Halls and Stairways 



145 



In the furnishing and embellishing of the vestibule, hall and staircase, the 

 same rules should be followed as those which govern their construction. The 

 vestibule requires no furniture or embellishment other than perhaps a very simple 

 seat and a medium-sized mirror. Of course the usual door mat should be consid- 

 ered, and this should be strong and firm. It "is better that it should be let into 

 the floor so that it be well below the door swing, and further, to keep it from 

 sliding when used. Othe-rwise, if neighbour Jones is particularly strong in his 

 feet, you may be obliged to nail it down, which is awkward. 



A large rug of strong, subdued colour should cover the hall floor, leaving an 

 ample margin around it. If a pattern is used, it should be simple, strong, and not 

 too contrasting in colour. The stair runner should be plain; if a border is 

 used, it should be a very simple lateral stripe. Any attempt at pattern in the 

 hall runner is grotesque when in place, and disturbing in the extreme. Most of 

 them are designed with a pattern showing the want of foresight in someone, 

 whether it be the manufacturer, designer or consumer. 



The walls of the hall are well adapted for the hanging of tapestries or for 

 strong, low-toned decorations. If pictures are used, they should be few and of 

 good size; the print has no place in the hall. Statuary is perhaps better here 

 than in any other of the ordinary rooms; 

 it can be set in niches or on pedestals, 

 although the niche is preferable. Often 

 the staircase landing offers an oppor- 

 tunity in this direction, but it should 

 not interfere with the passageway. 

 The walls of the staircase should be 

 fairly simple; tapestry or wall decora- 

 tions may be used, but, as a rule, the 

 picture is out of place. The dado 

 should follow up the stairway at the 

 height of and conforming with the stair 

 rail. Whatever the colour scheme of 

 the hall and staircase, it should always 

 be neutral and not too delicate. This 

 colour scheme will wear the year 

 around, unchanged. Do not use too 

 bright colours for the walls, ceiling and 

 floor of hall; the rug and door hangings 

 are the only things which could be 

 warmer in tone than these, and even 

 they but slightly. 



For lighting purposes a lantern is the 

 best medium. It is adapted equally well 

 to the vestibule, hall and staircase. The An Elizabethan .tment-a distinctive style of wood, 



.... , Brigham, architect 



light, however, should in most cases be 



slightly subdued, in order to carry out the general effect. Sconces can be used in some 



cases independently, or supplementary to the lantern, provided the room be large. 



