I went to a couple of local stores today, just randomly chosen because they looked like they would carry formal dining furniture (Walter E. Smithe, Thomasville, and Drexel Heritage). As I expected no one had oak (except for mission which stylistically will not go with my china cabinet). So I looked for woods that were the right reddish brown color, which turned out to be, for the most part, mahogany. What I saw in all of these stores seemed to be really nice quality but I did experience sticker shock. (More from the price of the chairs than the tables: is $300 and up per chair normal? ArghÂ) I realize I havenÂt shopped for much furniture; when our kids were small utility ruled, and most of my good pieces are family antiques that I refinished myself. Subtracting the styles that wouldnÂt go and ones with distressing (I donÂt like distressing, at least not on a formal dining table), that left really only 2 tables found in 4 stores, one by Henredon and one by Thomasville. All of the stores said they had few styles on display but could order anything from the manufacturer. However ordering was what I didnÂt want to do, since I want to see the wood and workmanship close up. If I have to order anyway I might as well do it online. I have read about people on these forums ordering online but I have been concerned about getting something that is not the quality I am imagining. Are there any brands or vendors in particular I should look for, so I will not be disappointed? Thanks for any advice you can offer.

I had a friend in a similar situation, but a different fridge height. She went to a really good local appliance store and they removed a piece of trim from one of the fridges to get that crucial half-inch! So examine everything that's removable, like feet, trim, etc. Then the delivery guys measured again before they slid it in. (I know from experience with this store that they would have taken everything back, no charge.)

I have a Sharp microwave drawer and love it. It fits a 9x13 dish great. Has a melt butter/chocolate and soften ice cream setting. It takes up the space of 2 drawers in my base cabinets but I still have a deep drawer beneath the microwave. They come in either 24" or 30" wide units to fit either size drawer base. The interior size is the same in both models. As I am short no more pulling heavy full dishes out of the nuker from over my head. Hubby is 6' and likes it too. There is a turntable I would like to get for mine to save me from doing the 1/2 turn half way through cooking the TV dinners I so skillfully prepare.

You need the plastic glass spacers to keep the glass safely on the base. Place a large enough plant or blown glass centerpiece on the table to divert your attention. As for your rug, any of the grey, orange, blue or white rugs could be successful options to work with your existing rug. All shown are from Overstock. Of course a solid rug is also a given. Good Luck