| How to Decorate a Sofa Table Behind a Couch Posted: 13 Mar 2019 05:00 PM PDT Sofa tables are a great way to utilize space in a living room. When decorating your sofa table, remember that you want the table to be as practical as possible. Make space to store your remotes and favorite books. Include a few lamps on the table to create a warm and inviting space. When assembling your accessories, try to create a balance of height and color across the table. Have fun decorating your table, and remember to express your personal style as much as possible and include items that are meaningful to you! EditChoosing Accessories - Add a lamp or 2 to create a warm atmosphere on your couch. Lighting is one of the most effective ways to create a pleasant atmosphere in a space. Position a lamp on one side of the table to create a striking look, or place lamps on either side of the table to make a symmetrical look. Choose light bulbs that have yellow tones instead of blue tones to create a warmer atmosphere.[1]
- Choose lamps that fit with your personal style and match the colors in the rest of your room.
- Make sure the lamps are proportional to the size of your sofa table so they look good together.
- Purchase boxes or dishes to store remotes. Most homes have at least a few remotes, and you can keep them all in one handy place on your sofa table. If you have lots of remotes, a box is a good way to keep them all in one place. If you only have 1 or 2 remotes, a shallow dish is an aesthetically pleasing way to store the remotes.[2]
- If you have lots of remotes that you don't use often, store them in the drawer if your sofa table has one or somewhere out of sight. Only place the remotes you use most days on the sofa table. Keeping the sofa table uncluttered will make it look much more elegant.
- Include candles or diffusers to add decoration and scent. Add nice smells to your living room to make the area feel inviting and luxurious. Choose a decorative candle that fits the color scheme of your lounge and has a pleasant scent. Use multiple candles to create a trendy look, but be cautious of combining too many scents as this can become overwhelming. [3]
- If you have small children or rowdy pets, candles on sofa tables are best for decorative purposes rather than for functionality. Sofa tables often get bumped making them an unsafe place for open flames, so stick to battery-operated candles instead.
- Purchase candles and diffusers from homeware stores.
- Potpourri makes great decoration as well as making your home smell great!
- Add a plant to the table if you want to create a fresh atmosphere. Plants help to improve the air quality in a room and can heighten people's sense of wellbeing. If you want your plants to be a focal point of the table, choose a large plant with thick leaves. If you want the plants to be a small feature, choose a delicate plant with small, thin leaves.[4]
- A rubber fig is a beautiful indoor plant with thick leaves. If you want a more delicate option, the maidenhair fern is a lovely option.
- If you struggle to keep plants alive, consider choosing an artificial plant or a cactus.
- Choose a flowering pot plant if you want to add color to the table.
- Check to see if the plants are poisonous to pets before putting them in your home.
- Stack a few of your favorite books or magazines in a tidy pile. Sofa tables work best if they are practical. If you love to read, include a few books on your sofa table so that they are within easy reach for reading. Stack the books so that the table doesn't look cluttered.[5]
- Place a book with a nice cover on the top of the stack.
- Choose books that are similar in size so that the stack doesn't fall over.
- If you don't like reading, consider having a few interesting coffee table books on the table for guests to browse through.
- Pick a few favorite ornaments to add a personal touch to the table. Less is more when it comes to sofa tables. Keeping the space uncluttered will make the area feel peaceful. However, a few meaningful items will make the table feel more personal and less stark. Choose a few ornaments that are meaningful to you and match the colors in your living room.[6]
- If there is a stack of books on your table, consider placing a small ornament on top of the stack. This will add multiple layers to the space.
- A pinecone, a small figurine, or a small clock are all good options.
- Switch out the ornaments each season to keep your decor looking fresh.
- Place stools or chairs around the table if there is room. If your sofa table and couch are in the middle of the room, a good way to maximize the utility of the table is to add seating. This enables the table to be used as a dining table as well as allows you to pull out extra chairs when you have guests. Choose chairs that aren't too chunky so that they don't distract from the table. Place the chairs behind the table rather than at the side of the table.[7]
- If you think that chairs will make the room look too cluttered, consider purchasing ottomans instead. These can be pushed under the table when they aren't be used.
- Generally, 2 or 3 chairs will fit comfortably under most sofa tables.
- Add decorative baskets or store extra items under the table if it has a bottom shelf.
EditConsidering Design Principles - Add height to your sofa table if you have high ceilings. The side table will look most effective if the height of the objects on the table are proportionate to the height of the room. If you have low ceilings, keep the decorations on the table fairly low. If the ceilings are high, pick taller objects to display on the table.[8]
- Consider stacking objects to create height. For example, place an ornament on top of a magazine box.
- Lamps, vases, and plants are simple ways to add height to the table.
- Balance the height of objects on the table. Create an aesthetically pleasing space distributing your decorations across the table in a symmetrical manner. The objects don't have to be the same in order to create symmetry. Simply look for objects that are similar heights.[9]
- For example, if you have a tall plant on one side of the table, place a tall candle or lamp at the other end of the table.
- Space apart the tall items so they aren't all together.
- Distribute color evenly across the table. Avoid using bright blue at one end of the table and lime green at the other end of the table. Instead, use similar colors at each end to create symmetry. This can be achieved through small splashes of color.[10]
- For example, have an orange sculpture at one end of the table and a photograph of an orange sunset at the other end of the table.
- Use one brightly colored decoration to draw attention to it.
- Choose a large conversational object to be the focal point of the table. Spaces work best when there is a focal point in the middle. Sofa tables are often used when hosting guests so consider choosing items that will generate conversation. Interesting books and items that you purchased when traveling are good options.[11]
- The focal point is a good way to integrate color into the table, especially if the rest of the decorations are neutral colors. Choose an item that complements the color of the walls and couches. Don't be afraid to pick a bold or bright color.
- You don't need to fill the table completely. Just using a few items can make a huge impact.
EditSources and Citations
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| How to Write a Receipt Posted: 13 Mar 2019 09:00 AM PDT Receipts serve as a document for customer payments and as a record of sale. If you want to provide a customer with a receipt, you can handwrite one on a piece of paper or create one digitally using a template or software system. If you plan on doing business, it's important that you know how to properly write a receipt for proper documentation, tax purposes, and to protect yourself and your customers. EditSample Receipts EditHandwriting a Receipt - Buy a receipt book to make writing receipts easier. You can purchase a 2 part carbonless receipt book online or at an office supply store or one that has several sheets of reusable carbon paper. These booklets are usually prenumbered and already have the receipt headings in place. Make sure to get booklets with 2 part forms so that you get a copy that you can keep for your records. If you don't have a booklet on hand, you can simply handwrite receipts on a piece of paper and photocopy them.[1]
- Make sure that the carbon paper is between the original and the copy before starting to write a receipt.
- Use a pen when handwriting receipts, making sure to press down firmly so that the information transfers to the copy.
- Write the receipt number and date on the top right. Write out the full date that you made the sale and a chronologically ordered receipt number under it. Each receipt should have a number so that you can keep track of each sale throughout the day. For the receipt number, start with 001 and go up one number for every receipt. You can do this ahead of time so you don't need to write it every time you make a sale.[2]
- For example, the top right of the receipt would look something like:
January 20, 2019
004 - You can reset the receipt numbers every day as long as you also write the date on every receipt.
- Most receipt booklets will already have a different receipt number for each receipt.
- Write your company name and contact information in the top left. Write your company phone number and address under the company name. You can also include other details like the website, social media accounts, and/or operating hours. This information will serve as proof that your company made the sale and will help the customer contact you if they need to.[3]
- If you don't have a company, write your full name instead of a company name.
- Skip a line and write down the items purchased and their cost. Write the name of the item on the left side of the receipt and write the cost of each item on the right side of the receipt. If you sold more than one item, list the items and their prices in a row.[4]
- For example, an itemized list on a receipt should look something like:
Toilet paper………..$4
Comb………………$3
Moisturizer………...$20 - Write the subtotal below all of the items. The subtotal is the cost of all the items before taxes and additional fees. Add up the cost of each of the items that you sold and write the total number under the list of item prices. [5]
- To be accurate, use a calculator to add up the items.
- The subtotal should look something like:
Toilet paper………..$4
Comb………………$3
Moisturizer………...$20
SUBTOTAL………..$27 - Add taxes and other charges to the subtotal for the grand total. List the name of the tax or additional charges on the left side of the receipt and transcribe their cost on the right side of the receipt. Then, add any applicable fees and taxes to the subtotal to get the grand total, or the amount that the customer has to pay.[6]
- The grand total should look something like:
SUBTOTAL………..$27
Sales Tax………….$5.50
Shipping…………..$3
GRAND TOTAL…..$35.50 - Write down the payment method and the customer's name. The payment method could be cash, check, or credit card. On the last line of the receipt write the customer's full name. If they paid by credit card, have them sign the bottom of the receipt. Then, make a copy of the receipt and keep it for your records and hand the customer the original receipt.[7]
EditMaking a Digital Receipt - Download a receipt template for an easy digital solution. If you are providing someone a receipt online, it may be easier to write the receipt on the computer. In this case, search for receipt templates online and download one that suits your needs. Then, fill in all the applicable fields using a word processor and send the customer a copy of the receipt.[8]
- Remember to include the date of sale for any receipt that you write.
- Only download templates from sites that look reputable.
- Use software to create receipts with a professional look. Compare paid and free receipt generating software programs and download the one that best suits your needs. Set up the program and fill in your company name and information on the settings tab. Then, it's just a matter of properly filling in the applicable fields. Once you're done, the program will generate a professional-looking receipt for you to give to the customer, and will log the receipt in its database so you can refer to it later.[9]
- Popular receipt programs include NeatReceipts, Certify, and Shoeboxed.
- You can also upload your company logo so that it shows up on the customer copy of the receipt.
- Use a POS system for highly accurate receipt management. A POS, or Point of Sale system, is a system that helps you track business expenses, sales, receipts, and can process payments like checks and credit cards. This system will automatically generate a receipt for the customer at the point of sale and log the sale in your database. Compare different POS systems online and choose one that fits your needs. Then, download the system onto your computer and work with customer support to get automatic receipts generated every time you make a sale.[10]
- Popular POS systems include Vend, Shopify, and Square Up.
- Many POS systems can now be downloaded on your phone, tablet, or computer.
EditSources and Citations EditQuick Summary
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| How to Build a Milk Carton Birdhouse Posted: 13 Mar 2019 01:00 AM PDT Making a birdhouse out of a milk carton is a fun and easy project. If you're a parent or teacher, it's a great way to teach kids about nature, arts and crafts, and recycling. All you'll need is a utility knife and a few other simple tools. In no time at all, you can turn an ordinary milk carton into a creative, environmentally-friendly shelter for nearby feathered friends. EditConstructing Your Birdhouse - Rinse out the milk carton with dish soap and warm water. If you're recycling a container that held milk or juice, wash it out thoroughly before turning it into a birdhouse. Be sure to rinse away all soapy residue, then let the carton dry completely.[1]
- For best results, use a or carton. Small, single serving milk cartons aren't large enough to use as birdhouses.
- Cut out a hole on 1 side of the carton. Trace a circle on a side of the carton about from the bottom. Then use a utility knife or scissors to cut out the circle. The hole will allow birds to enter the birdhouse.[2]
- The right size for the hole depends on the birds in your area. For most wrens and songbirds, a hole is ideal. If you want to attract larger birds, such as screech owls, make the hole in diameter.
- Use caution with blades and other sharp objects. If necessary, have an adult help you cut the carton.
- To trace a perfect circle, use the bottom of a measuring cup, bottle cap, or other round object that's in diameter.
- Poke small drainage holes into the bottom of the carton. Use an ice pick, leather awl, or skewer to make small holes at each corner on the carton's underside. The holes will provide ventilation and prevent water from pooling inside the house.[3]
- Remember to be careful with sharp tools and, if necessary, to get help from an adult.
- Punch a hole at the top so you can hang the birdhouse. Use a hole puncher to make a hole at the top of the carton where the slanted sides come together to form a flat edge. Position the hole in the middle of the top edge so the birdhouse's weight will be evenly distributed when it hangs.[4]
- Try to punch the hole at least down the top edge of the carton. If you make the hole too close to the very top, the string might tear through the carton when you hang it.
EditAdding Decorations - Glue sticks to the top of the carton to make a roof. Cut popsicle sticks or twigs from the yard with scissors or pruning shears. Each should be about long. Then paste them to the slanted sides at the top of the carton to form an overhanging roof.[5]
- The exact number of sticks you'll need depends on their size. Most milk carton are wide. If you have sticks, you'd need around 8 to 10 of them to cover each slanted side of the carton's top.
- Craft glue should start to dry in 5 to 10 minutes, but you should wait at least 24 hours before putting the birdhouse outside. That'll give the glue time to fully cure. Otherwise, any moisture or humidity outside could weaken the bond.
- The roof will provide shade and direct rainwater away from the birdhouse's opening.
- Paint the carton's exterior with water-based paint, if desired. If you'd like to add some color to your birdhouse, start with a coat of white primer to conceal writing and logos on the carton. Allow the first coat to dry for 4 to 6 hours, or according to the instructions, then add 1 to 2 top coats in a color of your choice.[6]
- As for color choice, go with a lighter hue. Generally, bird's aren't picky about the color of their shelter, but darker shades absorb light and can lead to overheating. Additionally, bright colors could attract predators, so it's best to go with a less conspicuous option, such as tan, gray, or green.
- Try pasting buttons or construction paper cutouts onto the carton. To add personality to your birdhouse, you could also paste buttons, googly eyes, or other crafty details onto it. Try making flower designs with buttons, pasting leaf-shaped colored paper cutouts all over the carton, or decorating it to look like a bird.[7]
- You could even decorate the birdhouse to make it look like your own home. Paint it the same color as your home, make windows and other details out of construction paper cutouts, then paste the cutouts onto the birdhouse when the paint is dry.
- Avoid using shiny or reflective decorations, which could scare birds away.
EditHanging the Birdhouse - Choose a quiet spot in your yard that's within view of a window. Hang your birdhouse from a branch, eave, or other sturdy fixture. Look for a spot that's away from car and foot traffic so any hatchlings in the nest will have privacy. At a minimum, hang the birdhouse away from areas of activity.[8]
- While the spot should be secluded, it should still be visible from a window or patio so you can admire your new feathered friends.
- Tie string or yarn through the hole at the top of the carton. Loop the string through the hole, then tie it securely in a double knot. Measure the height of the branch or post you'll hang the birdhouse from to find the right length for the string. The string should be long enough so the birdhouse hangs at least above the ground.[9]
- Hanging birdhouse at least above the ground will help keep out snakes, insects, and other predators and pests.
- For instance, if you plan on hanging the birdhouse from a branch, the string should be less than long.
- Use a string made out of nylon or another synthetic material instead of one made of cotton twine. Natural fibers wear away over time. Additionally, go with a sturdy product with a diameter of at least 2 millimeters (#30 gauge or higher).
- Place small rocks or sand inside the carton to anchor it against the wind. To help prevent the birdhouse from blowing around wildly in the wind, line the bottom with sand, gravel, or small rocks. A layer should be enough to anchor the birdhouse.[10]
- You can just use pebbles or rocks from your yard; there's no need to use a store-bought product.
- Hang the box at least off of the ground. Loop the end of the string that's not tied to the birdhouse around a branch, then tie it in a tight double knot. The best time to hang your birdhouse is in the late winter or early spring. That way, birds will have time to notice it and select it as a nesting site.[11]
- If you want to use the carton as a bird feeder, simply add bird seed up to the circular opening. Check the feeder every week or so and refill it when necessary.
- It'll take time for birds to notice your birdhouse, so be patient.[12]
- For the best chances of attracting birds, construct the house in fall or winter so fumes from any paint or glue dissipate.
- If spring and summer have passed and you haven't attracted any birds, try changing the house's location. Some birds prefer more stable nesting sites, so tying it securely to a tree trunk instead of hanging it may also help.[13]
- There's no need to add a perch to the entrance hole. A perch would just make it easier for predators to get into the house.[14]
- Be careful with scissors, ice picks, utility knives, and other sharp tools. If necessary, ask an adult for permission or help.
EditThings You'll Need - or milk carton
- Pencil
- Utility knife or scissors
- Ice pick or skewer
- Hole puncher
- Glue
- Popsicle sticks or twigs
- String or yarn
- Non-toxic, water-based paint (optional)
- Paintbrush (optional)
- Construction paper (optional)
EditSources and Citations
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