A convenience outlet should be wired into one of the sides of the firebox to accommodate the BUILTIN FURNITURE AND CONVENIENCES 279 electric fire. It is well to inset a base outlet flush in the top of the mantel top at the same time, for attaching an electric clock. A pair of outlets at each end of the top, hooked up to a switch on one of the side panels, will serve electric candlesticks, if desired. triplethreat mantel The passion for utilizing waste space has extended to the shallow projections of imitation mantels into the room. By hinging the three front parts as indicated in Figure 4.3s, access is gained to storage space that would otherwise be lost. In Fig. 4.35. Triple threat mantel. the picture, the central portion forms a tiny kitchenette or snack bar, with storage space on the right. The lefthand cupboard is devoted to the bottled goods and glasses of a cellarette. Optional uses for the central section would be as a dressing table or writing desk. Sewing materials, games, or with the shelves removed, extra folding chairs could be stored in either or both of the concealed upright cupboards. The interiors of the cupboards can be left unlined for extra storage space. The front consists of two vertical strips of Weldtex with a horizontal strip between, cemented to plywood doors, as shown in detail A. Invisible link hinges are used, and chains installed to' support the dropleaf central portion. Friction catches bold the doors shut, and fingertip recesses are chiseled out in place of visible 280 FURNITURE MAKING AND CABINET WORK tion of the front of the firebox, framed with narrow molding. This requires an additional inner framing and consequently smaller firebox. A sheet of the marbel ized asbestos can be used as a hearth, or a sheet of plywood painted black. In detail A, three panels of '%6in. striated plywood known as Weldtex are used as a covering for the doors and dropleaf section. Cemented or bradded to a j4in. ordinary plywood backing, this 3ply veneer makes an interesting surface, with the grain of the center panel at right angles to the vertical graining of the side panels. In fastening the material to its backing, skillfully countersunk brads can be used in the valleys of the corrugations, if desired. Exclusive of oneroom, allpurpose apartments, there is a growing sentiment in many small homes toward the establishment of what is known as a utility room. These rooms take the place of what was formerly called the den, in that they can be used as studios, card rooms, sewing rooms or hobby centers, with the added requirement that they can be transformed into impeccable guest rooms with a minimum of preparation. It is here that builtin features come into their own. Banquettes. The average daybed even when backed by removable cushions is a bit too wide for a comfortable sitting posture. This is aggravated when a wide daybed or a set of springs and mattress is selected for extra duty as a double bed.