Books give the greatest pleasure as friendly companions for long evenings before the fire. But they also have a charm as household de-_ corations, which many people do not make the most of. Books reveal four tastes and interests and thus add personality and a_ home-like quality to oar rooms. Most women instinctively know that the quickest shack or attic seem ig is to place a few books near an easy chair. It idoes not take long to discover that books will have the same magic power in all kinds of rooms when ther simple or luxurious.
Then, too, the tones and lines of books in a mass create an effect very similar to that of an old tapestry. These "book tapestries," if carefully placed, quickly ' make rooms scorn richer, brighter and more interesting. Architects and decorators seem to agree that books fare most attractive on either side of the fireplace or on cither side of central door of window. Books also make a good balance thing about them is that they fit into very narrow places, such as the awkward spaces between two windows or between a door and a wall. A few volumes give a very gay and informal note if placed in specially—built little shelves under a window seat jor high window, in an unused door, lor just above a table or a desk.
Fortunately, books are no longer considered as belonging in the living room or library only. They are penetrating into all sorts of places! from the cellar to the attic. A bright little bookshelf makes the! kitchen or breakfast alcove gayer and saves the housekeeper many steps when she wants to consult her hooks on cooking, canning or household: economies. "Books brighten up the children's rooms and help them to discover the joy of reading early in life. Bedrooms take on new personality when they contain a cosy little nook for favourite volumes or for books that are read ut night.
Text read from the printed page and cleaned; old type leaves the occasional error.