The width of such a couch can be easily narrowed for daytime sitting by the construction of a shallow, sloping plywood back under which the couch can be slid. As shown in Figure 4.36, a plywood door can be hinged at the bottom to give access to the sheets and blankets stored in the compartment created by this false back. Construction details resemble those listed under the compartment headboard, which is described later in the chapter. Builtin end tables and bookcases can be added, together with one or mor; bedroom masquerade Fig. 4.36. Banquette. BUILTIN FURNITURE AND CONVENIENCES 28r wide shallow drawers underneath, for the storage of comforters or puffs. When constructed in a window recess or similar alcove, an overhead cornice against the ceiling will create a partial division, which can be augmented by curtains. BunkBeds. If it is desired to transform an unsightly old metal or wooden bed into a builtin couch or banquette, it is a simple matter to construct a boxlike frame of 24in. knotty pine to fit the springs at the desired height. Following the general principles outlined for the beds described in Chapter 2, slats are accommodated on cleats screwed to the inner sides of the upper part of the frame for the springs to rest upon. In a long, narrow room, space may exist for a pair of builtin bunk beds placed end to end, separated by a common builtin night stand. Builtin wall storage, or sectional furniture will complete the transformation of the utility room, with desks doubling as dressing tables, and chests of drawers either built in sectionally or concealed in wall storage, which can also house the room's primary occupational equipment. DoubleDecker Bunks. When concealment is of secondary importance to conservation of space, the doubledecker bunks described in Chapter 2 can be made permanent fixtures by substituting four long timbers for the corner posts. The side and end members are tenoned deeply into the posts and pegged for security. Here, too, the underbed storage space can be utilized by a builtin drawer or drawers for extra linen and blankets. A pair of these doubledeckers in a summer camp or in the nursery, will provide four beds in a minimum of floor space. Compartment Headboard. We are frequently confronted with photographs of freelance executives whose offices are apparently their beds, fitted up with fabulous headboards into which have been built all manner of modern office devices and sleeppromoting gadgets. While most of us must be content to spend less time in bed than modern medical practitioners recommend, nevertheless there are certain aids and comforts that tend to prolong our relaxations, when placed within easy reach of the downy couch. Among items considered indispensable by many are a suitable reading light, an ashtray and beverage holder, space for reading materials, a radio, and the telephone. The latter instrument has gained mobility through the telephone company's willingness to install, for a small charge, plugin receptacles in various rooms for a single handset.