is better than that of the usual upright piano.

The parlor that is put to family use is usually the best room to fit up
for a library. In this case the form-and-color scheme of furnishing and
decoration should differ entirely from that when the room is used only
for the reception of guests. The furniture should be heavier and larger,
indicating utility, and its finish, as also that of the walls, floor and
woodwork, in deep shades of the more restful colors of the spectrum.
Sage-green is a good color for the parlor-library. The furniture may be
of this or even darker hue. There is no better style of furniture for
the library than the Mission, made comfortable by leather cushions.
If leather is thought too expensive, there are fair substitutes for it in
such materials as pantasote. But leather should be procured if possible.
It looks better and wears longer, and even when shabby keeps its
respectability. With the Mission furniture may be mingled an
old-fashioned upholstered chair or so, such as a large "Sleepy Hollow."
A Morris chair is almost as comfortable as this, and perhaps upholds the
dignity of the room a little better, though it does not give the same
suggestion of "hominess." An old-fashioned sofa, wide-seated, and
designed to be lain upon, should be placed in the room with its head
toward the light, so that the occupant may read while reclining upon it.
In almost every old house there is a horse-hair sofa, either put away in
the attic or even in use, which can be reupholstered to fit the
color-scheme of the room.

Books naturally form the chief ornament of the library. It is a mistake
to give them an elaborate casing. The simplest form is the best; the
shelves should run up evenly from the floor to a more or less ornamental
and somewhat projecting top, terminating several feet from the ceiling.
On this top a bust or so of an author may be appropriately placed, or