BEST SITTING ROOMS

Sun (Auckland), Volume IV, Issue 1007, 25 June 1930, Page 6

BEST SITTING ROOMS

DISGUISING FURNITURE USE OF MODERN DIVAN • There is no doubt that the modern divan has done much to help in camouflaging the bedroom which has to serve as a living room by day. With the bedclothes neatly tucked away under a well-fitting and allenveloping cover, the bolster and pillows in gay-coloured “slips,” there is no sign of its night duty. Do not have a box divan into which to pop the bedding. This means the bed has to be made up just when one is most ready to drop on to it, and takes much longer than the mere slipping off of covers. The bed problem then is easy, but unless one goes in for elaborate cabinets which turn into wash-stands and toilet tables, etc., it is often a little difficult to disguise the bedroom accessories. Here are a few practical, and simple ideas which require no great initial expenditure: A great many “bed-sitters” now have fitted in wash basins —a real convenience, but an eyesore in a sit-ting-room. Have a wooden frame made, top and sides, which will slip easily over the basin, enclosing taps as well, the top being wide enough to reach over the washbowl. Cover the whole with some suitable material, so that when in position it looks like the side table it is simulating. It should be quite light and quickly movable, because the front is formed merely of the slightly gathered material. A wardrobe trunk is a joy when travelling, but it can also be put to good use when at home. Set wide open against the wall, both its hanging side and its drawers are quite accessible, and so it makes a very helpful adjunct to the bed-sitting-room, for a loose cover simply made to fit its “top,” and then hung down to the floor, entirely hides it from view and yet in no way impedes one from getting at its contents. Two cupboards are invaluable for the ideal room, but if there is only one, keep it as a hanging one for long coats and outdoor things, and for glass, china, etc., have a corner cupboard and a little sideboard, with most of its underneath space enclosed. There are numbers of these to be had at a moderate price. A pretty oval mirror on the wall and a small table beneath it, with a good drawer in it to hold one’s toilet utensils, and the problem of the dressing table is solved. Then, if there is room, a tallboy or a non-committal chest of drawers cart be added.