DURABLE AND SAFE CEILINGS

Press, Volume LXXI, Issue 21404, 21 February 1935, Page 5

DURABLE AND SAFE CEILINGS

USE OF METAL TO-DAY Contrary to general impression, metal ceilings are of great antiquitystates the "Telegraph," Sydney. They have been found in building excavations of the earliest civilisations, and were well represented in the best days, of Greek and Roman architecture. The uses of metal ceilings as applied to modern architecture are boundless. They are easily erected, economical in cost of upkeep, permanent in service, and obtainable in many designs, including the modern geometrical patThe safety factor of metal ceilings is also an important advantage. They will not crack or fall, and are practically fire-retardant. Moreover, they have the advantage that ■ the metal sheets can be readily and easily atfixed over existing soiled, cracked, or damaged plaster ceilings without creating dust or litter. ODD JOBS "NEEDING ATTENTION It is a good idea to make a practice of going round the house regularly looking for odd jobs which may be necessary- One day you may go round with a needle and cotton; another with an oil-can; another with some tacks and a hammer, and so on. You will probably find, for instance, plenty of use for the oil-can. If a door lock is stiff, turn the key while the door is open, and put a spot of oil on the bolt. Touch the key with oil, put back in the keyhole, and turn the lock several times to work the oil in. A drop of oil on door hinges, too. will often prevent a squeak developing. Morocco-covered chairs that are faded and shabby-looking can be revived by rubbing over the leather with a small sponge moistened with the white of an egg. Chair legs that have been knocked or scratched can be freshened and improved by washing the legs with hot soda water, and when they are dry painting them with varnish stain to match the furniture. When cleaning paintwork one of the best things to use is part of an old loofah. It is not as harsh as a brush, and the fibrous nature of the loofah enables it to cleanse the paint far better than a rag does. It is especially good for the white paintwork in a bathroom, and is also good for cleaning the bath. In London a new use lias been discovered by busy hostesses for the miniature armchair or high-backed chair of Georgian days. It is now known as the telephone chair, because of its convenient height and the fact that it serves for the few moments in which modern engagements are made on the telephone. The modern woman likes to have a complete telephone equipment in her boudoir or study, consisting of one of these chairs, a low table on which the telephone stands, painted to match the colour scheme of the room, with a rack for the volumes of the telephone directory. The Duchess of Kent has one of the telephone chairs in her new home in Belgrave square. It. is covered in off-white brocade with a Georgian hand-knotted fringe.