Choose the Safety of Tempered Glass Table Tops

Posted by GuestPoster in Design Tips on November 30th, 2011 |  No Comments »

Tempered glass is much stronger and safer to use than regular glass, especially for high traffic areas.  It is designed not to break easily and when it does, it should not leave sharp edges.  This can be important if you live in a home with children.  Serious injury can result from broken glass so it’s important to make sure you use tempered glass for all of your glass table tops.

If you need custom glass table tops that are a different size or shape, you will need to have that cut prior to tempering the glass.  The edges will have to be polished flat and you may want to have them beveled for an elegant look.

When Do You Need Tempered Glass Table Tops?

Many people use round glass table tops to cover an existing wood top on a small table.  You would not need tempered glass for that since there is a strong base underneath.  However, any time you are using glass as the entire top, you will want to have it tempered.

Tempered glass is five times stronger than regular glass to hold up to frequent use.  For instance, if someone sets something down on your glass table tops with force, regular glass could crack or break.  Tempered glass will withstand rough treatment better than regular glass.

If you use glass for your outdoor furniture, you will need tempered glass table tops.  There is even more danger of broken glass with strong weather conditions.

You will need to choose the width of glass you use, but the standard is 3/8 to ½ inch thickness to provide the best stability.  If you want to go any thicker, you will have to consider the added weight onto your base.

Are Tempered Glass Table Tops Expensive?

The price of tempered glass table tops can vary, depending on the size and thickness.  It also depends on the kind of design you select.  The more complex the design is, the more expensive the glass table tops will be.

House Paint Colors for a Vibrant Kitchen

Posted by GuestPoster in Design Tips on November 29th, 2011 |  No Comments »

The kitchen may be the most frequently used room in the house. You don’t just cook and eat there—it’s where the kids do their homework, where family meetings take place and where you entertain friends and family. Why, then, does it get the least decorating attention? New house paint colors can give a personality as fun as your family’s.

Let’s start at the bottom. Putting color below your feet can add that personality in a completely unique way. Before making the final choice on house paint colors, test it on another surface and hold it against the wood floor to make sure it works with cabinetry and other elements. You can use stencils to create designs, too, but make sure they’re protected with several coats of treatment.

Color blocking is a big trend in the apparel fashion world right now, and it works great with house paint colors, too. Use two or three colors in large blocks to make a kitchen feel less formal. Use heavy dark colors for bottom cabinets and lighter, buttery colors for the walls. Want to keep it simple? Yellow walls with white cabinetry will set the stage for other accessories to stand out. Accent the kitchen with funky chandelier shades. Find an energizing pattern or personalize them yourself. Bright bar stools can perk up the kitchen, too.

Here’s a fun idea: if you have wall space in your kitchen turn it into a blackboard. You can transform the wall into a place to write grocery lists, take messages and leave notes with chalk that’s easily erased. Blackboard paint underpainted with magnetic paint can create a space to hang artwork and photos. House paint colors can come in handy for furniture, too. How about the kitchen table and chairs that aren’t exactly beautiful?  Lighten them up with a coat of white paint. Boring cabinetry can shine with a pop of bright color.

Personalizing your kitchen doesn’t mean you need to completely remodel it. The changes can as simple and cost-effective based on the house paint colors you choose. For more tips on painting in any room, visit CertaPro’s corporate website. Read through the blogs of color experts and interior designers. Once you land on your perfect hues, let CertaPro finish the job.