Etiquette Advice for Apartment Living

To afford more space, place the table against the wall rather than in the center of the room and if possible place it against the window to afford a view of the out-or-doors. 

Dear Miss Markel– I have taken an apartment with a dining alcove. Please give me some points as to how to furnish it.- Κ. Κ.

Answer- It should have furniture harmonizing with the living room, if it opens into it. To afford more space, place the table against the wall rather than in the center of the room and if possible place it against the window to afford a view of the out-or-doors. 

If your choice lies between a case of drawers and a sideboard, choose the former which is more suitable for such a space. Unless they are unusually decorative pieces, dishes should be kept out of sight.

 

Dear Miss Markel - My living room has five windows. Could you give me any hints about decorating them ... whether I should use draperies or merely glass curtains, etc., etc.? – І. М.

Answer- The windows should be dressed uniformly. You may use draperies if you wish. If so, they should be of plain rather than of a striking pattern. Let the view from the windows, as well as the objects in the room supply your decorative effect and in this way avoid the confusion of overemphasis. — Francine Markel, 1937

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