ttle more unique, a circular hole can be cut in the door, and a
pretty blue Japanese plate inserted, held in place at the back, and
the door lined. The supports are easily obtained by a visit to a
factory where they have a turning lathe. The ornamental finish at the
bottom is of lightly carved wood, if one can do these things, or a
strip can be purchased at a carpenter shop or wall paper store. Still
another way out of the difficulty is to get just the length of
Lincrusta and tack it on neatly.

Before the hinges and escutcheon are put on, the staining should be
done, and the simplest way out of the difficulty is to purchase
Pik-Ron, stain whatever color or wood you require, then afterward give
it a coat of varnish, coach varnish giving a durable finish that is
heavy and beautiful, or the whole cabinet may be covered with the
stamped Japanese cotton goods in gilt and colors, each shelf being
covered before being put in place, and the uprights gilded or stained.
Still again, if the work is of pine, it may be stained a rich bronze,
and left with dead finish, which is a very fair imitation of Japanese
woodwork.

Piano Decoration.

An upright piano should be placed with its back to the room. This
position is not only good from a decorative standpoint, but a
performer likes to be shielded by the instrument. Here are enumerated
various graceful ways to cover the polished bareness of this musical
instrument.

To hang a square of tapestry over the back from a brass rod is
exceedingly striking. If possible, let the painted subject relate to
music or sentiment, and have it sufficiently large to cover the
surface of the piano.

If the tapestry is very fine work its surface should be unspoiled by
additions. Across the top of the piano lay a scarf of Liberty silk, or
another painted panel. The only bric-a-brac that combines with this
drapery is a pair of candelabra, the quainter in style the better.

Algerian stripes, Bagdad tapestry or Persian prints make good
backgrounds. Their cost is $1.25 a yard, and width fifty inches. With
this as a foundation many schemes may be carried out. Bas-relief heads
in plaster can be swung on it without injuring the wood of the piano.
Medallions of Beethoven, Mozart or Wagner can be purchased for $1
each. A long panel of cherubs goes well, or a line of Delft or
Japanese plates.

A low settle has a comfortable resting place underneath this. Either a
box seat upholstered in dark, contrasti