The Editor wishes to extend a personal invitation to all readers of House and Garden to send to the Correspond¬ 
ence Department, inquiries on any matter pertaining to house finishing and furnishing. Careful consideration is given 
each inquiry, the letter and answer being published in due time as matters of interest to other readers. Where an 
early reply is desired if a stamp and self-addressed envelope are enclosed, the answer will be sent. No charge 
whatever is made for any advice given. 
I T is purposed to make the October number 
of House and (jarden of special interest to 
those about to furnish or decorate their 
homes. The many letters addressed to the editor in 
the past six months which have set clearly before us 
the individual requirements of our readers in making 
such selections, has influenced the make up of this 
House Furnishing Number. 
The articles embodied in its pages will therefore be 
particularly directed to those among us who desire 
information in this field. 
CORRESPONDENCE 
SELECTING STAIN FOR THE EXTERIOR OF THE HOUSE 
We are just completing plans for a cement and 
shingle house. We would he glad to have the advice 
of House and (jArden on the selection of color of 
stain to be used on the shingles. We had thought 
something of using a gray stain hut find it impossible 
to get one that is harmonious with the natural color 
of the cement. We would like to have rustic columns 
to the porches and the trim about the windows stained 
the same color as shingles for upper story. What 
color would you advise for the roof ? 
Answer: We would advise a soft golden brown 
stain for the shingles and trim of your house, the 
lower part of which is cement. A lighter brown 
may he used for the shingled roof or a gray stain 
would look well there. I am mailing you addresses 
of manufacturers from whom you can obtain sample 
shingles showing these stains. 
DISGUISING THE RADIATOR 
As subscriber and constant reader of House and 
Garden 1 look to it for help in disguising the radia¬ 
tors in my otherwise very attractive house. You have 
given me many helpful suggestions for this house but 
the radiator question has not troubled me until re¬ 
cently. The woodwork throughout will he treated 
with an ivory white enamel. Must I have the hideous 
gold finish on the radiators or is there something 
more attractive that I can useThere are two 
window seats in the living-room and hall and an 
alcove space in dining-room where the radiators can 
be placed against a six foot wainscot. I hope to hear 
from you promptly. 
Answer: We are glad to note that this depart¬ 
ment has been of help to you and would suggest in 
regard to the treatment of your radiators that in all 
rooms where the white enamel is used for wood work 
a similar color be employed for the finish of the radia¬ 
tor. 'Fhere is a product now on the market which 
is more lasting and holds its color better than any 
we have tried previously. We are pleased to send 
you the name of this material. 
Have you considered in your dining-room using the 
radiator with the plate box set in the top It is 
extremely convenient and not at all noticeable. 
These radiators may he obtained in various sizes. 
Since you have an alcove in which you can place 
your radiator you will find it will not be an objection¬ 
able feature in the room if treated as above advised 
with the ivory white finish. We feel with you that 
metallic paints are not good from a decorative view¬ 
point. 
The window seat idea is an excellent one and is 
often used with great success. I am sending you 
the address of a firm who will supply you with full 
information in regard to the placing of radiators. 
MIRRORS AS A DECORATIVE FEATURE IN A ROOM 
Would you advise the use of many mirrors in a 
small apartment ? I have three rooms which open 
together and can have a large over-mantel mirror and 
other mirrors placed as I may suggest. I remember 
seeing in some of your talks that mirrors add to the 
apparent size of a room. 
Answer: Where mirrors are used with great dis¬ 
cretion in small rooms they add much to the beauty 
(Continued on page 12, Advertising Section.) 
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