Household Furnishing 1069 



frames, will give as much variety as is desirable in one room. Pictures 

 should not be hung diagonally in steps, but should be arranged horizon- 

 tally or vertically according to the wall space in question. The final 

 effect of pictures shoiild be one of orderly, dignified arrangement showing 

 harmony of color between the wall and the pictures. 



A clock will also be needed in the living-room. This should consist 

 of a plain, diu-able case with a clearly marked dial. An ordinary school- 

 room or alarm clock is superior in worth and usefulness to an " art 

 nouveau " affair in gilt, showing a great deal of ornament and a very 

 small clock face. Candlesticks of brass are always beautiful and may on 

 occasion be useful as well. Bowl-shaped or tall vases of earthenware in 

 various colors will prove an adornment either with or without flowers. 

 The outline of all such ornaments should consist of simple flowing curves 

 and should not be full of knobs, handles, and rippled tops. 



THE DINING-ROOM 



The real needs of the dining-room are few. A rag rug, or one of body 

 brussels or of some other material not having a deep pile, a plain, sub- 

 stantial extension table, comfortable, straight chairs, a serving table or 

 a sideboard, and cupboard space for dishes comprise everything required. 

 A built-in dish closet with glass doors is preferable to a movable china 

 closet. If the latter is needed, however, it should be a modest affair of 

 rectangular shape and not a bowed-front, beveled-glass piece like a shop 

 window, which suggests display — always a questionable motive in the 

 home. Plate rails catch dust and are reasonable only when one possesses 

 rare or historic china, pewter, or other ornaments. As our standards 

 of domestic art progress, we shall know that in reality much of the so- 

 called fine china is very poor art, and is not worthy to be displayed for 

 its beauty. At best, orderliness is difficult to preserve in the dining-room 

 because of the medley of small objects used in serving meals. Would it 

 not be better then, to let the decoration of the walls suffice without using 

 pictures, plate rails, and other ornaments to add to the confusion? In- 

 stead of indoor pict\ires, we may make the most of outdoor views through 

 all available windows with a good outlook. Dining-room curtains similar 

 to those in the living-room will be appropriate. 



All practical housekeepers should realize the value of a waxed top over 

 that of a varnished top for a dining-room table. A waxed top is not 

 easily damaged by water spots or by hot dishes ; it remains in good condition 

 for a long period of time and shows no white rings nor scars as does varnish. 

 A wax finish should be insisted on when buying a new table. The finish 

 of a table top may be changed from varnish to wax by the following process : 



