Divans

The use of divans or divan beds in the furniture of small rooms.

Divans call up visions of cushions of rich materials piled up on a low upholstered framework; but a divan is more than that. It can be part of the design of a room, and can have a recess to itself, forming a feature of the general arrangement. Its covering can harmonise with the curtains and carpet or rugs, and the loose cushions on it can have their own special colour scheme.

A divan covered in old rose damask or brocatelle possesses distinction and is a very happy blend of old and new ideas. It need not necessarily occupy a recess ; it can be arranged in any part of a room, and drawn up before a fireplace it makes a delightfully comfortable winter seat. For very small houses or flats, where space is limited and the descent of the unexpected guest (or any variety of guest for that matter) is a grave problem, the divan can serve as a spare bed, for it can be easily converted, and is, of course, the only sound solution to the bed sitting-room puzzle that so many people are compelled to face in these days of scarce accommodation. (An excellent plan for the effectual discouragement of unwelcome guests who expect to be "put up for the night", is to improvise a sleeping place on a Stuart day-bed for them.)

A divan in a large rectangular bay window is the best kind of window seat to contrive, though in a bedroom a box-ottoman makes a good window seat. A box-ottoman is extraordinarily useful in a small bedroom, and can easily be adapted to the colour scheme, and covered in chintz or cretonne to match the curtains or the loose covers on the chairs or settees.

Next: Modern Settees.