shelves inside for boots, shoes and
slippers. The entire top is covered with felt or flannel, over
which is stretched silk or sateen, in any colour which may harmonise
with the room. A flounce, as deep as the box is high, is made of the
same material as the top, and tacked to the edges of the table-top.
Cover the whole with dotted or plain swiss. A piece of glass, cut to
exactly fit the top of the table, is a practical precaution. A large
mirror, hung above yet resting on the table, is canopied in the old
style, with the same material with which you cover your
dressing-table.

If the table is made of the beautiful taffeta, now so popular for this
purpose, as well as for curtains, it is, of course, not covered with
swiss or lace, except the top, on which is used a fine, hand-made
cover, of real lace and hand embroidery, in soft creams,--cream from
age, or a judicious bath in weak tea. The glass top laid over this
cover protects the lace.

If the table has drawers, each can be neatly covered with the taffeta,
as can the frame of any table. A good, up-to-date cabinet-maker
understands this work as so much of it is now done.

CHAPTER XXXII

THE TREATMENT OF CLOSETS

The modern architect turns out his closets so complete as to comfort
and convenience, that he leaves but little to be done by the
professional or amateur decorator. Each perfectly equipped bedroom
suite calls for, at least, two closets: one supplied with hooks,
padded hangers for coats, and covered hangers for skirts, if the
closet is for a woman; or, if it is for a man, with such special
requirements as he may desire. In the case of a woman's suite, one
closet should consist entirely of shelves. Paint all the closets to
harmonise with the suite, and let the paint on the shelves have a
second coat of enamel, so that they may be easily wiped off. Supply
your shelves with large and small boxes for hats, blouses, laces,
veils, etc., neatly covered with paper, or chintz, to harmonise with
the room.

Those who dislike too many mirrors in a room may have full length
mirrors on the inside of the closet doors.

Either devote certain shelves to your boots, shoes and slippers, or
have a separate shallow closet for these-shallow because it is most
convenient to have but one row on a shelf.

Where economy is not an item of importance, see that electric lights
are placed in all the closets, which are turned on with the action of
opening the door.

The e