Exhibit 99.a


                                                January 4, 1996

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE



                    MASCO CORPORATION ANNOUNCES TERMINATION OF
                  MORGAN STANLEY CAPITAL PARTNERS' PARTICIPATION
                 IN THE PURCHASE OF MASCO'S HOME FURNISHINGS GROUP


      MASCO CORPORATION announced that it has agreed with Morgan Stanley Capital
Partners to terminate their participation in the purchase of MASCO's Home
Furnishings Group.  MASCO intends to proceed with its plans to find a purchaser 
of its home furnishings businesses, and continues to believe that it will obtain
a value for these businesses in excess of $1 billion.

      Several potential investors have continued to express significant interest
in the acquisition of the Home Furnishings Group, and the Group's operating
results through November have equaled or exceeded MASCO's estimates provided to
prospective purchasers prior to MASCO's agreement with the Morgan Stanley 
Capital Partners group.

      MASCO's Home Furnishings Group includes such well-known brands as 
Henredon, Drexel Heritage, Lexington, Universal, Berkline, Bench Craft, 
Maitland-Smith and Robert Allen Fabrics.

      MASCO CORPORATION manufactures home improvement, building and home
furnishings products for the home and family.