleg table is appropriate for a leisurely weekend with the family that involves snack, munchies, chatters and conversations. A rectangular gateleg table is best used when playing board games.

Have you noticed that I often used gateleg as an example? This is due to the fact that gatelegs can be easily tucked away when not in use. This will give you the option to fold the round gateleg table to keep the elements at bay. Furthermore, the ideal wood for outdoors, which is teak, costs a fortune. However, you can always go for some wood alternative.

This girl knows how to spot a reproduction. Probably she developed the same through her trips all around the state. With all the antique spots she had been, she always gets giggly when she sees flea markets. Not only can she haggle, she can pick up tips and immerse herself in history too. To be honest, I was surprise with the information these merchants have towards their antique products. I was with her when she bought the antique gateleg table. The man told us that during the 17^th century, almost all gateleg tables were circular and same brought forth the birth of intimate dining. Back in those days, the tables were rectangular, one sitting on the right end while the other on the left end. When you have a fight with your mom, having a round table is no help.

Going back to the antique reproduction, she told me to look out for items that looked too pristine. Those that are too shinny. Those with missing date stamps. If one of these signs is present, you better back off. You’re probably dealing with a shady character.

Other tips require that you look for nicks, scratches and/or dents in the item. If there are too many imperfections, that will decrease the value of the ‘antique.’ This reminds me, when she bought the antique gateleg table, the merchant was nice enough to walk us through the do’s and don’ts with regards to antiquing. My friend always has her handy notebook with her to jot down notes from merchants and owners alike.

Do you want to spot the not? Why not try your hand in antiquing? Don’t forget to bring your notebook with you, ok? 

There are various considerations when buying the ideal dining table for the family. You should consider Space, Budget and Eating Capacity. We have a big extended family that comes over every Sunday. That’s why we bought the oak gateleg table as an extension of the mahogany table we’re currently using. What’s good about this type is that it can be effortlessly mounted and removed. Here’s some item to consider when buying a dining table:

1. Measurements. As not to end buying the wrong size, you must be certain and exact with the measurements, not only of the space where the table will be placed but also of the door where the same will be entering. When measuring, provide an allowance of space to allow people to move around. You don’t want to have your families literally rubbing elbows with one another, right?

2. Leaves. If your door proves to be your rival every time you try to get a table in, then it is advisable that you buy the one with leaves or flaps like that of the oak gateleg table. 

3. Style. Before grabbing any item and sprinting to the next open cashier, make sure that you know exactly what you’re going to buy. Whatever theme you want your dining room to radiate; be it contemporary, classic or country, make certain that same will jive with the rest of the existing furniture.

4. Budget. Set your limits, only buy what is needed. Shop for add-ons after obtaining all necessary items.

5. Maintenance. Does the table need high maintenance? Will the owner be required to apply polish and sealer monthly? Will you perform maintenance as demanded by such piece of furniture?

I don’t think that the oak gateleg table we purchased need much polishing. Occasional wiping and dusting will do. I’ll probably apply a coat or two of the polish and the sealer quarterly. Or I can follow the directions written at the back of the polish and sealer—to be safe. 

Hopefully, our wooden pieces will not take the same trip to the pith as that of the other biodegradable. Wood furniture is usually made from hardwood like teak, maple, rosewood, mahogany and oak. These woods are of excellent quality and it would be a waste to throw it away or turn it into wood chips for the weekend’s barbeque.

Could you imagine a maple folding gateleg table being hacked and set to flames? You might even be burning antique furniture. However, we have to admit that the styles of such furniture are a little bit off tangent, particularly with the young. But you may opt to redesign the same and make it your next family project. You can glue pictures on the table then apply a coating or two of decoupage.

Another option is to create new furniture out of run down pieces. A bit of carpentry know-how will get you through this project. Or you can use them as displays. Let’s go back to the folding gateleg table example. Once neatly folded, the same may be mounted on walls. Just install a hook that will allow the table to be suspended at least a couple of inches above the floor.

By experience, we have this pine gateleg table that wobbles and we had stuck some newspapers underneath to balance it off and it worked wonders but only for a couple of weeks only. If you’re still using such method, I advise that you read on.

First you have to identify the problem. Is the problem due to a loose leg or a missing cork, a low spot or a bump on the floor? In our case, we discovered that it wasn’t just the pine gateleg table, it was the floor too.

If it’s the table, make your way up the joints and see how it holds together. Can you see some wood screw or wood glue? If it’s the former, one can easily tighten or replace the screw. If it’s glued, get an L bracket and extra strength industrial glue. Tip over the table apply the glue and screw the bracket.

There are also instances that the problem is caused by a worn out cork found under the legs. These are the padding used to avoid friction and scratches between the table and the floor. Visit your local hardware store and buy a set. More often than not, if one is already deteriorating, soon the other corks will be heading on the same path too.

If one leg is clearly longer, you may opt to purchase a wood file. Start filing because this will take a while and don’t dare use a saw, you don’t want cutting off more than necessary. To be frank, this was the method my dad used on our pine gateleg table. He kept on tipping the table to check the level. He did it again and again and again. And finally he was able to level the table.

These tips worked for us, I hope it’ll work for you too.

With a lot of choices that the market offers, how can one spot quality wood furniture? Here’s how.

Material. There’s solid wood and then there’s sheets or layers of thin wood, which is called wood veneers. Here’s the scale: on the left you have high quality, expensive wood while on the right you have a slightly lesser quality but is affordable.

These are your hardwood. Maple, oak and cherry trees are a few of the more popular hardwood in the market. On the flip side, trees such as cedar and pine are considered softwood. If you like intricate carvings, then softwood is for you. Hardwood can also reflect elaborate carvings like an elegant mahogany gateleg table. If your budget allows you to invest in solid wood then by all means purchase the same.

Construction. How was the wood parts joined together? Are they nailed together? Or stapled together? Good craftsmanship is equated to seamless and tight transition from joint to joint.

Duration. Will the furniture that you’re looking for need to last a lifetime? Or close to that? How will it be used? More often than not, children would climb up the table. Do you need one that could handle the weight of a typical toddler?

For decades, we have in our house a mahogany gateleg table that miraculously endured continuous burden from four very active children. For the drawers, make certain that same slides smoothly, whether it be the push or pull motion. Are the knobs glued or screwed? Check the little details.

Look Inside. It doesn’t follow that if the furniture seems well-made, the insides are too. That’s why you need to check the insides of the pine drawers and teak cabinets. Look underneath the mahogany gateleg table. Don’t assume anything. You should see for yourself if such piece is really of quality.

This is the garden that you wish you could have. But for that to happen, you need to break the bank or burn a hole in your pocket but I bet you can do a wonderful job even if it is a DIY project. Here are pointers when one is landscaping on a budget.

Before sticking anything on the ground, one must first do a little research. Visit the public library. Know the types of plants that will prosper in your locale. Do you need drought resistant plants? Or are cold resistant plants more appropriate?

When you’re at it, try to visualize what you want in your garden. Will you need seats? How about a similar teak gateleg table like that of your neighbor? Will such table survive when placed against the elements? Try to do all research on the same day so as not to waste valuable time.

Make a list of what you have, what you need and what you can get for free—well, not really free but it’s so cheap that it’s considered free like old teak chairs or old teak gateleg tables from garage sales or flea markets. Teak lawn furniture is not cheap, but if you’re patient and persistent enough, you might get one. Go to thrift shops, auction houses, garage sales, furniture shops or you can even ask your family and friends if they have spare lawn furniture.

Look for inspiration. Browse magazines, surf the Internet, go window shopping. Don’t be scared to look into expensive items, even in showrooms. There’s a good chance that you’ll get a feel of what items go together and what colors blend well. In addition, you’ll be able to determine the ideal arrangement that’ll cause the room to open up. One can also find inspiration in the web. Would you want your room to exude a certain era or a period in time? A Jacobean gateleg dining table will teleport you to the 17^th century while a Victorian settee will give you the 19^th century feel.

Visualize big, open spaces. Purchase furniture that can easily be tucked away like a gateleg dining table. The size of said table can be modified depending on the number of people that need to be accommodated. Open the leaves to produce more surface area when entertaining guests, fold the same for individual usage. Not only will you save space, you’ll be creating new one too.

Think vertical. Tall book shelves, tall entertainment units, anything slim and tall will do. Bulky furniture is out, slim is in.

Light colors. Light colors make a room appear larger, while dark colors tend to recede space.

As mentioned, it is handy to have items that can be folded or stacked then hidden. Like the gateleg dining table and the wall bed. A sofa bed will also do the trick. These are a few of the space saving tips. You may or may not follow these things, but so long as your approach is working for you, then it’s all good.

Space: Make sure that the item you’ll be buying will fit through the door and into the area where it’s supposed to be. Do you enjoy the luxury or space? Or are you trying to make your room seem to have the luxury of space? Will you opt for a long running table or will a gateleg drop leaf table suffice?

Canvass: Go to uncharted territories, visit thrift shops, garage sales, even your neighbor’s basement or attic. You are bound to discover everything from plastic trinkets and bargain knickknacks to genuine antique like a gateleg drop leaf table and an expensively chipped china set.

Budget: The measurements are tagged as specifications, but budget is tagged as limitations. Those that are clearly beyond your budget must go. Let’s take the gateleg drop leaf table for example. The market offers genuine, reproduction and contemporary style of gateleg drop leaf table with an amount that plays between hundred to thousands. Why buy a thousand dollar worth of antique gateleg table when you can opt for the contemporary look without burning your pocket?

The Art of haggling: Remember, when dad said stretch a buck? With this you’ll make him proud. But beware; too much haggling may turn a pleasant shop owner into a horrendous cheapskate shooing creature.

Whether you obtain a priceless piece or not, make sure that the furniture you bought will not only provide aesthetics but functionality as well.