Tables are one of the most common furniture in a household. It can be found in the living room, dining room, and even in bedrooms. Basically, a table is a type of furniture with a flat surface and four legs. The flat surface is used as a place where you could temporarily place items for decoration or general use. They are usually accompanied with chairs depending on the type.

The word table comes from both the French "table" and Old English "tabele", which was originally derived from the Latin "tabula" which means "a board, plank, or flat piece". "Tabula" then took the meaning previously reserved for "mensa" in Late Latin. "Mensa" may have been the influence for the word "mesa" in Spanish which is also translated as "table".

Historically, tables may have originated from Egypt but were not in the form as we know them today. They were usually only stone platforms that were used to keep objects off the ground (like cups and dishes, probably). The Greeks were also known to use tables for dining but those were designed to be kept under the bed after use.

Tables have become one of the most important pieces of furniture in a household and rightfully so, since the table is one of the most useful items in the house. The table is also one of those with the most variety among furniture. Coffee table, end table, cocktail table, dining table, etc? you'll always find a table in almost every room in the house.

Most people like to keep their furniture looking as brand new as possible. It is pretty understandable especially as some actually spend quite a fortune on furniture. Occasional cleaning is one of the best ways of keeping Hekman furniture in top shape but that's not all that you can do.

* Putting table cloth is one of the most basic ways of protecting your table from marks and scratches so it's a good idea to do so. The cloth will absorb the impact as well as protect the table from accidental scrapes from sharp objects like knives. Minor spills from cups and glasses would also be blocked by table cloth but it would still be a good idea to wipe the spill off.

* Using coasters or table mats when placing hot cups and dishes is a good way of avoiding color rings and other marks on the table.

* Use table mats for eating so food and beverages won't end up making marks on your Hekman table.

* Wooden coasters with felt underneath are better to use than metal coasters or plastic coasters. Metal coasters tend to sweat on the table while the chemicals on plastic coasters may react with the finish.

* Color rings can be removed by rubbing the area with an abrasive pad or paper then cigarette ashes mixed with cooking oil.

* Cleaning the table by wiping with a damp cloth dipped in soap water can help moisturize the finish and keep it looking fresh.

* There are scratch cover products available in the market that you can use to hide scratches on the furniture. Just apply the product on a soft cloth then lightly rub it on the scratched area.

* Do not use liquids with alcohol or silicone for cleaning or polishing the furniture. Those can harm the finish so be careful.