HOUSES AND GARDENS 



make the best use of the window area for lighting it, is important that the 



window-head should be near the ceiling level. 



In order to secure ideal artistic conditions, especially in low-toned rooms, 

 it is desirable that all windows which are on the level of the eye should be 

 toned by means of stained glass or other means. Any light in a room 

 which has the effect of causing inhalation in a photograph of the room has 

 also the effect of dazzling the eye and making it out of focus with the lower 

 tones, of the interior, which would be best seen if all the light came from 

 above. 



The function of muslin curtains to windows is to temper the crudeness of 

 the light. For the same purpose the Japanese use oiled paper in their 

 windows, and this suffused and tempered light helps to maintain that feeling 

 of repose which is somewhat diminished by the glare of light from a window 

 which is on the level of the eye. The objection may be much reduced by the 

 placing of the windows so that the room may be viewed on entering it 

 lighted from a side which is not facing the observer. In a hall, part of the 

 lighting may be gained from windows at a high level, but it is impossible 

 under ordinary conditions to quite get over this difficulty, and the best that 

 can be effected is a more or less successful compromise. The objection is 

 much reduced by the reduction in the size of the windows, which has been 

 advocated ; but as long as windows are considered necessary for outlook as 

 well as inlets of light, they must necessarily involve a certain glare of light. 

 It is best, therefore, to concentrate the window space so that the light comes 

 from one side only, and that side being the one wherever possible which it is 

 not necessary to face. This lighting from one point is also desirable for the 

 general appearance of the room and its occupants. Cross-lights are always 

 undesirable, and most things look best when lighted from one side only. 



The function of the bay window is chiefly to enlarge the range of 

 prospect and aspect in a room. By this means a window on an east or west 

 front may admit the southern sun or display a view to north or south which 

 might otherwise be lost. Their position and form should be to a great 

 extent the outcome of local requirements in this respect. They also have 

 their uses in extending the floor-space of the room. They may often be 

 fitted with a window-seat, which, in helping to reduce the movable furniture, 

 will tend towards the ideal of the unobstructed floor-space in the room. 



Where means will allow it is desirable to glaze the leaded squares of the 

 window with crown-glass. Instead of the absolutely flat surface of sheet- 

 glass, this has subtle modulations which, while they do not detract from its 

 uses, give it that characteristic quality which it should be one's aim to secure 

 in all the materials for the house. 



The casement window will give opportunities for some interesting black- 

 smiths' work in the form of casement stays and fasteners. 



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