Avoid the flashy, pressed or carvel parlor furniture, as everything in good taste tends to the plainer and more substantial lines. Select artistic frames in mahogany or imitation mahogany or golden oak. The three-piece parlor suite with a few pieces to fill in, such as corner and Roman or odd chairs, are often suggested. The parlor table with a lamp or electric gas portable still holds its place.

The principle to hear in mind in furnishing a parlor, is that the furniture should have strength as well as artistic character. By lifting a piece from the floor or tilting it back and looking at the under construction, the post connections, as previously set forth, may be tested or examined. Turned posts used in chairs and settees must of necessity be firm, owing to the weight they must carry. Examine the spring construction as well as the covering of the seats. Instead of leather, silk plush and tapestry coverings are mostly used in this room.

Hall

Open halls and stairways are popular in new homes. In furnishing the small hall your dealer will suggest the hall tree, with the umbrella rack attached, the box in the base for rubbers, the long glass and the hooks for the hanging of garments. The hall mirror which hangs on the wall, with a separate seat under it, is becoming the popular thing. This seat usually has a lid over the box compartment for the rubbers. The great advantage of the two separate pieces is that the lower part may be moved without so much risk of breaking the mirror. Moreover, the mirror may be hung at a more convenient place than immediately over the seat. Hall furniture may be had in all finishes.

There is also the beautiful colonial console table with a panel wood or mirror back, with a large mirror hanging independently, but close above, thus giving the appearance of a one-piece article.

Full length mirrors with hooks at either side are practical.

Den

Dens have wedged their way into popularity and almost every modern house has one. They are usually furnished in mission, early English, or arts and crafts, and sometimes in oak or mahogany. Some dens are very roomy and are fitted up beautifully. The decorations, however, produce the desired effect, as without the artistic rugs, smoking tables, pipe racks, pennants, etc., this room would be lacking.

Many dens contain regular office desks, usually of a flat top type, with glass tops. The "sanitary" desks with drawers high from the floor are very good from a sanitary standpoint, and are attractive. There are many styles of these. The built up or sectional desk is fast growing into favor, as one may buy just what meets the requirements.

The regular library table is often used, particularly the table with a pull-out desk arrangement, such as is explained under library furniture.The swivel office chair, which turns at the base, with a medium high, or extremely high back, is also a very practical addition to the den. Such a chair must have a good spring and adjustment under the seat, to withstand the continual strain that is put upon it. A drop or two of oil occasionally will do much toward prolonging the life of the spring in one of these chairs. Self-retaining casters or the gliding metal shoe for the bottom of the legs of the chairs and desk are also recommended.

An office chair with a solid wood seat will give long service and will not cost excessively. To prevent the clothing from becoming shiny from the use of such a chair, a light-weight cushion will he found useful.

For long service, the chair seat should be reinforced by a wooden strip or apron, fastened by screws to the bottom and running around the edge of the chair seat.

Short chair arms, i. e., short from the back of the chair to the front of the arm, will be found practical when desiring to draw the chair close to the table, and will prove more comfortable.

Lounges, davenports, sanitary couches, and Morris chairs, provided with fancy covers to carry out the color scheme, are also used in the rooms.

The cellarette, for soft drinks, smoking articles, etc., is often used in a bachelor's den. These contain upper and lower compartments, with an enclosed humidor for cigars and tobaccos, also wine glasses and decanters, all compact, ready for service.