436 
AMERICAN HOMES AND GARDENS 
November, 1909 
Bedroom Window Curtaining 
By Mabel Tuke Priestman 
HE curtaining of windows gives an inde- 
scribable charm and finish to either bed- 
room or sitting-room, and too much 
thought and care can not be given to this 
all-important choice. It isnot necessary that 
something new should be found, but it is 
of importance that whatever we get should 
be suitable to the surroundings. 
While nothing is better for sash-curtains than sheer mate- 
rials of cream or white against the glass, we are by no means 
restricted in our choice for inner curtains, and these should 
add color value to each room. In the quest for something 
new, we are too apt to overlook the good old standbys that 
have been with us for so long, and a reminder of many of 
their good qualities should not be out of place. 
Twenty-five years ago Java prints could be obtained in 
many colors and designs, and, although they have under- 
gone little change, they have outlived other curtains many 
times their cost. ‘The designs printed on them do not fade 
with countless washings, nor with year after year’s exposure 
to the sun. 
Our illustration of a corner of a bedroom shows a Java 
A new cretonne 
A handsome design 
print curtain that has been in use for many years. The 
groundwork is of ivory-white and the Eastern palm-leaf 
design is in reds and yellows. ‘The lower part of the curtain 
has a dado effect, repeating the colors of the upper part of 
the curtain. The cream cotton groundwork does not hinder 
the light from pervading the room, and yet a charming touch 
of color is added by using such a curtain. The pattern in 
the wall-paper repeats the red and yellow of the curtain, and 
the rug also has the same color scheme. Java-print curtains 
are not confined to the Eastern designs, as floral motifs are 
frequently to be found, espcially among the blue and white 
ones. ‘They are very useful for draperies in summer cot- 
tages, as they can be utilized in the downstairs rooms with 
excellent results. “They are sold in greens, yellows or blues, 
and rich warm colors, and yet the groundwork is invariably 
pale coffee color, ivory, or white. ‘Table-covers can usually 
be obtained to match the curtains. 
Closely allied to Java prints are the cretonnes which 
possess the rich coloring of the Orient. The rich blues, 
reds and yellows of this cretonne can not be equalled for 
draperies, in a handsome bedroom furnished in mahogany. 
It is ideal for draping a four-poster and for inner curtains, 
Stnped muslin with appliqué of cretonne 
