The Indianapolis times. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1922-1965, 1930-12-16
Book Case
on Bench Is
Good Screen
BY LAURA LOU BROOKMAN
MA Service Writer

VIA oefFtct hfttf
NEW YORK, Dec. 16.-Radiators
along with the kitchen sink, the
bathroom and even the coal SHUTTLE
are going in for beauty treatments
in big way these days.
The old-fashioned radiator with
exposed silver or gilded steam
pipes may function perfectly in
maintaining summer temperature
during sub-zero weather but, ac-
cording to the interior decorator
experts, that old radiator is not so
hot. How to conceallit is q prob
lem with a dozen answers.
There are several different types
of metal cabinets on the market
for those who wish to screen heat
ing fixtures by the easiest method.
Just a Shelf Helps
There are even more ways for
the ingenious housewife who knows
the department store household sec
tons, who can WELD hammer and
saw, or who can command the serv-
ices of competent carpenter.
II is surprising what improve
ment a single wooden shelf nailed
above the radiator and painted or
stained to match the woodwork Of
the room will achieve. If the ra-
diator is low. the shelf will serve as
q windcw seat.
If it is high, add gathered skirt
Of cretonne and use the top for
book ends and a dozen choice vol
Gmes. You may prefer a vase, a bit
of copper and a pottery figure as
decorations for the shelf in case
your books are housed elsewhere.
Radiator May Be Curtained
When the radiator stands direct
Is before a window it can be
screened completely by building
shelf over the top and curtaining
the lower part with the same ma
terlal used for the window over
Grapes.
Plain or small patterned dark
fabrics are best for living room
Cretonne and chintZ add color to
the bedroom, nursery or sun par
lor.
Another pleasing effect is accom-
plished by covering the radiator
with small bench. the legs paint
ed the same color as the radiator.
Cover the bench with an oblong
cushion made to fit and harmonic
ing in shade with the draperies.
This plan was used with distinction
in an apartment living room in
which one wall was broken by three
windows, equally spaced, with a low
radiator before each window.
Book Shelves Add Beauty
If YOU can go in for really elabo-
rate transformation persuade your
carpenter to build book shelves at
either side of the window or win
dows and have them finished to
match the shelf which covers the
radiator.
Place an easy chair at one side
with a lamp for reading and a low
table for the tea or coffee tray at
the other and you will find guests
drawn to this part of the room as
though by a charm.
Simplest of all methods of screen
ing tall, old-fashioned radiator
is the screen itself. When the
radiator is near a corner, try plac-
ing a decorative screen, not too
high, before it.
Another method of masking the
heating apparatus which also calls
for the service of a capenter is to
build a box-like case with perfor-
ated, lattice top which can be raised
like a lid to regulate the heat
valve.
The wooden case should be three
or four inches wider and longer
than the radiator. For a slight
expenditure a metal air moiStener
can be- bought to attach to the
pipes, giving the homemade con-
trivance all the advantages of an
expensive, made-to-order cabinet.
Metal Covers Available
You may prefer to have the
wooden case built with solid top
and panels of metal screening in the
front The panels should be out
lined with decorative moulding and
the entire cabinet finished with a
coating of enamel.
In case you want to use the
radiator top for a window seat or
bench. but object to building in the
necessary changes, you will find
inexpensive metal covers on sale in
the department stores.
These are made in sections. adj
Unstable to radiators of any size.
They are made of steel, have
humidifierS attached to keep the air
healthily moist and come in assorted
finishes Stimulating wood
Some of these covers have a lower
section, partially concealing the
radiator.