ATTRACTIVE COSY CORNERS.

Dominion, Volume 1, Issue 44, 15 November 1907, Page 3

ATTRACTIVE COSY CORNERS.

Cosy corners are quite the fashion, now, but unfortunately a large percentage of tho peoplo who follow, this fashion seem to have no conception of what the natiie implies. , Many of the so-called cosy corners might better ,bo named stuffy corners, arranged as they are with • the seat overhung with draperies, arms, grotesque heads, 'etc. A cosy conier should be truo to its name. Tho term means a snug, comfortable place to ipst and chat. I fancy the name came from the French ■ causer, to converse, chat, gossip, etc. -Years ago, in largo rooms in the old? fashioned' houses which were only heated by open fires-, it was quite common to havo one or two places in the rooms mado cosy and comfortable with the aid of screens and draperies. The cosy corner when properly arranged makes a most attractive spot in a large room. There is neither space nor reason, for. having thom in small rooms. Partial privacy, snugness, and comfort are ' the aims of the cosy corner. To secure privacy, portable or stationary screons may be employed. In these corners there should be good light, room enough v for a built-in seat, couch, or sofa,' a few chairs, a small table, some foot-rests, bookshelves, and plenty of pillows for the couch. The materials used, the kind of seat, and the general .finish given to a corner, must, bo modified by the character; finish, and furnishing of tho room, in which it is" to. be arranged. 1 cosy corner in tho dininjj-room must be, treated differently from that m any other room. Here the seat should be built in, and, if possible, it should take in two sides of the wall, curving in . the corner. Have this a box seat; make it about twenty inches wjde and fourteen high; this .will allow-for a cushion about four inches thick. Enclose each end of the seat with a wooden panel twenty inches wide and about' five or five feet and a half high, measuring from the floor. If one prefers, the lower part of tho panel may be solid and the upper part be in fretwork or turned column. Over the seat, and in a line with the top of the end ~ panels,- build shallow cabinets,having them, about - twelve inches high and six. inches deep.s Havd these cabinets irregular in size and finish, closing some with wooden doors, others, with glass doors, and leaving some without doors. In some of -these • little cabinets put -hooks. on: which to hang dainty bits of'china. Fill the, cabinets with glass, china, etc. Placo pieces of pottery, brass, or-pewter on tho top cabinets. Cover the ■ cushions with leather, matting, cretonne, rep., pr any suitable material. Pillows, as many as you wish or can afford, can be piled Upon the seat. These ideas may be-enlarged upon or simplified;" as one's taste or purse may dictate.

For a corner in .a - sitting-room choose one near a window; : here place a large, eomfortable sofa or. couch. . Behind this place hangings of such material' and colourings as are suitable, and will harmonise with the furnishings of the room. Have some bookshelves, where. magazines, short stories, etc., may be kejpt. Havo a small but strong, table,. on which • place a reading lamp, a few .comfortable chairs, a foot-rest or two, and plenty of sofa pillows, and you have the essentials for a comfortable cosy corner. Partially shut this off with any ni ° f a strong antl rafcl >cr high scrcen. There are certain personal touches, such as pictures, bric-a-brac, work-table, writing- . dosk, etc., which each woman will add for herself. If one owns a homo the seat could be' built in with bookshelves at oach end. A.'° n S shelf the height of the bookshelves might be placed above the seat. Pictures and ornaments could be placed on top of the bookcase and on the shelf., If a Cool effect is desired the furniture could be in rattaji or bamboo. Chairs, tables, bookshelves, and generous sofas or davenports can be purchased in these wares. Pillows' and cushions should give the note of colour. It protects the walls and gives a greater sense of cosiness to have some kind of hanging at the back of the large seat. For this : one may employ leather, or imitation leather, Japanese matting, tapestry, or any fabric that will give a soft background.. Art ' serge, matting, or leather mav be Hacked on perfectly smooth and finished at the top with a narrow moulding. Tho • moulding, however, is not essential. Any of the soft ' * a brics may be put on in the same manner, °r they can be shirred on a small rod. If lightness, and colour, rather than richness, be desired, the walis mav be draped with Indian prints, Madras, or "blue crepe, lhe Berea portieres and spreads' make soft hangings. If a tone of .warmth is desired telt. may be employed.