HOUSE AND GARDEN 
214 
December, 1909 
Until recent years wall paper was almost the only common covering. This small-figured 
pattern seems particularly effective in the bedroom 
This wall covering of prepared canvas with a 
raised thread lends itself well to stenciling 
favor of it. If, however, even temporarily, wall covering is 
desired there are inexpensive papers on the market from which— 
if one looks long and carefully—a selection may be made that is 
good both in color and design, though this is not an easy task. 
Unfortunately most of the cheaper domestic papers are still very 
inartistic in pattern and crude in color. 
It is not, however, intended in this article to deal at length 
with wall papers, but rather with tinted and painted walls, and 
those covered with fabrics and other materials. 
Where the walls are sand-finished or rough, the ceiling, down 
to the picture rail, should be smooth in surface. The slight 
contrast of texture this gives is agreeable, and, besides, the smooth 
surface is less apt to catch and hold the particles of dust which 
drift upward. 
When the color for the side walls has been determined, the 
mixed color with which it will be finished should be tried out 
before it is applied, to insure the correct shade, and thus save 
much disappointment. This rule should apply equally to cases 
where the ready-mixed color is used, or where the painter pre¬ 
pares it. Some of the water color tinting materials do not require 
Japanese grass cloth is to be had in a number of harmonious colors and 
it makes a splendid background for pictures 
a coat of size or glue, but in most cases this is necessary, and when 
trying out the sample to obtain the finished effect, the glue should 
be added to the mixture of whiting and powdered color, which 
should show while moist a much deeper shade than is desired when 
it is dried, as it comes out much lighter in color. A good plan 
is to apply the mixed color to a piece of sandpaper or rough shingle. 
To hasten the drying process this may be held over artificial heat. 
When the right color is secured the sample should be carefully 
retained as a working guide. 
If oil paint is to be used it is particularly desirable to finish 
it with a dull surface. This may be procured by mixing a quan¬ 
tity of turpentine with the last coat. It is possible to purchase 
such a finish for walls in oil paint ready-mixed, and a wide selec¬ 
tion of good colors and delicate tints is offered. This paint is so 
mixed as to give a perfectly dull surface which is washable. 
Walls treated in this way may be decorated by an applied stencil 
design used as a frieze, or forming a paneled decoration about the 
room. 
An advantage that the water color tint holds over the oil 
finish lies in the small first cost, the material being very inexpen¬ 
sive, and also in the ease with which it can be applied. There is 
one water color finish which is particularly liked because of its 
sanitary qualities, and also because of the fact that it may be 
obtained ready-mixed in some excellent colors. 
There are a number of delightful textiles offered in wall 
coverings. These have in a measure followed the sized burlap 
which pioneered in this field, and which is yet used largely under 
its own or other titles. Indeed, the many fabrics of coarse weave 
now so much in vogue bear close relation to the burlap. A few 
years ago, only strong reds, greens, and yellows, with an occasional 
muddy brown, were obtainable in burlap. Now the range of 
colors is great and there are many tones and shades of the same 
colors offered, so that these fabrics can be fitted to almost any 
color scheme. 
Japanese grass cloth is a most beautiful and effective wall 
covering. It has a soft satin-like sheen which is highly pleasing. 
The slight irregularity of its weave is also a great point in its 
favor, although this does not always appeal at once to the ama¬ 
teur. All shades of tan, gray, golden brown, yellow, soft dull 
reds, and blues, with an occasional green, are found in this delightful 
wall material. It is not wise, however, to allow an inexperienced 
