and colors of costly papers are successfully reproduced
in the cheaper grades. Tapestry papers are too
heavy for bedrooms. Those figured with that mathematical
precision which drives the beholder to counting and
thence to incipient insanity, and others on which
we fancy we can trace the features of our friends,
are always distracting, especially during illness,
when restfulness is so essential. The plain
cartridge-papered wall with frieze and ceiling either
flowered or of a light shade of the same or a contrasting
color is never obtrusive and always in good taste.
With a flowered wall a plain ceiling is a relief,
and vice versa. Figures in both walls and ceiling
are tiring, besides having none of the effect resulting
from contrast. Walls in plain stripes need to
be livened with a fancy ceiling, or ceiling and frieze,
with their background always of the lightest tint
in the side wall. One room of particular charm
was all in yellow. The molding had been dropped
three feet from the ceiling, giving the impression
of a low ceiling and that snugness which goes with
it, and up to it ran the satin-striped paper, while
over frieze and ceiling ran a riot of yellow roses.
And here was asserted the ingenuity of its occupant,
who had cut out some of the roses and draped them
at the corners and by door and window casings, where
they seemed to cling after being spilled from the
garden above. This same idea can be worked out
with garlands or bunches of different flowers, bow
knots, or other distinct designs. No large figures
of any description should be introduced into a small
room, and the whole effect of the decoration must
be cheerful without being boisterous, gay, or striking.
If the ceiling is low, the wall paper continues up
to it without a frieze, the molding—which
corresponds with the woodwork—being fastened
where wall and ceiling join. Backgrounds of
amber, cream, fawn, rose, blue, or pale green, with
their designs in soft contrasting colors, are the
strictly bedroom papers.
BEDROOM WOODWORK
The very prettiest bedroom woodwork is of white enamel, which has that light, airy look we so want to catch, and never quarrels with either furniture or decorations. But of woodwork painted in any color beware, take care! Finely finished hardwood has the honesty of true worth and needs no dressing up; but its poor relation, that hideous product of old-time dark stain and varnish is only a kill-beauty, and should be wiped out of existence with a dose of white paint.