I «i 
 
 
bo 
 
 J 
 
OR, 
 
 HINTS 
 
 IN 
 
 HENRY T. WILLIAMS 
 
 AND 
 
 MRS. C. S. JOXES. 
 
 Vol.4. Williams' Household Series. 
 
 KEW YORK: 
 HENRY T. WILLIAMS, Publisher. 
 
 1878. 
 

 Entered according to Act of Congress, in the year 1877, by 
 
 HENRY T. WILLIAMS, 
 In the office of the Librarian of Congress, at Washington. 
 
 CLARK W. BRYAN AND COMPANY, 
 
 ELECTROTYPE RS, PRINTERS AND BINDERS, 
 
 SPRINGFIELD, MASS. 
 
PREFACE. 
 
 ** One fair asylum from the world he knew, 
 
 One chosen seat, that charms the varied view, 
 Who boasts of more (believe the serious strain), 
 Sighs for a home, and sighs in vain." 
 
 BoOEB». 
 
 The house in which we live does not constitute the entire home, yet inas- 
 much, as a well-appointed, tastefully furnished and comfortably arranged 
 house, enters largely into the well-being, and happiness of the family residing 
 in it, it becomes a matter of grave importance to select a dwelling, at once 
 healthful and pleasant. The aspect should be so entirely agreeable, so bright 
 and cheery, and the appointments within, should present such a combination of 
 beauty and genial comfort that all who enter the doors will be impressed with 
 the subtle power of the Beautiful pervading the entire household arrangement. 
 
 " * * if eyes are made for seeing 
 
 Then Beauty is its own excuse for being." 
 
 Household taste is but a synonym for household culture ; and she is a wise 
 woman who surrounds those she loves with objects of beauty ; for she may 
 safely rely on the influences (so intangible) which the beautiful (both in nature 
 and art) ever exerts in a moral, intellectual, spiritual and social point of view. 
 The beautiful picture or softly tinted wall, the peaceful drapery or chiselled 
 statuette may perhaps be the means of opening some fount of wisdom, else 
 closely sealed, or touching some sensitive nerve of thought, otherwise dormant. 
 As a late writer, (Mr. Conway,) suggests, " what germ in the child's mind may 
 that picture on the wall be the appointed sunbeam to quicken ? What graceful 
 touch to unfolding character may be added by the modest tint of a room. Who 
 can say how much falsehood and unreality has been shed through the life and 
 influence of individuals by tinsel in the drawing-room and " rags up-stairs ? " 
 
 The cherished aim of our life is to improve the aspect and surroundings of 
 our American homes, to carry out (though in a most simple manner), the 
 views of the lamented Owen Jones of whom it is said, " that the aim of his life 
 was to bring the beautiful in form and color home to the household, to mingle 
 its subtle influences with the whole frame-work of social and family life." The 
 majority of American homes belong to the great and highly respectable middle 
 class, who by industry and economy have amassed moderate wealth, or are mak- 
 
4 PREFACE. 
 
 ing sufficient money to provide their families with comfortable, and in many- 
 cases elegant homes. But nowhere more than in these very homes is there such 
 need of care in beautifying. Our taste needs education and culture, and in 
 this day of cheap decoration and vulgar display, it requires both judgment and 
 discrimination to carry out the entire scheme of household arrangement and 
 embellishments in a manner so chaste and delicate that it cannot offend the 
 critical eye of the truly artistic. 
 
 A house is not to be a mere show-room, or museum ; but a home ! and each 
 home is to possess an individuality of its own which is to make it as entirely 
 distinct as any human character. 
 
 In his chapter on "Domestic Life," Emerson, that wise and sagacious writer 
 of the day, says, " Let us understand that a house should bear witness in all its 
 economy that human culture is the end to which it is built and garnished. 
 It stands there under the sun and moon to ends analogous — and not less noble 
 than theirs. It is not for festivity, it is not for sleep ; but the pine and the 
 oak shall gladly descend from the mountain to uphold the roof of men as faith- 
 ful and necessary as themselves, to be the shelter — open always to good and true 
 persons, — a hall which shines with sincerity, brows ever tranquil and a demeanor 
 impossible to disconcert, whose inmates know what they want ; who do not 
 ask your house how their's shall be kept." 
 
 It is by the thousand little felicities in shape of a pretty bracket here, an 
 artistic gem of picture, statuette, or bust ; a gauzy curtain veiling some little 
 recess ; a pretty hanging draping, but not excluding the warm glow of color 
 from yonder brilliant window ; a graceful stand of flowers ; a tiny cabinet of 
 choice treasures ; a cozy chair or comfortable divan ; these and many another 
 object, trifling in itself and of easy manufacture, are the " traps to catch the 
 sunbeams," which shimmer and lighten up and glow through the dwelling 
 where taste dwells in unity with utilities and love. Sunbeams of both a physi- 
 cal and moral character, for where such surroundings as we have described fill 
 and environ a dwelling it is sure to be a home in which dwell the " graces of 
 which the Spirit, love, joy, peace, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temper- 
 ance," spread their sweet influence and affect each member of the household. 
 
TASTE 
 
 -IN- 
 
 Furnishing and Embellishing the House. 
 
 CHAPTER I. 
 
 FURNITURE. 
 
 The first point to understand as regards the furnishing of the house, is that 
 use and beauty must stand united. 
 
 The desire is felt to make for one's self a home, a place of beauty, yet embrac- 
 ing all the requirements of a habitation, in which people are to live, to eat, 
 sleep and pass their hours of relaxation and pleasure ; and with many of the 
 family, of busy care as well ; therefore, though beauty may ever be the queen, 
 utility must reign as the lord and master, the two forming a perfect pair, 
 (and united,) a perfect whole. 
 
 Nowhere more than in the dwellings of the American people is felt this need 
 for the exercise of the beautiful ; here the useful governs without any aid, but 
 the great tendency to conventionality, often lapsing into mere vulgar display, is 
 demanding some set rules by which the mind, anxious for improvement, and 
 the deft fingers tingling for a guiding hand, may be led into right paths. 
 
 The time has come when beautiful homes can be made, at a cost, within the 
 means and desires of our most humble, but tasteful people. 
 
 Each person is to first understand what they desire and what is truly beauti- 
 ful and appropriate ; the decoration and furnishing of the house will then 
 expand into beauty as the foliage of a tree, commencing inward with the ger- 
 minating leaf, and opening outward until, leaf by leaf and branch by branch, the 
 perfect verdure is formed into a symmetrical and beautiful object. As a home, 
 what does a man need in the dwelling he has provided ? What is the actual 
 requirement of this house-holder, who day after day goes forth from his door to 
 make, " by the sweat of his brow," or the activity of his brain, a livelihood for 
 the dwellers in his house ? 
 
 .» 
 
6 BEAUTIFUL HOMES. 
 
 Is it all sufficient that the bread he has earned should be made and placed 
 before him ? That the bed he has purchased should be daily re-arranged, or 
 further still, do these simple acts suffice the wife and mother and daughter ? 
 Are they willing to give him no more ? The daily toil on the farm, or in office, 
 store or shop is perhaps cheerfully endured by this father of the house ; the 
 work carefully, even willingly performed, but it necessarily brings weariness, 
 and the daily life in the busy world, though in a sense one of enjoyment, is 
 among men, perhaps strangers, and a man of business is " everybody's man " ; 
 but when the long shadows tell that even-tide has come, and turning from 
 plow, or desk, or counter, this man shuts the door behind him and carefully 
 locks back all the day's perplexities and cares ; what is he to find when he 
 opens the other door, and his own bit of life is reached ; when the one fragment 
 of day he may call his own dawns down upon him ? House-wife, " house- 
 mother " you are to answer. You are to make the home. A home which has 
 been aptly defined as 
 
 " A centre amidst a busy and weary world, for 
 Friendship, love and repose." 
 
 In the able work on decorative art, Scott's " History and Practice of the Fine 
 and Ornamental Ai'ts," we find taste defined as " that faculty by which we dis- 
 tinguish whatever is graceful, noble, just and loveable in the infinitely varied 
 appearances about us, and in the works of the decorative and imitative arts. 
 The immediate impulse in the presence of beauty is to feel and admire ; when 
 the emotion and sentiment are strong, we are compelled to imitate." 
 
 On the correctness of the taste displayed in furnishing the apartments of a 
 house depends entirely the air of comfort or elegance they will wear and the 
 sensations of pleasure or unrest to be felt by those inhabiting them. Many 
 rooms, expensively furnished, will have something dragged into them that will 
 not only detract from the beauty of really elegant surroundings, but produce as 
 well, a sense of irritability to a critical eye, for, as Mr. Conway says, " it is 
 a large part of the art of decorating to know what not to have in a house." 
 Studied elaboration in a small or unpretentious dwelling, and without means to 
 support elegance is not a mark of good taste ; this holds good as regards mas- 
 sive or highly decorated furniture, as also confusion of color; masses of vivdd 
 shades offending the eye of correct taste. Let us suppose that our walls are 
 covered with paper of tasteful design and quiet shades, (unless paint or wash 
 of some lovely tint has been preferred) ; that carpets, oil-cloth, or rugs, unob- 
 trusive in design, deep and rich in tone cover the floors, and also we assume 
 that these are adapted to the particular uses and positions they are to occupy ; 
 we are now ready to introduce our furniture. In doing this we must constantly 
 bear in mind the color and character of our back-ground and ground- work. As 
 a picture with warm Italian sky would appear absurd with houses capped and 
 
BEAUTIFUL HOMES. 7 
 
 covered with snow, so would richly tinted hangings and furniture trimmed with 
 heavy materials, illy compare with light bamboo furniture, or rustic decorations. 
 This nice discrimination must be carried out in all apartments, and each must 
 be adapted to the special use for which it is designed. Furniture, hangings, 
 and indeed all the appointments of a house may be simple in the extreme, and 
 yet strike the critical eye as being perfectly harmonious, just so long -as each 
 part is kept constantly in view, as the furnishing is carried along. The cry 
 constantly made that a tasteful house is " too expensive a luxury," is an excuse 
 that will no longer stand, for this is the day when invention has given us too 
 much cheap luxury in furniture of every kind ; for is there not luxury in the 
 highly polished crystal upon your neatly furnished side-board, in the burnished 
 silver plate that graces the snow-white tray-cover upon your table ; in the beau- 
 tifully embroidered linen of your bed ; in the thousand little et ceteras entering 
 into your daily household furnishing, which may be purchased at so trifling a 
 cost, and in many cases is mere imitation. This is so far correct that it is 
 doubtful whether there is not a far greater lack of taste in the houses where 
 the cut-glass remains unpolished and frequently unwashed ; the " solid silver " 
 tarnished, bruised and worn ; while the linen of both bed and board, and the 
 entire list of household articles bear the marks of the " hard wear and tear " of 
 the careless hireling. 
 
 Cheap luxury is easily obtained in this day by any woman who possesses the 
 use of hands and head. 
 
 What a woman has done, a woman can do ; and we hold that any woman of 
 ordinary strength, and enjoying an average of usual health, may by manage- 
 ment of details, and judicious expenditure of time, make for herself and those 
 she loves a home, beautiful in embellishment, and furnished with comparative 
 luxury. 
 
 The truth is, the chief beauty of decoration does not consist so much in the 
 costliness of the materials which compose it, as in the taste displayed in its 
 design, and the appropriateness of its position. The beauty of the picture you 
 so admire is not enhanced by its being portrayed upon a certain kind of can- 
 vas, but in the arrangement of the landscape and figures ; true, the finest pic- 
 tures are upon canvas and not cabinet-board, but only a close critic with 
 educated eye can detect the difference ; so an elegant and lofty apartment best 
 displays the elaborate, the costly hangings and the exquisite frescoes ; still the 
 more humble room may have its walls so carefully and tastefully painted that 
 even the eye of the connoisseur is caught and held by the exquisite coloring. 
 
 The rules to govern the furnishing and embellishment of a house are these : 
 
 1st, beauty of form ; 2d, the harmonious combination of color ; 3d, the fitness 
 of each article of furniture for its special office, and the adaptation and appro- 
 priateness of each ornament for the particular purpose to which it is applied. 
 
 This chaste and delicate taste woald lead to the following results in furnish- 
 
8 BEAUTIFUL HOMES. 
 
 ing : if the paper was of an olive green with gold lines and spots, the carpet 
 deeper shades of green, brightened in spots with touches of primary green, and 
 careful arrangement of some deep-toned colors ; then the covers of tables, cur- 
 tains and upholstery would harmonize best if they were tinted with shades of 
 dull red or crimson ; but it is best to bear constantly in mind that as a rule, 
 the primaries are best confined (ia their pure shades) to the objects aud orna- 
 mental details to which the general masses serve as back-grounds. For instance 
 in the case supposed, the reds should not be too positive, but of a subdued tone, 
 say inclining to purple, while the green should be of an opposite character and 
 contain a yellowish tinge, while any bright spots or masses of decided color 
 being introduced in borders of table covers, bands of chair and sofa seats, edg- 
 ings to Anti-macassars, borders of rugs, curtains, etc., would "stand out," as it 
 were, and produce their proper effect. 
 
 As regards styles of furniture for various apartments, in this day, it would 
 appear almost fruitless to attempt the descriptions of varieties, and the applica- 
 tion of styles to positions, there being such a vast number that a person about 
 to furnish their house, may choose ad infinitum ad libitum. Perhaps, though, we 
 may be able to give a few hints that will aid our young housekeepers, at least, 
 to make such selections as will allow them no grounds for after regret or self- 
 reproach, which we will do, before entering upon the principal object of our 
 work, which is to give directions for furnishing and embellishing the house of 
 which they are to make a home by their own hands. 
 
CHAPTER II. 
 
 SELECTING AND ARRANGING HOUSE FURNITURE. 
 
 As a means of aiding you, our ambitious and tasteful housekeeper, in select- 
 ing and imitating beautiful models and artistic arrangements, let us walk 
 through the various establishments, whose furniture, carpets and upholstering 
 are spread before us in all the rich profusion which is so enchanting to the eye 
 of those women, whose taste hungers to be fed with beautiful objects. 
 
 Here we find exquisite furniture of every description, and for each apartment 
 in the house. For the dining-rooms, bed-chambers, sitting-rooms and halls, the 
 quaintly simple English Gothic styles, after designs by Eastlake, are appropri- 
 ate, and possess the recommendation of being easily copied, as we show in a- 
 following chapter. Many do not admire this style, but among the lovers of 
 ancient and mediaeval art, those rather simple forms present peculiar attrac- 
 tions. It consists of low, square and straight form, in wood of various colors 
 and kinds, embellished with illuminated designs in blue, scarlet and dead gold, 
 arranged after mediaeval patterns. The curious oxidized rings, screws, hinges 
 and locks give a massive appearance to some of the " pieces," and are suggest- 
 ive of utility as well as age. 
 
 Butternut wood of light yellowish-brown, maple both curled and bird's-eye, 
 white poplar, and other light wood is suitable for dining-room, chambers and 
 living-room ; walnut for library, hall and parlors in the majority of houses, and 
 in many is preferred through all. The ebonized and highly ornamental furni- 
 ture in imitation of the exquisite Japanese lacquered and inlaid work, Chinese 
 papier-mache, omolu, gilded and painted fancy suites are highly esteemed for 
 parlors and drawing-rooms, and can be so perfectly imitated that the great fear 
 is, persons will be apt to overdo the matter and run into extremes that will tend 
 rather to vulgar and pretentious display than to chaste and elegant adornment. 
 
 Many persons of moderate means will prefer suites of black walnut, and we 
 would mention to those not aware of the fact that exceedingly tasteful chamber 
 suites with marble top to bureau, wash-stand, commode and candle-stand may be 
 obtained for |75 to $100, while simple suites of walnut without marble, cost from 
 $30 to $50, and these can be so exquisitely embellished that, after coming from 
 the brush $500 would scarcely purchase them. 
 
 Suites of parlor, dining-room or chamber furniture, made neatly and strongly, 
 may be gotten up for about $15 to $25 (or purchased directly from the factory). 
 
10 BEAUTIFUL HOMES. 
 
 Of well-seasoned pine wood, which can be rubbed down and polished, we can 
 make furniture en suite for each separate room ; and though it will require time, 
 industry, and a modicum of artistic skill, we need not fear but we can adorn 
 every apartment in our house, not merely with taste but with elegance of no 
 mean order. As we proceed with this work full directions will be given for 
 enriching these plain sets, but for those with means at their disposal for pur- 
 chasing elegant furniture directly from the establishments, we have butternut 
 suites with blue and red illuminations costing from $600 to |2,000. Dark old 
 walnut mediaeval suites relieved by scarlet, gold and ebony figures, at $1,200. 
 
 For dining-rooms there are side-boards from Eastlake's designs, that bring to 
 mind the comfortable old affair of our grandmothers, filled to repletion on 
 Thanksgiving or Christmas ; a set of deep shelves above, with the cupboards 
 below closed in by heavy doors furnished with hinges, rings and key-shields of 
 dull oxidized silver or brass. In some cases these are made of the bright cheer- 
 ful-looking butternut wood with designs in marquetry, either of stained or self- 
 colored woods. 
 
 Chairs of square form, upholstered with leather, or the leather cloth. The 
 wooden mantel may be made to correspond with the furniture ; indeed may 
 almost be said to make a portion of the suite ; above it a shelf and tiers of 
 brackets, with picture of fruit, game or suitable figures. 
 
 For chambers, the same square style appears to be preferred to the high- 
 pointed forms of years back. Solid walnut suites, well made, and simply em- 
 bellished with mouldings, consisting of seven pieces, viz. : bedstead, bureau, 
 wash-stand, candle-stand for small table), rocking and two side chairs (cane- 
 seated,) may be bought for $50. A dressing-table, with mirror from four to six 
 feet long, with drawers on the sides furnished with drop-handles, costs $25 to 
 $4:0, and is a great comfort in a ladies' dressing-room. 
 
 The " cottage suites " of enamelled wood are exceedingly pretty, particularly 
 for country houses or children's chambers. The sage gray tints are specially 
 lovely with scenes in oval frames of ornamental gilding; or charming floral 
 designs of moss roses and buds, or clusters of violets, or creamy white lilies. 
 These are easily and beautifully imitated (as we shall hereafter show) and can 
 be made to form exquisite combinations, with colors of carpet, walls, etc. The 
 low head-boards of these fancy suites are extremely quaint looking and the 
 pretty tints above the snowy linen present a charming appearance, and the 
 drop-handles of nickel or wood added to these light suites, appear peculiarly 
 effective. French-gray grounds with scarlet and gilt illuminated designs ; black 
 enamelled with blue, scarlet, and mingled tints of gorgeous color, blended with 
 gilding ; oak with bands of blue and gold enclosing exquisite landscapes, form 
 some of the combinations which appear naturally to suit this style of furniture. 
 
 The fancy for mediaeval furniture, which is now the caprice of wealthy peo- 
 ple, can be brought to impart a special beauty to the homesteads of the more 
 
BEAUTIFUL HOMES. 11 
 
 humble housekeeper inasmuch as it is a style peculiarly adapted to the quaint 
 rooms belonging to many of our country dwellings. 
 
 For the pretty cottage suites, just described, this form is exceedingly appro- 
 priate, and a set of such furniture with carpet and w^alls corresponding in tone, 
 mantels stained, enamelled and painted, (or imitated with Decalcomania work) 
 will be found to produce a most pleasmg result, and is an inexpensive one with 
 all. 
 
 For parlors, drawing-rooms, or saloons, ebony, (which may be so beautifully 
 imitated), is the wood in special favor. It is used for entire suites and appears 
 peculiarly adapted to the many pieces of furniture now brought into requisition, 
 to add to this the treas are-house of the ambitious housewife. So she may have 
 her entire parlor suite, made of well-seasoned pine, after certain patterns which 
 correspond with her peculiar taste, and proceed to ebonize and embellish after 
 the true mediaeval style. 
 
 The long straight sofas, and chairs with square arms and backs, cabinet with 
 shelves and case for the hric a brae, the massive table, frames of mirror and 
 pictures, case for the (otherwise simple) clock, easels for choice pictures, pedes- 
 tals for busts or statuettes, and brackets for the tasteful vase or other pretty 
 adornments. 
 
 The enrichments for this sombre ground-work are gilt traceries, marquetry 
 of tinted wood, inlaid ivory, tiles of antique color and design and Oriental 
 painting with vivid transparent tints. 
 
 For some rooms, light woods may be preferred, indeed, where the aspect is a 
 north or north-easterly one, or the apartment somewhat shaded and gloomy, we 
 would recommend this style. 
 
 In this case the walls are painted in imitation of fresco, or with dado and 
 frieze of deeper shade and the intermediate walls a light tint of a similar 
 color, or the walls may be white or some very pale tint, wdth gilt mouldings or 
 a dado of cloth-paper with gold iSgures. 
 
 The carpets here should be of white or very light lavender, pearl or dove 
 color, with designs in primary colors, or a square of Aubusson tapestrj^ with 
 floor tastefully painted to represent tiles — or again the entire floor may be 
 stained and carefully colored to represent inlaid woods, with only rugs placed 
 about in true Eastern style. 
 
 Renaissance chairs of various kinds — some with low oval backs, covered 
 with rich embroidery ; — light fancy reception chairs, stools, ottomans, brioches, 
 etc., are scattered carelessly about ; and draperies with white ground and gay 
 figures, give the whole a light, bright appearance that will at once change the 
 gloomy apartment to one of brightness and cheery light. 
 
 The invaluable " bracket " saws, carving and ornamenting tools, which are 
 now to be procured for so small a sum, place household decoration, indeed the 
 complete furnishing, within the means of every one, and where any member of 
 
12 BEAUTIFUL HOMES. 
 
 the family with sufficient strength can use one of the finer foot power scroll 
 saws, we should say that it were money well invested to secure one of these never 
 failing sources of satisfaction and pleasure. With such a saw, and tools (such 
 as are shown on in a later chapter), a person may furnish their entire h(^se. 
 Taking a set of furniture, piece by piece, it is not after all an impossible thing 
 (for a man at least), to make every article desired; and with the small saws and 
 carving- tools, a lady will find it a most pleasurable occupation to fashion all 
 the lighter articles of household decoration and light fret-work panels for even 
 heavy furniture. This application of dark fret-work upon light wood or vice 
 versa, will be found one of the most elegant methods of embellishing panels of 
 doors, wainscoting, window-frames, broad, flat spaces on furniture, etc. 
 
 Low book-cases of walnut or light wood may be beautifully enriched (in 
 imitation of the costly specimens we see) by using the Egyptian, Roman and 
 Grecian heads which come in such perfection among the artificial wood carv- 
 ings. The highest part in the center of these cases is five feet, fitted with 
 shelves set in graduated distances for volumes of different sizes, while on the 
 sides are low wings three or four feet high, inclosed with doors, fm-nished with 
 locks and rings, which adds greatly to their quaint look. Ladies' Davenport 
 desks, corner cabinets, with shelves and spaces inclosed for curiosities, low 
 easels and upright portfolios for engravings and pictures of other kinds, 
 brackets in Gothic style, and quaint, massive table, constitute the libraiy furni- 
 ture ; while for halls are chairs of heavy carved wood, with wooden or cane 
 seats ; hat-rack, inclosing mirror, and drawer below for brushes, bracket with 
 broad shelf for shawls ; wall pockets of wood with embellishments to corres- 
 pond with furniture for gloves etc., chandeliers with wine-colored shade, and 
 the usual mats and rugs upon the floor. All these things we are to reproduce 
 by imitation. 
 
 As regards the upholstering we may not fabricate the rich damasks, cre- 
 tonnes and Indian silks which, accompanying the furniture we have described, 
 make the dwellings of the rich so luxurious; but, thanks be to innate taste 
 and the ingenuity and enterprise of American manufacturers, we can cover our 
 sofas and chairs, can make our cushioned couches and tufted ottomans, can 
 drape our windows with materials so beautiful in design and soft in texture, 
 and withal at such prices, that we are enabled to make up fully by extra lining 
 and quantity for the heaviness of the imported article. 
 
 For parlors, drawing-rooms and salons, rich Oriental damasks, raw silks of 
 rare Indienne designs, Persian silk, cashmeres and tapestry are used. 
 
 The silks are soft and fine in quality, in delicate shades ; while the rich 
 Indienne fabrics called lampas, a kind of figured satin, and Persian silks, 
 cashmeres, in pale tints or white grounds, strewn with dark figures ; some 
 satin damasks have black grounds with heavy brocaded or embroidered designs 
 covering them ; these and tapestries are of light fade hues, with curious, quaint 
 
BEAUTIFUL HOMES. 13 
 
 arabesque figures ; a Louis Quinze rose color, with lovely blue, pale-drab, pearl 
 or gray, blue-green with embossed velvet figures, and a clear amber-brown with 
 self-hued brocaded figures, or the many charming shades of brown, blue, drab 
 and dull red wrought in golden yellow. 
 
 Bed-chambers are upholstered with fabrics equally rich, or with the beauti- 
 ful Cretonnes, satteens, cashmeres and chintzes in various styles. Strikiiig 
 contrasts are avoided, and in rooms appropriated for family use serviceable 
 colors are preferred; blue furnishes more tastefully perhaps than any other, 
 but no color fades so quickly. 
 
 Country houses, during Summer, appear best with light or white-grounded 
 chintzes or Cretonnes, quaint blue or buff backgrounds, with arabesque designs 
 thickly covered over the plain surface ; — drab, gray, black or brown, with bright 
 colored flowers or figures ; so perfect in shading as to appear as if painted in 
 delicate water colors. Kich plain fabrics have bands of velvet stitched on the 
 edges, or plaited bands with ruchings on the edges completely cover the wood- 
 work of chairs and lounges. 
 
 Curtains, mantel hangings and covers of tables and stands are of like mate- 
 rials as the upholstering ; or in summer linen damask, or Swiss embellished 
 with applique work. Bedsteads are again furnished with curtains and valances 
 (physicians to the contrary notwithstanding), and with the Arabian bedsteads, 
 form a most charming arrangement. We confess to having a strong predilec- 
 tion for the quaint, comfortable, and even elegant bed-hangings of the oldeii 
 times. These of course correspond with the remaining drapery and may be of 
 any of the new quaint stuffs now used ; the curtains attached to rings which 
 slide readily upon poles of wood or metal. 
 
 For plain houses the new gray linen damasks are as beautiful as appropriate. 
 This may be bordered with embroidery, figures cut from scarlet cloth, or blue, 
 green, or other desirable color, or from cretonne-chintz, and fastened with 
 applique stitch ; chain-stitching, a braided design, or even wide bands of color 
 stitched on each edge with sewing machine work, finishes them equally well. 
 A pretty fancy of the times is to make Summer covers, anti-macassars, etc., of 
 Swiss, with fluted ruffles as a finish, curtains and hangings to correspond, as 
 also a bed-spread and pillow covers, which must be lined with color to match 
 or contrast with furniture, &c. 
 
 Libraries and dining-rooms are upholstered largely with embossed leather ; 
 leather-paper on wall's, plain, or stamped in bright or somber colors — brown, 
 stone, dark green, crimson or dull red. The enrichment of furniture here con- 
 sists in bands of dark velvet thickly studded with gilt-headed nails, heavy 
 woollen fringe. Curtains of damask or furniture crash, bordered with velvet to 
 match upholstery, and lambrequins of leather-cloth decorated with designs to 
 match the tiles of the furniture, fire-place, &c. In libraries where more warmth 
 of tone is desirable, richer fabrics are used for the hangings ; plain rooms hav- 
 
14 BEAUTIFUL HOMES. 
 
 ing the cheaper worsted stuffs, such as Tycoon and striped reps, in rich Indian 
 tints, lined and bordered with velveteen. 
 
 Of the principal feature of the dining-room, the sideboard, we have already 
 :Spoken, but would add that the former taste for marble slabs is entirely super- 
 seded by the plain, highly enamelled tiles, with heavy ornaments of nickel or 
 brass — in ring-handles, hinges, keys, etc. 
 
 For sitting (or living) rooms there are lovely chintzes, cretonnes, and heavier 
 woolen fabrics; a host of rich tints of blue, drab, gray and pale rose, that 
 catch the tints of rosy morning or golden evening, and diffuse brightness and 
 a glowing warmth through the room, in which various light furniture emi- 
 nently for ladies' use is scattered about, though the deep " Sleepy Hollow " 
 chair, with tufted foot-rest of carved wood, upholstered cashion, and carved 
 newspaper portfolio, indicate that the gentlemen too are expected to enjoy this 
 general room. Quaint sets of cottage or Japanese furniture in colored wood or 
 bamboo, upholstered in bright colors ; cabinet to correspond, and rich, folding 
 screen, with " couches that invite repose," and every variety of " knick- 
 knackery," are shown for this apartment devoted to the family circle; and, 
 perhaps despite the housewife's laudable ambition to ornament the parlor, the 
 dearest, most carefully embellished spot of all her house. 
 
 The illustrations we give will afford some idea of the embellishment and 
 decoration of these various kinds of furniture, and 'vvill aid in their being 
 imitated. 
 
CHAPTEE, IIL 
 
 THE HALL 
 
 THE VESTIBULE. 
 
 Many halls, instead of having a vestibule at the entrance, open directly upon 
 the portico or steps, and as the staircase and doors to various apartments gen- 
 erally stand in this passage, screens will not only be found a comfort as regards 
 privacy, but also in breaking those draughts of air which rush through the 
 building upon opening the outer doors in cold or stormy weather. In many 
 cases an impromptu partition reaching from floor to ceiling, with a door, will be 
 found to answer admirably as a screen. 
 
 Such a partition may be made simply of canvas neatly papered, with the door 
 of light frame-work covered in the same manner, and present a really tasteful 
 appearance. Or where elegance of a more artistic character is desired, nothing 
 can yield such an air of comfort and taste as warm, bright colored curtains 
 separating hall and vestibule. 
 
 Where the ceiling is high, a deep lambrequin may extend for a distance 
 below it with the curtains fastened beneath ; but where the space will admit, a 
 more simple method will be to fasten brackets upon the side walls, into which 
 a pole is set, with the curtain falling in long, heavy folds and readily drawn 
 aside by means of large rings, fastened to it and on the pole. 
 
 In arranging such curtains both sides must be neatly finished, as either will 
 be equally conspicuous, the one from the entrance, the other from the hall. 
 
 When possible, the entrance door should be made with glass transom and 
 side lights, as upon these depend the brightness of an otherwise gloomy 
 apartment. 
 
 We have frequently heard it asserted and believe it to be a prevalent idea, 
 that the entrance to a house should be made as bright and dazzling as possible ; 
 that the hall should, from floor to ceiling, be covered with brilliant colors in 
 carpet and paper, and furnished in the most sumptuous manner, presenting the 
 person entering with an immediate sense of the ability of tlie house (whether 
 it be great or small), the millionaire setting the example, the more humble 
 neighbors following on as closely as possible. 
 
 Whereas both are wrong, for whatever may be the state of finances, and 
 whether the hall may be wide or narrow, the same rule should govern ; which 
 
16 
 
 BEAUTIFUL HOMES. 
 
 is, that here the light must be soft and the colors subdued ; the furniture a 
 shade more simple, and the aspect slightly Zes.s* sumptuous, than in the surround- 
 
 Fi^. 1. Home-made Hull Curtain. 
 
BEAUTIFUL HOMES. 17 
 
 ing apartments ; to carry out, in fact, the old idea of a vestibule, that it is to 
 be " a sheltered cortile," into which our beloved home-comer and stranger 
 guest may turn as to a haven of rest, and find that he has not entered into a 
 scene of dazzling and oppressive light, but to a soft, subdued shade, as restful 
 as it is refreshing when compared to the garish light just shut out with the 
 closing door. 
 
 Mr. M. D. Conway, in Harper's Monthly, in speaking upon this subject, tells 
 us that " in the majority of beautiful houses, the first effect at the entrance is 
 that of shade," and he adds, very aptly : " The visitor who has come from the 
 blaze of daylight is at once invited to a kindly seclusion. Beyond the vesti- 
 bule the light is again reached, but now blended with tints and forms of 
 artistic beauty. He is* no longer in the hands of brute Nature, but is being 
 ministered to by humane thought and feeling, and gently won into that mood 
 
 * In which the heavy and the weary weight 
 Of all this unintelligible world 
 Is lightened.' " 
 
 To produce this sense of refreshment, whether from the bleak cold winds of 
 winter, or the hot sultry heat of summer, becomes a subject worthy of careful 
 consideration. 
 
 To the wealthy it will be easy to produce the results so ably held up to us as 
 examples by Mr. Conway ; but to our more humble housekeeper and that large 
 class who " desire but have not the means to gratify," to these it becomes a 
 matter of real unrest, that with earnest desire to make home as inviting as pos- 
 sible, they lack the ability. Though " on hospitable care intent," to just as great 
 a degree as her more wealthy neighbor, our less wealthy w^oman feels unable to 
 so furnish her hall and apartments that they will yield the dreamy satisfaction, 
 the luxurious refreshment just described. What then? Must she succumb to 
 her stringent circumstances, and with bare floors and dazzling panes of trans- 
 parent window glass, endure the mortification and sorrow perhaps of knowing 
 that her friends and even her own household are uncomfortable ? 
 
 No ! Thanks to those w^ho with laudable anxiety to aid that large class who 
 have no means to purchase costly luxuries, have given us means of imitating 
 beautiful and even artistic objects, we may, by exerting ourselves, obtain 
 descriptions of them, or perhaps secure the use of some costly specimen for 
 a time, be able to make such perfect imitations of the same that all who see 
 them will enjoy the copy as much or more perhaps than the original. Let us 
 see therefore, first, what we can do to produce that mellow glow, so beautiful 
 when diffused through a vestibule ; this in handsome dwellings is the effect of 
 the light through stained glass in the side and transom lights of the front door. 
 But in this day when men of taste and culture resort to the recent imitations of 
 Diaphanie, Yitromania, etc., for the embellishment of churches and other public 
 2 
 
18 BEAUTIFUL HOMES. 
 
 buildings, surely the finger of scorn cannot be pointed at those who apply these 
 really exquisite kinds of work to the embellishment of their own homes. 
 
 There are such a number of charming methods for changing plain panes of glass 
 into transparencies of no mean order, that it becomes a matter of wonder that 
 so many (even tasteful persons), are willing to submit to the glare of the unor- 
 namented glass, or even worse, to the obscurity and ugliness of the thick green 
 paper which has been used so long for covering the hall door lights. 
 
 Diaphanie and Vitromania are such perfect imitations of stained glass that 
 the plates are being largely used in Europe for the windows of handsome pub- 
 lic buildings, dwellings and churches, and have become wonderfully popular 
 with decorators. The art of transferring these plates is fully given in " House- 
 hold Elegancies ; " and among the designs, borders, grounds, corners, etc., of 
 which there are between three and five hundred different plates (in manufact- 
 urers' catalogues), a large number will be found peculiarly adapted to our 
 present purpose. 
 
 Pieces of a sacred character are only appropriate for churches, chapels or the 
 Sanctum Sanctorum of the Clergyman ; but for those who admire mediaeval and 
 ancient scenes and decorations are offered an extensive assortment, consisting 
 of knights, musicians, medallions, heads of various characters, groups of flowers 
 and fruit, Rosaces, etc., in many styles of the thirteenth, fifteenth and sixteenth 
 centuries and Renaissance period ; while to those who prefer more modern 
 styles are presented charming views in Switzerland and other countries. 
 
 Besides this method of enriching plain glass, there are numerous other ways 
 of subduing the garish light which are even more simple. 
 
 By applying the Decalcomania designs in the usual manner and covering 
 with bobbinet, then varnishing with Demar (which will fasten the lace to the 
 glass), a beautiful effect is given, almost equal to Diaphanie. Or varnishing 
 with Demar and applying figured lace and finishing with two after coats of 
 varnish, the glass will appear like the figured ground glass and will bear 
 washing. 
 
 Where an extremely subdued light is desired, a charming effect is produced 
 by cutting thin card board of size of the panes, sketching pretty designs on 
 them, then cutting slashes in the high lights ; which work bears the imposing 
 name of Epiphanie, but is really quite simple, though beautiful beyond descrip- 
 tion, looking like sculpture. To produce a different effect, line the design with 
 colored gelaiine or even tissue paper, and if crimson is used a rich glow like 
 stained glass will be cast ; or, better still, line the various parts behind the 
 slashes, with the color required ; for instance, if leaves, green ; flowers, rose, 
 blue, yellow, purple, etc., to suit the different varieties. 
 
 Photophamie too affords an exquisite means of embellishment ; using a plain 
 wall paper with a border of vine leaves, or ivy, maple or oak, and a group in 
 the center of each pane ; or extending from the center to each end, (diminish- 
 
BEAUTIFUL HOMES. 19 
 
 ing from the center,) of larger leaves, with grapes, flowers, or whatever is 
 desired, carefully pricked with needles of several sizes. 
 
 AVhere the family can boast of an artist, none of these imitations will be 
 required, but they may resort to a still more artistic embellishment and paint 
 directly upon the glass in transparent colors, which is certainly a most charm- 
 ing method of adorning the hall and other windows. 
 
 FLOOE, OF VESTIBULE. 
 
 The floor of the vestibule should if possible be covered with oil-cloth, or some 
 substitute for it, either matting — Canton or Cocoa-fibre — or the imitation of oil- 
 cloth made with wall paper, or chintz. 
 
 This substitute or " imitation " we can highly recommend, having tested it for 
 many years, upon a hall in constant use by a large family ; and we would re- 
 mark here, that those who have failed in making this cloth durable, have either 
 not varnished sufficiently, or have neglected to give the " necessary " coat of 
 shellac each spring, which if attended to, will insure long wear. The method of 
 making this " home-made oil-cloth," is this : having the floor perfectly smooth, 
 by puttying the cracks and rubbing down any rough places, give it a thorough 
 cleansing with brush and soap-suds. Allow to dry, and having sufficient coarse 
 muslin to cover the space, proceed to tack one end firmly and closely to the floor, 
 stretch as tightly as possible, and fasten at the opposite side ; proceed in like 
 manner with the sides. Xext paint the whole with smooth, thin paste, until the 
 muslin is thoroughly wet, allow this to dry, and having selected wall paper with 
 check, or mosaic design, cut into lengths, of size of room, matching each one 
 carefully. Having a quantity of smooth, boiled paste, to which a half pint of 
 thin liquid glue has been added to every gallon, with a small whitewash or 
 paint brush, paint the under or " wrong " side of each strip, always keeping one 
 covered ahead, in order to allow time for the paper to become thoroughly damp. 
 The strips should be laid evenly, and carefully matched ; then patted with a 
 clean, soft towel, until they adhere to the muslin in every part. When dry, 
 paint with two coats of shellac varnish, allowing the first to dry before applying 
 the second. Lastly give two coats of Copal, and you have a handsome and 
 durable oil-cloth. 
 
 When those parts in constant use, show worn and defaced spots, immediate 
 application of shellac varnish, followed by a coat of Copal, will at once renovate 
 them, and by this care, such a floor-covering, will constantly appear fresh and 
 solid as when first made, and will withstand the " wear and tear " of many 
 years. 
 
 Where Canton Matting is used, the bright crimson or deep brown and white 
 checkered kinds appear to best advantage. Where the white matting is pre- 
 ferred, weekly washing (or rather sponging) with salt-water, will tend to retain 
 the greenish-white color, noticeable in the new and genuine article. 
 
20 BEAUTIFUL HOMES. 
 
 White metal tacks should always be used for matting, as the rust of the or- 
 dinary iron tack soon discolors the edge, besides presenting an unsightly ap- 
 pearance. 
 
 STAINED AND INLAID FLOOES. 
 
 An elegant floor is made as follows : — 
 
 Take a quantity of fine whitening and mix with linseed oil, until sufficiently 
 plastic to be worked readily, then with a glazier's knife, carefully fill each 
 crack, hole and crevice in the boards, working the putty firmly in with the 
 knife. Allow this to dry, and endeavour to make the entire surface as uniform 
 as possible. 
 
 Next obtain a decoction of burnt-umber by mixing the powder, in scalding 
 vinegar, and while it is preparing, proceed to sketch and cut out a border and 
 center-piece of style, corresponding with the surroundings. 
 
 If the glass of your windows has been embellished with floral designs, 
 (whether in Diaphanie or Photophamie work, is unimportant,) then a suitable 
 design for the floor will be a conventional group of flowers, with a border of 
 Oak leaves and Acorns, or Vine and Grapes. These must be large, and arranged 
 carefully with the vines, starting from the center of sides and ends, and running 
 out toward the corners, where ornamental squares may finish and connect 
 them. 
 
 Cut these designs from stiff paper — and if care is used not to tear them while 
 wet, the same strip, or succession of leaves, will answer for the remaining sides, 
 and a quarter section of the center for the other three. 
 
 Fasten these patterns in position on the floor, by pressing pins through the 
 paper and into the wood ; then with a medium sized painters-brush, and the 
 decoction of Umber, stain the uncovered parts of the floor around them, proceed 
 thus with each section, and give successive coats until a rich brown color is ob- 
 tained; when each part thus painted is dry, raise the patterns, and the design 
 will appear in the color of the wood. Brush the surface of the stained parts 
 with a soft brush, and rub thoroughly with a flannel cloth until perfectly 
 smooth, then with- a little of the stain, (made very light with vinegar) proceed 
 to vein and mark the leaves, stamens of flowers and any fine parts, when dry 
 oil or varnish the whole surface, and the effect will be that of a floor inlaid with 
 butternut or other white wood on walnut. 
 
 Another effect is produced by staining the various figures with colors, such 
 as are described in chapter on wood staining, etc., using yellow, purple, green, 
 red, etc., in imitation of the marquetry art, but using only two colors, or two 
 shades of one color in one design. Mosaic designs will be extremely effective for 
 this work, producing most imposing results— and being besides, easy of execu- 
 tion, as they can be laid on with line and rule, with geometric figures— such as 
 are shown in Fig. 2. 
 
BEAUTIFUL HOMES. 
 
 21 
 
 The idea is to imitate tiles, which are so various in character that all tastes 
 may be suited, though we would suggest that two tints — or at the most three, is 
 in better taste than a heterogeneous mass of colors, as this kind of polychromy 
 is out of place on the floor of a private house. It is a pretty idea too, to imitate 
 the old Roman fashion, and introduce some motto or legend upon the pavement 
 thus made ; thus following the lead of Minton, and others who copy the designs 
 of the tiles of Herculaneum and Pompeii, and other ancient cities. Some of 
 the designs and legends are peculiarly appropriate, as for instance that of the 
 chained dog, with the motto " Cave canem," and that cheery word of welcome 
 "Salve," "which," says Mr. Perkins, "the visitor to a Roman house, in the 
 
 Fig. 2. 
 
 palmy days of the empire, often found written beneath his feet, and heard re- 
 echoed by the 'pica salutatrix' (the talking Magpie), from his gilded cage 
 
 which overhung the door-way ! " 
 
 I 
 
 DOOR TEXTS OR MOTTOES. 
 
 These cheery and beautiful door embellishments have become so common 
 and deservedly popular that a tasteful apartment is scarcely considered finished 
 without one or more of them. 
 
 We think the fashion (as is too frequently the case with these things), is in 
 some instances carried to excess, but, as an ornament over the front door, 
 the hospitable " Welcome " or the cheery old " Salve " amounts almost to a 
 genial handshake ; while over the entrance to ttie sitting-room, " Sweet 
 Home ; " for a bed-room, " Thou only makest me dwell in safety," 
 etc., are not only suggestive but highly ornamental. 
 
 At present we have only to do with the motto or text for the front door. 
 
22 
 
 BEAUTIFUL HOMES. 
 
 Fig. 3. Motto. 
 
 Of course the sentiment to be embodied in the word or words must be 
 entirely at the discretion and preference of the mistress of the house, but let it 
 be what it will, it should be (whether painted, illuminated or embroidered,) 
 
 FI2. 4. Motto 
 
BEAUTIFUL HOMES. 
 
 23 
 
 carefully framed and glazed, and so placed over the frame of the door that it 
 is " tipped " slightly forward in order to present a clear view, from below, of 
 each word and letter. 
 
 Some persons paint the words in transparent colors upon the glass over the 
 door, as a part of the illuminated transom, but this is open to the objection 
 that from one side the letters must be transposed. 
 
 We believe the most popular kind of door texts are those worked on the 
 beautiful stamped perforated card-board of which there are such an innumera- 
 
 Fig. 5. Motto. 
 
 ble variety, embroidered with silk, chenille, gold and silver thread, cord or 
 bullion, beads, or even zephyrs. These letters, especially when of highly orna- 
 mental character, are very beautiful. 
 
 An unexceptional mode of making these letters is by means of illuminated 
 painting, and where the grounding is richly colored, with a large admixture of 
 gold in the lettering the effect is wonderfully artistic. 
 
 ON GLASS. 
 
 Charming letters for this purpose may be made on glass by proceeding thus : 
 have your glass cut of proper size, and having washed it perfectly clean, first, 
 with soap and water, and afterwards with alcohol, cut a strip of tin-foil of the 
 size desired for the letters, and make it quite smooth by rolling with a polished 
 surface, such as an ivory paper-knife, and wetting the place on the glass (which 
 
24 BEAUTIFUL HOMES. 
 
 the letters are to occupy) with a little very thin gum arable mucilage, or the 
 white of an egg dissolved in half a pint of cold water, lay on the foil, rubbing 
 it down flat with a pad of cloth, and after it adheres, with a burnisher of 
 some kind ; the more it is polished the finer will be the effect. On this foil 
 mark the pattern letters, which may be as ornamental as desired, and should 
 be cut out from card board, or other material which will lay down flatly and 
 admit of being cut around, (bearing in mind that as you are working on the 
 back the word must be backward). With a sharp knife cut off and remove all 
 superfluous foil from around and within each letter, pressing down carefully 
 the edges, over which apply a little varnish to prevent the ground color from 
 entering beneath the foil, which would ruin the work. 
 
 Next arrange any scroll-work, borders, corner-pieces, or other graceful orna- 
 mentation in the same manner, and finally apply over the whole a smooth coat 
 — or several of them — of the desired ground color, which may be brown, of 
 "Asphaltum varnish," or any colored paint, prepared with varnish as directed 
 hereafter. 
 
 If transparent colored letters are desired, or gold alone or with colors, paint 
 them with tube-paints mixed with Demar varnish. Thus: green, 1-5 blue, 
 4-5 yellow ; purple, 1-6 blue, 5-6 crimson ; wine-color, 1-12 blue, 11-12 crimson ; 
 pink, add crimson to white zinc ; brown, dark purple with yellow until of the 
 shade desired. 
 
 For back-grounds : white, zinc with turpentine and Demar varnish ; black, 
 lampblack with asphaltum varnish, turpentine and boiled linseed oil in equal 
 quantities ; light flesh-pink, white zinc with a little crimson and a touch of 
 yellow ; blue, Prussian blue, white zinc and Demar varnish. 
 
 For sketching out the figures or letters in colors, use a little lampblack 
 rubbed in asphaltum varnish, adding turpentine until it flows easily under the 
 brush. 
 
 The colors used are of the transparent class, Prussian blue, crimson and yel- 
 low lakes, No. 40 carmine, Roseau and white zinc, sold by druggists in tubes. 
 
 An exquisite shade of green for various kinds of fancy work is made by put- 
 ting green coffee into white of egg and keeping for two or three days, until of 
 shade required. 
 
 CAKPETS FOPv THE HALL. 
 
 Having finished the vestibule, our next duty is to furnish the hall proper, 
 and as the most important feature will speak of the floor. 
 
 In one of the pleasant notes, appended by the American editor to Eastlake*s 
 " Hints on Household Taste," he says, in answer to Mr. Eastlake's assertion, 
 that " the best mode of treating a hall-floor, whether in town or country, is to 
 pave it with encaustic tiles." If Mr. Eastlake were speaking of a vestibule, we 
 should agree with him. That appears to be the true place for a mosaic pave- 
 
BEAUTIFUL HOMES. 25 
 
 ment, or a pavement of encaustic tiles, but a parquet floor is better fitted for 
 the hall, especially in a cold climate, etc. 
 
 For real comfort we believe that in winter a carpet on both floor and stair- 
 case is preferable to either, giving an air of warmth and comfort that is most 
 delightful on coming in from the cold vestibule. 
 
 We would therefore suggest that a floor be first ornamented by any one of 
 the methods described for the vestibule, and thus present a cool, pleasant aspect 
 in summer, which at the time of the Autumn " cleaning," upon being covered, 
 will not only produce the results described, but afford a pleasant change. The 
 style of carpeting for the hall, should be rather bright and cheery, small figures, 
 and with a warmth of tone, contrasting rather strongly with the coldness out- 
 side. An appropriate bordei' adds greatly to the effect of this carpet, but better 
 even than this to have the floor painted or stained with a border, and allow the 
 carpet to extend only to the inner edge of this, is still more appropriate. 
 
 On the stairs, use a striped design, and finish the edges and face, not covered 
 with paint, of shade contrasting or corresponding with the color of walls or 
 wood-work. 
 
 In all these different parts, whether in coloring wood-work, floors, carpets or 
 wall, let one thing be kept constantly in mind, that as a possible rule, too many 
 colors must not be introduced. However imposing the effect of vivid and nu- 
 merous colors may be in shop, hotel or restaurant, such polychromy is in bad 
 taste when applied to a private dwelling. 
 
 Two colors or two shades of the same color, will give a chaste effect, and as 
 regards walls or floor — never attempt to produce a raised appearance. 
 
 WALLS OF HALL. 
 
 As regards the mural enbellishment of the hall, there can be but little doubt, 
 that panels are the most appropriate, and produce the finest results. It is not 
 difficult to procure wall-paper which imitates oak, walnut, etc., with the borders, 
 corners and other " trimmings,'" that will simulate dado, frieze and panel, and 
 with the directions we have already given for hanging to apply these to the 
 walls with the most happy effects. A beautiful mode of beautifying such 
 apartment, is to imitate an inlay of encaustic tiles to a height of three feet from 
 the floor above that, to calcimine in some pleasing tint or paint with flat color, 
 for where it is possible a hall should be painted rather than papered. Another 
 and most artistic method is to paint the walls as directed in chapter on paper- 
 ing, etc. 
 
 There may be found some ambitious and truly artistic housekeeper, who 
 would persevere in the effort to paint the walls of her house-, one after another, 
 but we fear these would be greatly in the minority, and that if one or two pet 
 apartments meet with the indulgence cf having their walls painted, it will be 
 
26 BEAUTIFUL HOMES. 
 
 all that most dwellings can boast, still by one or two of tbe methods given in 
 another chapter, any walls may be thus embellished without such vast expense 
 of time, labor and patience, and we can assure our readers " it will pay." The 
 color of the walls if painted or calcimined, or the tint of paper must necessarily 
 depend upon circumstances, color of floor or carpet, amount of light, style of glass 
 in transom (•' fan-light " as some call it) or window. If rather dim as regards 
 light, a warm pomegranate, delicate green, or soft gray will be well chosen, but 
 where the light is vivid, as through " illuminated glass " dull reds, browns or 
 darker grays will be found excellent as surface colors, but in any case divide 
 the wall into three parts, dado, frieze and intermediate wall, and in forming 
 panels, go closely by the rules given in section on Paper Hangings. 
 
 HALL FUENITUEE. 
 
 The furniture of a hall, should be simple in form, and not over abundant in 
 quantity, as nothing appears so offensive to a truly fine taste, than an apart- 
 ment intended only as a place for a transient sojourn to be crowded with an 
 indiscriminate mass of " odds and ends," placed or left there apparently because 
 not being constantly occupied, things are not so carefully noticed. This is a 
 mark of wretched housekeeping, and as first impressions leave a lasting trace 
 upon the mind, which is never wholly obliterated, so does the effect produced 
 upon the mind upon first entering a dwelling, continue to color all succeeding 
 recollections of that house, and the mistress thereof will receive her full share 
 of blame or praise according to the merits of the case. 
 
 But inasmuch as it appears natural for most persons, to do those things most 
 easily and readily done, it is the result frequently of necessity, that, hat, cloak, 
 gloves, umbrella, whip, etc., are thrown down, no appropriate place being furn- 
 ished for their reception. Therefore every hall should have its hat-pegs, its 
 wall-pockets for gloves, veils, hoods and scarfs, a table for the book, paper or 
 parcel carried by visitor or member of the family, and to be taken at the end of 
 a call, or when again going out ; the card receiver, case for letters or papers 
 for the post-office; chairs for those waiting, or weary, and perhaps a sofa or 
 lounge, for in most houses, especially in the country, should be something more 
 as Mr. Perkins truly observes, " than a mere locum tenens for the staircase." 
 
 We would pause here to make one remark regarding the style of furniture 
 designed by Charles Eastlake, and which he so enthusiasticall}'- urges the pub- 
 lic to adopt ; concerning it we would say that inasmuch as it exhibits, all severe 
 simplicity, solidity and (where desired) cheapness, of much of the odd old 
 articles of our great-grandfathers, it would appear to be conveniently adapted 
 to the requirements of many persons, especially those residing in quaint, old- 
 fashioned dwellings, or to those who can utilize the hoards of old furniture, 
 which, since their mother's childhood, perhaps, has been collecting dust and 
 
BEAUTIFUL HOMES. 
 
 27 
 
 cobwebs, under the moss-covered roof of the garret. By this time, the old side- 
 board, secretary, chairs and other ancient pieces of fm-niture have acquired the 
 very shade of darkness, and mellowness of tint required, and can be made into 
 the quaintest Gothic pieces that can be desired. 
 
 Nevertheless popular fancies are so changeable even these, by their very 
 sameness of simplicity, w411 give place ere long to styles more ornamental. 
 
 A hundred years ago, the hall was 
 a most important part of the dwell- 
 ing. With its heavy cabinets, chairs, 
 and quaint upright eight-day-clock, 
 standing, sentinel-like in the corner ; 
 this apartment presented a most in- 
 viting appearance. We confess to a 
 lingering love for " the old clock that 
 ticked on the stairs," and would ad- 
 vise its introduction in every hall, 
 though it might not be the veritable 
 " old eight-day," which is fast becom- 
 ing extinct, still let there be a substi- 
 tute, which may be either suspended 
 or placed on a bracket ; if the latter 
 it should correspond with the f urni- 
 tuj'e of the hall. 
 
 With regard to brackets, we would 
 suggest the use of plaster or clay col- 
 ored, some dark brown or stone color, 
 and sanded, or the brackets sold at 
 the picture-frame stores, made of 
 some composition, which has a beau- 
 tiful gray tint, that is certainly ar- 
 tistic, and of which picture and mirror 
 frames are moulded, prior to gilding. 
 French clocks are expensive, but 
 the elegant imitations made by our Fig. 7. 
 
 American clock companies, are not only perfect " time-keepers," but have cases 
 of exquisite workmanship in marble, bronze and other materials, and above all, 
 have, as regards price, been brought within the means of our tasteful and mod- 
 erately wealthy classes. 
 
 Many beautiful forms of these clocks may be purchased for ten to sixty dol- 
 lars, and are adapted to the various apartments, from the parlor to the nursery, 
 some of the forms being eminently adapted to give pleasure to the '■'■ little folks." 
 For a hall, such clocks as Figs. 6 and 7 are most appropriate, and would imjpart 
 
 Fig. 6. 
 
28 
 
 BEAUTIFUL HOMES. 
 
 a truly artistic air to the apartment. In Fig. 8, in the bronze figure with arm 
 uplifted, the clock is not given, but such style (of clock^ as is shown in Fig. 
 7, is designed for it, to be held in the raised arm. These figures are surpass- 
 ingly beautiful but though not expensive, if considered too much so by some 
 possessing but limited means, we would suggest, that such figures may be 
 obtained in plaster, and after being bronzed according to one of our methods 
 
 will if placed on a bracket, correspondingly embel- 
 lished, and a clock (of the marine class) also, ebonized 
 or bronzed, fastened in position on it, be found to 
 make a beautiful substitute for the one shown in this 
 illustration. For a hall the marine clocks are emi- 
 nently adapted, and as they are not remarkably orna- 
 mental in their unadorned form, the plan of obtaining 
 really chaste and artistic plaster figures of proper size 
 with a bracket, (if necessary) and bronzing them all 
 skillfully, with some one of the fine bronze powders, 
 elegant clocks are obtained at one-fourth the cost of 
 the bronze ones. 
 
 If preferred the marble cases may be imitated in a 
 similar manner, by having a wooden base made and 
 staining it, then imitating some one of the rare kinds 
 of marble. 
 
 It is by such wise discrimination in selecting fine 
 models, that a house is made, not a mere show-room, 
 or museum, filled with every variety of cheap and 
 flimsy imitations, but an enchanting spot adorned 
 with objects at once interesting, chaste and even ele- 
 gant in appearance. 
 
 A charming arrangement — illustrative of our idea 
 regarding the union of Use and Beauty — is made by 
 utilizing the usually unoccupied corners behind the 
 front door. These spaces may be changed from use- 
 less triangles — too frequently presenting the ever-ready 
 spot for umbrellas, canes, and other articles (which 
 are necessarily desired to be quickly rid of), into 
 tasteful alcoves, which not only afford a far more convenient receptacle for the 
 various articles named, but offer a beautiful position for the bracket, on which 
 a statuette may stand, unless a statue of large size (from four to seven feet in 
 height), is to be accommodated ; where these triangular cases may be made only 
 three feet or less in height, and thus form pedestals at once useful and orna- 
 mental. 
 
 To make these corner wardrobes and arched recesses for the umbrella, canes, 
 
 Fie. 8. 
 
BEAUTIFUL HOMES. 
 
 29 
 
 etc., have a panel (fitting across the corner) more or less wide, according to the 
 size of hall, from the center of which saw an arched opening, as shown in Fig. 
 9. In a large hall the space thus enclosed may be of considerable size, the 
 hyphothenuse of the triangle be four or even five feet, thus affording ample 
 space for cloaks and other " wraps." The lower 
 part has a drawer or box (at pleasure) one foot in 
 height, made by nailing cleats within the triangle, 
 and on them fastening a light board, which if the 
 case is desired in box form, must have hinges and a 
 handle, wherewith to lift it ; but should a drawer be 
 preferred, this board is merely nailed on the cleats 
 and the drawer fitted in the case in the usual man- 
 ner, (which will require the aid of a carpenter). 
 
 These cases may be arranged so that one answers 
 for a coat-rack and wardrobe, the other, with um- 
 brella stand, and hat-pegs above. One of these 
 recesses should be furnished with mirror and wall- 
 pocket, containing clothes and hair-brush ; the other 
 a companion wall-pocket for gloves, etc., and other 
 small articles. A shelf fitting beneath the hat -rack, 
 will be found a great convenience for laying shawls 
 upon. The wood -work within these cases must be 
 nicely painted, or covered with paper, while the frame 
 on the outside, may be cut out with the fret-saw, and 
 finished with carving tools, or the artificial wood 
 carvings may be used with fine effect, and the same 
 scheme of embellishment be carried out in all the 
 furniture, and adornment of the wood-work. 
 
 The effect of these little alcoves is extremely im- 
 posing where they are arranged in a handsome 
 manner, but even where only a simple panel is used, 
 embellished with lines of paint in contrasting color, 
 the effect is at once neat and tasteful. Nothing of 
 an ornamental character, appears more imposing in 
 a hall than statuary. 
 
 We are well aware that elegant specimens of 
 carved and richly sculptured marble, are costly 
 luxuries, wherewith to satisfy the artistic taste ; but 
 by visiting one of those underground workshops, -^^S- ^• 
 
 where the Italian plaster-moulders hold dominion, and form their huge tubs of 
 mushy plaster, producing such pure white, and marvellously lovely forms, some 
 of the most exquisite copies of celebrated works of art that eyes ever beheld 
 
30 
 
 BEAUTIFUL HOMES. 
 
 may be procured. True they are but copies, but they are nevertheless so exceed- 
 ingly lovely, majestic, or graceful as the case may be, that we would urge upon 
 our readers, the importance of securing them if possible, for to an artistic taste, 
 no adornment or ornament can afford such an amount of satisfaction (after a 
 beautiful picture) as a piece of statuary of marble or bronze if possible ; other- 
 wise of fine plaster purely white, or carefully bronzed. 
 
 In this connection we would speak of the more recent 
 improvement in plaster casts, by which the material is 
 made much harder, and presents a creamy-tint pecu- 
 liarly beautiful ; this plaster is also capable of being 
 beautifully bronzed in any of the various shades of 
 green or crimson. 
 
 ^ye would suggest with regard to selecting plaster 
 casts that great care and discrimination be used in 
 making selections. Secure only copies of fine models, 
 or pieces strikingly beautifuL 
 
 Take such forms as Fig. 10, supposing they may be 
 found iu statuette or statue size, (and these or equally 
 beautiful forms are to be constantly obtained in plas- 
 ter). Then making a neat pedestal by ornamenting a 
 box, fitted in the corner (if the piece is of large size), 
 or forming a tasteful bracket if it is merely a statuette 
 or other small figure, bronze the figure, and arrange it 
 either as a support for some object, such as a clock, 
 vase for flowers, tasteful Jardiniere or card-receiver. 
 For such purposes nothing forms so elegant and artistic 
 a base, and these plaster casts are at once inexpensive 
 and yet in perfect good taste. 
 
 One great reasou why plaster casts are in bad repute 
 with tasteful people is from the fact of so many ill- 
 shapen, rough and ordinary looking specimens having 
 been thrust upon the public, by the Italian venders 
 who i>erambulate the streets of our cities, and even by 
 means of the railroads, who carry their very worst speci- 
 mens into the countrv towns and villages ; thus the 
 taste becomes vitiated, for it is not mere " imitations " which tend to mar the 
 artistic beauty of our homes and deprave the public taste, but the making 
 of imperfect and crude copies, and ungraceful, ordinary models. Thus in 
 selecting a statuette for the hall, instead of taking a statue of Wasliington 
 in his military suit and cocked hat, or Xapoleon Bonaparte, booted and 
 spurred and the inevitable folded arms, we should prefer the more graceful 
 figure of the Lasquinet shown in Fig. 8, whose richly embroidered dress and 
 
 Fig. 10. 
 
BEAUTIFUL HOMES. 31 
 
 beautiful trappings would present an imposing appearance if skillfully bronzed. 
 The gracefully lifted arm may support any suitable article before named, and 
 thus add utility to beauty; or if a different class of figure is preferred, the 
 grace and loveliness of Fig. 10 will make itself apparent to any artistic 
 mind. 
 
 In a hall of large or even moderate size pictures add great beauty ; these 
 should be arranged carefully however to produce a good effect, and great atten- 
 tion must be paid to this class of adornment. 
 
 Oil-painting will perhaps be selected as the most appropriate by the wealthy, 
 but good chromos will be found to yield a vast deal of pleasure to many an 
 artistic soul wliose purse cannot be extended over the oil-painting. 
 
 Figures are especially attractive here, for a bright face beaming upon one as 
 they pass the threshold of the entrance door, has almost as magical effect as 
 the heartsome welcome, or the genial " Salve," speaking from the pretty frame 
 over our head. 
 
 We would take this opportunity to introduce a variety of colored pictures, 
 which coming within the ability of almost every one, will be found at once 
 chaste and beautiful. We allude to the German Lithographs. These are not 
 as expensive as the imported Chromos and cannot, we believe, fail to afford 
 satisfaction to any but an aesthetic taste. We are speaking of figures entirely, 
 a few of which we can recommend from the fact that we have used them in 
 some cases ourselves ; and though a severe critic may perhaps feel justified in 
 censuring us for recommending this class of picture and consider us devoid of 
 all taste, we venture to assert that " The Seasons," in these German Litho- 
 graphs, are four as lovely faces as one who has not means to purchase costly 
 pictures, need desire. The colors are soft and delicate, no single tint being 
 either garish or positive. The complexion is soft and creamy, without any of 
 the vivid tints on cheeks and lips which render cheap pictures so offensive to a 
 truly artistic eye. Another called " Blonde and Brunette " is extremely lovely ; 
 the ivy leaves adorning the head of the dark-haired beauty, and the narrow 
 fillet of blue the fair one, are the only touches of color that can be called bright 
 in the least, and even these are so very delicate and there is so very little of 
 them that they are not offensive in the slightest degree. For the rest, the 
 silvery gray mantle and the glimpses of the silken dresses of some negative tints, 
 are all the color seen, so that the entire effect is chaste and simple. The size 
 of the piece within the oval, 19 X 22 inches ; the entire square black mat, with 
 gold margin around the oval, 22x25 inches. 
 
 The Transfers of various kinds are also particularly appropriate for this 
 position and may be applied to the face of the staircase, on the panels of the 
 doors, and even upon the walls ; but in the latter case, of course this embellish- 
 ment would supersede the use of framed pictures. 
 
 Such figures if desired for door panels may be obtained from mediaeval 
 
32 BEAUTIFUL HOMES. 
 
 paper-hangings, and small spaces from catalogues of various kinds, such as 
 are used by dealers in gasaliers, lamps, clocks, and other establishments where 
 metal articles are sold. Many of these are finely engraved, and make transfer 
 or antique designs of the finest character. For hall embellishment we should 
 merely touch these up with Indian ink and Sepia ; w^ith no color deeper. 
 
CHAPTER IV. 
 WALL-PAPER. 
 
 Before entering upon the details of furnishing and embellishing the particu- 
 lar apartments of the house, we think we may confer a favor on some of our 
 readers (young housekeepers, particularly), by selecting a few special features 
 of the interior decoration, with the view of illustrating the application of cer- 
 tain principles of correct taste and artistic arrangement ; and select as our first 
 subject that of wall-paper. 
 
 In many hoases, the paper-hangings constitute one of the largest features in 
 the embellishment since they extend over a large surface, and though they 
 should never be the most conspicuous, or important parts of the enrichment, 
 they must either enchance or destroy the artistic effect of an apartment, by im- 
 parting brightness, or a soft glamour reflected from the light, or completely de- 
 stroy the harmony of the general effect, by untasteful designs and ill-assorted 
 colors. 
 
 The lack of taste or heedless negligence, in selecting appropriate and tasteful 
 coverings for the walls, is one of the most noticeable, as well as unfortunate 
 features in the furnishing of American homes. 
 
 So that a paper is of a " lovely shade," and covered with " splendid figures," 
 it matters little, whether the colors be tertiary, secondary, or primary — or the de- 
 sign mosaic, or floral, representations of " still-life," or of " fish, flesh and fowl ;" 
 and as to the importance of the position being upon a flat surface against the 
 wall, why this is ignored entirely ! Herein lies a great mistake, and until v-e 
 rectify these erroneous ideas of what is truly according to the rules of art, we 
 shall continue to err in each separate detail of our household furnishing and 
 adornment. The old Latin adage tells us there is no disputing concerning 
 taste, and if persons insist upon preferring sprawling vines, monstrous bou- 
 quets, and groups of cats, dogs, or lions on their paper and carpets, to the con- 
 ventional designs adopted invariably by artistic persons, and always used by 
 Indian and Turkish weavers, they must be left to their own devices, but it 
 must be obvious to a sensible person that a wall presenting as it does, a per- 
 pendicular, flat, solid surface, should be decorated in accordance with these 
 facts. 
 
 In examining a painting, the background does not appear an important part, 
 yet it frequently gives the artist more trouble than the entire remaining parts 
 3 
 
34 BEAUTIFUL HOMES. 
 
 of the picture, so the covering or embellishing of the walls, which bear the same 
 relation to the room, requires to be so carefully chosen that it will act as a 
 "foil," throwipg out in relief the pictures, mirrors, and other wall-ornaments. 
 
 The first and most important question to be decided in selecting a wall cover- 
 ing is, whether it is to form a decoration in itself, or to become a background 
 alone for pictures ; for in certain cases where no pictures or mirrors are hung, 
 (these occupying a room to themselves,) the superb Japanese hangings, with 
 their wonderful combinations of brilliant hues, and grotesque patterns, make a 
 room pictorial of themselves. 
 
 But as a general thing a wall-paper should never be obtrusive, and there are 
 certain principles to be observed, which will insure a good selection. First, 
 that the surface to be embellished isjiat. Secondly, that the wall being per- 
 pendicular, the designs must be in accordance with this fact. Thirdly, that the 
 paper on the walls being relatively a background, it is to serve the end of 
 exhibiting the furniture and luall ornaments. 
 
 With regard to the perpendicular position of the surface, we will endeavor in 
 few words to make this point clear. Supposing the design is a repeated suc- 
 cession of small single figures, such figures should be alike on each side, or in 
 other words, if the design is a symmetrical unit, constantly repeated, such unit 
 should be by-symmetrical, or if the figures are irregular, as in floral or other 
 vegetable forms of design, the adaptation must still be arranged for an upright 
 surface. Therefore in selecting hangings with such designs, use particular care 
 as regards these points. 
 
 With respect to the second principle, relating to the embellishment of a flat 
 surface, light shadow reflection, or indeed, any effect producing the idea of re- 
 lief, or doing away in any degree with the flatness, is not admissable ; and 
 when animal or floral figures, or designs like baskets, vases, etc., are used, such 
 representations should be treated with due regard to the flat surface. For in- 
 stance, in a sample paper, a regular trellis is shown with foliage, vines and 
 flowers, colored and arranged as in a painting, with light and shade carefully 
 portrayed, (which cannot be clearly illustrated in an engraving). Xow.this 
 literal imitation of foliage climbing up trellises, is in bad tai^te, let the work- 
 manship be ever so perf--t ; for it is not a literal imitation of natural figures 
 that are required for wall ennc' ment, but merely such an ornamental treatment 
 of them as is appropriate for a fat and upright surface. 
 
 Thirdly, as regards the paper in its relation to the furniture, carpets etc. 
 
 Paper that is the most quiet and unobtrusive, will be found to produce the 
 finest results, and in order to make it subordinate and retiring, all conspicuous 
 contrasts, both of color and form must be carefully avoided, and here we can 
 understand the popularity of those lovely grays, pearl, sage, stone, or that ex- 
 quisite "Ashes of roses-tint," that has been copied from the imported paper- 
 hangings of the celebrated Morris Company of London. But although these 
 
BEAUTIFUL HOMES. 35 
 
 subdued shades produce such wonderful effects, and are so altogether charming 
 to a refined taste, we seldom see them on the walls of the " million," for they do 
 not readily adapt themselves to the ordinary houses of ordinaiy people. Yet 
 we have happily seen them in the four rooms of a simple cottage near by, where 
 they aid in imparting a rare, chaste beauty, to humble rooms, and go to illus- 
 trate our text, that fine taste does not dwell alone in "marble halls," but that 
 the dweller in a cot may understand the philosophy of the poets lines 
 
 *' The eye made quiet by the power of harmony." 
 
 In some papers where the colors are carefully and even tastefully applied, 
 without any violent contrast to disturb this harmony, the eye is disturbed by a 
 dazzling appearance as if the figures danced in a whirligig, with an almost 
 painful effect. This is owing generally, to the figures being oft repeated in 
 strong contrasts of light and shade, with an isolation of detail, by which a sort 
 of prominent patched appearance is produced, which constantly striking the 
 eye gives the persistent motion described. 
 
 Still another class of designs requires particular care, and as they are unus- 
 ually popular should receive our special notice ; this comprises the whole and 
 immense variety of striped paper, which with an equally disagreeable effect 
 upon the eye, adds the still more unfortunate result of marring the effect of 
 pictures, mirrors and even curtains and hangings ; inasmuch as, when the 
 stripes extend perpendicularly, they not only give frames and hangings an 
 unequal breadth but appear like posts around the room. 
 
 TVe might extend these strictures upon false taste ad infinitum, but it were 
 better on account of space and fear of wearying you, to give some general rules 
 whereby those about to select paper may be governed. One of the principles 
 which it is safe to accept as a positive rule is, viz. : that a paper should be of 
 secondary, tertiary and gray colors ; and where the primary colors are introduced, 
 let them appear only in small spaces or figures, for, by such a display of them 
 sparingly applied the effect is enhanced, just as the background of a painting,* 
 by the shades being " broken " into irregular lines of brightness upon the gray 
 body-color. 
 
 Paper-hangings in small figures of gold, rose. bh;e, Vei, etc., so arranged as to 
 produce a soft mottled appearance, a sort of '^neutralized bloom," will have a 
 fine effect when the furniture is upholstered, and the draperies are of deep, rich 
 hues ; while carpets and rugs have embodied in them the like mellow tints 
 found in the paper. The only care required here is to be mindful of allowing 
 one bright shade too great a preponderance. 
 
 Disagreeable effects are easily avoided by selecting only those papers in 
 which the designs are so blended with the ground-color that no offensive con- 
 trasts disturb the quiet tone. 
 
 It matters not whether the design be of graceful floral character, or of rigid 
 
36 BEAUTIFUL HOMES. 
 
 geometrical or mosaic pattern, so long as the delicate contrast of tone is pre- 
 served, which will insure an agreeable effect. 
 
 The lovely sage-grays, pearl and stone shades, and the corn tints which 
 the Morris Co., have introduced to us from England, are unexceptionable as 
 regards color— presenting delightful effects, both during summer and winter ; 
 in the one affording a refreshing sensation of coolness, as from the spicy air on 
 first entering the shade of a wildwood on a hot July day ; while in the other, 
 no more beautiful background can be conceived for the glowing firelight, bril- 
 liant hangings and autumn leaf decorations of the frosty Christmas morning. 
 Or quite as beautiful are the sea-greens, the frosty and delicate blues, and that 
 indescribable blue-green, which gives us all the changes of tint from the robin's 
 Qgg to the ocean wave just touched with the delicacy of sea-foam — these with 
 the creamy buffs and that royal kingly color, lavender, in all its many shades, 
 the rosy pomegranates and shell-like peach blossom tint afford every variety of 
 color adapted to each special location. Many prefer the enamelled, plain 
 " selfs," or solid colored papers, so figured, and they certainly present many 
 recommendations, yet we would caution our readers concerning them, as they 
 are easily soiled both by abrasion, finger-marks and fly-specks. In this connec- 
 tion we would remark that the commonest shilling or ten cent papers (if sufii- 
 ciently heavy to hide the figure), make a neat solid ground of most pleasing 
 color and surprisingly fine as a background for bright ornaments and hangings. 
 
 There is a certain class of persons who appear to think that to secure gold- 
 figured papers is to furnish the room ; yet a gilded pattern is generally the very 
 worst possible one that can be selected, appearing in one light like a splash of 
 dazzling spangles, while in another a dark blurred spot gives the effect of some 
 dark wash having been struck against the delicate ground ; the constant change 
 from dazzle to gloom is exceedingly unpleasant, and the effect does not remain 
 the same for two minutes together, and never shows the same aspect to any two 
 persons. The imitations of stamped leather-hangings in mediseval patterns 
 ■ are exceedingly elegant for libraries, but cost from $10 to |50 per roll. The 
 colors and designs of many low-priced papers are exceedingly soft and chaste, 
 and although the lightness of texture may be urged as an objection, with 
 ordinary care even thin paper may be hung and made to appear smooth and 
 beautiful. 
 
 HANGING PAPEE. 
 
 We trust many of our readers belong to that independent and helpful class 
 of women who are willing to make exertion to render their homes tasteful, and 
 surround themselves with elegancies which are perhaps beyond their means to 
 obtain by ordering or purchasing ; and to such a few plain and simple direc- 
 tions for hanging paper and embellishing their walls may perhaps be of value. 
 
 Paper-hanging, though by no means an impossible operation to the amateur, 
 
BEAUTIFUL HOMES. 37 
 
 does not consist in merely fastening paper against tlie walls, but it is attended 
 by some difficulties which if described may perhaps prevent disappointment 
 and failure. 
 
 First. The walls must be put in a proper condition. If they have been white- 
 washed or calcimined so frequently that a rough coat has been formed, recourse 
 must be had to scraping and washiug until the whole is removed, using great 
 care not to cut into or indent the wall beneath as the scraping is continued. 
 
 The angles, top and bottom require particular attention, and all holes or 
 inequalities must be filled with plaster of Paris mixed to a paste with water (a 
 very small portion at a time as it hardens rapidly). This done, give the whole 
 a thorough painting with hot size, made of glue well dissolved, to which suffi- 
 cient hot water is added to make a smooth paste about the consistency of thin 
 syrup. 
 
 PEEPAEATIOX OF DAMP WALLS. 
 
 Where walls are affected by dampness, several methods may be resorted to 
 as a preventive, the most common of whicli is to cover ^ ith canvas. 
 
 Battens of wood are driven into the walls, over windows and close to ceiling 
 and wainscot, or long strips such as laths may be nailed along the n^^per and 
 lower edges of the wall, to which strong muslin cut in proper lengths and 
 sewed together to fit sides and ends, spaces over and under windows etc., are 
 tacked with tinned tacks. This canvas must be tightly stretched and have a 
 coat of strong size, before applying the paper. 
 
 . Another method is to obtain the strong brown paper sold at the paper-mills, 
 which should have the rough edges removed, be cut into lengths, saturated with 
 water until thoroughly damp, then pasted on with heavy paste. When it is 
 possible damp stone or brick dwellings should have ivy, ampelopsis or other 
 vines planted and trained over the walls, which will be found an effectual pre- 
 ventive to damp walls. 
 
 PASTE. 
 
 There are several kinds of paste used for paper, and it is of great importance 
 that particular kinds should be used for certain purposes. We therefore give 
 the method of making, first, 
 
 COMMOIS" PASTE. 
 
 Which will answer for all ordinary paper-hangings. Take 4 lbs. of clean, 
 good wheat flour, sifted through an ordinary flour sieve ; to which add grad- 
 ually, sufficient cold water to make a stiff paste, entirely free from lump and 
 perfectly smooth ; then add cold water until a thick batter is formed, which 
 beat and stir until light and creamy ; add two ounces of powdered alum, and 
 one-eighth of a pound of nice glue (the common kind). 
 
 Have a pot or boiler with five gallons of boiling water on the stove, into 
 
38 BEAUTIFUL HOMES. 
 
 which stir the paste gently and rapidly until the entire quantity is added, when 
 continue to stir until the mass swells and assumes a white cream-like color, 
 when it is sufficiently cooked and may be removed from the fire. 
 
 This will afford nearly one bucket-full of paste, which when cold will become 
 jellified, but this does not injure it, and each time it is used sufficient cold 
 water must be added to make a smooth paste that can be easily worked under 
 the brush. 
 
 If there is necessity for keeping the paste on hand for any length of time 
 pour cold water over the top to prevent a skin from forming on the surface ; 
 and it will not ferment for a long time, though mould may form which, how- 
 ever, will do no harm if removed carefully. 
 
 ft 
 PASTE NO. 2.—F0n HEAVY CLOTH OE VELVET PAPEES. 
 
 This paste is unusually adhesive and of great strength, and will seldom be 
 used by ladies ; still there are times when it is required, and it will be found 
 useful for other purposes than paper-hanging. 
 
 In a pot of proper size have two gallons of boiling water ; mix two pounds 
 of fine flour to a paste with cold water, thinning until creamy, add one ounce 
 of powdered alum and stir slowly into the boiling water, with one ounce of 
 resin (carefully melted) to each gallon of paste ; stir constantly until thor- 
 oughlv cooked, and after removing from the fire until cool. To thin this paste 
 add a thin mucilage of white glue or gum arable. 
 
 Every house should contain a step-ladder, easy of ascent and safe withal, 
 which article must be now on hand, with a table as long as possible and perfectly 
 clean. AVe will suppose the walls have been measured, and the lengths of 
 paper cut, matched and trimmed close to the pattern on the right edge, and within 
 one-eighth of an inch on the other. Lay these one on another upon the center 
 of the table, with the remnants cut, trimmed and arranged for the spaces over 
 and under doors, windows, etc. 
 
 Now draw one strip of paper (the upper one) to the very edge of the table, 
 have the paste-bucket at your right side and loading the brush, pass it from left 
 to right until all resting on the table is covered, then taking the two corners in the 
 hand, double the paper over, letting the pasted side adhere slightly, (this must 
 be the bottom of the paper). Carefully slip the strip along, with the one edge 
 directly within the touches of paste, (that will necessarily be on the next strip,) 
 and the edge of table, and cover in like-manner. Then commence hanging ; 
 have the ladder in front of the left side of the mantel, or in some position where 
 there is a straight facing, and the beading of a mantel is as good as any other, 
 for you do not wish the place at which you stop to show ; taking the upper end 
 of the paper (the bottom folded up to keep from striking and sticking to the 
 wall) ascend the ladder, and place the paper against the wall, and with the 
 
BEAUTIFUL HOMES. 39 
 
 towel, ^Ybich should hang over the arm, wipe quickly down the center and out 
 upon each side, to remove all air bubbles, descend from the ladder, loosen the 
 end and with the same movement fasten it in position, then take your plumb- 
 line and ascertain whether the edge is perfectly perpendicular, for upon this 
 first piece depends the symmetry of the whole. A paper in which each figure 
 appears as if toppling over, is sufficient to disturb the equanimity of temper in 
 a person with a correct eye. 
 
 Work always to the left, and you then have your piece constantly on your 
 right, so as to be easily fitted into the corners. If possible make the lappings 
 face the light, as this prevents their being so conspicuous. By passing a clean 
 smooth castor down the seam, it may be made so flat as to be invisible. 
 
 Many paper designs require care in arranging as in stripes and uniform de- 
 signs ; here take conspicuous places as over the mantel or doors, and measur- 
 ing the distance across, cut a strip of blank paper of needed size, which try 
 across the wall-paper, until you ascertain which part of the pattern will come in 
 similar position on both sides, then cut off each strip (or breadth) on each side, 
 until you make the part measured come each side. 
 
 Use care not to touch the outside with paste, and keep the towels perfectly 
 dry and clean. We have found a clean, new broom, an excellent article for 
 using on high walls ; with a little practice a person can work rapidly in this way. 
 
 Place the pasted paper over the end of the broom, Avith the upper edge hangr 
 ing over about a quarter of a yard, raise the broom and placing the paper 
 against the wall, pass the broom quickly up and out upon each side, then loosen 
 the doubled-up end and sweep down the center to the bottom, then out upon 
 the sides. 
 
 VAENISHED PAPEE. 
 
 The walls for paper intended to be varnished, must be sized wdth fine white 
 glue. By covering the glue with cold water for a few hours, it will readily dis- 
 solve upon adding boiling water. 
 
 Clear Copal varnish is generally used for paper varnish, as only such styles as 
 imitations of wood, paneling, etc., admit of so glassy a surface ; the object in 
 most papers being to obtain as soft a surface as possible. 
 
 Where a very fine varnish is desired it may be made by melting four pounds 
 gum Copal, in a very little boiling Linseed oil, and adding it to one and a quar- 
 ter gallons Linseed oil, eighth of a pint Sulphate iron while boiling, when cool 
 add two and a quarter gallons Turpentine, stirring until quite cold. 
 
 ARTICLES FOE PAPEE HAJlTGmG. 
 
 Scissors, plumb-line, paper brush, paste brush, (like painters large round 
 brush, or a small whitewash brush,) step-ladder, table, soft towels, a porcelain 
 bed-castor, and vessels for size and paste. 
 
40 BEAUTIFUL HOMES. 
 
 Regular paper-hangers have a rapid way of throwing up the paper, passing 
 the " roller " down one strip after another, that is " delightful to behold," but 
 we unprofessionals, who are mere amateurs cannot work in this ^'manner of the 
 craft," and as we have hung many rolls of paper, and succeeded in a manner to 
 receive the commendation of a professional paper-hanger of fifty years expe- 
 rience, we feel warranted in giving our own method, to those ladies who may 
 desire to cover their walls as elegantly, or as tastefully as those of their wealthy 
 neighbors. 
 
 PANELING. 
 
 In many apartments, as dining-room, hall, or perhaps an office, study or plain 
 library, it becomes desirable to use panels and varnish finish. Indeed in old 
 houses, this style imparts a certain quaintness that is in keeping with the 
 ancient wood-work and other finishing. But aside from this, there are circum- 
 stances which render such hangings valuable, as where flies, dust or rough 
 usage would mar the beauty of more delicate wall-covering. 
 
 To give opportunity for such, finish, we therefore give directions for its 
 accomplishment. 
 
 In this style of paper much depends upon the taste, some preferring one 
 color and style, some another ; but for ordinary use we would recommend oak 
 with rosewood mouldings, or walnut and ebony, or walnut and rosewood. 
 
 On account of pictures, each space in the room should be in one panel, as the 
 least deviation from uniformity will produce unpleasing results to a critical eye. 
 By using care in cutting and fitting the mouldings most pleasing results may 
 be obtained in applying paneled paper ; for where the tinted grounds and 
 shaded mouldings are desired, exquisite designs in Decalcomania may be 
 applied, and produce charming groups : scenes, floral-arrangements and other 
 styles of picture equal to beautiful paintings. In many cases, such wall-enrich- 
 ment will be found wonderfully effective. 
 
 PAINTED AND ILLUMINATED WALLS. 
 
 Mr. Conway in his papers on Decorative Art in England, very ably elu-cidates 
 this subject and describes the exquisite embellishments, enrichments and deco- 
 rations of the dwellings belonging to certain millionaires, artists and virtuosi 
 residing in England. These artists will no doubt go far towards raising the 
 tastes of our people, and not only exciting in the minds of many an ambition 
 to possess like beautiful surroundings, but also inciting them, we trust, to 
 create for themselves homes of beauty ; added to the joy of daily beholding our 
 treasures, to say nothing of exhibiting them to husband and children, is that of 
 the satisfied consciousness of having created them ourselves by our own efforts 
 and skill and taste. One special feature noticed by Mr. Conway is the wall 
 
anwlMtlKAmpnt of flie dwcffiii^ be maoli . — 
 
 imposiiig: ftiece; and in mair^ cases flie de»r : ^ 
 edUmg^ axe giTcn. 
 
 jSTow tiMise wc»ider£al ereatiiHks ax® tibe ivoifc ^ famcMis axti"^ ' :' .-^ rs and 
 decmaftms; many veqaiiing jeaxs fo ecHD^sia Hiem; and w- ^^ 
 
 how inainwinn i ate tibey wmdd be fin- oidinaxj dwiPilhigSg er^L :d 
 
 f : d paint ffaem, but we may imitate and a^ffy so fa^ 
 
 - 'r^?.as andabalitf. 
 
 . fi!T im4aiii« jqtt deme to cmbdBgJi yomr walfay V 
 . r bed-room, with pandb to be *uimun ded -^ . 
 i r : : ^^x«d[]s, or odier des^ns appropriate for tb^ 
 
 - f ^ painting diiec% vgpon Ibe prcpozr 
 
 - f 'sstemed diieelfy (»i tbe wafl^ or in 1 \_ 
 
 I r€d, canras <tf dimoisions cones: 
 
 netdiQS fitted to tbon and tl 
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42 BEAUTIFUL HOMES. 
 
 of best white paint, called " zinc-white", which is an oxide of zinc, and the most 
 durable and whitest of all white paints, never becoming yellow, and producing 
 a finer surface than any excepting pearl-white (a sub-muriate of bismuth), 
 which is exceedingly delicate and used where any unusually high finish is 
 desired. 
 
 Should grease or greasy smoke upon the walls prove difficult to remove, wash 
 off with soda-water, Aveak lime, whitewash, spirits of nitre, or sulphuric ether ; 
 then rinse in clean soft water. 
 
 Prior to commencing the designs, apply a coat of zinc or pearl-white, mixed 
 entirely with tarpentine, in order to obtain a soft surface free from glossiness. 
 This "flatting " produces what painters term a dead surface. Upon this and 
 with the preparations here described, any style of ornamental painting may be 
 executed. 
 
 CEILINGS. 
 
 It is a vexed question with professional decorators, whether colored and 
 figured ceilings add to, or detract from the fine effect of walls and furniture. 
 Now this depends upon the height of the walls. 
 
 But even though we do not advise rich painted or highly ornamented ceilings 
 in apartments ranging in height from eight to fourteen feet, we certainly do 
 insist upon the beauty of tinted and even simply enriched ceilings. Not the 
 shade of the walls, by any means, but a color some three shades lighter, and 
 here calcimining will be found invaluable, as it is a difficult task to apply 
 paper-hangings to a ceiling. 
 
 As w^e have suggested the wisdom of further enrichment of ceilings after the 
 mere tinting, w^e will mention one or more methods by which this may be 
 effected without any extraordinary means. 
 
 The first of these is by means of ornaments in plaster of Paris. Ceilings 
 thus ornamented are of the class constantly seen wherein appear cornices, cen- 
 ter pieces, and corners more or less elaborate. 
 
 But a very beautiful and far less troublesome and expensive embellishment 
 is found in the application of the beautiful artificial wood-carvings. Here we 
 have a large number of designs, which fastened securely to ceiling or cornice, 
 and painted with plaster of Paris give an enrichment, not excelled by the 
 plaster mouldings. 
 
 A few dollars will furnish sufficient of these beautifully moulded wooden cast- 
 ings for an ordinary room, and we can recommend them as durable and elegant, 
 and easily put on with plaster mixed with glue. 
 
 But as regards the painting of ceilings moderately low, we would suggest the 
 use of straight bands of color, and as it is difficult to arrange these w^ith due re- 
 gard to distance and space, and especially so if shadow is to be depicted; it will 
 be found quite satisfactory to obtain the shaded mouldings found in designs of 
 
BEAUTIFUL HOMES. 43 
 
 wood-paneled paper. We have seen a room papered -uith a soft pearl-gray, 
 with the ceilings tinted three shades lighter, (calcimined) and finished with 
 these bands taken from a walnut-wood design paper, brown lines shaded with 
 gray, and a thread of gold along the margin, fancy center and corner pieces of 
 the same, made a lovely finish ; and the paper was so beautifully applied that 
 only a close observer could detect the imitation. 
 
 The effect is quiet and in perfectly good taste, despite the constant reminders 
 that " all imitations are vulgar." Where greater outlay of time is warranted, 
 the work may be made more artistic by measuring and drawing accurate de- 
 signs, sorne in clusters of thread-like lines, with a broader band or two, to be 
 painted carefully in with color, always remembering that, what is a mere thread 
 seen from the floor, will be, or should be an eighth of an inch or more wide on 
 the ceiling. If greater elaboration is desired, obtain the tracing-paper, (such as 
 Artists and Architects use,) upon which sketch out any design suitable, whether 
 scrolls, arabesques, floral or other figures, transfer these to the ceiling, and with 
 a fine brush, trace them in desired colors. 
 
 We must certainly recommend one other, and perhaps the very best of all 
 methods for ornamenting either walls of ceiling, in the most artistic manner 
 and with the very least amount of labor ; this is by the application of Decalco- 
 mania-pictures. 
 
 CALCIMINED WALLS. 
 
 The old fashion of " whitewashing walls," is almost entirely superseded by 
 the popular process of Calcimining. Many imagine that this requires some 
 secret knowledge known only to the initiated, but this is certainly not the case, 
 or such a number of ladies could not do their own Calcimining, both in white 
 and colors. 
 
 Very many artistic persons argue that pictures, mirrors, and indeed furni- 
 ture appear to the best advantage, when surrounded by plain, tinted, or even 
 white walls. 
 
 In the new house, the gleaming white " hard-finished " coat, (though exceed- 
 ingly harsh to our taste) fully satisfies, even edifies the majority of people, but 
 alas ! time and smoke and dust soon discolor this polished immaculate sur- 
 face, and with its brown and white rays, and yellow streaks, it looks altogether 
 forlorn. Painting if even performed by one's own hand, and the materials pur- 
 chased at wholesale rates, is (when applied to walls) a serious labor and heavy 
 expense, no paper can be procured that will correspond with carpet and hang- 
 ings, and "what is to be done?" 
 
 Here recourse to the Calcimining becomes a step of importance, and we will 
 add one that may be made perfectly satisfactory. 
 
 Tints the most lovely and delicate, or deep and full-toned with a finish far 
 softer and more beautiful than paint can be obtained with, but (compara- 
 
44 BEAUTIFUL HOMES. 
 
 tivelyj small outlay of money, and with less labor than either paper-hanging or 
 painting. 
 
 For small rooms with low ceiling, no more beautiful, chaste and appropriate 
 wall covering can be imagined, than one of the exquisite tints produced by add-, 
 ing a little color-powder, violet, lavender, blue, peach-blossom, straw-color or 
 one of the lovely grays to the Calcimining mixture, finishing with a gilt mould- 
 ing around the ceiling. 
 
 Calcimine Wash Xo. 1. Make a heavy glue by pouring cold water on the 
 white clear sheets, called " bonnet makers glue," over night, and heating in the 
 morning until dissolved, adding boiling water until of consistence of cream, 
 while boiling stir in best Spanish whiting, until thick and smooth, when add 
 any coloring desired. 
 
 This " stock " will become jellified when cool, but must be thinned with 
 water, until of consistency of paint, and applied with a fine whitewash or paint 
 brush, going over the space to be covered rapidly, and never repeating until the 
 whole is dry. 
 
 No. 2. Dissolve one-half pound fine white glue as described above, and thicken 
 with best "Paris White" while hot until a creamy liquid is formed, which 
 may be colored to suit the taste and well stirred. This is a brilliant wash 
 for ceilings or walls, and will give a finish as fine as the best plaster coat. A 
 narrow gilt moulding around the edge of the ceiling makes a beautiful finish 
 for such tinted walls. 
 
 Our professional artist will doubtless treat this idea with incredulity, perhaps 
 with scorn, and as it is another of the " imitations " so obnoxious to many, we 
 do not wonder, at the same time we can assure our readers that here they will 
 find a means of enriching their walls and ceilings, which if carefully executed 
 defies the closest inspection, as upon plaster it appears equal to fine painting. 
 
 The only objection to be urged against this work, is the difficulty of perform- 
 ing it, which can only be accomplished at the expense of considerable weari- 
 ness ; still proceeding slowly, and applying only a few designs each day, or at 
 intervals during the day, the task is finally accomplished, and the reward is 
 ample. 
 
 We shall have occasion hereafter to speak of this work as specially applied, 
 and will then describe some exquisite designs for the purpose. 
 
 We would mention here however, that by applying to the proprietors of Art 
 Emporiums, any number of one or more particular designs can be obtained, of 
 whatever size, form or style is required. 
 
 A charming and rapid method of applying colored designs to walls or ceilings, 
 is by means of stencil plates cut out of card or stiff paper, one of each figure an- 
 swering for any number as they can be moved from place to place, and the 
 colors applied in the open spaces in the cards, the edges of which may be dried 
 to prevent the dragging of the color upon applying it to another position. 
 
CHAPTER V. 
 
 CARPETS. 
 
 In a well furnished room we shall always upon investigation, find that the 
 entire scheme of decoration possesses a character, a relation as it were one thing 
 to the other. The background and groundwork of the whole represented by 
 paper and carpet are subservient to the furniture and decorations. 
 
 ISo having enjoj'ed the luxury of a house perfectly furnished in all the details, 
 one has a sensation of having received a blow in the face, when they enter a 
 dwelling in which each separate piece of furniture or embellishment, appears as 
 it were "to swear at its neighbor." 
 
 Yet leaving a house where from the entrance door through each apartment 
 all things harmonize, one has that impression which is produced by viewing 
 some lovely scene in nature at early dawn or sunset, a dreamy recollection of 
 that subtle lulling of the faculties, as, under the soothing influence of an aes- 
 thetic, perfect bliss is mingled with the half consciousness of tangible things 
 just passing away and being merged into the unknown ; a dreamy impression 
 of mellow tints and soft shades, mingled and fading one into the other of 
 a room, the walls of which are tinted with the lighter shades, reflected from 
 the deeper colors -in frieze and dado, and carpets wherein are softly blended 
 the same shades, brightened by some rare touches of the primary colors care- 
 fully bestowed, soft falls of curtain and hanging allow glimpses of other apart- 
 ments, wherein the golden sunset and rosy morning light are broken into 
 innumerable prismatic tints, as they strike through the colored window lights, 
 and touching wall and floor are caught and held by the many pretty " traps to 
 catch the sun-beams," which tasteful persons know so well' how to form and 
 aiTange. 
 
 Xo "loud" and conspicuous colors to disturb the harmony; no garish lights 
 to strike the delicate eye in the carpets of this house, but the whole is simple 
 and unobtrusive without ostentation or vain show. In endeavoring to give 
 some aid to those who appreciate the fact, that certain rules do govern taste ; 
 we feel we cannot confer a greater favor than to give, in preference to any ob- 
 servations of our own, the rules established by hig-h authority, which affirm 
 principles embraced by all artistic decorators, and illustrated in the dwellings 
 of the true connoisseur. 
 
 First. The surface of a carpet serving as a ground to support all objects, 
 
46 BEAUTIFUL HOMES. 
 
 should be quiet and negative, without strong contrasts of either forms or 
 colors. 
 
 Second, The leading forms should be so disposed as to distribute the pattern 
 over the whole floor, not pronounced either in the direction of length or breadth, 
 all " up and down " treatments being erroneous. 
 
 Third. The decorative forms should be flat without shadow or relief, 
 whether derived from ornament, or direct from flowers or foliage. 
 
 Fourth. In color the general ground should be negative, low in tone, and in- 
 clining to the tertiary hues, the leading forms of the pattern being expressed 
 by the larger secondaries, and the primary colors, or white, if used at all, should 
 be only in small quantity, to enchance the tertiary hues and to express the 
 geometrical basis that rules the distribution of the forms. 
 
 As we have remarked, no part of the furniture of a room should be deter- 
 mined upon without reference to the whole scheme of decoration, to which it is 
 to add to or impart a certain effect. 
 
 And as the color of the walls and style of the floor-covering are the key-notes 
 to which the furniture, embellishments and decorations are to be attuned to 
 produce that harmony we hold so essential, it will become apparent, how neces- 
 sary it is to make a wise selection, of these noticeable features. 
 
 According to the first rule, we must adapt the carpet to the position which it 
 is to occupy, and the purpose w^hich it is to serve, " as a ground to support all 
 objects," and should therefore be composed of quiet colors, and whether light 
 or dark in shade, let them appear to lose themselves in each other when shaded, 
 while if a primary color is introduced, be sure it is one that contrasts w^ell, and 
 as a guide we give the following table : 
 
 White, contrasts with black, and brown harmonizes. 
 
 Yellow, contrasts with purple and white, harmonizes orange and pale shades. 
 
 Orange, contrasts with blue, harmonizes rose pink. 
 
 Red, contrasts with green, harmonizes crimson. 
 
 Green, contrasts with red, harmonizes yellow. 
 
 Purple, contrasts with yellow and white, harmonizes crimson. 
 
 Black, contrasts with pale colors, harmonizes deep shades. 
 
 Brown, contrasts with white and blue, harmonizes yellow and black. 
 
 As ground colors — 
 
 White, produces good effects with shades of blue, purple, violet, reds, greens 
 
 and browns. 
 
 Black, with drabs, pink, lemon, gold, light blues, greens, purples and salmon. 
 
 Blue, with yellows, pink, salmon, buff, light blues, yellows and drabs. 
 
 Green, with yellow, purple, pink, lemon, pearl, flesh, stone, dove, grays, lighter 
 greens and maize. 
 
 Red, with yellows, pearl, pale blues and greens. 
 
 Many colors, such as light blues with dark greens, appear well if a line of 
 
BEAUTIFUL HOMES. 47 
 
 white or snch mutual contrast come between. Many colors, such as reds, blues 
 and greens, if of the same depth of tone, produce a dirty "muddled " appearance 
 when placed side by side without a neutralizing tint between. 
 
 Flowing arabesque desigus in pale shades of blue and yellow on black 
 grounds, have a beautiful effect, also brown grounds with mosaic designs, and 
 shades of tawny yellow or dull reds on various grounds. 
 
 Japanese designs in quaint, minute figures and intricate tracery, appear in 
 Brussels and Tapestry, and also in the three-ply imitations of Brussels. 
 
 On grounds of lovely grays, sage, olive, pearl, canary and various shades of 
 brown, strewn with curious marks, odd little figures, leaves, flowers, etc., in red, 
 yellow, blue, green and orange ; these are appropriate for parJors, while brown- 
 black, dark "invisible" green, and tan colors with scrolls and arabesque fig- 
 ures for libraries, and for dining rooms ; the Indienne designs on deep- toned 
 grounds in rich warm colors, blue with silver, crimson with yellow-brown, 
 French-gray, and cherry, and those charming monotone carpets for country 
 houses' bed-rooms or sitting-rooms, are deservedly popular. 
 
 The Tapestry or American Brussels come in the showy Moquette designs, but 
 save for a nursery or sitting-room, where brightness is an object, we cannot 
 fancy these vivid colors. 
 
 TTiltons will always hold their place as regards color and durability, and for 
 halls, or any thoroughfare, they will more than atone for first cost, only ^2.50 
 to $1.00 per yard. The soft thick piled Axminsters, costing from $3.00 to $5.00 
 per yard, are for a handsome, or even comfortable and tastefully furnished par- 
 lor or drawing-room, the most satisfactory perhaps of all carpets. The Ameri- 
 can Axminsters to be had for from $2.50 to $3.00 a yard, have designs of fine 
 vine-traceiy on pale tinted grounds in imitation of the- imported ones which for 
 beauty and durability they really exceed. 
 
 The newest French Moquettes come in monotone, or soft drabs and grays, 
 tone upon tone that are lovely beyond description, as also the velvets in close 
 imitation though the warmly blended crimson shades will be found charming 
 for many apartments. 
 
 But to go into a Carpet store to-day is to wander over the lands of the 
 Orient, not as in the days past to walk upon baskets and vases of flowers, and 
 vegetation of every conceivable form ; but upon imitations of ancient tiles, and 
 floors of inlaid work of rare soft wood, porphyiy and quiet somber stones upon 
 designs of quaint and curious character, that lead the mind hack to ancient 
 days. 
 
 Before closing our suggestions regarding the color and tone of various styles 
 of carpet, we must give a hint to those living in country houses ; in the cottage 
 orner in the suburbs of the city, or in the ''fats " of the same, and to our young 
 housekeeper as well. For this class of residence the charming colors and pat- 
 terns of the Morris Company found in Ingrains, will be entirely appropriate. 
 
48 BEAUTIFUL HOMES.' 
 
 The lovely pearl and gray grounds with scrolls, arabesques and fine tracery of 
 vine and blossom in shades of deeper tone, finished by borders of scarlet or 
 blue, or clear pearly white grounds bestrewn with vivid Persian or quaint 
 Japanese patterns in either case, to match chintz covers to furniture and cur- 
 tains. These from 75 cents to $1.25 per yard, afford even " the million," an 
 opportunity to cover their floors tastefully. To our wealthy readers (if we have 
 any) we would say, for your parlor or drawing-room use an Aubusson tapestry, 
 as you would tread upon the fairy grounds of the Arabian Nights. These only 
 cost from $7.00 to $15.00 per square yard ! and come in solid squares to suit the 
 size of room. It is needless to say that the colors are charming and the effect 
 enchanting. 
 
 And by way of an excuse for even mentioning such extravagant floor-covers, we 
 may say, that many persons would prefer to spend their " carpet-money " for a 
 small square of Aubusson, to grace the center of that bijou-parlor or library 
 floor, than to cover the whole with an Ingrain or tapestry Brussels. 
 
 Regarding the second, third and fourth rules, relative to the forms of design 
 it must be borne constantly in mind that a carpet is to be viewed from above ; 
 the figures therefore should be quite suitable for being placed in a horizontal 
 position for furniture and persons to stand upon, and to be viewed in various 
 directions and not* laterally as a wall-paper. These points are obvious, so much 
 so that it appears strange that qualities so essential should in many cases be 
 totally disregarded, by those who would appear under the necessity of under- 
 standing such plain facts, we mean designers and artists. 
 
 The bi-symmetrical designs which appear so well against a wall, are entirely 
 unsuited to a floor which requires a pattern that will appear well from every 
 point, or from all sides of the room. 
 
 Thus bouquets and baskets, are in bad taste no matter how carefully colored, 
 inasmuch as from one side it will appear inverted. The arrangement best suited 
 for floor decoration, is the radiating with forms springing from a common center. 
 Observe in Nature how this law is carried out. Plants which grow upon the 
 ground or near it, will generally be found to have their parts radiating from 
 one point, or arranged symmetrically upon the surface. 
 
 Being intended to walk or stand upon, all designs for floor decorations should 
 invariably be perfectly flat, though to examine any collection of carpets, rugs or 
 floor-cloths, one would suppose this idea was an entirely novel one, so large a 
 number of the designs assume the very character we denounce as erroneous. 
 
 One obvious mistake is in designers imitating rather than inventing, and 
 though baskets of flowers may be lovely in a picture, they are not suitable as 
 covering for floors; though "music bath charms" it is not supposed to be a 
 happy method of practising it, to walk, dance or stand upon the various instru- 
 ments, or again to look down upon a fragment of landscape, or an entire view, 
 although perhaps plainly illustrating the poets idea of "viewing the landscape 
 
BEAUTIFUL HOMES. 49 
 
 /er," might give the unpleasant impression of looking into the antipodes trans- 
 posed. 
 
 These flagrant instances of bad taste will be found in the designs of the hand- 
 somest carpets and rugs ; we therefore call particular attention to this point, be- 
 cause so many persons about to purchase carpets, have these styles urged upon 
 bhem. 
 
 A handsome carpet with border, or drugget or floor-cloth with floral figures 
 properly arranged and distributed make appropriate patterns, but in an article 
 ike this, it is not possible to describe the various complications that would 
 render each design a perfect one ; but, with the rules and hints we have given, 
 I person of ordinary taste may be able to decide upon what is proper and what 
 :he reverse in a floor-covering. 
 
 Borders are now so universally used, and add so greatly to the elegance of a 
 carpet, that we advise their use whenever practicable. 
 
 Where border-finish is introduced to rest against the wainscot, the bi-symmet- 
 rical arrangement is not objectionable, inasmuch as it then assumes the same 
 condition as wall-paper. Unusually elegant and tasteful designs are shown in 
 bhe Kidderminster carpets, but the colors here which produce results wonder- 
 fully lovely, cannot be shown, but may be imagined, in varied shades of wood- 
 3olor, with peculiar golden-green, melting into the golds of the wood-brown tints, 
 and a mere brightening in the livelier tints of the light scattered blossoms, 
 as delicate as if woven by the fingers of some fairy nymph, whose woodland 
 tiaunts, were carpeted with just such soft feathery ferns, and tufted moss. 
 Looking down upon such a floor-covering as this, one could almost fancy they 
 inhaled the spicy, wild, " woodsy " odors of the Anemone and Arbutus, and feel 
 ready to turn up the fern fronds in search of the blue-eyed Heptatica, or 
 scarlet berries of the Partridge Yine. As the tread upon soft carpets is one 
 Df the luxuries even we, ordinary mortals, may enjoy ; and as we must all admit 
 it to be no trifling comfort, we should surely endeavor to secure it. 
 
 The sponge carpet linings, chemically prepared to prevent moths, produce a 
 ielightful elastic softness, and may be procured for 15 or 20 cents a yard ; but, 
 where unavailable, felting paper, or even several thicknesses of newspapers will 
 answer the purpose. In the country, clean straw, smoothly spread, or even 
 sweet well-dried and fine grass will be found a most pleasant strata, upon which 
 to spread the carpet, and it is astonishing how very greatly these linings add to 
 bhe apparent depth, heaviness and richness of the carpet. So, in any case, 
 never lay a carpet, especially an Ingrain, directly upon the boards. 
 
 With stair carpets, always cover the edge of each step with several thick- 
 nesses of paper, felting, or other material that will prevent the friction upon 
 bhe boards ; and when measuring for these, allow a yard or less over the exact 
 iength, to afford an opportunity for changing the part trodden upon each time 
 it is taken up, which will make it far more durable. 
 4 
 
CHAPTER VI. 
 
 BLINDS, 
 
 CUETAINS AND LAMBREQUINS. 
 
 The first thing to be attended to in house-furnishing is the windows ; for it 
 is as unpleasant to have the full glare of sunlight streaming through an apart- 
 ment, as to be annoyed by prying eyes, or suffer the feeling of fear at imagin- 
 ing some outside spectator gazing into our apartments daring the evening hours. 
 
 We will not enter upon the vexed question of the healthfulness of sun-baths, 
 for we cannot imagine that any one of our readers will insist upon it that win- 
 dows are to stand out, in all their bare, open-eyed boldness, without shade or 
 curtain, at all hours, day and night, and so we will venture to give a chapter on 
 this most important subject of window coverings, and " hangings " in general, 
 hoping to aid some oft-perplexed friend to robe her windows and doors with 
 beauty and grace. 
 
 The blinds of a house, it is a matter of elegance and comfort to arrange prop- 
 erly. They should be uniform in material and color throughout the front of the 
 house, at least, for nothing so mars the beauty of a " front " than windows 
 showing, even at a distance, all the colors of the rainbow, or even two or three 
 of them. 
 
 Buff Holland produces a mellow, warm tone, when the light passes through 
 it that is extremely pleasant ; but white linen, and even muslin are so easily 
 laundered, and harmonize so well with hangings and upholstering of all colors, 
 that perhaps we cannot do better than to recommend the use of them to all per- 
 sons about to furnish their windows. 
 
 Many persons have an admiration for transparent shades, and some of these 
 are so lovely that one can scarcely wonder at this taste. To such we would 
 say — you cannot do better than to obtain what is called architect's or artist's 
 tracing cloth, which is a clear, transparent cloth, producing that mellow light 
 seen through the white ground glass lamp-shades, and upon it to transfer some 
 of the exquisite designs in Diaphanie and Yitromania work. These are of all 
 varieties, from the Mediaeval and Renaissance period, with its gorgeously robed 
 knights lansquenets, musicians, saints and madonnas, to the lovely landscapes 
 and Oriental groups, or domestic scenes of our own more modern times. 
 
BEAUTIFUL HOMES. 51 
 
 For many windows, shades of this description impart a wonderfully impos- 
 ig effect, as, for instance, in the library, or bay window of sitting room or par- 
 ir, in the conservatory and hall, — for many prefer a shade that can be removed 
 J pleasure, or rolled up and down when desired, to a window filled with orna- 
 lental glass, and whose frequent removals are necessary, it certainly possesses 
 ivantages of no light order. For dull, cheerless apartments, we should strongly 
 jcommend this variety of .window covering, as it imparts a rich, bright glow 
 ) an otherwise gloomy room. 
 
 The patent rollers and fixtures for blinds are so readily adjusted that any 
 idy may manage to fix all her windows without troubling any one. 
 
 Care should be used not to nail or tack the shade close to the ends of the 
 )ller; allow it to be one inch wider than the roller ; cut off the selvage (meas- 
 dng accurately with a tape-measure), and turn down each side a half inch, 
 oning or pressing them flat, and fastening by means of neat herring bone 
 ;i telling, or else run through the sewing-machine. 
 
 For the lath at the bottom, turn down a hem and work an eyelet-hole in the 
 mter for the cord to pass through, which holds the tassel ; turn down the upper 
 iw edge and mark the centre of it with indelible or marking ink, also the 
 indow to which it belongs ; mark the roller in the same manner, so that, in 
 ise change of blinds is necessary, it is known to which each belongs, without 
 asting time to measure each blind to the particular window. 
 
 In nailing on the blind, use small tin tacks, as iron rust will mar the materiah 
 'ack first the center, then the ends, and then try whether it will roll perfectly 
 Taight. If it will not, be certain it i^ not straight somewhere, and requires 
 [tering. It will pay to take time and do this work thoroughly, for there can 
 8 no more annoying thing than a blind that never rolls straight, and is always 
 'j " cross purposes " with the window sash. 
 
 Of the figured " oiled muslin," or transparent shades, none are as genteel and 
 aiet in appearance as those with simple gold or silver bands around them, with 
 3rhaps a little ornamental scroll work in the corners. As for the gaudy, many- 
 )lored " horrors," that are offered in shops, they are better fitted for a saloon 
 lan a private dwelling, and should never be admitted into the tasteful homes, 
 rith regard to curtains — no dwelling should be without these graceful aids to 
 )mfort and elegance, for, let a drapery be ever so simple, it imparts a certain 
 r of coziness and delicate taste that no other piece of furniture can afford. 
 1 connection with blinds and akin to them is the very simple machinery re- 
 aired for the curtain. 
 
 The ordinary window curtain is suspended by hooks to rings, which slide 
 ickwards and forwards on a pole or rod at the top of the window — behind the 
 )rnice or lambrequin, if there be any : or, if not, on a heavy pole with large 
 -namental rings, though some persons use small rings and a wire to hold the 
 irtains, and arrange a heavy gilded pole and rich, ornamental rings in front. 
 
52 BEAUTIFUL HOMES. 
 
 but stationary. Heavy curtains are always appropriate for Winter, but for th( 
 warm season, should be carefully shut away from dust and sunlight and find i 
 substitute in lace or muslin. In this day of Nottingham lace and Swiss botl 
 sheer and beautiful, at such low prices, where is the house that may not b( 
 furnished with this lovely addition ? for, though lace so gossamer-like that i' 
 appears almost like a cloudy mist, is charming indeed to shroud the window o: 
 some palatial mansion, what can be more beautiful than the blue-white tints o: 
 the Swiss curtains, with their exquisite puffs and neatly fluted ruffles, or th( 
 soft, rich, yellowish-white Nottingham lace hangings, with lambrequins o: 
 feathery ferns and gorgeous Autumn leaves ? 
 
 As regards these same Nottingham lace materials, the variety of pattern; 
 which are shown purchasers about to procure them, is confusing, but our advice 
 would be to select only the more delicate designs, and small figures, such ai 
 a fine fern spray, the various conventional flowers of medium size, and th( 
 many imitations of old laces. Many really artistic patterns are to be founc 
 among the Nottingham curtain laces, and it is far better while purchasing 
 an article of this kind to select an imitation of some really fine specimen 
 than a common pattern, that is a constant source of mortification to the critica 
 
 eye. 
 
 As regards Swiss muslin, the coarser the texture the more sheer and light th( 
 appearance ; besides this, the coarse is equally easy to " do wp," and a set o 
 these curtains will continue to present a neat appearance for several seasons 
 They may be trimmed either with a wide hem, or a narrow ruffle or ruffles 
 neatly fluted or crimped. 
 
 Point-lace making is now becoming as popular and ordinary an employmen 
 as the old tatting and crochet making, and, by using some of the coarser varie 
 ties of " point-lace braid " and thread very elegant curtain laces may be made 
 at comparatively small expense, and without any Vmusual labor, that is — a pai: 
 of curtains the materials for which would cost about ten to twenty dollars 
 would cost in the stores from five hundred to one thousand dollars. This ma^ 
 appear almost incredible, but it is a fact we can verify from actual experience 
 It is the time that it requires which makes point-lace so immensely expensive 
 for the knowledge of the stitches can be perfectly acquired in six lessons o: 
 one hour each. 
 
 There are many household expenditures in which it is wise to use economy 
 but there are few even of the elegancies which it were wiser to so appear, if no 
 really to be, somewhat lavish ; one of these is — curtains ! 
 
 Curtains are well worth all they cost, and by some means procure them, o: 
 make them at odd minutes, or of some old material. 
 
 As regards heavy hangings nothing can be more elegant in appearance thai 
 some plain woolen material, green or brown, or any solid color, embellished witl 
 bands of the woolen strips used for saddle-girths. We learned this little secre 
 
BEAUTIFUL HOMES. 53 
 
 3ars ago, and "what was our delight on reading Mr. Eastlake's " Household 
 aste " to find the following : — 
 
 " Some very beautiful specimens of portiere curtains have recently been made 
 om the designs of Mr. A. Blomfield architect, and Mr. P. Heaton, (of London) ; 
 ley are composed of velvet and other stuffs, embroidered by hand, and deco- 
 ited with deep borders, consisting of alternate stripes of velvet and common 
 Drse-girths. It is a remarkable fact that horse-girtll^ (as well as a certain kind 
 ; coach trimmings) traditionally preserve the spirit of some very excellent de- 
 gns." All kinds of damask, moreen and rep will be found preferable for par- 
 •r, sitting-room or library, and we would speak here of that really valuable 
 laterial for persons of limited means, the Tycoon reps. This material comes 
 I rich colors and many really beautiful patterns, some of which possess a truly 
 riental character in design, richness of color, and general soft warmth of ap- 
 sarance. It is now used extensively for hangings and upholstering, and when 
 ned hangs in rich soft folds that rival many a more costly fabric. 
 
 Many really elegant curtains are purchased at the auction room, for wealthy 
 sople soon tire of their luxuries, and after a few months wear they are banished 
 ) the auction rooms to be knocked off to the highest bidder, hence many a costly 
 Lece of material, rich in texture, and elegantly made is sold for a mere tithe of 
 s true value. With deep cornice and a heavy weight of fringe and tassels, 
 ich hangings would be most inappropriate in the pretty cozy home we have im- 
 2^ined our reader to be furnishing in very doubtful taste indeed. But to use 
 ch material of quiet colors and sparsely trimmed, is always the perfection of 
 ne taste, and that delicate refinement of mind which leads to the selection of 
 le rich and substantial, in preference to that which is flimsy and tawdry. 
 
 Sometimes these costly fabrics are discarded, because they are really too be- 
 rimed and besmoked to be any longer endurable, still even then they may be 
 movated. 
 
 We have in mind an instance of this ; a friend whose means were small and 
 esires large, longed for a set of Winter curtains, so with contracted purse she 
 ied to the auction-room, and among a quantity of curtains espied just what 
 le so longed for, a set of double hangings, cigar color, with bands of Turkish 
 mbroidery and black velvet around the edges, rich, but quiet, and just suited to 
 er carpet, but what a condition they were in ! she almost feared to touch them, 
 ley were so grimy and smoked — so altogether disgusting with grease and dust • 
 owever they went off at a mere trifle, and knowing their full value she bid 
 lem in. The next day she spent in ripping them to pieces, then sent them to 
 \Q scourers, paid two dollars for having them cleaned, and they came home as 
 iean and handsome as new ones, she felt repaid a thousand fold, and was the 
 appy possessor of a set of rich, though plain damask curtains worth several 
 undred dollars in the store. So much for visiting an auction room in time of 
 eed. Yes, it is rather disagreeable, but so are bare windows and ugly rooms. 
 
54 
 
 BEAUTIFUL HOMES. 
 
 We believe " it pays " in the end, especially if several friends go in a company. 
 We have had quite a pleasant morning in an auction room. 
 
 To those who have never observed the fact, it will be a subject of astonish- 
 ment to notice the remarkable effect of curtains judiciously applied, in apart- 
 ments of inferior size. 
 
 When folding-doors divide two parlors, or parlor and library, or perhaps hall 
 and parlor, or library, the rery first step taken by the amateur decorator must 
 be to remove the huge doors, and have them carried at once to the carpenter shop 
 for the finishing of some dwelling whose mistress possesses less artistic taste ; 
 then take the money obtained for them, and invest it in hangings of some soft 
 material, which though it may be inexpensive, will hang in heavy folds, ren- 
 dered perhaps by an interlining of old 
 dresses, sheets, counterpanes, or other 
 worn-out and discarded articles. 
 
 " It is remarkable indeed," saj's Mr. 
 Conway, (in speaking of this subject,) 
 "how much maybe accomplished with 
 rooms inferior in size ; * * « by the 
 skillful use of curtains." 
 
 If a gentleman in London enters a 
 house with the intention of decorating 
 it in accordance with principles of Art, 
 his first work probably will be to tear 
 away the folding doors, or single doors 
 which divide the drawing-room. For 
 these he will substitute a draping, which 
 having in itself an artistic effect, shall 
 make what was a barrier into a beauty. 
 Xothing is better understood than that 
 no square angles should divide a room. 
 
 Fig. 11. 
 
 and the curtain is more graceful than any arch or architraves for that purpose. 
 The sketch we give of a curtained alcove in the drawing-room of Mr. Alma 
 Tadema, the distinguished artist, will give some idea of these charming effects 
 of hangings in place of doors. 
 
 Besides the graceful drapery between rooms and over windows, many felici- 
 tous impressions may be made by improvising little cabinets, and various Lilli- 
 putian " art shows," half hidden by a silken or gauze hanging, (which being of 
 small size may be unusually elegant,) for instance, one unused window may be 
 shelved and lined with velveteen, then filled with all the beautiful treasures 
 that can be collected, and- a silken curtain gaily embroidered in true Oriental 
 style with vari-colored silks, be carelessly (and only partially) caught back by 
 some tasteful band, a Parian hand or gilded ring, or as we saw a short time 
 
BEAUTIFUL HOMES. 
 
 55 
 
 since a purple velvet band encrusted with " pearl " (otherwise the Roman wax) 
 beads. 
 
 Or a corner may have a set of shelves fitted into it, one triangular shelf over 
 another, each two, three or four feet apart, the topmost one,. one or two feet 
 from the ceiling, a beautiful bracket of some kind. Now these shelves are all 
 tastefully painted and edged with some pretty border^ or covered with tinted 
 
 Fig. 12. Fig. 13. 
 
 paper, velvet or silk with a puff or little frill on the edges, here another etagere 
 is formed, which may contain all the bric-a-brac of the family, and on the bracket 
 above the stand some graceful figure. 
 
 It may be only plaster yet be very lovely, far up there against the deeply 
 tinted wall, through the arm of "Euterpe" or crook of "the Little Shepherd" 
 pass a long gauze or silken scarf, which allow to fall in graceful folds over the 
 tasteful, richly laden shelves below. It is by such felicitous ideas that plain 
 rooms are rendered charming, and how easily they are accomplished after all. 
 
 In the parlors substitute curtains for doors where ever practicable ; it may be 
 
56 
 
 BEAUTIFUL HOMES. 
 
 a closet that presents an obnoxious feature, remove the door ornament, the 
 shelves, and upon each side above the frame fasten brackets far up, three or 
 four feet above in the center, (another perhaps a larger one,) on these place 
 statuettes, busts, vases, or any pretty ornament that may be convenient; noth- 
 ing however produces a more imposing effect than a few good pieces of statu- 
 ary, and it is wonderful the rema.rkably perfect and fine copies from models of 
 note that can be obtained from plaster casts. All the pieces we give in this 
 volume may be obtained, we believe in this country in plaster. 
 
 On the side brackets of our 
 closet just described, we would 
 stand the statuettes such as are 
 shown in Figs. 12 and 13, represent- 
 ing Music and Painting, while on 
 the central one high above, an Urn 
 similar to Fig. 14, would appear 
 tasteful, and afford a beautiful 
 position for collections of Ferns, 
 grasses and other treasures during 
 Winter and natural flowers in Sum- 
 mer. Pass long scarfs through the 
 ring and arms of the vase in single 
 widths two upon each side, then 
 carelessly drape one on each side be- 
 hind and partially over the figures, 
 while the other two fall over the 
 shelves of the closet and give them 
 a loose tie perhaps below ; these 
 curtains may be merely of Swiss 
 Fig. 14. muslin or Tarlatan, lined or unlined, 
 
 at pleasure, and will be a most lovely addition to the room. 
 
 It is thought, quickness of perception, innate love of the beautiful, and a cer- 
 tain amount of industry and perseverance rather than wealth, which creates the 
 " Sweet home." These are some of the means for arranging hangings, but they 
 may be multiplied ad infinitum. 
 
 The regular suite of parlor furniture consisting of chairs, table and sofa is 
 generally accompanied by piano with its stool and stand for music, etageer, 
 ottomans, and various knick-knacks, or bric-a-brac as these are now termed ; 
 also pictures, brackets, tasteful wall-pockets perhaps, and the mantel which is 
 now almost a piece of furniture, while the windows are draped as r.as been 
 suggested, those who can procure them will find a charming natural adorn- 
 ment for simple muslin or lace curtains, in Ferns, Ivy-sprays, and other 
 woodland productions. 
 
BEAUTIFUL HOMES. 57 
 
 Autumn leaves sewed on bands of muslin, are arranged as borders along the 
 edges of curtains and point of lambrequins. When carefully preserved, Au- 
 tumn leaves afford a most charming embellishment for curtains of white Swiss, 
 and will continue fresh and bright for a whole season. Instead of sewing them 
 upon the material, it is a better way to fasten them with gum arable as by this 
 mode, the leaves are easily removed when done with, and the curtain itself is 
 not so apt to become torn as when the bastings are drawn through it. By com- 
 bining Ferns, Autumn leaves and a pressed Ivy leaf in tasteful clusters, or grace- 
 ful garlands, designs appearing like beautiful embroidery may be made. 
 
 A tasteful cornice for such curtains is made of pieces of slender tree branches, 
 ornamented with the delicate little spruce twigs, forming the most exquisite 
 Gothic designs imaginable, and which from the floor appear like some old and 
 curious workmanship of mediaeval times, complicated in form, and rich in color 
 as some wonderful mosaic. 
 
 The beauty of the spruce-pine twigs consist in their delicacy, and the rich- 
 ness and variety of the brown color. 
 
 All that is required to make these cornices is an abundance of small pins, 
 by which the numerous little arches and points are fastened together. A 
 coat of shellac varnish gives a fine finish to this work, and delicate fern-fronds 
 with tiny sprays of pressed Autumn leaves, arranged as vines over them add to 
 the artistic effect. 
 
 PORTIEEE WITH LAMBREQUIN. 
 
 This portiere and the lambrequin are made of brown woolen reps, and are 
 lined with muslin. The edges of the reps are trimmed with a border in ap- 
 plique and embroidery shown in Fig. 16. 
 
 For the foundation of this border use light brown cloth, and for the applica- 
 tion a darker brown than the foundation and black velvet. The application 
 is edged with yellow silk soutache. The design figures are worked with brown 
 Sadler's silk in two shades in satin stitch, and are edged with yellow cord 
 fastened on with black silk. Work the knotted stitches with gold colored 
 thread. 
 
 To make the lambrequin, measure one-third the length of the window for 
 the length, and allow for the width — the width of the window frame, and 
 one-half as much again, and shape it out as shown in the illustration, then 
 measuring off equal spaces for each of the figures, mark out any design decided 
 upon for the embroidery, which when finished must be lined with muslin. On 
 the outer edge of the lambrequin apply black velvet, and cover the seam made 
 by doing this with gold colored braid. Plate the lambrequin on the upper 
 edge, and finish with tassels of brown woolen cord and black silk. The por- 
 tiere is draped on the sides with brown cords and tassels. 
 
 This window may also be beautifully imitated by using the cheaper woolen 
 
58 
 
 BEAUTIFUL HOMES. 
 
 materials, interlined with old soft material under paper cambric, (which gives 
 a heavy rich appearance,) and using bands of black velveteen braided with yel- 
 low braid, with black braided designs for the embroidery on the lambrequins, 
 and for the portiere use for trimming, light brown alpaca braided with black 
 
 Fig. 15. 
 
 and brown, with application figures cut from black velveteen. A few weeks 
 of work of a most fascinating kind, will give in return a set of curtains that 
 will afford rare enjoyment; for several years, if carefully put away each Spring. 
 The cornice, above these ejegant curtains is extremely handsome, but a more 
 
BEAUTIFUL HOMES. 
 
 59 
 
 simple and appropriate one for a plainer suite may be made by using figures, 
 and scrolls of artificial wood carvings, and either ebonizing or bronzing them, 
 or indeed they are sufficiently beautiful in their natural brown state. 
 
 Ill nil II iiiiMfiii II II II III I 
 
 Fig. 16. 
 
 WmDOW WITH DOUBLE CUETAINS. 
 
 The curtains and lambrequin shown in Fig. 17 are of figured damask — of 
 cigar color — with a plain damask richly embroidered for the lambrequin, the 
 lace curtains of costly point with under shade of fine muslin and embroidery. 
 Any one desiring to furnish with such curtains, will not be apt to undertake the 
 work themselves, but will probably order them from the upholsterer. But that 
 larger, and perhaps happier class, who are eager to surround their windows with 
 beautiful hangings, at as small expense as possible, will no doubt be glad to 
 know that they may have them as effectively draped, without any vast expense. 
 To do this, first procure of some one of the pretty woolen stuffs, now to be 
 bought for a comparatively small sum, sufficient to make the curtains reaching 
 from the top of the window to the floor, and should the window be small, better 
 to measure far above it, which will give the impression of greater size. If the 
 material is of double fold, one width on each side will be all-sufficient, and, if 
 the material is not unusually heavy, it might better be lined throughout, pur- 
 chasing a bolt or two of colored cambric, and thus obtaining it much cheaper. 
 Procure also a few yards of plain material matching the ground of the color 
 somewhat ; this for the lambrequins and borders to the curtains. Get, also, an 
 entire piece (or two, perhaps) of coarse Swiss muslin, or neat, small-figured 
 Nottinghara lace curtains. Now we have our materials, and will proceed to 
 make up the curtains ; but first, perhaps, we might better make the cornice, 
 which is easily done by using the carvings before mentioned, first preparing a 
 
60 
 
 BEAUTIFUL HOMES. 
 
 strip of wood five inches wide, on which the ornaments are fastened. If desired 
 particularly elegant, the wood and carvings may be ebonized and gilded, or, if 
 preferred, the entire work may be enameled and gilded. 
 
 Fig. 17. 
 The under-shade is made of Swiss and is pretty finished with a fluted ruffle 
 and gathered into long puffs from top to bottom. The curtains trim with a 
 band of the plain material, on which large figures of black velveteen are fas- 
 tened with application embroidery, using gold-colored braid on the edges, or 
 
BEAUTIFUL HOMES. 61 
 
 button-hole stitching of yellow silk. Instead of lace curtains, take a half 
 width of Swiss muslin, trim the edge with fluted ruffles, and fasten on the 
 inside of the heavy curtains. The effect is precisely the same as though the * 
 entire curtain were hung beneath, and, as will be seen, with far less expense. 
 The lambrequin is " shaped " as shown in the illustration, from the plain goods, 
 and a design cut from black or other colored velveteen, is embroidered in appli- 
 cation work of chain or button-hole stitches, or edged with yellow braid. The 
 lining is put in after this is done. Heavy woolen fringe finishes the lambre- 
 quin and curtains ; cords and tassels drape back the curtains on each side. 
 
 Among the various designs given for embroidery, tassels, bands, and trim- 
 mings of different kinds, there will be found many that will well answer for 
 these curtains, and thus obviate the necessity of purchasing the costly ones sold 
 in the stores, though, we would add, that a fringe sufficiently heavy for curtains, 
 lambrequins and other furnishings, may be bought for twenty-flve cents per yard, 
 and a neat tassel of wool and silk for 25 or 30 cents, and a larger size, six inches 
 long, for 50 cents, cord by the piece for 25, 50, 75 cents and ^1.00, the last suf- 
 ficiently thick for the heaviest curtains. These are retail prices, and, by pro- 
 curing such trimmings by the quantity, from a wholesale establishment, they 
 may be had for very considerable less. 
 
 CUETAm HOLDER. 
 
 A curtain holder for these curtains is made of pointed cotton braid and cro- 
 chet, is 141-4 inches long, with a middle depth of 3 1-2 inches, and side 1 1-2. 
 The run of the braid, crochet with medium-sized cotton to a border, widen- 
 ing towards the centre, can be easily followed. For the outer edges, going all 
 around, coarser thread must be taken. The loops to drape up the curtains are 
 of L Ch. crocheted over with SC. and can, of course, be made any desired 
 length. 
 
 BED-ROOM WINDOW GARISriTURE. 
 
 The accompanying illustration shows a most tasteful and quiet-looking win- 
 dow-hanging, which must recommend itself to all who have a taste for things 
 both elegant and chaste, for though the whole appearance of this window garni- 
 ture is so exceedingly luxurious, there is nothing about it at all gaudy or " loud." 
 The simple curtain, screening the window behind the curtain, is of white dimity 
 or brown with an edge of narrow scalloping, or Hamburg edging. 
 
 The cornice is merely a strip of wooden moulding neatly painted with enam- 
 eled-paint of the tint used on the wood- work of the room, and a little gilding, 
 or enrichment with lines of color if desired. 
 
 The curtains are made of plain dark crimson woolen reps lined with muslin 
 
62 
 
 BEAUTIFUL HOMES. 
 
 Fig. 19. 
 
BEAUTIFUL HOMES. 
 
 63 
 
 of the same or some contrasting color, and edged with a thick woolen cord of 
 two colors, and held back by bands and tassels of the same kind. Within this 
 cm-tain is an inner one of plain lace edged with a rich border of home-made 
 point, bat a neat Nottingham lace curtain would answer perhaps, and be far 
 less expensive. Many ladies are, however, so interested in making point-lace, 
 that they would prefer manufacturing their own lace, and certainly nothing can 
 be more superbly elegant than a set of the home-made point-lace hangings, 
 which now sell for a fabulous price, both in England and this country. 
 
 The lambrequin for our window is of a beautiful design, and can be easily 
 cut by measuring the width across the window, and dividing it into the sections 
 shown in the pattern, allowing the central point one-third wider than those on the 
 sides. The material is reps or cloth a shade or two lighter than the curtain, or 
 of a contrasting color, with a border of rich embroidery done in petite-point, 
 with zephyrs of various shades of j^ellow and brown, using single design figures, 
 instead of the coat-of-arms in the center as on the model — the monogram or 
 initials of the mistress of the room is much more appropriate. 
 
 The lambrequin must be lined with heavy cotton, and finished with a cord on 
 the edge. Any other colors may of course be substituted for those named, and 
 should correspond with the surroundings, but the form of this hanging will be 
 found unexceptionable, and it is also an economical pattern inasmuch as it has 
 no plaitings on the lambrequin, and is so simple in its entire design. 
 
 CUETAIX TEIMMmGS. 
 
 Many persons, even after they have made their curtains and lambrequins, feel 
 the after part of the work a matter of considerable trouble, especially if the 
 purse has been almost drained b}^ the purchase of certain of the materials - 
 Some of this class of our readers may, perhaps, have leisure moments, and 
 willingness to make such finishing parts as cord, tassels, fringe, etc., did they 
 but know how to do it, and to such we offer a few suggestions and descrip- 
 tions as will enable them to do this work 
 In Figs. 20 and 21 are two styles of hand- 
 made cord, which are so simple that any wo- 
 man who can crochet will be able to make 
 cord by the yard and with the greatest rapid- 
 ity. These cords can be made of either wool 
 or cotton for white or heavy curtains. Those 
 with white cotton will wash well, and will be 
 found useful for various purposes. 
 
 Fig. 20, Xo. 1, requires cotton Xo. 1 or 2, cast 
 on 8 L. Ch., and close in a ring from the in- 
 Fig. 20. side, with one row of SC. Continuing work- Fig. 21. 
 
64 
 
 BEAUTIFUL HOMES. 
 
 ing in the round, only SC. are made, which, instead of being crocheted in the 
 chain links are made bet^Yeen these, as shown in the illustration ; the chain 
 links themselves go entirely to the inside, and give the cord a proper firmness. 
 Fig. 21, ]Sro. 2, is crocheted with double thread or zephyr (if cotton, ~No. 4.) 
 Cast on a ring of 11 L. Ch. Then working in the round, and from the inside 
 the loop of every stitch is drawn across through two chain links lying together, 
 For every new St., the hook is, however, put first backwards into the last St. 
 (stitch), in order to be able to take on the hook the edge St. of the same with 
 the following ones. 
 
 TASSELS. 
 
 Handsome tassels, bands, and 
 other cui'tain trimmings may be 
 made by a lady of taste and pos- 
 sessing some skill with the needle. 
 Some of the most elegant trim- 
 mings are made of portions of the 
 material used in the hangings, unit- 
 ed with other materials. 
 
 In Fig. 22, for instance, we show 
 a tassel made of silk the color of 
 the curtains it adorns. It is made 
 thus : two large woolen balls are 
 made in the usual way, by winding 
 zephyr around circular pieces of 
 card. The zephyr in this case is 
 of two shades of brown, but may 
 be made, of course, to harmonize 
 with ether colors. The upper ball 
 is one-third less in size than the 
 lower, and they may be of any size 
 desired. Besides these, an elongat- 
 ed ball is made in a similar man- 
 ner, on long-shaped pieces of card, 
 cut down the center, filled in close- 
 ly with zephyr, and cut around the 
 Fig. 22. outer edges, are stitched between 
 
 the two cards (instead of tying, as in case of the round balls), 
 mold covered with the material or zephyr, is placed on the large upper part of 
 this ball, and six leaves of silk of a shade contrasting somewhat with the color 
 of the zephyr, ornamented with buttonhole stitching on the edge, and herring- 
 bone down the center are arranged around it, as shown in the illustration, 
 
 Fig. 23. 
 A large button- 
 
BEAUTIFUL HOMES. 
 
 65 
 
 strands of coarse silk holding the points ; similar leaves of one-third the size, 
 cover the upper half of the lower round ball, and strands of silk ornament the 
 upper one, a woolen tassel is fastened to the cord intended for suspending, 
 which is then passed through the center of the three tassels with a large needle, 
 or if this is a large tassel, a better way will be to put this cord through each 
 of the balls, prior to catting the zephyr and lying between the cards, the 
 woolen tassel on the end may then be fastened to the cord by passing it through 
 and tying. 
 
 The model from M'hich our illustration is taken, was to adorn hangings of 
 cigar-brown reps, the silk on the tassels was of golden-brown approaching 
 yellow, embroidered w^ith black, the tassel at the bottom three shades of brown. 
 
 Fig. 23 is of similar form, but made in a different manner, the lower part is 
 made of four oblong pieces of card, slightly wider in the center than at the 
 ends, which are covered with cloth sewed together and filled with cotton, this 
 forms the egg-shaped pendant which is covered with a color 
 harmonizing with the hangings, below this is attached a 
 tassel of zephyr fastened to a cord passed through the 
 pendant, leaves of silk several shades lighter, fsix in num- 
 ber) are ornamented with buttons of black velvet, cut cir-| 
 cular in form and held by stitches in point Russe embroid-i 
 ery, as shown full size in Figure 2-i ; loops of double Fig. 24. 
 
 zephyr several shades darker than the leaves, are arranged around the upper 
 part in two circles, and make a 
 pretty finish to this ornamental 
 tassel, which is not only easily^ 
 made but economical, for if pre- 
 ferred, scraps left from the hang- 
 ings or lambrequins may be used 
 to cover the pendant and for the 
 leaves. 
 
 LAMBEEQUIN" AXD 
 COENICE. 
 
 The accompanying cornice and 
 lambrequin may be made entire- 
 ly by a lady herself as they are 
 quite simple. 
 
 The cornice consists of a piece 
 of board six inches wide, and as 
 long as the window is wide, sawed 
 out upon the one side in round- 
 ed curves, (plainly shown in the 
 5 
 
 Fig. 25. 
 
66 
 
 BEAUTIFUL HOMES. 
 
 illustration, (ou which is fastened a central and two side ornaments of the "Ar* 
 tificial wood-carvings " neatly bronzed. 
 
 The lambrequin is cut in the most economical manner, the two long ends 
 
 Fig. 26. 
 
 (eighteen inches in length from the point) are taken from the corners of a piece 
 of striped rep, costing 75 cents per yard, which leaves a triangular piece es.- 
 tending from the opposite end, and running into a point between these two 
 end pieces, as will be seen upon designing it, and it is then easily " shaped " 
 
BEAUTIFUL HOMES. 
 
 67 
 
 as shown in the illustration. A double row of cord or braid fringe, and a pair 
 of tassels finish the embellishments, and this tasteful lambrequin is highly 
 recommended, not only for its beautiful form, but also from its utility, as it is 
 readily kept free from dust owing to its simple arrangement. 
 
 In Fig. 26, we show a most elegant window arrangement, consisting of cor- 
 nice, lambrequin, curtains and seat cushion, and drapery. 
 
 Many houses, especially the old residences scattered through our country, 
 have windows which have become defaced, or are perhaps of unpleasing form, 
 here, the drapery shown becomes invaluable. 
 
 The cornice is formed almost precisely like the one preceding it, but the lam- 
 brequin is merely a long strip of reps of solid color, costing ^1.25 per yard, 
 but only requiring 1 1-2 yards, as it is cut down the center longitudinally 
 
 Fig. 27. 
 
 and pieced beneath the plaits, the form of which will be explained by the illus- 
 tration. This lambrequin is trimmed on the edge with rows of worked braid, 
 embroidered in herring-bone stitch with colored zephyr, which, by using several 
 colors both of braid and zephyr, presents quite the appearance of Turkish 
 work. Or a stripe of some kind, such as the bright saddle-girths, or an em- 
 broidered Berlin strip may be substituted, if you prefer. Swiss or Nottingham 
 lace curtains constitute the hangings, and below these, the window seat is cov- 
 ered with a piece of the reps, from which depends a fall of rich embroidery in 
 Berlin wool work, on extremely coarse canvas, of which Fig. 27 shows an ele- 
 gant pattern. 
 
 In Fig. 28 is shown an entirely different style of portiere, and general door 
 adornment. In this arrangement, three ornamental curtain rails hold cords 
 
68 
 
 BEAUTIFUL HOMES. 
 
 and tassels festooned from one to the other, and also sustain a heavy rod, on 
 which are hung the rings, fastened to the lambrequin. This rod and the rings 
 may be of wood gilded, or black walnut and gold. The lambrequin here is cut 
 from cloth with a contrasting color pinked out on the edge, and fastened on 
 
 Fig. 28. 
 
 with narrow braid, as shown in the design, Fig. 29, which is only one-fourth the 
 size, but shows a beautiful pattern for such a point. An oval is cut out from 
 the center, and an embroidered piece of light colored silk, richly embroidered 
 with silk, in satin, half-polka and point Russe stitches, is inserted. A chain- 
 stitching and running figures in satin and half-polka stitches fill the spaces on 
 
BEAUTIFUL HOMES. 
 
 69 
 
 the corners, and hangings of striped rep fall below this lambrequin, or a lighter 
 material interlined may be substituted, as shown in the illustration. A woolen 
 
 Fig. 29. 
 
 cord on the edge, and tassels and cords on various parts, make a rich finish to 
 this elegant portiere. 
 
 DOOR WITH COENICE AND LAMBEEQUm. 
 
 A richly adorned door-way is shown in Fig. 30, which exhibits a cornice 
 covering the upper moulding. This may be by painting a " shaped " piece of 
 wood in fancy colors imitating the rich illuminated designs in red, blue, gold, 
 and other rich and brilliant tints. An artificial carving is painted white, and 
 embellished with the same colors. 
 
 The lambrequin consists of a woolen damask, embroidered with application 
 dssi^^ns cut from cloth of contrasting colors, and finished with fringe. The 
 form is simple and it does not require but the width of the door and one-fourth 
 as much over. Lace curtains in Summer and heavy hangings in Winter hang 
 below and sweep the floor, running on a wire extending beneath the lambre- 
 quin or cornice. 
 
 An elegant lambrequin is shown in Fig. 31. It is made by cutting a piece of 
 yard-wide reps (of a rich brown shade) into three points with a straight piece 
 between of one yard in length, which is plaited in two box-plaits, the points 
 are each embroidered with an application design cut from lafge figured brocade 
 
70 
 
 BEAUTIFUL HOMES. 
 
 silk or Cretonne, working the edges with button-hole stitching of the same color. 
 The hangings below may be of Tycoon reps or richer and more costly materials 
 
 
 Fig. 30. 
 
 if preferred. Rosettes and cord on each plait of the lambrequin and ball 
 fringe, with a pinked-out edge of cloth along the top forms the ornamentation 
 of this tasteful door arrangement. 
 
 Fig. 31. 
 
 LAMBREQUm FOR DOOR. 
 
 We have spoken of the fine effect given to rooms by the use of curtains in- 
 stead of doors, and would urge upon our readers the importance of giving this 
 class of adornment at least a trial, feeling sure they will at once adopt these por- 
 tieres, and discard their doors to the " shady side " of the lumber-room, or as we 
 suggested, dispose of them to some lover of doors. The illustration given in 
 Fig. 32, shows an easy and yet beautiful lambrequin, which can be made of any 
 material most convenient, the model here copied being Tycoon reps lined with 
 some half-worn Turkey-red chintz curtains. A strip of scarlet cloth pinked 
 
BEAUTIFUL HOMES. 
 
 71 
 
 out on each edge, and fastened on vrith a buff braid in the center trims the 
 edge, while rosettes of the same scarlet cloth and home-made bands, with woolen 
 fringe at 28 cents per yard, finishes the ornamentation. 
 
 The bands are made of woolen cord of two colors of zephyr, with slides made 
 by cutting card-board in tasteful form, and covering with a piece of scarlet 
 cloth embroidered with wool-silk and beads. 
 
 Fig. 32. 
 
 Long curtains of the same material as the lambrequin or the contrasting color, 
 
 are fastened to small rings which slip on a wire extending beneath the lam- 
 brequin. 
 
 DOUBLE CURTAINS AND WINDOW-SEAT CUSHION, ETC. 
 
 The elegant simplicity (or simple elegance, perhaps), of the window furni- 
 ture seen in Fig. 33, renders it very appropriate for chamber or living-rooms. 
 The cornice is quite simple ; made by merely sawing a strip of wooden mould- 
 ing, such as is used for doors, and adorning it with carvings, then ebonizing 
 and gilding certain parts, or bronzing the whole, as most admired, or it may be 
 stained in imitation of any one of the various kinds of wood. 
 
 The curtains are of plain material of any kind desired, simply trimmed with 
 cord of two colors, and finished with a fall of lace beneath, held back by bands 
 of gimp, while the colored curtains are looped with cords and tassels, tied in 
 graceful knots and loops. The seat of the window has a piece of the curtain 
 
72 
 
 BEAUTIFUL HOMES. 
 
 material braided in a neat pattern, and finished with a fall of embroidered 
 cloth of some contrasting color, or several shades lighter, or a pattern may 
 be worked on canvas according to Fig. 34, using coarse canvas, and, if neces- 
 sary, repeating the upper part of the pattern. This design we have found 
 
 Fig. 33. 
 
 most appropriate for this purpose, the effect of the rich colors being extremely 
 fine. 
 
 Our desire is to offer a variety of hangings, from which our readers may 
 make a selection, and in Fig. 35 is shown a different style of window-hanging 
 
BEAUTIFUL HOMES. 
 
 73 
 
 from any we have seen. The cornice is made by plaiting an oval piece of cloth 
 in a frame, as the central ornament, and fastening it on a shaped piece of wood, 
 ornamented with carvings and figures of gilded cherubs. The lambrequin is 
 unusually rich and elegant, consisting of three festoons of the material, edged 
 
 
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 with ornamental fringe and tassels, with long cords, festooned as shown in the 
 illustration. 
 
 The hangings are of any heavy material convenient, trimmed simply with a 
 bias band of contrasting color put on in scallops with light colored braid, har- 
 monizing in color with the curtain. Instead of under-curtains of lace, a rich 
 lace edge is fastened around the entire curtain, making a light and lovely 
 finish to hangings otherwise heavy and rather somber. A rich lace shade, 
 
74 
 
 BEAUTIFUL HOMES. 
 
 reaching to the floor, shades the window, behind the hangings. As may be 
 imagined from the illustration, this window is one of unusually imposing effect, 
 and would well adorn a room handsomely furnished and embellished. 
 
 Fig 35 
 
 WINDOW-SILL COYER AND BLINDS. 
 
 This cover is made of maroon plush and provided with a lambrequin of Java 
 canvas, embroidered with maroon worsted, edged with like-colored cord, and 
 
BEAUTIFUL HOMES. 
 
 75 
 
 decorated with rosettes and tassels of the same worsted. To make the cover, 
 cut of the plush a piece wide enough to fit your window, and so long as to reach 
 
 Fig. 36. 
 
 the floor. For lining, cut a piece the same size of any kind, of woolen cloth. 
 The cover is provided with three pockets— a large one in the center, and the 
 
70 
 
 BEAUTIFUL HOMES. 
 
 small ones on either side — which are concealed by the lambrequin. For the 
 small pockets, cut out of the stuff that serves for lining, two double pieces, 
 each eight inches wide, and seven inches long. Round off at the bottom, sew 
 together and insert into slits cut in the plush, at a distance of thirteen inches 
 from the top, and four inches from either side. In like manner, make and insert 
 the central large pocket, which is placed on a line with the others, and which 
 is twelve inches wide and sixteen long. The seams where the pockets are 
 inserted must be neatly finished off with woolen cord. Xow attach the lining ; 
 trim at the bottom with wide maroon worsted fringe, and bind the sides and 
 top with worsted braid, after affixing the lambrequin which covers the pockets. 
 
 This lambrequin is made of Java canvas, cut into three points at the bottom, a 
 large one in the center, and a small one on each side. Embroider in any appro- 
 priate design with maroon worsted, having first drawn the shape of the points 
 with lead pencil. When finished, cut away the canvas at about the distance of 
 half an inch from the pencil marks, hem this over on the wrong side, finish off 
 with cord, and decorate each point with rosette and tassel. The blinds are of 
 Indian gauze ornamented with painted flowers, birds, etc., bound with silk rib- 
 bon, and fastened top and bottom by means of steel rods to hooks, as shown in 
 
 the engraving. 
 
 DOOE, CURTAINS, WITH EMBEOIDEEED BOEDER AND 
 
 DRAPED HEADING. 
 
 The illustration shows very plainly the handsome arrangement of curtains 
 and heading. Their color should match the furniture, the border on the cur- 
 tains being worked of two contrasting shades of cloth, on a light background. 
 The fringe on the heading or lambrequin, the cord and tassels are chosen of a 
 
BEAUTIFUL HOMES. 
 
 77 
 
 Designs tot Lambfeqtting and Boot Curtains. 
 
78 
 
 BEAUTIFUL HOMES. 
 
 color to match the border, which is finished off on each side by a neat little edg- 
 ing, worked of worsted somewhat darker than the color of the cui'tains. 
 
 Fig. 38. 
 
 WINDOW CUETAIXS, WITH WHITE AITD COLOEED DRAP- 
 
 INGS. 
 
 The beautiful arrangement of this window is very plainly indicated by the 
 illustration. Color and design may be chosen to suit individual taste. A deep 
 
BEAUTIFUL HOMES. 
 
 79 
 
 ball fringe depends from the gilt cornice, and a like, though somewhat narrower 
 fringe, finishes off the embroidered window-sill cover. The latter is made to 
 match the border of the cloth curtain. 
 
 Fig. 39. 
 
CHAPTER VII. 
 
 BED-ROOMS. 
 
 The furnishing of chambers affords wide scope for taste in selecting articles 
 both expensive and plain, and for much ingenuity in fitting and adapting ma- 
 terials to the limits of small means, yet which shall not be devoid of beauty or 
 elegance. 
 
 Black walnut has in a great measure superseded the mahogany of former 
 years, but the many " fancy-woods " as they are called, such as the curled and 
 birds-eye maple, birch, butternut, white walnut and silver fir, and the lovely 
 enameled-pine have become so popular, and each one is so equally in favor that 
 it is difficult to say what fancy-wood is most admired at present. 
 
 In the chapter on the present style of furniture, we described many of the 
 new fancies and conceits for these various kinds, but after all the substantial 
 black walnut which has stood the test of years, is the most generally used among 
 those who having taste and only moderate means, desire to spend their money 
 for the kind of furniture which will withstand constant usage, and present the 
 best appearance for the least money. 
 
 Yet, even among this class, the charming " cottage-suites " will be found ex- 
 ceedingly satisfactory, inasmuch as by obtaining, or having made pieces, or en- 
 tire sets indeed, of plain pine, and understanding the method of enameling in 
 various delicate colors, and decorating or embellishing as may be preferred, 
 these chamber-suites may be gotten up with but little expense. 
 
 From the furniture store, a bed-chamber may be furnished for from $15 to 
 $100 in these cottage-suites, the heavy carved and painted furniture costing from 
 $500 to several thousands, according to the elegance of the work. 
 
 The hangings and curtains for bed-chambers, may be of costly damask, reps. 
 Cretonne or other expensive materials, but also of several low-priced fabrics, 
 which cost but little and yet present quite rich and Oriental designs and colors, 
 among which is the Tycoon reps, costing but 25 cents or less per yard, and with 
 a coarse thread running through the chain, which gives it the appearance and 
 durability of a more costly material. 
 
 The colors in a bed-chamber should be quiet and subdued, the forms the re- 
 verse cf conspicuous and obtrusive, while a sense of warm, cozy comfort in 
 Winter, and cool refreshing daintiness in Summer should pervade the whole 
 from carpet to ceiling, and from wall to window. 
 
BEAUTIFUL HOMES. 81 
 
 Truly the life of an apartment depends upon the degree to which it subserves 
 its end, and not as Madame De Guerdin facetiously defined it in " fires, mirrors 
 and carpets." 
 
 In the parlor we may have all the brightness and glow of color, which will 
 sympathize with the gayety of guests, or t^tify to the life of our hospitality ; in 
 the living-room we may gather all the various personalities which tend to the 
 comfort or pleasure of each loved one of the family ; while in the dining-room 
 is collected all that can testify to a large hospitality, and give the apartment 
 that charm belonging only to the spot where the " social board " is spread, but in 
 the bed-chambers, where the tired limbs or aching head seeks repose and rest on 
 Vjed or chair, the eye will require the refreshment of subdued colors, and that 
 softly toned light which is at once grateful and suggestive of further comfort. 
 A quiet room eminently restful and filled with real comfort, with no garish 
 lights from brilliant windows, and no multiplicity of prominent embellishment 
 to distract the weary senses, but pervaded by a refinement, simple as entire, and 
 always remarkable for the impression given of its being the expression of pecu- 
 liar and individual taste. 
 
 This should be particularly the case with the " mother's bed-room," but outside 
 of this the guest-chamber, or " spare room" as it is called, — the rooms belong- 
 ing to the children, and even the servants' chambers should each and all be fur- 
 nished and arranged with a view to the characteristics of each individual. 
 
 The " mother's room " should be that most delightful retreat, which as the 
 haven of rest for each afflicted or sorrowing member of the flock, is to be looked 
 back upon and fondly remembered in the " after-time," when in recalling one 
 by one the hallowed land-marks belonging to the old homestead, this spot 
 stands out prominently above all the rest, as the sacred casket in which are en- 
 shrined the smiles and tears of childhood's hour, the joys and sorrows of youth- 
 ful days, the confessions and confidences of maturer years, all poured into the 
 fond mother's ear and hallowed by her admonitions and prayers. 
 
 In time of severe illness, no apartment is so well adapted to the trying necessi- 
 ties of the case as "mother's room," and the same plea goes forth, when trifling 
 ills befall the flesh or imaginary woes afflict the spirit, from the paterfamilias 
 down to the crowing baby ; each one finds most comfort, and the heart's best 
 solace within the enchanted precincts of " mother's room." 
 
 As regard-i the " spare room," we hold that instead of making it the stiff formal 
 gloomy tomb, it too frequently is, no pains should be spared to give it an ex- 
 actly opposite appearance, and make it a cheery inviting " homesy " place tliat 
 the honored, or beloved guest will have cause to suppose is a harbinger of " good 
 things to come," of the cordial large-hearted hospitality, the kindly word and good 
 cheer awaiting them below. 
 
 Whether this guest-chamber is commodious and elegant with abundant means 
 to embellish and adorn it, or its dimensions contracted, and its appointments of 
 6 
 
82 BEAUTIFUL HOMES. 
 
 the humblest type matters little, so that " heartsome warmth " emanating from 
 the truly hospitable soul is shown by the numerous little arrangements, which 
 are really so trifling and yet speak so much. The sparkling fire, the cozy rock- 
 ing-chair, the soft-foot cushion, the little bouquet and tray of fruit or refresh- 
 ments ; simple things taken individually yet testifying to such thoughtful ness as 
 must be precious, to even a callous heart. 
 
 As the furniture, hangings and appointments of a "spare-room" are to prove 
 congenial to various tastes, it is wisest to use only quiet colors, and no furni- 
 ture that is ultra as regards form or arrangement. 
 
 Neatness and delicate cleanliness will atone for rich drapery or fine linen, 
 therefore let everything about the room be immaculate, in the fullest definition 
 of the word, "free from spot, stain or defect, spotless, pure, uudefiled." — 
 Nothing can compensate for this, and with this, plain furniture and coarse 
 linen will appear well to the eye of the truly tasteful, for, after all, form and 
 color are but arbitrary, and what pleases one will displease another ; there- 
 fore, in an effort to suit all, the simplest forms and most subdued colors will 
 best effect the object. 
 
 On this account, and also as a room more easily kept neat and clean than the 
 remainder of the house, the furniture of the " spare-chamber," if to be purchased, 
 might better be selected from the " cottage " styles, of which there are such a 
 large number. Here the delicate ground of sage-gray, pearl-gray, or creamy- 
 white, may be adorned with lines and narrow bands of color, black, brown or 
 other contrasting tint, and perhaps some little designs on drawers and panels, 
 such as we described in the chapter on the " Furniture of the Day." 
 
 Where it is inexpedient to purchase such furniture, entire rooms may be fur- 
 nished en suite with impromptu furniture, and, as has been suggested, on account 
 of the nature of this apartment, and its casual occupation, such furniture is 
 peculiarly appropriate for it. Full directions for these dainty " suites " will en- 
 able anv one to make them, and from the most simple materials. The walls of 
 a " spare-room " may be treated in the most delicate manner, and made exceed- 
 ingly beautiful both by the use of designs, the careful arrangement of three 
 varieties of paper on dado, wall and frieze, or by the Oriental method of cover- 
 ing with hangings, and, when practicable, the latter is one of the most luxuri- 
 ous of arrangements for the Winter season, but, of course, requires abundance 
 of material, and is (comparatively) an expensive wall covering. 
 
 BED-ROOM FURNITURE. 
 
 THE BEDSTEAD. 
 
 In examining Fig. 40 the impression of a costly and elegant bedstead is given, 
 which, in its luxurious comfort and delicate beauty, presents an aspect so invit- 
 ing that any one would desire to possess a fac-simile in their own house. This 
 
BEAUTIFUL HOMES. 
 
 83 
 
 Fig. 40, 
 
84 BEAUTIFUL HOMES. 
 
 might, perhaps, be considered an impossible thing, but is it really so ? We will 
 examine this beautiful arrangement and see. 
 
 First, as regards the bedstead itself, it is of the form called square Gothic, and 
 of the simplest form, yet, because gracefully hung and tastefully ornamented 
 and embellished, is the beautiful object shown in the illustration. Any ordi- 
 nary workman may make such a frame, consisting only of two sides, a head and 
 foot-board, the feet and slats for bottom. It is made of good one-inch plank- 
 pine, which should be well seasoned, and of the best quality of lumber. The 
 sides are seven feet in length, and two feet three inches in width, the head- 
 board four feet eight inches wide and four feet ten inches high, the foot-board 
 three feet six inches high. The square posts at the corners are eight inches on 
 each side, and fastened securely to the head and foot-boards by mortising. The 
 low feet are of turned wood, with castors, and must be secured carefully to the 
 posts by long pins, eutei'ing holes in the posts several inches, or, better still, the 
 feet may be a continuation of the solid wood of the post. 
 
 The ornamentation consists of corner pieces of artificial wood carvings, such 
 as the right and left scrolls. Fig. 40. The entire ornament belonging to them, 
 as illustrated bv the whole figure, beings the enrichment on head and foot- 
 boards, — we would suggest, however, that the " Sleeping Cherub " as a central 
 ornament is far more beautiful, and very appropriate ; or, if the bedstead is 
 designed for a boy's room, the Pointer's or Fox heads always give satisfaction ; 
 while for children's bedsteads, the " Flying Cherub," various arrangements of 
 flowers, birds, etc., make characteristic ornamentation. This, however, will be 
 at the option of the maker, of course, or, as directed by the mistress of the 
 house, who w^ill best understand the individual tastes she is laboring to satisfy. 
 
 The prices of a set of bedstead ornaments vary greatly, but it may be taken 
 for granted that the richest ornamentation possible will not exceed 85.00, and 
 those we have given cost, for central ornament and side scrolls for head and foot- 
 boai-ds, 50 cents each (entire) ; scrolls for four corners, 15 cents each (-^1.60 cents, 
 altogether) ; two figures for tops of posts, 50 cents each — and these last may be 
 dispensed with, if desired, and a turned ornament substituted, such as we see 
 on ordinary posts, ball, acorn, etc. 
 
 The bedstead is put together as described for table, book-case, and other arti- 
 cles given previously; then the w^hole is w^ell polished and painted, either in 
 colors, with zinc-white (enamel) paint, ebonized, or stained in imitation of any 
 of the woods. By cutting out strips of paper and fastening them on the edges' 
 also ovals in the centers, lines and panels may be simulated, as, upon staining 
 the parts surrounding these pieces of paper, the designs beneath are left the 
 color of the pine, which can afterwards be painted or stained with pure white 
 and a light tint, such as gray, buff, or any light shade preferred. Where the 
 artificial wood-carvings are used, it is not well to apply an overabundance, which 
 will at once give the impression of cheapness, whereas a few judiciously 
 
BEAUTIFUL HOMES. 85 
 
 arranged, will produce a wonderfully rich appearance. We would suggest, as 
 regards this bedstead, that it is ebonized on the darkest parts, stained with 
 umber, in imitation of black walnut on the lighter panels, and finished with 
 lines of white, in which a very little chrome is rubbed. The artificial carvings 
 must be either black, or remain in the walnut-color natural to them, which, with- 
 out either oil or varnish, presents a beautiful, soft, brown-color, that is extremely 
 rich and chaste. 
 
 Since metal bedsteads — iron, brass, and imitation bronze — have become so 
 popular, many may prefer to make light fretwork for the head and foot boards, 
 setting such open panels in strong but light frames, and painting with bronze 
 or lacquer, or perhaps gilding certain prominent parts. In such case the arti- 
 ficial carvings used may be bronzed or gilded and present a charming effect. 
 For a " spare-room " this style of enrichment would answer well, as it will not 
 require such constant wiping and cleaning as in rooms used more generally, 
 though, as regards this, the bronzing, etc., may be renewed frequently with 
 but little trouble or expense. The drapery of the bedstead in Fig. 40 is fas- 
 tened to a projecting framework, which is arranged as follows : If the bed- 
 stead is to stand with one side against the wall, the f]-ame is fastened as in 
 the illustration ; but if it is placed with head against the M^all, or occupies 
 an alcove or recess, the frame is held by hooks or staples driven through the 
 plaster into the joist of the ceiling. For it, take a pair of iron or wooden 
 brackets, which fasten securely against the wall, three feet apart (in the center 
 of the space), and upon them nail a board four feet long and three wide, with 
 the corners sawed off. This should be neatly covered with tinted paper or mus- 
 lin, or a design may be substituted, if preferred, such as a wreath of colored 
 flowers, painted or embroidered. Around the edge of the board fasten carvings 
 to match those on the bedstead, painting them with bronze and a little gilding. 
 Around this fasten hangings of Swiss, edged with embroidery or lace, or with 
 a border in application of lace and bobbinet, or tucks appear neat and pretty, and 
 spray-work will be found to make a charming finish. These hangings must be 
 sufficiently full and long to cover the entire bedstead, and almost reach the floor. 
 Around the ornaments on the top twine a scarf of material corresponding with 
 the upholstery, and trimmed with fringe. The dainty furnishing of this beau- 
 tiful bed will be given in an after chapter as also directions for making the 
 quilt, linen cover and other tasteful equipments, of a well furnished bedstead. 
 
 If desn-ed, an ornament of some kind may be placed upon the bracket, or 
 shelf above the bed ; a statuette of " The Graces," " Hebe," The " Sleeping 
 Beauty," " Guardian Angel, " Fig. 41, " Rebecca," or the like being the mm^f 
 appropriate. This bedstead belongs to a suite, the remainder of which will 
 be described under the special chapters devoted to each one, and are de- 
 signed to aid those who desire to make their own furniture, or, at least, have 
 it made, and ornament it themselves. On account of the economy of this 
 
8G 
 
 BEAUTIFUL HOMES. 
 
 course — for so very much more depends upon the after embellishment or adorn- 
 ment, that, as has been clearly sho^^n, tasteful and substantial suites may be 
 thus made, which would cost from four to ten times the amount if selected from 
 the stores ; and, where bedsteads, or indeed any chamber furniture is concerned, 
 .the auction-room, or second-hand articles from any place, are to be purchased 
 
 Fig. 41. 
 
 with great caution, lest in striving to economize, the house be filled with 
 vermin. 
 
 It is a disputed point whether drapery about a bed is detrimental to health, 
 or the reverse, many good and sound reasons being given on each side. We 
 would say where delicate persons, or the aged are occupying apartments ex- 
 posed to cold winds, and there are drafts occasioned by badly-fitting doors and 
 windows, some protection is obviously necessary, and there is no doubt but 
 many a severe attack of neuralgia, catarrh or rheumatism have been occasioned 
 by the neglect of arranging some protection, such as curtains around the sides 
 and head of the bed, but where a room is perfectly close, and there can be no 
 drafts about the head especially, it is certainly more healthful to breathe the 
 
BEAUTIFUL HOMES. 87 
 
 pure air than that enclosed within the heavy folds of drapery used about many 
 beds. 
 
 lN"o doubt heavy draperies and bed curtains were well suited to the times in 
 which they originated, and many persons still cling to the old "four-poster," 
 and arrange tester and cornice year after year, as pertinaciously as did their 
 great-grand-mothers a hundred years back. Our readers may have seen illustra- 
 tions of the style of old fashioned bed-room furniture, or suites of a four-post 
 bedstead, dressing table and chair of the time of Queen Anne. The whole is 
 exceedingly elegant, but our present queens nor their subjects would be satis- 
 fied to arrange their dresses in front of such a diminutive mirror, as the three 
 foot specimen of that day. 
 
 The Arabian bedsteads are now becoming more and more popular, and are 
 so easily made that an ingenious boy could construct one. The advantages 
 of these Arabians are that though whether for beauty or comfort, hangings 
 are disposed about the head, they do not confine the air in the least, yet at 
 the same time give a bed an air of cozy comfort during the Winter, when gay 
 Oriental-looking stuffs hang about and protect the head of the bed ; and when 
 draped with soft fleecy-looking Swiss, lace or gauze in Summer they add such 
 an air of breezy, dainty coolness to the pretty and inviting couch. 
 
 Any lady may add one of these Arabian canopies to her otherwise plain bed- 
 stead, and thus give it at once an air of elegance not obtainable by any other 
 means. Supposing you have a bedstead, the tester-frame is made thus : Get 
 two long wooden strips of one inch plank, about three inches in width, and 
 seven feet long, and screw them firmly to the head of posts of the bed perpen- 
 dicularly. (Judgment must be used as regards the height of these uprights, as 
 this depends upon the height of the head-board or posts of the bedstead ; 
 the height from the frame of the bedstead should be eight or nine feet). These 
 uprights should be screwed against the back part of posts or head-board, and 
 stand perfectly upright, as nothing can be more objectionable than a crooked 
 canopy, unless it is one that is constantly shaking. 
 
 Next to these perpendicular pieces screw two horizontal strips, which may be 
 made of laths, as also the cross piece, if the bed is a single one, otherwise a 
 strip of one-haK inch plank, the width of the bedstead will be necessary ; extending 
 from this frame work may be an ornamental canopy of heavy wire, or two strips 
 nailed across may suffice to form a square frame (which is made of solid wood 
 and finished with a moulding). In the home-made canopy, however, this light 
 frame is covered first with thin muelin, such as an old sheet drawn tightly over 
 and tacked around the edges, thus covering the under part, which may be 
 further and more tastefully finished by a cover of enameled paper, covered with 
 moss roses and buds, if the color of the room is to be pink, or with morning- 
 glories, if blue is the chosen tint, varying such embellishment to suit circum- 
 stances, or where a particularly handsome cover is desired, upon which to lie 
 
88 BEAUTIFUL HOMES. 
 
 and gaze, a square of silk laid in large plaits along the sides, ana taken to the 
 center in close small ones, with a rosette finishes the connection. 
 
 This tester is now ready for the hangings which may of course be either 
 costly and elegant, or simple and inexpensive. Supposing the latter, we may 
 obtain (for Winter) some good pattern with rich colors of the Tycoon reps, our 
 favorite of all low-priced goods ; these we will make by cutting off three widths 
 for each side of the bed, and sufficient Turkey-red chintz, or crimson paper- 
 cambric to line them, also sufficient of the latter to cover between the two up- 
 rights at the head of the bed, stretching it perfectly tight, and tacking closely 
 to the upright and also to the frame of the bedstead and top of tester frame; 
 tack the curtains along the extended frame in the same way, and then finish 
 with a shaped lambrequin, made according to any one of the various pretty de- 
 signs given in chapter on curtains. 
 
 The bands for holding back these curtains may be made in various ways, 
 beautiful ones are to be purchased for small sums, varying from fifteen cents to 
 several dollars, but where the bedstead is embellished with imitation of mar- 
 quetry, ivory-inlaying on ebony, or the artificial carvings ; the curtain bands 
 both for bed and windows, might better be made to correspond. Tasteful 
 rosettes for such hangings as we have described may be made thus : take a piece 
 of wood six inches square, and saw off the corners, bore a hole in the center 
 then cover with cotton in form of a cushion raised on one side, and sew a piece 
 of the curtain materials neatly over, next make a ruffle of a part (stripe if there 
 is one) of the material or trimming, scalloping or pinking the edges, gather or 
 plait this around the edge, and if it is to hold one end of the band, put a long 
 screw through the hole in the center and fasten it in position, then cover the 
 screw-head with a circular piece of the stuff sewed over a flat button-mold, and 
 caught to the rosette with a few stitches ; to this fasten a band made of a strip 
 of the material covered over card-board, with a flexible wire sewed in the edge, 
 and ruffled with a tiny narrow strip of a stripe, or the trimming used for the 
 curtains. Such rosettes may be put in various places where a finish is re- 
 quired, and add greatly to the appearance. Where striped goods are used, one 
 of the stripes cut off lengthwise and trimmed on the edge, answers well as a 
 border and for trimming. 
 
 At the approach of warm weather such heavy curtains and hangings are 
 stored away, and dainty white ones, such as are described in the first part of 
 the chapter, are substituted. These may be made of various materials — Dimity, 
 Swiss, Victoria-lawn, Tarhitan, or Nottingham lace — either one of which pre- 
 sents a charming appearance. 
 
 The lambrequins for such light material should be of the same, either covered 
 with puffings and ruffles, or lined with pink, blue, green or lavender paper-cam- 
 bric, with bands of the same, and bows of ribbon, or the material lined and 
 edged. 
 
BEAUTIFUL HOMES. 89 
 
 Many persons consider it worth while to renew these hangings each season, 
 purchasing a bolt or two of the cheap Swiss or Tarlatan at wholesale prices, 
 and discarding them at the end of the season. In this case, the best method 
 of trimming them is to cut ruffles of the material, tm'n up only one edge, and 
 pass it through the fluting iron, also to make puifs, and ruchings pinked on the 
 edges. Such light trimmings present a delightfully cool, dainty appearance, 
 and, with care, will remain in good condition during the entire season. 
 
 Another method of trimming these light hangings is by means of natural 
 ornaments, such as fern-fronds, the climbing fern, Autumn and ivy leaves, etc., 
 known under the name of " Artificial Vines." 
 
 There are many persons, however, who would prefer to enjoy the pleasure of 
 preparing their own natural and, perhaps, artificial decorations as well, them- 
 selves, by making their collections of ferns, leaves and grasses dm-ing the 
 Summer and Autumn, and finishing them while the long AVinter evenings 
 continue, and, for such, we append a few hints that may, perhaps, aid a few, 
 at least, and those who akeady know as much and more than we can tell them, 
 will patiently listen to an oft-told tale, if thereby even one may be made the 
 wiser. 
 
 Gather your ferns as late as possible, and, whenever practicable, take them 
 up " root and branch," for a fern will not continue fresh for any length of time if 
 severed from the root, and, as some of the most lovely fronds are entirely too 
 large to be at once pressed, many of the choicest are lost, for these are such 
 delicate gossamer-like leaves that, unless each one is carefully straightened out, 
 the greatest beauty is marred ; if, however, the course we suggest be followed, 
 the plume-like heads will be found as fresh the following day as when gathered, 
 and then, rested after the labor of collecting, and with old newspapers for the 
 large ones, and books for the small, the day may be pleasantly spent in arrang- 
 ing them between the leaves, and placing them under heavy weights. Each day 
 the papers must be changed and those just removed laid in the sun or before 
 the fire to dry out for replacement the following day. By this course, hundreds 
 may be prepared with but little trouble, and with no disappointment and dis- 
 heartening feeling of failure. We would remark here, though somewhat out of 
 place, perhaps, that it will repay you to collect a quantity of the evergreen vari- 
 eties, with the roots and a little soil about them, for the decoration of the table 
 during the Winter, for, if placed in a box, in a cellar, or other shaded cool place, 
 they will continue in perfection the entire Winter, and prove a vast comfort 
 many a time when flowers fail for festive occasions 
 
 Gather branches of gorgeously tinted leaves, and, after painting the right 
 side of each one with nice linseed oil, to preserve the perfection of tint and ren- 
 der the leaves pliable, lay them, too, between newspapers or books, and laying 
 them in a row upon the floor, place boards upon them, and all the heavy weights 
 possible, such as stones, blocks or, indeed, anything that will add to the pressure. 
 
90 BEAUTIFUL HOMES. 
 
 (We are taking it for granted that large quantities will be required, you per« 
 ceive). Quantities of single leaves, also, should be prepared, by wiping a warm 
 (not hot) iron with wax, and passing it over the right side and placing them 
 between folds of tissue-paper under weight. Late in October the bleached 
 fronds of ferns may be procured and are specially lovely. 
 
 Bright scarlet berries and lichens, with moss-covered branches are also valu- 
 able, and should be prepared in abundance, and brakes, green, brown, white 
 and yellow — the light green bracken is peculiarly lovely for this purpose. 
 
 During the Winter, make these treasures up into artistic forms of beauty; 
 some in garlands, others in clusters, and a large number into " leaf-showers," as 
 they call them, or " falling leaves of Valambrossa," still more poetical — which- 
 ever it may be, the effect is exceedingly fine. To make them, first arrange a 
 cornice of Florida-gray moss around the very edge of the ceiling, sewing it on 
 a strip of any material, and allowing it to droop gracefully here and there ; 
 then, at distances regularly marked off, place large circular figures of ferns of 
 all shades, sewing them on card-board, and taking a spool of Ko. 40 cotton 
 and tying bunches of bright leaves to one end, fasten it to one of the circles, 
 and tie one, two, three, and so on irregularly at distances of all lengths from 
 this to a height of seven feet from the floor. When these are arranged in the 
 Spring, the effect from those standing or sitting below will be of a shower of 
 leaves, and upon a white or delicately tinted wall, the effect is wonderfully beau- 
 tiful. The white thread does not show at "all, and, as may be imagined, the 
 leaves will appear as though " floating in mid-air." A few ferns and sprays of 
 delicate leaves carefully pressed may also be added, and will increase the beauty 
 of the appearance still more. This same arrangement may also be placed upon 
 the lambrequins and curtains, and present a truly charming effect upon Swiss 
 or Tarlatan. 
 
 BED-CUETAINS, ETC. 
 
 There are many varieties of low-priced materials suitable for curtains and 
 hangings in chambers, of which the striped chintzes, among cotton goods, are per- 
 haps the most satisfactory, and as there may be some who feel at a loss, with re- 
 gard to the quantity of material, etc., we will now give explicit direction that 
 will enable any one to purchase and make up a set of hangings without trouble 
 or loss. 
 
 Supposing the bedstead is of the kind we have described, the "Arabian " 
 and full double-size, with a high canopy. Twenty yards of chintz, and twenty- 
 eight of colored glazed lining, (both twenty-five inches wide,) will be required. 
 This measurement allows of curtains three yards long, a foot valance of twelve 
 breadths, and a head valance four and a half yards long before plaiting. 
 
 Every one intending to furnish a bed, must measure its size, and add to or 
 deduct from these figures as required. 
 
BEAUTIFUL HOMES. 91 
 
 The three yard curtains will reach the floor, and though two and a half-yards 
 will be sufficiently long for comfort, the appearance will not be nearly so hand- 
 some, though as regards material it will effect a saving of nearly two yards of 
 outside material and lining. 
 
 To make the curtains, cut off three lengths of three yards each, fold one of 
 these carefully and split it in half, this affords half a breadth for each cur- 
 tain to be run to the whole breadth, that is, each curtain has one and a half 
 breadths. 
 
 Cut three lengths of lining, each three yards long, split down one and join as 
 before, pin the out and inside carefully together, and tack down the seams so 
 that the whole is perfectly smooth and straight, as upon this depends the hang- 
 ing. If the chintz and lining are not the same width, let the margin extend 
 over which can be bound down afterwards. If trimming is to be put on, let it 
 be basted on an inch from the edge, and bind neatly with curtain binding or 
 tape of some of the fancy varieties. All this can be done beautifully on the 
 sewing-machine. On the top of the curtain sew a dozen small curtain rings, 
 which cost but about fifteen cents per dozen ; these rings however vary accord- 
 ing to size, as also the rods upon which they run, if they are desired to slip 
 back and forth. 
 
 Nothing is handsomer than fringe around the canopy of a bedstead, and 
 which may be obtained for 25 cents per yard, and as an edge to the curtains, 
 narrower woolen fringe costing 15 cents per yard, will appear richer than the 
 mere binding. 
 
 Around the frame-work of the canopy a scarf trimmed with fringe, and grace- 
 fully twined or looped is the handsomest adornment, but if th s is considered 
 too expensive, a row of fringe or a shaped lambrequin trimmed with the narrow 
 fringe just named will appear extremely elegant. There are some persons how- 
 ever who would prefer the simple valance to any other finish around the top, and 
 to make this take a piece of the chintz two yards long, split in half, and again 
 in half these quarters, join on the selvage and if sufficient is not thus obtained 
 to go once around the frame, and allow one-third more for fullness, add breadths 
 until this length is obtained, cut a lining to suit and sew the two together, 
 trim with the fringe and plait to fit the frame, binding the edge. A foot valance 
 is made in the same way. If handsomer hangincrs are desired, two and a half 
 widths should be allowed on each side for the curtains, and rich trimmings 
 of cords and tassels be used, with gilt or ebony, and gilt cornice around the 
 frame. 
 
 Having finished the hangings and valances, run together two widths of the 
 lining with a half width on each side, or a half width between (according to 
 size of bedstead) bind the top and bottom, and tack to the frame at the head of 
 the bed, and to the head-board, (or frame of the bedstead,) then split two and 
 a half yards of the chintz lengthwise and these again in two, make a box plait 
 
92 
 
 BEAUTIFUL HOMES. 
 
 the entire length and fold over the edges, basting them down securely. Put 
 these bands down the seams of the head lining just mentioned, and two others 
 down the centers of the whole breadths, which makes a pretty finish to the 
 inner part. 
 
 Fig. 42. 
 
 BEDSTEAD WITH CANOPY. 
 
 The charming effect given to the pretty bedstead given in Fig. 42, make one 
 willing to take some little trouble to produce such a result. Yet this is not so 
 
BEAUTIFUL HOMES. 
 
 93 
 
 difficult a matter that any one need fear to undertake it. The bedstead itself is 
 really a most simple affair, and our model was made for the small sum of two dol- 
 lars, though a home-made one consisting merely of a box of proper size with plain 
 board, head and foot-boards are all that is necessary, as the entire wood-work is 
 covered with a neat quilted rug edged with a border, embroidered by the hands 
 of the fair mistress of the mansion, and finished with woolen fringe. This 
 
 Fig. 43. 
 
 cover may be of silk or any goods preferred, and is made to fit the frame, with 
 a roll bolster fastened on the head-board. A frame of half-circular form placed 
 on two brackets, is fastened against the wall ten feet from the floor, in the 
 center of the side of the bedstead, and sustains the curtain and lambrequin of 
 the canopy, the form of which is shown in the illustration. This frame should 
 be sufficiently deep to extend across the bedstead for several feet. The curtains 
 are held gracefully back by ornamental curtain bands. 
 
 BED HANGINGS. 
 
 Elegant bed curtains are made according to the design shown in Fig. 44, 
 which displays only the upper part ; but, as the lower portion of the curtains 
 is merely a continuation of the two side pieces, their construction can be readily 
 understood. The bedstead in this case (Fig. 42) is a handsome, carved frame, 
 o£ the French style, placed wnth the head against the Avail, the canopy 
 extending tow^ards the foot. The canopy is formed screwing a piece of one 
 inch plank as long as the width of the bed, and four inches wide, against the 
 wall, and to it fastening the tester, formed of three strips, two the length of the 
 bedstead, the third the width across the bottom. On this, the cornice of wal- 
 nut wood mouldings and artificial carvings are fastened, and, beneath this, the 
 hangings. The tester is covered with a tightly stretched lining of white or col- 
 ored muslin, w^hich may be embellished with a lovely group of flowers in some 
 
94 
 
 BEAUTIFUL HOMES. 
 
 beautiful " transfer " style, as Decalcomania or Antique painting, or, it may be 
 covered with tinted paper. 
 
 The curtains of soft, rich woolen fabric, have a border of contrasting color, 
 embroidered with a design such as has been shown in former illustrations. A 
 
 III : I ,< I ill 
 
 Fig. 44. 
 
 half-yard plaiting is fastened above these, wath festoons of cords and knots, 
 with tassels at various points. The form of the curtains and lambrequin is 
 plainly shown in the illustration and will need no further description. The 
 tasteful arrangement of the inviting looking bed, with its side rug and exquis- 
 itely embroidered tidies, explains itself. 
 
CHAPTER VIII. 
 
 TOILET-TABLES, WASH-STANDS, ETC. 
 
 A toilet-table is one of those tasteful additions to a lady's bed-chamber or 
 dressing-room, which is, perhaps, more characteristic than any other portion of 
 the furniture. The severely strict and eminently practical lady will show her 
 proclivities in the arrangement and furnishing of her toilet-table, which may 
 be seen at a glance; for here will be found the neat pin-cushion and box for the 
 immaculate collar and cuffs placed within it conscientiously each night, while 
 the p]-im bit of square mirror is suspended above it in rigid stiffness; but here 
 will be found no frivolous or prominent displays, showing undue thought for 
 the naughty " pomps and vanities of this wicked world ; " no tasteful toilet-case 
 with the " Satan's paint boxes," containing only two colors to be sure, but with 
 which such wonderful faces can be made, to " play the mischief " with the world 
 at large. This, and many another such pretty trifle is to be found on that other 
 table, which shows a difference in many other points as well. It has rich lace 
 hangings, interlined with the couleur de ros^e, which is to impart that exqui- 
 site glow to the complexion, and mirror so perfect that it reflects each image as 
 clearly as though it were a mammoth diamond. This toilet belongs to the true 
 "lady of the world," and, as she has procured it, with all its costly accessories, 
 at an immense price, we will not debar her of it, but merely strive to cull from 
 it any good points which we can make available. This table is seen in Fig. 43, 
 and, as an accompaniment to the beautiful bedstead, also copied from the inlaid 
 ebony and ivory, bronze and gold, of this same lady's chamber, is a fitting 
 accompaniment for it. 
 
 Let us see, therefore, what are the pecaliarities of this elegant table, the most 
 conspicuous and prominent feature is (as it should be in a toilet table), the dress- 
 ing-glass ; but, for ourselves, we would suggest that, in this instance, beauty 
 yield to utility and the mirror be of much greater dimensions, for a dressing- 
 glass to be agreeable, should show, at least, one-half the person. We would, 
 therefore, procure an oval or oblong glass, from two to four feet long, and, if an 
 ornamental frame is desired, it can be readily made, by obtaining a strong box, 
 one foot ten inches long, and one foot wide ; to the sides of this screw two 
 itprights two-thirds as high as the glass, two inches wide and one deep. This 
 is the simple frame, to which adapt, first a lid on the top of the box, making it 
 ornamental by adding a moulding around the edges and ornaments at the cor- 
 
96 
 
 BEAUTIFUL HOMES. 
 
 Fig. 45.— Toilet Table. 
 
BEAUTIFUL HOMES. 97 
 
 ners, with a large and rich center-piece of artificial carvings ; the uprights 
 ornament in the same way, unless it is preferred to procure circular turned posts. 
 The cherubs on the scrolls, with the candelabras, may be imitated by using figures 
 of Parian and a pair of tasteful candlesticks. These are to be bronzed or gilded, 
 or the two combined, gilding the leaves and lily and bronzing the cherabs, also 
 ornamenting the ebonized frame of the mirror with lines of gold. 
 
 The table is a semi-circular, pine top, supported on four strong legs. The top 
 is first covered with a piece of heavy cloth, such as a section of old blanket or 
 table-cover, over which is stretched a cover of dimity, embroidered with white 
 or colored braid, in design adapted to the size and form of the table, which 
 should be made to fit between two windows, if possible, as this affords the best 
 light for dressing during the day. A dressing-table, or bureau, should never be 
 so placed that the light is cast upon the mirror, but upon the person performing 
 the toilet in front of it. 
 
 Around the lower part of the table, and covering the legs, is a drapery of 
 Cretonne, or other material, headed by a Swiss ruffle, embroidered on the edge, 
 designs for which are given in the accompanying illustrations. A narrow riif. 
 fie edges the top, and, at the bottom of the colored drapery is a plaited ruffle, 
 half a yard deep, the upper edge of which is folded down, and a ruching made 
 of a stripe contrasting in color is placed one inch below, thus making a beauti- 
 ful heading to the lower ruffle. 
 
 To work this embroidery, transfer the design to the material, and run the 
 figures and outlines with embroidery cotton ; then work in satin, half -polka 
 and back-stitches, as shown in the design. The scallops on the outer edge, and 
 the shell-shaped ornaments above are worked in button-hole stitch. Bows of 
 ribbon catch up the cover in four places. 
 
 There are many persons who have a prejudice against home-made furniture, 
 and would prefer their rooms should present a bald empty inhospitable aspect, 
 rather than resort to any of the numerous little contrivances which tend so 
 greatly to give an air of coziness not otherwise imparted, even though it may be 
 furnished with a regular suite fresh from the store. 
 
 We will not argue the question of " vulgarity," as connected with all home- 
 made things, for it might be extended far into the complicated meshes of the 
 household net-work, and countless questions as regards home-made dresses, 
 home-made bread, etc., remain to be definitely settled. 
 
 If we can make pretty things that will give pleasure to ourselves and others, 
 and that will save expense, (where need be to economize,) then it is wise to sur- 
 round ourselves with them, and though it is just and right that the wealthy 
 should enjoy all the luxury that money can procure, there is no reason why 
 those less favored, and who perhaps enjoy beautiful objects just as fully, should 
 not be allowed to make for themselves objects as nearly resembling the costly 
 ones as may be, for as Mr. Conway justly observes, " take away all that has 
 7 
 
98 
 
 BEAUTIFUL HOMES. 
 
 been added to our homes by Art, and we all become naked savages, living in 
 mud or log huts." These little adornments we describe, have a refining influ- 
 ence that will be felt by every member of the family, and a child brought up in 
 
 Fig. 46. 
 
 a family where attention is paid to the minute details of refined life, and who 
 sees and is taught to admire even the simple beauties his parents strive to 
 gather about the homestead, will if prospered and able to have a more luxurious 
 
BEAUTIFUL HOMES. 99 
 
 home for himself, be ready to appreciate the higher branches of Art, and culti- 
 vate to the fullest extent the taste fostered in him while a child, who was 
 taught to aid his tasteful mother to make simple elegancies for the home, he 
 loves to remember. 
 
 Each room therefore, is to be as beautiful as may be, not only the parlors or 
 parlor in which our visitors are ushered, but those other apartments which go to 
 make up the complete home, and above all, the rooms devoted to the loved 
 family circle, for it may not after all be a trifle that Charlie, upon coming in 
 on his twelfth birthday finds the tiny room over the hall, duly prepared for his 
 special occupation, furniture embellished with scenes of the Huntsmen in Decal- 
 comania, and the carved heads of Pointer and Fox on door and drawer, or that 
 the industrious little Annie should be greeted on Christmas morning with the 
 tasteful little work-stand and chair made for her special benefit ; such examples 
 might be increased multitudinously, but it is all sufficient to show that we can- 
 not spend too much time and care on this house which is our home, and that it 
 is " worth while " to do our very best with the material within our reach, 
 simple though they be. 
 
 With this, then each piece of furniture we can make by means of our own 
 ingenuity and taste is of itself a treasure. In Fig. 47, we show another dressing- 
 table, which will be found quite as ornamental and more useful than the pre- 
 ceding one. 
 
 It consists merely of a plain dry-goods box for the foundation in size, three feet 
 in height, four in width, and two feet six inches in depth, (or about these di- 
 mensions,) this has four blocks of wood one inch thick and four inches square 
 nailed beneath each corner, to which castors are screwed. The box is placed 
 with open side out, and this fitted with a shelf or two of them for containing 
 various articles ; the whole interior should be neatly painted or papered and 
 varnished. 
 
 On each side (at the back), of the top are fastened two long narrow boxes, 
 which may be obtained generally, from the drug or dry-good stores. These 
 should be about two feet long and one wide, and from eight to ten inches deep. 
 By sawing pieces of lath to fit the sides, and tacking them on in proper position, 
 shelves may be made that will be convenient for holding various articles. The 
 covers to the boxes fitted with small hinges will make doors, and the whole 
 must be neatly finished with mouldings put on with small brads, and an orna- 
 mental top and base made of square boards an inch or two deeper than the cases 
 themselves. To these are screwed a pair of the iron brackets, which we can 
 purchase for from 35 to 50 cents, or for 75 cents to $1.00 fitted with lamps 
 complete. 
 
 These cases are screwed or nailed veiy securely on the top of the table, as 
 they are to sustain the glass which as shown by the illustration is of " comfort- 
 able size " — perfectly plain but of good quality and neatly framed. Such a one 
 
100 
 
 BEAUTIFUL HOMES. 
 
 can be purchased new for three or four dollars, and at second-hand, frequently 
 for the half of that sum. 
 
 Over the top of the glass is fastened a frame, similar to the one described for 
 the bedstead, around which is draped a hanging made of Swiss (figured or plain) 
 
 Fig. 47. 
 
BEAUTIFUL HOMES. 101 
 
 lined with rose-color, (or other tint). First, a width reaching from the top to 
 within a few inches of the floor, is fastened to the upper back-ends of the semi- 
 circular tester, the ends finished with a deep ruffle of the same, then on the 
 tester above this is arranged two pieces, made by tacking a width of the Swiss 
 and lining two yards long, folding it diagonally from corner to corner, cutting 
 and trimming the two cut edges with ruffles of the same, and arranging them 
 as shown in the illustration, around the top tack another ruffle made with an 
 edge above the cord, which runs along the center of all the ruffles. 
 
 The table-top is covered with a piece of the Swiss over a lining like the cur- 
 tains, and a drapery arranged around the front, made with rings at the top, 
 which slide on a wire beneath the narrow ruffle finishing the edge. This allows 
 access to the shelves within. Tne wood-work of this beautiful table should be 
 carefully polished and ornamented to correspond with the rest of the furniture, 
 which may be ebonized, enameled in colors, embellished with marquetry, ivory- 
 inlaying, Decalcomania, painting, bronzing and gilding or enriched with carv- 
 ings at pleasure. Any one of these methods of beautifying will be found ele- 
 gant, and may be made perfect of its kind. 
 
 BEAUTIFUL TOILET-TABLE. 
 
 The beautiful toilet-table, the model of which is shown in Fig. 48, may be 
 adapted to the size of the room, and can be draped to suit the furniture. An 
 ordinary dry-goods packing-box will answer for the lower part ; to this is 
 screwed two upright strips of wood, four inches wide, six feet long and one 
 inch thick, placed one-fourth distant from each side of the back ; small strips 
 of lath are nailed from each end of the back, diagonally, across to these strips, 
 and two end pieces, and a back of the inch plank, nailed on the box ; then a 
 hoop is securely screwed to the top of the two uprights, projecting over towards 
 the front. Pieces of wood are nailed on the under four corners, and castors 
 inserted in them. This forms the frame- work, which is covered with scarlet or 
 other colored velveteen, as also the plain mirror hung between the upright 
 standards. Two short posts, one foot in length, are nailed to the front corners, 
 and also covered with the velvet. 
 
 The entire box is next covered with crimson (or color to suit other surround- 
 ings), glazed muslin, over which is stretched (in gathered folds) dotted lace or 
 Swiss muslin, edged with lace, and a full puff of the thin material. Drapery 
 of the same, with a lined and full-gathered lambrequin, cut with long points in 
 front and edged with the lace, finishes the tester at the top. Around the table 
 a long, straight piece of the Swiss is taken up in graceful loops, held by ruched 
 bands and bows, made of ribbon of the lining pinked out on each edge, the 
 same ornamenting the top. The inside of the box, shelved and lined, is con- 
 venient for holding towels, bed-linen, etc. 
 
102 
 
 BEAUTIFUL HOMES. 
 
 The dressing stool, or ottoman, placed in front of this tasteful table, is made 
 of a section of a barrel. The lower and open part has two strips of wood (such 
 as was used for the '-uprights " of the stand) fastened across the open part of 
 the barrel, to which castors are screwed. The upper part is stuffed and cov- 
 
 Fig. 48. 
 
BEAUTIFUL HOMES. 103 
 
 ered with an embroidered cushion, from which depends a curtain made of the 
 Swiss, and lining like the table ; a strip puffed around the edge with ruchings, 
 as before described. 
 
 This table and stool are exceedingly elegant, and, in a small room, will be 
 found very convenient, as even the ottoman, if turned the opposite way and fit- 
 ted with a lid, may be made a convenient receptacle for shoes, etc. 
 
 WASH-STANDS. 
 
 The more simple and substantial articles of real service are made, the more 
 consistent with wisdom, perhaps ; yet one desires to see some little embellish- 
 ment, even on these ; and those not possessed with that aesthetic degree of taste, 
 which can accept nothing that is not of the highest order, are willing, where 
 they have not the means of procuring costly elegancies, to make a " virtue of 
 necessity," and from " small beginnings " produce the " great endings," result- 
 ing in a handsome chamber suite, from a few dollars worth of plank, sundry 
 empty boxes and barrels, upholstering materials, old or new, and the pretty 
 embellishments now procured at so trifling a cost. 
 
 Thus, the pretty wash-stand belonging to the bedstead and dressing-table, we 
 have described, will certainly excite the admiration of all who see it, and will, 
 no doubt, create the desire to make a fac-simile, which, we are glad to say, may 
 be easily done. 
 
 First, it will be perceived, that the table fits snugly in the corner, which is a 
 great advantage where room is an object. A triangular box or case, made of a 
 section of common packing-box will answer, and should be two feet on the sides, 
 and two feet three inches in height, rounding out on the top and bottom in a 
 gradual curve, two inches deeper at the center. Square blocks, two inches 
 square, of inch stuff are nailed under the lower corners, in which castors are 
 fastened. On the upper sides, are fastened two pieces of board, eight inches 
 high at the front, and curved gracefully towards the back, where they unite 
 in a point two feet high. This may be sawed out tastefully with the fret- 
 saw, and carefully carved with tools, or merely sawed out in scrolls on the top, 
 and embellished with painting, etc., according to the furniture, as before 
 described. Against this back are fastened two narrow shelves, supported by 
 brackets (the small ornamental iron ones answer well, and appear extremely 
 tasteful, if of good design), or three single brackets of carved wood— a corner 
 one high against the corner, one on each side, lower down, and placed flat 
 against the sides. 
 
 These are to accommodate the various articles required on such a stand, the 
 soap and tooth-brush vases, the mug and water-decanter, etc. The inside of 
 the lower part is fitted with a shelf for the slop-pail, shoe-brushes, etc. 
 
 Six feet above the corner of the back a little corner bracket is arranged as a 
 
104 
 
 BEAUTIFUL HOMES. 
 
 Fiff. 49. 
 
BEAUTIFUL HOMES. 105 
 
 tester, and to hold a vase of flowers, statuette or other suitable ornament, and 
 is fourteen inches deep on the sides, extending out about an inch and a half in 
 a rounded form on the front. The wood-work of the stand is stained and em- 
 bellished to suit the furniture of the room, and the top covered with a brown 
 enameled oil-cloth, a lambrequin which is arranged to hang down one foot 
 below the edge, and is cut out in a design figure, under which is laid oil-cloth of 
 buff or other contrasting color, and the points bound with brown or buff worsted 
 braid. 
 
 The hangings of Swiss muslin are to be lined and trimmed to suit the former 
 pieces of furniture, though we give another style of hangings and lambre- 
 quins, in order to give om' readers as great a variety from which to choose as 
 possible. 
 
 This entire suite when tastefully gotten up, make as handsome an apartment 
 as any one could desire, and when the beauty and substantial qualities of the 
 work are considered, will amply repay for the expense of material. 
 
 Fig. 50, shows a more simple form of wash-stand still. An ordinary dry- 
 goods box two feet six inches in length, and one foot ten inches in depth, two 
 feet three inches high, has castors fastened on the four lower corners, and to the 
 back is screwed very securely an upright piece about two feet high, (or the 
 width of a board taken from the lid). To this are screwed two fancy brackets 
 of iron or wood, for the support of a shelf fourteen inches wide. 
 
 On this is placed a looking-glass, which is screwed against the back-board and 
 also further screwed, perhaps by a hook in the top passed through a nail in the 
 wall. 
 
 This glass may have an exceedingly plain or shabby frame, as it is covered 
 with a ruching of Swiss and lace over tinted muslin, and ornamented with full 
 half-rosettes of the same. 
 
 The lower part of the box is divided into two parts, the one of which is 
 shelved for the accommodation of towels, etc., the other covered on the bottom 
 with oil-cloth for the slop-pail, etc. The entire case is enclosed and covered 
 with Xottingham curtain lace in neat design over tinted muslin, and finished 
 with a raffle of lace and ruchings of the colored muslin worked on the edge or 
 trimmed with imitation Valenciennes edging, which can be procured at whole- 
 sale for 25 cents per 11 yards. A full bow with a button and loop on the two 
 sides of the curtains behind it finishes this beautiful cover. The top of the 
 stand has a cover of white marbled oil-cloth, and the shelf and iron supports are 
 p-dnted with M-hite zinc-enamel paint, and slightly marbled. For a small room 
 this stand answers both for dressing-table and wash-stand, and for this reason 
 is to be highly recommended. 
 
 A handsome and useful form of wash-stand is shown in Fig. 51, the founda- 
 tion of which is a plain pine box, four feet long, two feet deep. This box is 
 placed, with the open side out, and furnished with castors on the four corners. 
 
lOG 
 
 BEAUTIFUL HOMES. 
 
 The inside is divided into three compartments, each of the sides one and one- 
 half feet wide, with shelves ; the central one, one foot wide, for the accommo- 
 dation of the slop-pail. On the back is arranged an uprihgt panel, three feet 
 high, with side pieces, the center of which is sawed out to accommodate an 
 oval mirror, which is screwed in through the outside. On the corners are fast- 
 
 Fig. 50. 
 
 ened triangular caps, forming brackets, and, below these, are shelves, six inches 
 long, supported by tasteful little brackets, which answer a useful purpose for 
 holding various toilet articles. The manner of sawing out the back and side 
 pieces, can.be distinctly seen from the illustration. This back is made of nice. 
 
BEAUTIFUL HOMES. 
 
 107 
 
 smooth wood, made smooth by rubbing with fine emery paper, and is painted 
 with zinc-paint tinted a delicate pearl-gray, or lavender, and adorned with gar- 
 lands of moss roses and lily of the valley, in Decalcomania. The front of the 
 
 Fig. 51. 
 
 stand has a curtain of material corresponding with the hangings of the room, 
 finished with a ruffle and flat puff of the material, the same finishing the upper 
 edge. An entire suite of furniture, made and finished to match this stand, 
 would appear exceedingly handsome. 
 
 DEESSING-TABLE WITH HANGINGS. 
 
 Many families have plain wash-stands, such as are shown in the small illus- 
 tration. Fig. 53, which may be made into charming dressing-fables in the follow- 
 ing manner : 
 
 Take a piece of plank, four inches wide and eight feet long, which screw 
 firmly against the back of the stand, as shown in Fig. 53; on this nail acircular 
 piece of board, one foot six inches in diameter, around which fasten an um- 
 
108 
 
 BEAUTIFUL HOMES. 
 
 brella frame, covered ^vith muslin, and neatly lined, which will form a scalloped 
 
 edge, which must be stiffened with wire. On this is arranged the canopy shown 
 m the Illustration, Fig. 52, made of figured Swiss, over pink or blue muslin. 
 
 Fig. 52. 
 
 Plait a circular piece over the top, and around the edi?e sew a strip twelve 
 inches in width, around each edge of which are fluted and puffed ruffles ; below 
 this depends a curtain, one and one half yards long, also ruffled on the edge 
 and drawn up into festoons. Beneath this, around the edge of the framing, is 
 
BEAUTIFUL HOMES. 
 
 109 
 
 Fig. 53. 
 
 fastened the long curtains, draped back and arranged on the 
 arms or towel-racks of the stand (which must first be cov- 
 ered neatly with colored muslin and puffs of Swiss). The 
 table is covered first with a colored cover and curtains of 
 the lined Swiss ; finished to correspond with the hangings. 
 This curtain must open in front, in order to allow access to 
 the drawer and shelf beneath, which is thus utilized as a 
 receptacle for shoes, etc. A dressing-glass, cushion, and toilet- 
 set ornament the stand, and bows of ribbon finish the differ- 
 ent points where the curtains are fastened. 
 
CHAPTER IX. 
 
 PARLORS AND MANTELS. 
 
 THE PAELORS. 
 
 In both England and America, the houses of the wealthy class, are generally 
 arranged with a drawing-room, and parlors or salons. Where this is the case, 
 the drawhig-room is used as a reception-room, while the parlors are devoted to 
 entertainment and the general use of the family, when guests are enjoying the 
 hospitality of the house for an extended period. 
 
 Among the large middle classes however, the house is not usually so spacious 
 as to admit of rooms being thus devoted to these separate interests, and we find 
 in this country that the parlor or parlors, serve both as reception-room and that 
 chosen apartment, which in the olden times was the " best room " of our grand- 
 mothers. 
 
 As we are writing particularly for that large majority of Americans, " the 
 million," who are walking in the enviable path, which is considered the hap- 
 piest walk in life by the wise Apostle, who prays " give me neither poverty nor 
 riches " — we shall devote no time to describing the " drawing-room," but con- 
 fine ourselves to the embellishment and adornment of the parlors, making this 
 apartment so complete and perfect in all its appointments, that it will be draw- 
 ing-room and parlor combined. 
 
 Could we have the planning of each house in the land, whether large or small, 
 we would say, if there can only be two rooms on one floor, let them- open into 
 each other with large double doors made to slide if possible, so that they may 
 be rolled away out of sight, and allow graceful drapery to cover the opening. 
 If there is a hall let it communicate in the same manner with the parlors. 
 
 This arrangement is not only far more conducive to health, but in case of 
 company, it affords an opportunity of throwing the entire space into one, thus 
 imparting an imposing appearance and an aspect of spaciousness, so pleasant 
 when rooms are filled with company. 
 
 As the parlor in the majority of houses is the room devoted to the entertain- 
 ment of guests, there is an apparent necessity for a liberal display of elegance, 
 and those many attractions which tend to give pleasure to guests, and as it is a 
 room sometimes (it may be supposed) opened for festivity, there may also be 
 
^f 
 
BEAUTIFUL HOMES. Ill 
 
 allowed a wider scope for embellishment and decoration, than in any other apart- 
 ment. Here too are to be gathered whatever will amuse and entertain, and at 
 the same time its arrangements are to be of such a character that they will afford 
 comfort, and impart a sense of easy freedom to all gathered within its walls. 
 
 With these requirements, it is in the parlor therefore that we find the choicest 
 treasures that the house can afford, that will tend to the hospitable entertain- 
 ment of guests, just as in the sitting-room, or living-room are gathered the 
 dearest tokens of love for the family circle. Here then we see walls softly but 
 warmly tinted, and the pictures the handsomest and rarest the house affords ; 
 floors covered with the richest carpet that circumstances allow ; the suite of furni- 
 ture is covered with dark crimson or a rich glowing brown, covers, rugs, hang- 
 ings, lambrequins and curtains correspond in color and tone with these sur- 
 roundings ; cabinet, etagere, brackets and shelves are laden with whatever will 
 afford amu-ement or pleasure, while musical instruments, books, and the window 
 with its tasteful floral arrangements, show the desire to make this pet-room the 
 most attractive one to those outside, as well as to all within who enjoy its beauties. 
 This is what the parlor of the beautiful and tasteful home should be, a room 
 full of beauty and brightness, testifying at once to the large and generous hos- 
 pitality, as well as to the taste and wise discrimination of the queen-mistress 
 who reigns over the realm of which this is the state chamber. 
 
 Handsome or even tasteful furniture, rich hangings, gay covers, and beauti- 
 ful carpets and paper are doubtless wonderful aids in making an imposing and 
 attractive room, but far more necessary is judicious, artistic and wise arrange- 
 ment. 
 
 Your carpet may be only a low-priced Ingrain, but let the colors be soft and 
 warm, the design unobtrusive and the making perfect; and it will give only 
 pleasure to the most fastidious, the walls may be rough and the ceilings low, 
 but this will not be improved by a sprawling vine on the paper, nor a deep 
 bright-colored border, cover such a wall first with a lining paper, and use a mere 
 line for cornice, or better still, paper with dado and frieze, which will give ap- 
 parent height. 
 
 Cover with some woolen stuff all the chairs and lounges, and let them all be 
 noted for comfort rather than beauty, make the chairs low and improvise two 
 or three lounging " Sleepy Hollows " ; if you have none else, hang the windows 
 with curtains even though they be but of coarse Swiss. Curtains are capable 
 of giving such a deal of comfort to say nothing of style. 
 
 Scatter a few books and the latest papers on table and sofa, and let them 
 look as if they had been so interesting that they had been read, yet never 
 allow soiled books, or dirty crumpled papers to disgrace your neat room. Let 
 dainty baskets of work occupy stand and window-seat, and never omit the daily 
 bouquets, if only of bright Autumn leaves and grasses, but who cannot have a 
 few sprays of blossoms during each day of Winter ? ■ 
 
112 BEAUTIFUL HOMES. 
 
 Keep every spot immaculately clean, but not distressingly so, that is do 
 not. among guests by dusting and wiping in their presence, nor show signs 
 of terror if their rude children wipe their sticky hands oii curtain or dainty 
 tidy. 
 
 A pretty clock is admissible in a parlor, but it should be a tasteful one. 
 
 Place boxes of games, scrap-books and portfolios filled with pictures, photo- 
 graph albums and objects of amusement, such as the stereoscope, kaleidoscope, 
 and microscope, in appropriate places, and place chairs near them. 
 
 If possible, obtain one statuette, at least, supposing it be Canova's " Dancing 
 Girl," in plaster. This is lovely, placed on a pedestal, near the piano, and stands, 
 with the pedestal, five feet from the floor. Or, upon a pretty bracket, stand 
 " The Fish Boy," no more graceful figure was ever made ; or, if not these, 
 obtain that lovely group of " Aurora and her attendants." These may be 
 obtained for from one to five dollars, and will add wonderful beauty to a room, 
 especially if draped with fine white Tarlatan or soft Tulle. 
 
 ^N'othing imparts such an air of real artistic beauty to a room as pictures 
 well framed, and a few pieces (one, if the room is small ; three, if large) of 
 graceful statuettes, purely white, and copies of really noted works of Art. 
 
 It is by such tasteful arrangements that a room assumes that indescribable 
 air of comfort and, perhaps, luxuriousness, which is so attractive to the eye of 
 taste. 
 
 Many rooms, expensively furnished, are cold and barren, so far as real beauty is 
 concerned, whereas, many a cottage house possesses that real attractiveness which 
 makes all who enter it exclaim, " How lovely ! " simply because the mistress, with 
 an innate love for the beautiful, understands what to put in her house, and, bet- 
 ter still, how to arrange it. It is the thousand little contrivances, the many lit- 
 tle felicities that, emanating from a fertile imagination, always on the alert for 
 " something pref/y wherewith to beautify her home," inspires the tasteful woman 
 and makes her work successful, and gives her the subtle power to make her home 
 a little Eden. 
 
 MANTELS. 
 
 Within the past few years, there has been a change made in regard to the 
 mantel, which is, in many respects, a decided improvement ; we alhide to the 
 use of lambrequins and covers of various kinds. A richly carved marble or 
 wooden mantel is, in itself, an object of great beauty; but so few^ can avail 
 themselves of such an addition to their rooms, that resource has been had to 
 miserable, bald-looking, stiif and most inelegant substitutes, in default of 
 carving, ornaments (?) w"ith moNt extraordinary achievements of the carpen- 
 ter, in the shape of impossible figures, and astonishing mouldings, or those 
 efforts the painter, w^ith "splotchy" imitations of marble of all colors of the 
 rainbow, or representations of wood that never had an equal in marvelous- 
 
BEAUTIFUL HOMES. 
 
 113 
 
 • Fig. 54. 
 
 8 
 
114 BEAUTIFUL HOMES. 
 
 ness of " streaked and striped and spotted." To be allowed to cover all this 
 with graceful hangings, or elegantly embroidered lambrequin, and find that 
 even the indisputable Mrs. Grundy pronounces it " in style," is a satisfaction, 
 indeed. 
 
 There is no portion of the room requiring greater care, and knowledge of 
 internal embellishment, than the mantel, and, of late, it receives the attention 
 due to such a prominent feature of the apartment. 
 
 Do not allow any apartment, unless it is a simple boudoir, to be destitute of 
 this finish, for, even though the parlor, library, dining-room, or chamber, be 
 ever so simply furnished, the addition of a tasteful mantel will, at once, change 
 the whole aspect of the room, and give it a new dignity. Many will exclaim, 
 " But there is not a mantel in my house, so I could not cover it, even if I had 
 the material and was prepared to do so." 
 
 Once this was the case, perhaps, but, in this day, among other improvements 
 and inventions, has appeared the beautiful " impromptu mantel." 
 
 MANTEL WITH LAMBKEQUIN EMBELLISHED WITH AP- 
 PLICATION OE DECALCOMANIA DESIGNS. 
 
 The superb mantel shown in Fig. 54 is made of richly carved marble, but a 
 more simple one may be substituted, and we offer it, more to show a tasteful 
 and artistic arrangement, than for the mere form of the mantel. An imposing 
 effect is produced by applying heads found on Cretonne, or in the Decalcomania 
 designs, or more artistic still by using photographs, to silk-merino or any smooth 
 cloth ; arranging one as a medallion, in the center of each lambrequin point, 
 then surrounding with embroidery. 
 
 In the olden times, ladies wrought entire pieces, or " bolts," of rich material 
 for hangings and " tapestries," many of them requiring years to finish ; but, 
 once accomplished, they were heir-looms, worth handing down to the "genera- 
 tions to come." Why should not our ladies employ their leisure in making 
 hangings and other elegancies that need not require but a few weeks to com- 
 plete ? 
 
 The antique fire-screen in front of the grate, may be beautifully imitated by 
 a painting, in Grecian style, directions for which are given in a later chapter 
 on modes of embellishing, or it may be embroidered in silk or Berlin wool-work 
 at pleasure. 
 
 The cover of this mantel is brown cloth, bordered with the lambrequins above 
 described. On the center of each point, apply an oval medallion, four inches 
 long, of black silk held with cord stitched on the edge, and on them place 
 antique heads. Another way to make such heads, is this : Cut the heads from 
 gray velvet, and coat them on the wrong side with a fine paste, made of starch 
 and a little gum arable. When dry, paint with Indian ink, executing the work 
 
BEAUTIFUL HOMES. 
 
 115 
 
 with a fine camel's hair brush, moisten slightly, and apply these to the black 
 medallion, and, when dry, outline with silk of same color in button-hole stitch-, 
 ing. Embroider the remainder of the pattern with brown silk and gold cord 
 or thread, with a little half-polka stitching of scarlet silk and satin, point Russe 
 
 Fig. 55. 
 
 and chain stitching of darker red. Work the flowers pink and the arabesques 
 fawn-color, in satin stitch, using yellow or gold for the stamens. The applica- 
 tion on the outer edge is of dark-brown cloth and fawn-colored silk, edged 
 with gold cord. Fasten the dots of brown cloth with knots of gold thread. 
 
116 
 
 BEAUTIFUL HOMES. 
 
 The cloth application is bordered 
 with ecru soutache, edged with light 
 and dark-brown silk cord. 
 
 There may be some of our readers 
 who would enjoy imitating the ele- 
 gant mantel shown in the accompa- 
 ^g- 56. panying illustration, Fig. 59, which 
 
 may be perfectly done by using a certain amount of care in finishing the various 
 details. The form of the mantel is exceedingly graceful, and is made of a shelf, 
 
 cut in projecting form, with a front made 
 simply of matched flooring boards, fitted 
 around its outer edge. This is placed upon 
 strong brackets nailed against the wall, in 
 order to give greater solidity to the frame- 
 work. Upon each side of this central part, 
 are placed large wooden brackets, sixteen 
 inches from wall to outer edge, and twelve 
 inches wide. As will be seen, these are sus- 
 tained by panels reaching to the floor, and 
 extending outward, resting on heavy pieces 
 of wood fourteen inches long by twelve wide. 
 This forms the frame-work, upon which the 
 ornamental parts are arranged. 
 
 All the handsome scroll work of this man- 
 tel may be found in the rich '-Artificial " 
 wood-carvings previously mentioned, w^hich 
 after being completely finished may be ebonized or bronzed, either giving a rich 
 and perfect finish. 
 
 Fi'. 58. 
 
BEAUTIFUL HOMES. 
 
 117 
 
 Fig. 59. 
 
118 
 
 BEAUTIFUL HOMES. 
 
 The ornamentation may of course be changed to suit the taste, as some may 
 prefer Grecian or Roman heads, scrolls of certain form with other parts to cor- 
 respond, but we would suggest the following, any of which may be obtained 
 
 Fig. 60. Fig. 61. 
 
 from the establishments where these articles are kept. For the central orna- 
 ment beneath the shelf, the Cherub, Fig. 60 ; for the panels on each side such a 
 pair of scrolls as Fig. 61, which are arranged right and left for different sides ; 
 or the nearer imitation of leaves, and flowers of Fig. 62, 
 at the bottom ornamental shells, and beneath the side 
 brackets the exquisite Sleeping Cherubs, Fig. 63. 
 
 This would give sufficient embellishment to appear rich 
 without being overdone, and when carefully finished ap- 
 pear what it really is, an elegant mantel, and a most per- 
 fect imitation of the original. 
 
 The front may be ornamented either with fret-work 
 made of one-fourth inch wood, butternut or any light 
 color, laid over a black, ebonized surface, or it may be em- 
 
 Fig. 62. Fig. 63. 
 
 broidered with application to match the lambrequin which covers the front of 
 the shelf. The chimney or grate is covered with a tasteful board ebonized and 
 ornamented with a design. 
 
BEAUTIFUL HOMES. 
 
 119 
 
 This illustration is given merely to afford an opportunity for copying one of 
 the richly carved mantels so highly esteemed. 
 
 There are many different modes of ornamenting this same mantel, and indeed 
 of making the shelf itself, the simplest of which is to screw a plain wooden 
 plank of desired length upon two iron or wooden brackets, and cover with ma- 
 terial corresponding with the curtains and upholstering. 
 
 These iron brackets may be had in various forms, many of them exceedingly 
 beautiful in design and finish, others of the most simple character. 
 
 Fig. ta. 
 
 Where these are impracticable, a wooden support, may be substituted in two 
 triangular pieces of wood, answering for the braces beneath the shelf, the 
 drapery to be so arranged as to entirely conceal the rough frame-work. 
 
 We may cover such a shelf with paper or glazed muslin on the upper surface, 
 (on account of the ease by M^hich it may be dusted,) or if preferred this may re- 
 ceive a coat of paint and varnish, then a tasteful lambrequin cat like Fig. 64, 
 which will be found an unusually elegant piece of work, and may be used just 
 as described, unless any other style of embroidery or adornment is preferred. 
 
 This exquisite lambrequin is not difficult to make, and presents a charming 
 appearance; it requires purple velvet, yellow silk, green merino or cloth of two 
 
120 
 
 BEAUTIFUL HOMES. 
 
 Fig. 65. 
 
 or three shades, yellow and green embroidery silk. The pattern for the pansies 
 is shown in the large figure, and may be easily copied and arranged. 
 
 After cutting out the yellow petals, take black silk, and embroider the dots 
 and long stitches, then touching the wrong side with a paste of starch and 
 gum arable, fasten them in clusters, as shown in the lambrequin, work the 
 
 edges of the leaves, (cut from the green merino of 
 different shades,) in button-hole stitching same 
 shade of silk- Make buds of the purple velvet and 
 green merino, or embroider them if preferred. Work 
 the stems of green silk in half-polka stitch. Tha 
 lambrequin here shown, was made of dark amber- 
 colored reps. 
 
 Still another beautiful lambrequin for this and 
 other purposes, such as brackets, and baskets is made 
 of the wonderful creations constructed of cork, of 
 which we show a meagre sample in Fig 66, for it is 
 * utterly impossible in a mere engraving to show the surprising effects of which 
 this material is capable. 
 
 In Germany, the designs are sold ready prepared for such fancy work, but 
 here we are obliged to make them, and it is done by first cutting out medallions 
 from some light colored silk, say gray, painting the sky with transparent colors, 
 and lightly sketching a little landscape of some kind, such as an old ruin, a 
 monastery building or a tiny castle, with moat and draw-bridge, then from the 
 virgin-cork, shave thin pieces, which present all the beautiful shades of old 
 stone and wood, cut these into shape with knife and scissors, make windows 
 and doors, by building on small pieces and touching up with colored paint, 
 glue these carefully on the medallion, and with pretty bark, dyed mosses. 
 Autumn-leaves, etc., arrange trees, bushes and creeping vines climbing over 
 ruined gateways, and hanging in long festoons from tower and battlement. 
 When finished satisfactorily, edge the medallion with cord and long stitches 
 and knots of colored silk. In our model, the lambrequin is a dull red, almost 
 a reddish brown, and the effect of the light medallion, with its lovely landscapes 
 is wonderfully imposing, indeed the exquisite beauty of this work cannot be 
 imagined from a mere description, but we assure our readers it is well worth a 
 trial. 
 
 For bracket lambrequins, these cork-landscapes are exceedingly appropriate, 
 and they are very durable if carefully glued together, only requiring a daily 
 touching with the feather-duster, or bunch of feathers. After the lambre- 
 quins are thus finished, fasten them on the mantel by means of ordinary tin 
 tacks covered afterwards with cord or gimp, or use gilt headed nails, (the 
 star-heads if they can be procured). Place a tassel or woolen ball on 
 each point. Thus you have an elegant mantel at small expense, though it 
 
BEAUTIFUL HOMES. 
 
 121 
 
 may be greatly elaborated if desired. Thus, in the center of each point may be 
 embroidered a design either floral or other, in chenille and gold thread, or the 
 material may be of the mo t costly description, and trimmed with rich gimp 
 and fringe. 
 
 Imitation of marble with plaster, forms one of the most exquisite shelves im- 
 aginable. The shelf is supported by long flat wooden brackets, (as in the or- 
 dinary wooden mantel.) the whole is covered smoothly with muslin, and washed 
 or painted with a mixture of fine plaster of Paris mixed in thin gum water ; 
 scrolls or flowers of muslin (or both) are then arranged, to form tasteful enrich- 
 ment on the flat surface, care being observed not to be profuse in using too 
 
 Fig. 66. 
 
 many, for this is the great fault with all imitations, they are applied with such 
 a generous hand, that the critical observer is immediately led to imagine that 
 the work is not genuine, and a close examination follows ; whereas, were there 
 no more ornament than one is apt to see on fine pieces of work, it would appear 
 beautiful and perhaps genuine, at least it would not ofiend the eye of correct 
 taste. 
 
 A neat braiding along the edge of the one inch (deep) shelf, is made by taking 
 a long strip of muslin one and a quarter inches wide, and gathering it perpen- 
 dicularly in spaces one inch apart, and tacking on with tiny thin tacks, a half 
 wreath of lilies, roses, or other flowers with leaves on the board beneath the 
 shelf, making it heavy in the center and gradually diminishing towards the 
 
122 BEAUTIFUL HOMES. 
 
 ends ; a cluster of the same on each bracket, heavy at the top and lessening as 
 it runs towards the base, with flutings of muslin on the various parts that ap- 
 pear too blank and bare ; this much ornamentation will appear quite perfect, 
 whereas the entire wood-work covered with a heterogeneous mass of floral 
 specimens would present a loose patchy appearance, not only devoid of good 
 taste, but impossible to keep neat and free from dust. 
 
 The flowers, etc., for this work have been fully explained in " Household Ele- 
 gancies," but lest any should not have this, we would merely say, cut the various 
 parts from muslin as in wax-flower making, stiffen with nice flour starch with a 
 little dissolved white glue added, (one quarter of a pound to a gallon of paste,) 
 and put together with stems, copper wire, (or any material that will not rust). 
 After finishing, dip into or paint with the plaster, then varnish with fine Demar 
 sufficient to give the gloss of white marble. The flutings are passed through 
 the fluting machine, and the various parts moulded while a little damp, and flat 
 surfaces are ironed until dry. This mantel when carefully and neatly made is 
 so exceedingly beautiful that it may be recommended without hesitation. 
 
 That it is constantly taken for marble, is but an indifferent point, for if an 
 object pleases, and is perfect of its kind, what matter, whether it is the material 
 or not, it is a material and the workmanship as fine of its kind as that of the 
 sculptor, probably cost (comparatively) as much time and labor and skill. 
 
 We know this theory is considered treason, but as Americans we hold the 
 right to have our opinion, and though we enjoy works of real Art as heartily as 
 " the others " do, we also enjoy just as fully the fine imitation, and believe it 
 worth encouragement. 
 
 In elegant mansions, it is usual to have a sub-mantel above or below the major 
 shelf, and a series of brackets or narrow shelves, extending above in some cases 
 many feet. This is done to afford the connoisseur, and virtuosi, who enjoy col- 
 lecting rare old pottery, and other bric-a-brac, an opportunity to arrange their 
 treasures in conspicuous and appropriate position, and the effect is extremely im- 
 posing in the sketches of the drawing-room and library at Bellevue House, before 
 mentioned a similar plan of making upper shelves to the mantel shows what fine 
 effects may be produced by it, and to which Mr. Conway thus alludes in " Har- 
 per's Monthly ;" — " The artists (Mr. Scott's) collection of old majolica, china, and 
 other objects of similar kind, serve to render his chimney pieces particularly 
 beautiful, * * * in the drawing-room the jambs are paneled, the panels filled 
 with mirrors, and divided half way down, two feet nine from the floor, by a 
 shelf large enough to accommodate a lamp or candle, with a tea-cup or other 
 object. The arrangement is admirable for utility and beauty. A supplemen- 
 tary chimney-shelf is added here also, a marble one ; and rising nearly to the 
 ceiling is a surface of black-wood, with brackets for the exhibition of some very 
 fine old Hispano-Moresque ware, the golden metallic lustre of which is favor- 
 ably seen against the black. The center is filled with Mr. Scott's own most 
 
BEAUTIFUL HOMES. 123 
 
 beautiful picture of " Eve," etc." We give this sketch that our readers may have 
 a guide if they should desire to copy one of the celebrated mantels of England 
 — and also that they may feel no hesitation in adopting this arrangement, 
 •which is common in houses where Art and Taste walk hand in hand, and 
 " dwell together in unity. ^' 
 
 Instead of filling such panels with mirror, imitation of tiles or glazed pictures 
 might be substituted, and the little supplementary shelf is easily accomplished, 
 as also the brackets running up each side, and the hlsick ^^ surf ace of wood " 
 rising almost to the ceiling, while instead of the beautiful picture of " Eve," the 
 lovely chromo of " Beatrice," or some fine engraving would appear quite as well 
 to those who never saw the " Eve." On such shelves many articles valued for 
 various reasons, could be conspicuously displayed, and yet be entirely out of the 
 reach of " those busy and curious fingers," which make you tremble each time 
 they handle your "heart's best treasures." 
 
 We cannot refrain from adding a brief description of the chimney-piece in 
 the library from the same pen, and for a similar reason, for it will afford a still 
 easier subject for copy. " The white marble jambs and architraves, are designs 
 diapered with leaves — laurel and ivy of Indian red color, and above the 
 chimney-shelf is a second chimney-piece and shelf, giving thus double accom- 
 modation for objects of ornament or use." 
 
 In this case, a beautiful chimney might be made by obtaining two largepanes 
 of glass, and having them cut lengthwise, (or three long narrow strips to ex- 
 tend upon each side and across the top,) on these to paint or transfer Decalco- 
 mania pictures of the beautiful ivy and laurel leaves, (or other floral designs) 
 and cover over with fine white paint, two or three coats, which gives the effect of 
 fine tiles, upon being turned over and viewed from the polished surface of the 
 glass ; these to be fastened against the sides and across the top with light 
 mouldings of wood, and the mantel rising above the cross-piece or architrave, 
 while three feet above is arranged another shelf, and on each side of this six 
 inches above, neat brackets for lamps or vases. A chimney thus made would 
 well imitate the elegant one described so ably by Mr. Conway, and perchance 
 give as much satisfaction. 
 
 In the accompanying design will be seen one of Mr. Conway's sketches of 
 a chimney-piece, which can be beautifully imitated, to occupy the position of 
 the original, a dining-room where such ornamentation is more appropriate than 
 hangings. In this case as before, either painting or Decalcomania will prove 
 effective in imitation of tiles, or painted or transferred directly upon the wood, 
 previously ebonized or enameled. 
 
 Such charming designs of animals, game and the other appropriate figures 
 are found among the Decalcomania designs, that we feel inclined to urge our 
 readers to procure these, explicitly stating when they order, that they require 
 such and such figures. The scene in the circular frame in the center, with deer 
 
124 
 
 BEAUTIFUL HOMES. 
 
 and stag, will be readily found, as also the various surroundings, and we would 
 suggest the use of oval or circular frames, both for the deer and dog's heads, 
 ebonizing them as also the surrounding wood-work, and putting them on the 
 outside of the glass, the ground- work of which may be any color desired ; white 
 or buff will be found very beautiful for such panels. 
 
 Fig. 67. 
 
 The Minton designs exhibited at the Exposition in Vienna, were of the most 
 exquisite character, and we feel glad to be able to show a few illustrations of 
 these beautiful works of Art, hoping they may aid some of our readers who 
 possess artistic skill, and can use the brush and colors eifectively, to imitate 
 them on plates of china or glass. The charming pair, shown in Figs. 68 & 69, 
 
BEAUTIFUL HOMES. 
 
 125 
 
 would prove beautiful and most appropriate additions to the fire-place ; or, 
 framed as plaques, they would add wonderful interest to a collection of pictures 
 on the walls of any apartment. 
 
 Any blank space on the wall may be furnished as a chimney-place, where 
 none really exists in the house, by arranging the shelves and space beneath as 
 directed ; and if a still more decided imitation is desired, long, narrow pieces of 
 board, beneath the shelf (against the wall), covered and dressed with plaitings 
 of the Swiss or Tarlatan 
 will still further give the 
 impression. A tasteful 
 picture of some kind, ap- 
 pears well in the space 
 designed for the chim- 
 ney-place, when viewed 
 from a distance, but as 
 the object is below the 
 line of vision, it cannot 
 be. seen with good effect 
 when close to it. 
 
 Where real utility is 
 an object, covers of dim- 
 ity, linen or muslin, will 
 be found most satisfac- 
 tory. 
 
 Upon plain surfaces, 
 borders of braid stitched 
 on with the machine, or 
 narrow braid in figures ; 
 gay Cretonne figures 
 chain-stitched by hand or 
 machine, or fastened with 
 braid, or silhouettes cut 
 
 Fig. 68. 
 
 out from black muslin and put on in the same manner, will be found very appro- 
 priate. We have seen Decalcomania designs transferred to plain goods that 
 presented a beautiful appearance as long as the ground remained clean, but of 
 course couldn't be washed. Such a lambrequin is shown in Fig. 70, and is very 
 elegant. 
 
 A beautiful hanging for a mantel or window-seat is shown in Fig. 71, con- 
 sisting of black velveteen with medallions of application work, set in oval 
 spaces cut out from the cloth ; or they may be stitched on it, and the stitches 
 hid with narrow gimp or braid. These are on cloth of light ground, and sur- 
 rounding them are groups of flowers and figures cut from dark Cretonne, with 
 
126 
 
 BEAUTIFUL HOMES. 
 
 light tracery done with silk in chain-stitch. If desired, the lambrequin may 
 have three instead of two points. The edge is finished with a narrow row of 
 scarlet cloth pinked out and fastened on with machine stitching. 
 
 Any mantel-shelf is improved by a velvet hanging ; if it is endurable in its 
 plain state, the lambrequin wdll improve it ; and if of bad form or shabby, it 
 is rendered quite ornamental thereby. For this cover, measure the shelf, and 
 get a board two feet longer than it, and half as wide again. 
 
 Velveteen answers well 
 for this hanging, but cloth, 
 reps, or damask will not 
 collect the dust. 
 
 Tack this over the top 
 and edges of the plank, 
 straining it perfectly 
 smooth ; then add a lam- 
 brequin, either shaped out, 
 ^or straight and laid in 
 " plaits ; in the latter case 
 edging with fringe. Tack 
 a row of fringe along the 
 upper edge with star-head- 
 I ed tacks. 
 
 Where a handsome form 
 is desired, saw out the 
 plank in form of Fig. 71, 
 and after tacking on a 
 straight valance of the vel- 
 vet, edge with a heavy 
 woolen fringe of the same 
 shade, and over this ar- 
 range a tassel fringe of 
 gold-color silk. 
 Fig. 69. If the hearth is left bare 
 
 (as some prefer), it should be washed or painted with fine plaster of Paris, put 
 on hot. This will leave the stone or brick of dazzling whiteness. 
 
 It is so customary in this country to build houses with flues only and no 
 chimney-places, that many do not possess this really beautiful finish to their 
 rooms. To such, we would suggest that they make false chimney-places by 
 putting up a mantel, and beneath it, arrange a panel with section sawed out in 
 form of an arched or square chimney-place ; into this they may fit one of the 
 many beautiful fire-boards described in " Ladies' Fancy Work," or in Summer 
 this may have one of the gauzy looking fire-papers tacked into the opening, the 
 
BEAUTIFUL HOMES. 
 
 127 
 
 effect of which will be found charming. The panel of wood can be painted or 
 covered to correspond with the mantel-shelf. These papers present a light airy- 
 appearance that is peculiarly cool and refreshing in Summer. The " gas-light 
 green " and white Tarlatan with clusters of white Tarlatan moss-rose buds is 
 specially lovely. 
 
 In conclusion, there is one point that should be particularly brought before our 
 readers, which is, to fill the open fire-place, grate or even the hearth (behind the 
 fender) with a large box, or several pots containing good soil with ferns, ivy 
 and other climbing or green plants which will flourish in the shade. These will 
 grow on during the hot Summer days, and give a bit of wild-wood greenness 
 and a wild " woodsy " fragrance, to an otherwise 
 black spot, looking only a little less grimy than 
 " a blacksmith's forge on Sunday." A sprink- 
 ling of water each morning, a visit now and then 
 to the glade and glen, and you may have the 
 sweetest, the most refreshing of chimney-places, 
 that neither English earl, nor French noble, may 
 oatvie with imported and costly tiles, or carved 
 marbles, nor master-artist rival in fine form or 
 rare color — for "behold the lilies of the field 
 * * * Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed 
 like one of these." For such a floral arrange- 
 ment, a rustic fender is very appropriate, and 
 may be readily constructed with gnarled and 
 twisted branches and roots of trees, sprigs of 
 spruce wood, and such ornaments as nuts, cones 
 and acorns. 
 
 The frame or fender around the outside is 
 
 made of plain plank, and will be found to be 
 
 Fig. 70. 
 vastly improved by a padding and cover of black 
 
 velveteen, secured by rows of gilt-headed tacks. "Within this a cover of enam- 
 eled oil-cloth will appear well, care being used to obtain suitable colors that will 
 harmonize with the remainder of the mantel and wood-work of the apartment. 
 
 Many object to designs of game in a dining-room, and for such, there are 
 fruit and flower groups of richest colors and most exquisitely arranged. 
 
 "Where some member of the family has a taste for painting, time could be 
 delightfully and profitably employed in painting, with transparent colors upon 
 the glass, using foil to bring out the brilliant tints, and painting the ground- 
 work. 
 
 The brilliant beauty of this style of work cannot be imagined, unless seen in 
 all its gorgeous tints against the planished foil, and whether the design be some 
 wonderful group of flowers tinted in Oriental splendor, or rich mosaics copied 
 
128 
 
 BEAUTIFUL HOMES. 
 
 from Renaissance or mediaeval designs, the work is sufficiently imposing to stand 
 the test of close and critical observation, and comparison with the richest 
 tiles. 
 
 If by any reason, persons are prevented from using such ornamentation as we 
 have described for their dining-rooms ; a simple lambrequin of brown, gray or 
 dull buff-chintz, linen or woolen material may be embroidered in chain-stitch, 
 or Berlin patterns of fruit, game, a hunting scene, or such characteristic ar- 
 rangements will appear the next best mode of making a suitable mantel, the 
 shelf or shelves of which can support various pretty knick-knacks, in the way 
 of plates handsomely painted in colors or embellished with " smoke-painting," 
 
 spray-work, etc., as also curi- 
 osities of appropriate characr 
 ter, and relics such as heir 
 looms of china now so eager- 
 ly sought after. 
 
 It is a popular idea to have 
 the various bed-rooms of a 
 house called by the names of 
 the color with which they 
 are furnished, as "the Blue 
 Room," the "Crimson 
 Room," the " Yellow Room," 
 and the idea is a good one, 
 adopted by decorative artists 
 generally, but care must be 
 taken never to allow the pre- 
 dominating color to become 
 ^'8- 71. "loud" and " obtrusive," 
 
 with garish tints that strike with repugnant force the critical eye. 
 
 For the mantel-piece in the neat pretty chamber, nothing can be more appro- 
 priate than covers of colored muslin, blue, pink, green, or buff, (suited to the 
 tint of the walls, carpet and upholstering,) over which dainty dresses of sheer 
 Swiss muslin, or Tarlatan with fluffy puffs, and crisp ruffles, knots of rib- 
 bon and bands of the under material pinked out on each edge. Even should 
 such covers require yearly renewing they are not costly, besides, this need not 
 be the case, as we know by experience, having refreshed a set by careful wash- 
 ing, clear starching and ironing for three successive years. 
 
 Where there is no mantel, make one, by obtaining a board of proper length 
 and width, and merely screw it firmly against two triangular pieces fixed like 
 backets agaist the wall. Cover on top with oil-cloth or paper, (easily kept freer 
 from dust,) and around it tack a cover sufficiently deep to hide the brackets ; 
 over this arrange a plaited ruffle, trimmed with narrow flutings and puffs, which 
 
BEAUTIFUL HOMES. 129 
 
 if made on the straight thread of the material will be easily laundered. Two 
 small bracket shelves above this main one covered in the same way, will 
 give a pretty finish, while the space below, if not arranged as a fire-place, or 
 filled with a grate, may have an ornamental paper according to directions in 
 " Ladies' Fancy Work," or leather-work board. 
 9 
 
CHAPTER X. 
 THE LIBRARY. 
 
 In every house where it is practicable there should be a room (even though a 
 small one) specially devoted to quiet and retirement. There are always some 
 members of a family who desire at some period during the twenty-four hours, to 
 be alone for purposes of study, writing or reading ; therefore, and also on account 
 of having a proper place for the arrangement of the books, it is well to devote 
 an apartment to the purposes of books and study, though in America this is 
 not considered as essential to comfort as in Europe, where every house of ordi- 
 nary size has its library. 
 
 In this room, the furniture should be of a simple and substantial character, 
 oak or walnut wood being considered the most appropriate, though in houses 
 where the back-parlor is used as the library, or living-room and library are 
 merged into one, this stereotyped rule is in a measure overruled. 
 
 In small houses, it is a pleasant and most comfortable arrangement to fur- 
 nish the sitting-room partially as a library ; that is, with book-cases and the 
 large table in the center of the floor ; but of course this does away with any 
 chance for quiet, and for this reason most persons prefer to devote even a small 
 room to the sole purpose and legitimate objects of a library — that of a study, or 
 the Sanctum Sanctorum. There are varieties of opinion regarding this subject of 
 proper furniture for the library. Mr. Eastlake and his adherents advise old 
 oak for material, with green as the best harmonizing color for upholstering and 
 covers, and stern simplicity of style. His book-cases look like a portion of 
 some old barn, with door in the roof and heavy iron hinges and bolts. "With 
 regard to this book-case, w^e quote from " Household Taste " : " For material, 
 oak is far the best w^ood to use both for appearance and durability. Unpol- 
 ished mahogany (he might have added w^alnut also) acquires a good color 
 with age. It also looks w^ell, stained black and covered with a thin coat of 
 varnish." 
 
 THE LIBEAEY TABLE. 
 
 That important piece of furniture, the library table, should be of simple 
 form and solid construction. The wood of which such a table is made is 
 optional, but walnut, oak, or plain pine stained or ebonized, will be found the 
 most appropriate. 
 
BEAUTIFUL HOMES. 
 
 131 
 
 As we have stated, it is our intention always to describe one or more pieces of 
 each variety of furniture, which a person may make themselves, or have made 
 at a merely nominal price ; for during the leisure time always found in Winter, 
 when carpenters are more or less unoccupied, such little jobs as ladies may re- 
 quire will be cheerfully — perhaps gladly — performed, and, as has been said, at 
 low prices. We would take a moment to mention in this connection that it has 
 been our custom for many years to embrace this opportunity, when workmen 
 have really nothing scarcely to occupy them, to get trellises, pieces of furniture, 
 and window-boxes or other floral " arrangements " attended to ; and have always 
 found (both in city and country), that the workmen are really glad to have 
 
 Fig. 72. 
 
 these demands made on them. Persons have frequently appeared surprised, 
 when our yard, garden and porches were arranged in the Spring, to see many 
 tasteful, and as has been (perhaps censoriously) remarked, extravagant embel- 
 lishments added to our premises, for which upon attempting to copy, they were 
 charged three times as much, simply because the workmen's hands were full. 
 This will be found a new application for the trite proverb, "A stitch in time 
 saves nine." 
 
 The style of furniture now so popular with many persons, that is the old 
 Gothic, will be found exceedingly well adapted to ordinary use, and may be 
 made to assume that quaint, ancient appearance so attractive to the artistic 
 taste of certain persons who find the highest beauty in everything of a medi- 
 aeval character ; to such the furniture we describe as " home-made " would 
 possess the greatest charms. 
 
 In making such furniture, the heavy iron hinges and locks, large screws, and 
 
132 BEAUTIFUL HOMES. 
 
 indeed any such appliances as are seen on very old furniture or buildings, and 
 which may still be procured at hardware stores, will be perfectly adapted to 
 this purpose ; and the real utility which will thus be attached to each article 
 made, will enhance its value in the eyes of those who desire to furnish their 
 homes with "beauty" that will in the true sense of the word prove " a joy 
 forever." The round-headed screws here mentioned are really objects of 
 beauty when gilded, plated or bronzed; and a table, cabinet or other heavy 
 piece of furniture fastened with them will appear massive and elegant, as we 
 hope will be proved by all who make the library table about to be described. 
 This is made of plain pine boards, the top of matched flooring, fitted up 
 closely. The planks for frame are one inch thick, four inches in length, and 
 the height from the floor two feet and five inches ; the legs, which cross diag- 
 onally, are three feet long and four inches wide ; in the center where they inter- 
 sect, the width of the board is cut out from the inner side of the outer to form 
 a neat joint ; along the edges they are sawed out in any manner .desired, to 
 form an ornamental edge and render the weight lighter. They are screwed to- 
 gether at the center, and the cross-bar, is brought through by a mortise and 
 secured by a peg of ornamental shape. The ledgers, which support the top are 
 simply screwed to the outer side of the legs. The top itself is formed of half- 
 inch board, nine inches each of which is secured to the ledgers by four round- 
 headed screws ; and after all are fixed in position, two supplementary ledgers 
 are placed below to which they are all screwed. 
 
 Two triangular pieces are also screwed in to prevent any lateral weakness. 
 The groove and tenon edges of the match-board admit of common match- 
 boards, which may be used for the top, being strongly and easily put together. 
 Kext the cover is tacked on and held with strips of half-inch board an inch 
 wide, which are screwed around the edges, and make a neat finish. 
 
 The longer pieces on the sides are first adjusted, then the corner ones over- 
 lapping the former are screwed down. The corner strips being fastened by two 
 screws, will keep the others firmly in their places, and all the edges can then be 
 trimmed, and after being rubbed of£ with sand-paper, must be stained and 
 finally polished. 
 
 All screws used in this style of work are of the " round-headed " kind, which 
 project above the wood-work, and assist in making it decorative. 
 
 THE CHAIRS. 
 
 The chairs of this style are of primitive simplicity as to form, but will be found 
 most comfortable in form and handsome in appearance, which combined with 
 their strength and utility, renders them all that could be desired for ordinary 
 use. 
 
 The first is in height two feet nine inches, height of seat one foot two inches, 
 
BEAUTIFUL HOMES. 
 
 133 
 
 its breadth one foot three inches. The six pieces of wood which form the sides 
 of the seat, the back and legs are cut from one inch plank, the pieces across the 
 back and seat are one-half inch plank. The form of the various parts must be 
 sawed out according to taste, and this will not be difficult, as the form is clearly- 
 shown in the illustration. Care must be taken in screwing the legs together to 
 saw the back ones so that the seat will be an inclined plane — and the back set 
 back sufficiently to give a comfortable rest to the shoulders, which is done by 
 making the back legs rather shorter than the front, and sawing off the front 
 part of the bottom where they rest on the floor. 
 
 Cover the seat with canvas, stuff firmly and cover with cloth, oil-cloth or em- 
 broidery ; for the library the leather cloth is much used, brass-headed nails, 
 and a little lambrequin finish the seat, and the wood-work may be embellished 
 in any mode desired. 
 
 The Arm Chair, is similar, but the seat should be one and one-half inches 
 lower for a lady's use, and it is well to have a pair of these, the one high, 
 the other as has been described. The dimensions too as to width and depth 
 should be increased to twenty inches in breadth by eighteen in depth. Castors 
 should be fastened beneath the cross-pieces below each leg, and the back and 
 arms comfortably stuffed. Large round-headed screws and brass-nails give 
 these chairs a most substantial and primitive appearance which, in this day, 
 when mediaeval furniture is bringing great prices, will be fully appreciated. 
 
 We confess to having a strong predilection for this sensible class of household 
 furniture, which should certainly be popular in America during this time, when 
 every pulse beats with the earnest desire to bring forth and possess old things. 
 
 All these articles will require a 
 thorough and final polishing, and in 
 case of the chairs, this might better be 
 done prior to the upholstering. 
 
 Many kinds of light wood, pine, 
 cedar, cherry and butternut, for in- 
 stance, are made extremely handsome 
 by simply oiling or varnishing, which 
 darkens the color very slightly, and 
 French polish will give a deeper tinge 
 still. 
 
 The brackets accompanying this 
 suite of furniture may appear severely 
 simple in appearance, but will be 
 found appropriate, and even elegant 
 when made of richly grained wood, and -^^S* T3. 
 
 neatly adorned with fret-work and inlaying. As these require only small 
 pieces of wood, the finer kinds may be used, and if the pine of which the 
 
134 BEAUTIFUL HOMES. 
 
 furniture is made, is stained in imitation of walnut, oak or rosewood, the 
 bracket may be made of the genuine article, the real M'ood, or better still ele- 
 gant veneerings may be applied to the surface, and the finest effects result 
 from the operation if well performed, for these veneerings of the finer kinds 
 of wood contain the most elegant curls and markings from the heart of the 
 tree, and are rich and beautiful beyond description. 
 
 When for economy's sake, deal (pine- wood) is employed, it is better to paint 
 it in flatted color, because this can be renewed from time to time. Indian red 
 and slate-gray are perhaps the best general tints when used for ordinary domes- 
 tic fittings, but these may be effectively relieved by patterns and borders of 
 white and yellow. Sometimes a mere line introduced here and there to define 
 the construction, with an angle ornament (which may be stenciled) at the cor- 
 ners, will be sufficient. * * * * " It is usual for the lower shelves alone to be 
 enclosed by doors, the upper being better left open for easy access to the books. 
 The shelves themselves should never be less than an inch in thickness for a span 
 of four feet. A little leather valance should be nailed against the outer edges. 
 This not only protects the books from dust, but when the leather is scalloped 
 (or we would add, pinked out) and stamped in gilt patterns, it adds consid- 
 erably to the general effect. There is usually a kind of frieze running around 
 the top, between the books and cornice above them. This space may well be 
 decorated with painted ornament in the form of arabesques, armorial bearings, 
 and appropriate texts. The pilasters which separate one compartment from 
 another might be effectively treated in the same manner." 
 
 A quaint book-case of this style could be readily " gotten up " and orna- 
 mented to suit the taste, and prove really a most useful and surely (from high 
 authority) stylish piece of furniture. On the top of such a set of book-cases, 
 statuettes, busts and urns seem a fitting decoration, and, as Mr. Perkins says, 
 is a custom of very ancient date, as proved from the lines : 
 
 *'Indocti primura; quanquam plena omnia gypso 
 Clirysippi invenias 
 
 and he continues, " the bust of a great author seems fitly placed on the top of 
 a book-case." 
 
 Marble busts placed on pedestals and statuettes on brackets, with vases, 
 bronzes and other articles of vertu, are most suitable ornaments for the library. 
 To correspond with the old style book-case described on the preceding pages, 
 a simple table, such as we gave for the sitting-room, and a chair of the kind 
 called the " Cromwell." 
 
 The " Square English Gothic " style of furniture presents* many advantages 
 for the library, and when neatly and substantially constructed and embellished 
 with taste is certainly the most sensible class of furniture that can be made. 
 
 Furthermore, as regards economy, a full set (or suite) of this furniture, from 
 
BEAUTIFUL HOMES. 
 
 135 
 
 the stool to the book-cases, — including chairs, table, writing-desk, cabinets and 
 wall-shelves, — may be made at home, or as has been suggested in regard to 
 other pieces of furniture, by the neigh- j-r 
 
 n 
 
 ^ 
 
 Fig. 74. 
 
 boring carpenter, at a cost not exceeding " I 
 twenty-five dollars; and when neatly 
 stained (if the wood is pine) and em- 
 bellished with marquetry, imitation of 
 ivory-inlaying, or with a few simple carv- /^^ 
 ings, forms a suite at once substantial ^^ 
 and elegant. Some persons may object 
 to the simplicity of form or, as they 
 term it, " the old fashioned " appearance 
 of this style, but the taste that has from 
 association or education been taught to 
 find the greatest beauty in simple forms 
 and delicate colors, will at once accept these forms as portraying the highest 
 style of Art. 
 
 An apartment is furnished in good taste just so far as it subserves the end 
 and occupation to which it is devoted. The library, therefore, as a place for 
 study, or the quiet nook in which one is to lose one's self in a delightful book, 
 or perhaps the apartment devoted to the most sacred hour of the day, the even- 
 tide, when the family circle is drawn together, should be a domestic room, 
 
 where the lamp should cast no garish 
 light upon tinsel and tawdry finery of 
 hangings and upholstery, but with 
 quiet restfulness be caught by those 
 subdued shades, that produce only a 
 sense of every kind of warmth and 
 comfort; that kindly seclusion and 
 feeling of entire rest which shall not 
 fail to distribute refining and happy 
 influences on all who enjoy its care- 
 fully appointed surroundings and be- 
 longings, those artistic forms and 
 beauty of tints which combine to 
 form a perfect apartment. 
 
 The suite of Gothic furniture which 
 consists of seven pieces, the table 
 having been previously described in 
 ^^' ' chapter on tables, the stool, there- 
 
 fore, being the most simple article, will next occupy our attention. It will be 
 found an exceedingly tasteful little piece of furniture. 
 
136 BEAUTIFUL HOMES. 
 
 To make it, take three pieces of one inch plank, one foot, ten inches long and 
 two feet, six inches wide for the legs, which are arranged in an equilateral tri- 
 angle, of which each side at the bottom measures fifteen inches, and at the top 
 eight inches. They are screwed together by means of cross-pieces of one-half 
 inch plank, as shown in Fig. 76. The top is sawed circular, one foot in diame- 
 ter, of one inch plank, and is screwed to the cross-pieces. On this canvas is 
 tacked (or a cushion), and tightly stuffed. The ornamental cover is then put 
 over this and fastened with ornamental gilt nails. On each side (upon each 
 
 Fig. 76. Fig. 77. 
 
 two feet,) is screwed the ornamental panel, below the top, while across the 
 lower part, two-thirds from the top, are cross-pieces of the one-half inch plank, 
 with an ornamental piece in the center sawed like Fig. 77. 
 
 All the ornamental open work on these pieces of furniture is sawed out 
 with a small panel saw, and the whole surface is then rubbed smooth and 
 stained either in imitation of oak, walnut or rosewood, or ebonized. 'No more 
 appropriate embellishment can be added than simple lines of color, white or 
 yellow, and a few figures added in imitation of inlaid-ivory work. 
 
 The library-table has been described ; and almost similar in construction, as 
 regards the lower part, is the writing-table. Fig. 78 ; the only difference being 
 that the top is carried on a frame-work which passes all around and is dove- 
 tailed together at the corners, instead of being supported by cross ledgers 
 merely. The materials used are of the same kind ; and also the ornamenta- 
 tion, which may be very much richer than that given in the illustration. 
 After fastening oil-cloth or velveteen over the top, the back, sides, and strip 
 on the front (which are dovetailed together at the corners), are screwed on 
 with large round-headed screws. 
 
 The upright pieces which form the divisions between the pigeon-holes are 
 next placed in position and screwed from the back ; then the board forming 
 the shelf is fastened down on them ; and lastly the strips passing in front of 
 them at the bottom and top (the last indented to form arches,) are screwed 
 on. The whole of this upper part is formed of one-half inch board. The 
 dimensions of this desk are : height, two feet four inches ; breadth, three 
 
BEAUTIFUL HOMES. ' 137 
 
 feet three inches ; depth, two feet three inches ; cost of materials about one 
 dollar. 
 
 If desired it may have the back made higher and be ornamented with brack- 
 ets on the upper part. Or the lower part may form a closed case upon each 
 
 Fig. 78. 
 
 side, with an arched opening across the center which obviates the necessity of 
 legs, and affords a convenient receptacle for paper, a few reference books, etc. 
 The height of the case is two feet three inches ; its breadth three feet six in- 
 ches ; the sides of the inclosed cases on the sides are of three-fourth inch plank 
 placed vertically and screwed together by means of ledgers. 
 
CHAPTER XI. 
 THE LIVING-ROOM. 
 
 The present living-room, but the dear old sitting-room of our grand- 
 mothers' days, is perhaps after the " Mother's chamber," the dearest place in 
 all the house. We say after the mother's chamber, yet in the Western states 
 and indeed in many dwellings throughout our country, the sitting-room is the 
 mother's chamber, two merged into that general sitting, lounging, and dolce far 
 niente apartment, where all feel at home, and from which many previous mem- 
 ories are carried forth to the after days spent amid the busy, careless world. 
 
 It is taken for granted that every family has its sitting-room ; it may be the 
 elegantly furnished apartment of some lordly dwelling, or the one room of the 
 poor mechanic, but if here the loved ones all gather, when the evening brings 
 together the scattered band, whether it be from the banking-house of the 
 wealthy householder or the worllshop of the blacksmith, whether the children 
 flock from the spacious nursery and fashionable academy, or from making mud- 
 pies in the back-yard and from the close confines of the crowded public school, 
 and whether they come to meet the beautiful mother clothed in " soft raiment," 
 or the meek-faced woman, who in calico dress prepares the evening meal — it is 
 all the same, she is mother ; and it is her sweet and loved pi-esence that cheers 
 the dear old room, making, whether elegant or simple, the living-room the room 
 where the real life of the family is felt, and wherein the sweetest associations 
 are brought together to make this always and forever the most pleasant spot 
 the world contains. 
 
 With these views then, we urge upon the " housewife " and " house-mother " 
 the importance of rendering this spot in every way the most attractive one in 
 the dwelling. Here gather together all that can most please and prove most 
 conducive to the general satisfaction and comfort. Study the wants and pref- 
 erences of each one and, as far as possible, gather them here to form one perfect 
 whole ; a room filled full of love, and made in every possible way attractive to 
 old and young. For this reason select the brightest and most comfortable apart- 
 ment in the house for the general room, for what are strangers and mere casual 
 visitors compared with your own loved band ? Therefore, if it be necessary, 
 sacrifice even the parlor, if it proves to be the most popular apartment the 
 house contains. We know of an instance where we believe a father and a 
 grown-up son were saved from ruin by the mother and unselfish, loving sisters' 
 
BEAUTIFUL HOMES. 
 
 139 
 
 sacrificing the cold, uninviting parlor to the requirements of the family, and 
 using them daily to sit and eat in. Let this room, therefore, be the first to 
 receive attention ; and here bring the pretty home-made knick knacks which 
 give such an air of cosy comfort ; not bought articles, but things that 
 you can say to father and brother, " I made this," and " mother made that," 
 or such and such a one arranged the other. By such little devices, men are 
 frequently brought to take an interest in home affairs, and this is not a feeling 
 to quickly die out, but is rather one that luxuriates and grows by feeding. 
 The pretty sewing-chair and table shown in the illustration, Fig. 79, pre- 
 
 Fig. 79. 
 
 sent such a tasteful and inviting aspect, that any lady might desire to take a 
 pattern by them (which may be easily done, as we will endeavor to show), for 
 no prettier arrangement can be made for the sitting-room. Both chair and 
 table, so far as the frame-work is concerned, are so exceedingly simple in form, 
 that they may be made with but little trouble or expense by any person with a 
 little mechanical skill, and with the directions given in a previous chapter. 
 To make the chair more comfortable, it might better have a thick padded 
 cushion placed beneath the worked strip. 
 
 The table-cover and strip for chair are made of gray pressed flannel, with a 
 lining of soft colored stuff of any kind convenient; which tacked evenly to- 
 gether, is stitched in diamonds on the sewing-machine. In the center of the 
 table-cover and down the center of the chair-pad are bouquets like Fig. 81, cut 
 from gay woolen goods and embroidered with application work or, petite-point, 
 zephyr, at pleasure. As a border, strips of scarlet and dark gray flannels are 
 pinked out on each edge and fastened with half-polka and button-hole stitches, 
 
140 
 
 BEAUTIFUL HOMES. 
 
 and a row of machine stitches on each edge. Heavy fringe jSnishes the edges of 
 each. 
 
 Another handsome cover for the table and chair are made by quilting the lin- 
 ing and outside in diamonds, or other figures on the sewing-machine in various 
 colors, and putting strips of contrasting color on for borders, finished with 
 rows of alpaca braid stitched likewise on the machine. Gray and ecrn-colored 
 damask linens, embroidered in chain-stitch on the figures, make beautiful cov- 
 ers, and if done with scarlet and other fixed colors in embroidery thread, pos- 
 sess the valuable recommemdation of being susceptible of cleansing ; no light 
 matter when they are in apartments constantly in use. 
 
 Fig. 80. Fig- 81. 
 
 This class of table and chair-cover, we would particularly recommend to our 
 readers, having found their value for week after week, to enjoy the luxury of 
 fresh, glossy, carefully washed covers, is no small matter, especially during the 
 hot weather, when everything that can add to the cool and refreshing aspect of 
 the apartment becomes of momentous importance. And what imparts such a 
 sense of heat and general aridness than covers of heavy bright colored woolen 
 stuffs, which one fairly dislikes to handle. These may appear trifles to the 
 busy housewife, but it is by just such little matters that the home is made de- 
 lightful or uncomfortable. 
 
 SEWING-MACHINE AND EUG. 
 
 Onr illustration in Fig. 82, shows a beautiful sewing-machine with its stool 
 and rug, tlie latter being the article which we desire to describe to our readers, 
 inasmuch as every sewing-machine should be furnished with this article, thus 
 
BEAUTIFUL HOMES. 
 
 141 
 
 preventing oil from dripping on a handsome carpet perhaps, and also insuring 
 it against the hard wear and tear, necessarily attending the constant use of an 
 article of furniture in one position for an extended period. 
 
 The rug here, is made of a square of heavy cloth on the edge of which is a 
 border of scarlet cloth, pinked out on the edge, as is also that of the upper part. 
 The upper part of the rug is embroidered in application work, point Russe and 
 
 Fig. 82. 
 
 half-polka stitches, as shown in Fig. 83, which shows a section of one corner. 
 The circular star-like pieces may be of scraps of various kinds of cloth held with 
 stitches of contrasting color, while still smaller scraps are used for the dots, held 
 by cross-stitches of bright colored zephyr. The coral work is in zephyr of 
 bright colors, as scarlet, green, yellow, blue, etc., as may be convenient. Line 
 the rug with a piece of oil-cloth, which will tend to hold it in proper 
 position. 
 
 The sewing-machine or work-stand always needs some heavy or firm article, 
 
142 
 
 BEAUTIFUL HOMES. 
 
 to which M^ork may be fastened ; some use for this purpose what is called a 
 sewing-bird, others a pincushion screwed to the edge of the table, while many 
 prefer a brick pincushion ; the most convenient and at the same time hand- 
 some article, we have seen for this purpose, is a lead or stone cushion such as 
 shown in Fig. 84. This is easily made at home, and requires for materials, me- 
 dium sized canvas, shades of Berlin zephyr, merino, velvet, two yards satin rib- 
 bon one-half inch wide, card-board and corded silk braid, also two rings, ribbon 
 wire, and a heavy stone or lead. Make a case by cutting the card-board into 
 six pieces live inches high, four wide at top and three at bottom, covered with 
 muslin, and a bottom cut to fit the narrow part of the sides'making a hexagon, 
 
 all sewed neatly together. In this the stone is 
 ^, placed and covered to a depth of three inches 
 with wool or bran ; closely pack beneath a cover 
 of strong muslin. Fig. 84, shows one complete 
 '^ square of the rug-work and size of canvas, and 
 colors may be arranged to suit the taste in type 
 style. In laying over the thick long stitches 
 
 Fig. 83. 
 
 Fig. 84. 
 
 which appear only on the upper side, and only as back-stitches on the under, 
 the needle with the zephyr is always put through under every two threads 
 of the canvas alternately on the one and other side edge, and so that between 
 every stitch two threads of the canvas are left untouched. 
 
 The sides of the basket arranged in pockets requires a cross-piece of brown 
 velvet twenty-four inches long and five inches wide, with stiff wire ribbon 
 sewed into the upper edge, which is finished as also the lower edge with a 
 corded silk braid, and the rug-work with either the same or a woolen one made 
 of the zephyrs used on the work, straps of this also separate the divisions of 
 the pockets. Two strong rings of covered wire or rubber, are securely fastened 
 
BEAUTIFUL HOMES. 
 
 143 
 
 Fig. 85. 
 
 to each end, and bows of ribbon finish the 
 top. 
 
 The tasteful cluster of pocket shown in Fig. 
 85; is intended to be hung on -the sewingr 
 machine, and is useful for holding balls of 
 cord, and the spools or other utensils required 
 about sewing. They are made of five triangu- 
 lar pieces of canvas, (eighteen inches on the 
 side,) embroidered in points with zephyr of four 
 or five different shades of one color, (or one or 
 two in contrast if preferred). 
 
 The upper edges are finished with woolen 
 chenille to suit the color of the work, and if 
 desired, tassels may depend from each point at 
 the bottom. Each pocket is lined with bright 
 colored muslin to suit the color of the zephyr on 
 the embroidery, and ribbon loops at the top with 
 a long one for suspension, finish the pockets. 
 
 YASE STAJSTD. 
 
 The pretty stand. Fig. 86, is an artistic piece of work, and a specimen of the 
 beautiful painting on wood, though if there be any one not possessing sufficient 
 skill to perform this pretty work, there is another method by which it may be 
 made. We will describe the wood painting first ; a piece of hard close-grained 
 wood is selected, or if pine 
 is necessarily used, it must 
 receive three coats of zinc 
 white, in which sufficient 
 lamp-black is rubbed to 
 make stone color ; when each 
 of these coats has dried suc- 
 cessively, another is given 
 of Copal varnish, this must 
 become perfectly hard and 
 be rubbed off with pumice. 
 
 Fig. 86, 
 
 another coat of varnish applied, which when dry is to be highly polished with 
 powdered pumice first, then with powdered Tripoli and oil until as smooth as 
 glass, when rub off with finely pulverized starch ; the design is marked off on 
 this light gi'ound by sketching it first on paper pricking the outlines, and then 
 placing it in position and dusting with powder, the white lines are drawn with 
 a fine camel's hair brush and white tube-paint ; the lighter figures with bright 
 
144 
 
 BEAUTIFUL HOMES. 
 
 colors and gold, and the black with black tube-color mixed with a little varnish. 
 
 When done, a coat of outside varnish prevents injury. Four turned feet are 
 
 placed under the lower edge, and a neat rim on the outside. 
 
 There should be no small article of furniture in which the housewife, imbued 
 
 with delicate and refined taste, should take such interest as in her neat, and 
 
 pretty work-basket. To carry light work to the parlor or other place she may 
 
 be called, a light, flat basket is, of course, 
 necessary, but in the sitting-room or bed- 
 chamber, beside the sewing-machine or 
 window, a standing basket is by far the 
 most appropriate. An improvised article 
 of the kind is shown in Fig. 87. This 
 stand may be made of any four light, 
 round sticks ; handles of worn out umbrel- 
 las or brooms answering well ; when neat- 
 ly painted, or covered with zephyr, and 
 gilded or bronzed. These rods should be 
 about twenty-seven inches in height, with 
 two short cross-pieces screwed into them 
 of nine inches in length, with ornamental 
 rings, made of wire, covered with crochet- 
 work. The rods and rings have scarlet 
 braid twined around them, which give a 
 beautiful effect. The tray-like basket, 
 fifteen and three-fourth inches long, ten 
 ^^* and one-fourth inches wide, and five 
 
 inches deep with handle one inch wide, eight and one-half inches high, and ten 
 
 and one-half inches across ; is made of stiff, heavy pasteboard edged with wire ; 
 
 and with a bottom of same, covered with muslin, 
 
 and also stiffened with wire. This basket is covered 
 
 on the outside with crimson or other bright colored 
 
 glazed cambric, and lined with silk or the same 
 
 colored cambric as outside, handsomely embroidered 
 
 on the bottom, and fitted up with pockets and other 
 
 conveniences. An edge like Fig. 88, of tatting, with 
 
 a ring border above it is made, and stiffened with 
 
 thick glue ; then varnished with Copal. The handle is finished like the rods, 
 
 and ribbon is run through the rings. Woolen balls hang from the frame. 
 
BEAUTIFUL HOMES. 
 
 145 
 
 WALL-POCKETS. 
 
 As a general custom, wall-pockets are placed in the sitting-room, library, hall, 
 or chamber, more frequently than against the walls of the parlor, but there 
 are many articles even in the parlor which might better be kept in a handsome 
 wall-pocket or basket, than littering tables, piano and even the sofas and chairs. 
 !N^ot that a little graceful confusion is unpleasant to the artistic taste, but that 
 this license may be carried to that point which amounts to disorder, and is a sure 
 sign of careless housekeeping ; there- 
 fore, though a few of the late papers 
 and magazines, an interesting book, 
 a basket of delicate work or even a 
 game or two, may occupy appropriate 
 positions on tables and stands — let 
 the majority of such articles find an 
 appropriate resting place in the beau- 
 tiful wall-pocket or hanging-basket. 
 
 These articles, when used for the 
 parlor, should be of the most elegant 
 kinds, and may be enriched either 
 with embroidery, painting, or other 
 fancy work — of which we give a 
 variety of patterns and designs in 
 order that there may be different 
 kinds from which a selection can 
 be made, and which will serve as 
 guides for making others, of differ- 
 
 Fig. 89. 
 
 ent materials and modified forms better suited to the circumstances of various 
 cases. 
 
 For Fig. 89, cut three oval pieces of stiff card-board; the middle one a 
 third larger than the sides, and aback shaped like the three pieces when placed 
 together, as shown in the engraving. The back and front pieces are lined with 
 glazed muslin ; the two lower front pieces, with blue merino, on which is em- 
 broidered in satin stitch a pretty design, while the central piece (which it will 
 be noticed is somewhat larger) is of a deeper shade of blue — or a contrasting 
 color — likewise embroidered. By basting back and front pieces — both lining 
 and outside on separate pieces of card, and overwhipping them together, a very 
 strong case is formed ; and the stitches may be covered with heavy cord. The 
 back and front are connected by long, triangular pieces of morocco or merino, 
 across the top of which is fastened an elastic band, holding them in plaits, and 
 admitting of extension if necessary. Loops of cord at the top, and a full bow 
 of ribbon at the bottom finishes this - tasteful pocket — which may be used not 
 10 
 
146 
 
 BEAUTIFUL HOMES. 
 
 only for holding papers and other heavy articles, but forms a rack for cards be- 
 tween the edges of the oval pieces. 
 
 Fig. 90, is one of the richest wall-pockets that can be made, and though it 
 requires some artistic skill, it will not be found a difficult task to make it, and 
 no pattern we give will better repay the time spent on it. The form of the 
 pocket must be accurately drawn off and enlarged, so as to give the correct 
 outline of both back and front; the back ending in the scroll which shows 
 below the pocket. The whole is cut from light-colored wood, and the appear- 
 ance of projecting frame and fig- 
 ures are produced by careful col- 
 oring with India ink and Sepia. 
 The wood chosen should be hard 
 and close-grained. The design 
 is drawn in outline with a good 
 pencil, the light spaces and white 
 spots filled in with the best cake- 
 white, rubbed fine, and the black 
 portions in the same way with 
 India ink — while the shaded 
 lines are tinted with Sepia. The 
 remaining portions may be left 
 the natural color of the wood, or 
 colored a warm gray. When 
 thoroughly dry, go over with a 
 fine pencil and India ink. It 
 may be found necessary to go 
 over the black portions several 
 
 Fig. 90. 
 
 times, which should be done before these final lines are drawn, as they give a 
 certain prominent finish and decisiveness to the outlines not obtained by other 
 means. 
 
 When perfectly dry, give a coat of fine Demar varnish, and when dry, polish 
 with pumice-stone finely powdered and a wet flannel, taking care not to rub 
 into the colors. Repeat this until a highly polished surface is obtained. Line 
 the inside where the pocket commences with any material, such as crimson 
 velveteen or green oil-cloth ; and make a plaited strip of morocco of corres- 
 ponding color, to unite the back and front; tacking it on with gilt tacks, and 
 fastening an elastic band at the upper edges. Across the front of the pocket 
 is fastened a polished or gilded rod, on which are suspended bunches of tas- 
 sels ; and two heavy cords, furnished with rings and screws, are arranged on 
 each side of the back as suspension cords. The monogram of course may be 
 changed to suit circumstances, or a small ornamental figure may take its 
 place. 
 
BEAUTIFUL HOMES. 
 
 147 
 
 This pocket is equally elegant made with pine-wood ebonized and ornament- 
 ed with imitation of inlaying or gilding. 
 
 The form of Fig. 91 will be easily understood, and consists of a front about 
 one-third wider than the back in 
 order to make a projecting pocket 
 where the two circular pieces at 
 the bottom are sewed together. 
 The materials required are two 
 and a half sheets of stiff paste- 
 board, striped silk for lining the 
 back, and a shade of velvet har- 
 monizing with the most prominent 
 shade, for the front, with sufficient 
 satin or yros-grain silk of lighter 
 shade to form the application 
 design on the front, with coarse 
 sewing-silk for the stitches in- 
 
 closed in the scroll, and also the 
 
 light tracery of point Russe em- 
 broidery on the outer parts of the 
 
 arabesque design. Rich fringe 
 
 with cords and tassels finish this ^^g- ^i- 
 
 beautiful pocket, the beauty of which consists in the tasteful assortment of 
 
 colors and richness of material. 
 
 The wall-pocket for magazines and journals, shown in Fig. 92, requires a 
 
 half yard of scarlet or other colored 
 cloth, and one-quarter of a yard of 
 black velvet, two figures from Cre- 
 tonne, various colors of silk and 
 one sheet pasteboard. The form 
 of the back is cut of pasteboard 
 to suit the size of the journals to 
 be accommodated, with the pocket 
 corresponding with the lower part, 
 and gracefully curved on the upper 
 edge. The scarlet cloth covers the 
 back above and an inch or two be- 
 low the upper edge of the pocket, 
 and the entire front of the pocket. 
 On these is placed strips of the 
 black velvet cut to fit the figure on 
 the outer edge, and formed into 
 
 Fig. 92. ■ ° ' 
 
148 
 
 BEAUTIFUL HOMES. 
 
 scrolls and arabesques on fhe inner part. This applique work is done with 
 
 gold-colored silk in chain-stitching, and a cord finishes 
 the edge around the outside. Two oval or round spaces 
 are cut on each side of the pocket-front into which are 
 fitted medallions of Chinese figures, or others cut from 
 Cretonne. The lettering, flowers, etc , are done in vari- 
 ous colored silks, in chain, point Russe, half-polka and 
 satin stitches. A charming method of embellishing the 
 ovals in such work is by means of photographs as shown 
 in Fig. 93. Pretty faces or figure-pieces are selected and, 
 after cutting the margin away carefully, paste the design 
 against the material, and proceed to surround it with 
 embroidery, as shown in Fig. 93. Or a pretty arrange- 
 ment is a wreath of flowers in bright-colored silks, with 
 a pretty face peeping from the center. Materials, heavy 
 pasteboard, coarse, gray crotchet thread, cloth, velvet 
 or silk in bright colors. 
 
 Fig. 93. 
 
 PORTFOLIO. 
 
 The frame and decorations of this portfolio, are of rods and rings of the 
 thick heavy pasteboard, worked over with crochet as shown in Fig. 94 and 95. 
 
 The sizes of the two card-board plates covered on both sides with the 
 
 material used, and forming the 
 pocket, are ten inches long, and 
 eight inches deep for the back, the 
 front being about one and one-half 
 inches shorter. On the ends are 
 folded pieces of strong muslin 
 covered with the mantel, or better 
 still of morocco. The size of the 
 rings and rods may be judged by 
 the pattern Fig's 94 and 95, and the 
 arrangement from the illustration. 
 These may be covered with colored 
 zephyr, or the crochet-cotton, and if 
 the latter, might better be varnished 
 This kind of work possesses unusual 
 
 Fig. 94. 
 
 with Copal, which gives a beautiful effect. 
 
 beauty, and is not as widely known as it should be. 
 
 WALL-POCKET. 
 
 This wall-pocket is made of two panels of wood one-fourth inch thick, which 
 can be easily shaped, as shown in the illustration, and must be carefully 
 
BEAUTIFUL HOMES. 
 
 149 
 
 smoothed and ebonized as described in the proper chapter. The ornamentation is 
 
 of Chinese character, consisting of paintings in gold, and where a person does 
 
 not understand this class of fancy, work, 
 
 we would recommend them to use the 
 
 gold figures in Decalcomania designs, 
 
 which will be found well adapted to the 
 
 work, and may be procured of any style 
 
 desired. 
 
 The central oval panel on the front is ' 
 ornamented with rich embroidery, such 
 as the pattern in Fig. 95. An oval panel 
 of binders-board is the foundation for the 
 embroidery, which consists of an outer 
 piece worked on scarlet merino with a 
 piece removed from the center, into which 
 a piece of black velveteen containing a 
 monogram or other design is introduced, 
 and the edges finished with cord and stitches in half-polka or button-hole. The 
 ends are connected by triangular pieces (souffles) of scarlet morocco, with bands 
 of elastic let into the upper part, which is pinked out, and has slits five inches 
 below for the elastic bands. 
 
 Fig. 95. 
 
 WALL-POCKET WITH EMBKOIDEKY. 
 
 The case of this elegant wall-pocket is carved from pine wood, and afterwards 
 ebonized and gilded. On the front of the pocket is left an oval panel, in which 
 
 is fastened a piece of brown 
 cloth with an application of 
 ecru cloth on the center, fast- 
 ened with gold braid in two 
 rows one inch apart, with a 
 herring-bone stitching between 
 of coarse scarlet silk. Beyond 
 this is a piece of embroidery 
 with yellow silk in satin and 
 half-polka stitch. The ecru 
 cloth is embellished with a 
 rich embroidery in applica- 
 tion work, the details of which 
 are clearly shown in the full- 
 sized illustrations. 
 The cluster of circular flowers 
 
150 
 
 BEAUTIFUL HOMES. 
 
 are cut from scarlet and cherry-colored velvet, the stamens holding each petal 
 are of gold-colored silk, with green heart in knotted stitches ; the leaves are of 
 green velvet, worked with two shades of darker and lighter green silk. The 
 sprays of small leaves are of very light-green silk, with veins of yellow-green, 
 while the larger ones are of brown cloth with vines of yellow. The berries are 
 
 cut from purple velvet, held with 
 a little fine gum arable mucilage 
 on the back, and stems of green 
 silk. This panel is held in place 
 by a frame of application work, 
 consisting of lighter colored cloth, 
 worked in chain-stitching half- 
 polka point Russe, and satin stitch 
 embroidery. This panel may be 
 fastened in with gilt-headed nails, 
 which give a beautiful effect. Both sides of the pocket are lined with colored 
 muslin or oil-cloth (of the enameled kind) while at the top are fastened screw- 
 rings, with chains, which allow the front to fall open ; thus forming a case or 
 pocket. 
 
 Fig. 97. 
 
 Fig. 98. 
 
 Fig. 99. 
 
 Fig. 100. 
 
 A similar pocket and sack may be made by ornamenting the front panel with 
 a painted design, or by means of a " transfer ; " then painting over with ground- 
 color, and mounting with the painted side against the back ; the glass on the 
 front then presents all the fine effects of the rich, brilliant colors, thrown out by 
 the ground painting. Or the panel may be of wood, highly polished and em- 
 bellished with imitation of marquetry, ivory -inlaying or painting on the panel 
 in transparent colors, in imitation of papier mache. Either one of these styles 
 will be found exceedingly elegant, and where the entire hall furniture is orna- 
 mented and embellished to correspond, the effect will be found very beautiful, 
 and, moreover, this result may be produced with very ordinary pieces of furni- 
 ture. 
 
 CAKD AND LETTER RACK WITH PINCUSHION. 
 
 All housekeepers know the importance of having the "convenient pin" 
 always in readiness, yet frequently find it difficult to accomplish. For this 
 
BEAUTIFUL HOMES. 
 
 151 
 
 reason it is al^vays important to have a pincushion -^^-ell 
 supplied in some convenient position, and as there is 
 no law which is against necessary things being likewise 
 pretty, such a cushion should be made as tasteful as 
 possible. We offer therefore a beautiful design com- 
 bining the cushion aforementioned, and a rack for 
 letters and cards, which also require some convenient 
 receptacle. 
 
 To make this tasteful affair, saw out a panel of wood 
 for the back, of one-half inch plank, making it fourteen 
 inches long and ten inches wide, giving it the quaint 
 form shown in the illlustration ; next saw out the 
 three pieces forming the racks, which is easily done 
 with the fret saws and carving tools, or imitation carv- 
 ings may be used. 
 
 Xext, an oval cushion five inches long and seven wide Fig. loi. 
 
 is made of coarse cloth, and tightly stuffed with wool or bran. A cover of 
 velvet, or other material is embroidered with silk or zephyr, and fastened over 
 
 the cushion with a heavy 
 
 Six 
 
 cord around the edge. 
 
 tassels are fastened to the 
 
 lower part and make a 
 
 pretty finish. Fig. 102, the 
 
 one chenille is worked thus : 
 
 Transfer the design to the 
 
 silk, and work the violets 
 
 with fine violet chenille, 
 
 and the leaves with green 
 
 chenille. The veins and 
 
 stems are worked partly in 
 
 point Russe, and partly in 
 
 .^. , „ herring-bone stitch with 
 
 Fig. 102. * _ 
 
 green silk and chenille. 
 
 "We would suggest that the wood-work is handsomer when made of two con- 
 trasting colors, as walnut and whitewood ; pine is good if oiled. 
 
 LAMP-SHADE. 
 
 This lamp-shade shows a new style of work, and is brilliantly beautiful. 
 The materials required to make it, are white card-board, green, crimson, and 
 white gelatine paper (or if this is not practicable, thin silk may be substi- 
 tuted, though not with equal effect), three yards of inch-wide ribbon, and a 
 
152 
 
 BEAUTIFUL HOMES. 
 
 set of silhouettes three or four inches long, mucilage and six ornamental 
 buttons. 
 
 The shade consists of six sections, each eight inches long and five wide, which 
 
 are cut into a curved shape ending in a 
 point at the bottom, and at the top 
 gradually sloped to a width of four 
 inches. These have traced upon them 
 an arabesque design, such as shown in 
 the illustration, the interior parts of 
 which are carefully cut out with a very 
 sharp pointed knife, placing the card on 
 a solid cutting-board, and using care to 
 leave a half -inch edge all around the 
 outside and never dividing a figure so 
 that it has no connection and will drop 
 out ; in the center cut out a space a trifle 
 larger than the silhouettes, and interline 
 with green gelatine paper or silk, leaving 
 ^^S 103. ^^^ equal margin entirely around the 
 
 edge; the remaining open parts, line with the crimson and white gelatine paper. 
 Catch the leaves together with strong thread or silk, and fasten one of the orna- 
 mental buttons on each connection, then at the top tie them together with the 
 bows of ribbon, allowing a half yard to each. Lastly, having gummed the 
 silhouettes, moisten them very slightly and fasten them carefully in place on the 
 center of the green space. If these are made too damp, the gelatine paper will 
 become drawn and present an extremely unpleasant appearance, looking 
 wrinkled and sometimes cracking. If silk is used for these centers, line with 
 tissue paper. 
 
 MOVABLE SCREE:N' EOE LAMP. 
 
 The stand for this screen is made of slender wooden rods, and four turned 
 legs, all of which are finished with large agate beads. The upper part consists 
 of two oblong four-cornered frames, which are joined in the middle by means 
 of an upright pole fastened down into the bottom, and extending up to the top 
 of the frames. Into each of these frames, which are ten inches long and five 
 inches wide, is fastened a piece of card-board, either white or tinted, which has 
 traced out upon it a design figure, and cut out with a sharp knife, placing the 
 card on a piece of hard wood, and making clean incisions, so that each piece 
 will come out clear. Behind this fasten marceline or colored gelatine paper, glu- 
 ing it on the extreme edge with a narrow strip of fine muslin and lace, the panels 
 into the frame with gold thread, making holes for the cord with a large darning 
 needle or stiletto, and arranging the coils of cord evenly around the frame. 
 
BEAUTIFUL HOMES. 
 
 153 
 
 In cutting out the designs, prick all the stems, tendrils and other fine tracery 
 with a ^o. 8 sewing needle. On the top of the frame, and on different parts of 
 the base, arrange a few circles of wire, as shown in the illustration. The frame 
 here described may be ornamented in several other ways — thus having cut out 
 such a design as shown in the illustration, cover the back with two thicknesses 
 of the vivid green Tarlatan, called gas-light green, which produces a beautiful 
 effect ; otherwise, cut from the card-board, a central and four corner sections, in- 
 troduce into the central one a Diaphanie plate, representing some pretty scene or 
 group of figures, and into the other medallions, Rosaces or bright groups of colors, 
 found in some of the groundings and plates of borders. The effect of these 
 plates is as imposing as the finest stained 
 glass. Still another method is by means of 
 Photaphemie and Epiphanie — which high 
 sounding names are given to work as simple 
 as beautiful. By Photaphemie is meant 
 the pricking in of designs, with needles of 
 different sizes, and in shades, or window 
 transparencies, when placed against the 
 light, the effect is exceedingly fine, as also 
 is Epiphanie, which is, perhaps, still more 
 effective, and consists in sketching a design 
 very lightly upon a panel of thin card-board, 
 and cutting slashes into the broad lights, 
 cutting the points of leaves, petals, etc., and 
 by bending the parts in slightly, admitting 
 a ray of light to fall on this part, thus pro- 
 ducing the effect of sculptured marble. On 
 such panels as those shown in the present 
 model, a group of vine-leaves, with a clus- 
 ter of grapes, on one and an arrangement 
 of flowers on the other, would give a beau- 
 tiful effect in either of these kinds of work. In some cases, this kind of work is 
 lined with crimson, green, white or other color of gelatine paper, and the effect 
 is surprisingly beautiful. 
 
 Another beautiful effect is given by cutting out a space in the center of each 
 panel, and introducing photographs — then painting the panels around the 
 medallions with black lacquer ; or in this case it is better to use glass panels, 
 gumming the photographs and painting around them carefully with a fine 
 brush, then going over the remaining parts with smooth coats of black varnish 
 until the whole is colored. The margin must be carefully cut from around the 
 photograph, and the most appropriate characters are statuary pieces, or copies 
 of Madonnas, saints, etc., from noted paintings. 
 
 Fig. 104. 
 
154 
 
 BEAUTIFUL HOMES. 
 
 LAMP-MAT AND SHADE. 
 
 The mat beneath the beautiful antique lamp shown in Fig. 105, is as simple 
 and easily made as it is elegant, and our readers will not find a better pattern 
 for this useful article. 
 
 To make it, cut of card-board one circular form, ten inches in diameter, which 
 
 cover with green satin or merino. Then ap- 
 ply at regular distances, three inches apart, 
 around the edge, figures of green velvet 
 edged with button-hole stitching of darker 
 green silk, and embroidered with crosses of 
 point Russe stitching ; touch the back of 
 the velvet with gum, and paste each figure 
 closely to the foundation. Embroider, with 
 herring-bone stitch, a piece of fine white 
 silk or alpaca braid with green silk, and fas- 
 ten it in loops around the edge of the mat 
 so that one of the application figures shows 
 between each loop, as shown in the illustra- 
 tion. 
 
 Then arrange a second row of velvet fig- 
 ures between those before put on, and with- 
 in the divisions of the braid loops, as will be 
 clearly understood by examining the illus- 
 tration. Place a circular piece of velvet 
 embroidered in button-hole stitch on the 
 center of the mat, and line the whole under- 
 neath with a circular piece of green enam- 
 eled oil-cloth, catching the edge to the card- 
 board of the mat, or fastening with a touch 
 of glue on the center and edges. 
 
 The lamp-shade is one of the most re- 
 cherche that can be imagined, consisting of 
 green silk and crape or Tarlatan. The 
 ^^8- 105- fi^st thing to be done in making this 
 
 shade is to cut out six pieces of green silk, six inches long and four wide ; 
 and after marking out a design, (such as shown in the illustration,) on 
 each one, to button-hole stitch the outlines and then cut them out carefully, 
 to be put on as application embroidery at a later stage of the work. These 
 all embroidered, the most difficult part of the work is done ; then cut a 
 circular piece of card-board that will fit loosely around the lamp-chimney, 
 and half an inch wide, allowing it sufficiently large to admit of a ring 
 
BEAUTIFUL HOMES. 
 
 155 
 
 of tin within it to protect from the heat ; cover this with green satin ; next 
 cut of card-board six strips, each one inch wide and six inches long ; cover 
 these also with satin, and trim with the white braid embroidered with green, 
 (round the corners of the lower end of the card-board before covering,) then 
 arrange these on the circular piece at regular distances. ]!^ext cut of the 
 crape or Tarlatan twelve pieces, five inches wide and eight inches long, 
 rounding one end gracefully to a point ; place the sections two and two together, 
 and button-hole stitch the lower part in scallops, as shown in the illustra- 
 tion ; paste the application designs on, and after gathering each leaf, fasten 
 them around the circular top-piece, with the edges under the bands previously- 
 fastened on. Catch the edges to the bands w^ith a few stitches, and finish the 
 top with alternate rows of embroidered braid and green satin folds half an 
 inch wide. 
 
 .<i^i 
 
 LAMP-MAT m CLOTH AND VELVET APPLIQUE. 
 
 Materials : gray leather, ends of cloth, in white, scarlet, orange-yellow, blue, 
 and several shades of green and brown — pieces of purple and lilac velvet, shades 
 of green, yellow, white, and red purse silk ; also fine lilac sewing-silk, green 
 
 zephyr, and three shades 
 of ribbon (one inch.) 
 
 A circular piece of 
 thin,gray leather, twelve 
 inches in diameter, the 
 edges cut out into six 
 scallops of equal size. 
 .--„ The six dahlias decorat- 
 l^t] ing these scallops, are 
 made of cloth ; a scarlet 
 and white one alternate- 
 ly, made on small, cir- 
 cular pieces of card- 
 board one and one-half 
 inches wide; the outer 
 edge having twenty pe- 
 tals, the next fourteen, 
 the last eight. The lar- 
 gest of these folded like 
 a cornet, is shown in 
 Fig. 2, and spread out 
 flat in 1 ; in 2 it is shown 
 sewed together with a 
 Fig. 106. 2. stitch or two. The calyx 
 
156 BEAUTIFUL HOMES. 
 
 which holds the center is a knot made of two shades of green wool in loops, on a 
 little circle of card. For the two acacia sprays, Fig. 106 gives the full spray 
 with the pattern to be cut of yellow cloth, which is to be arranged as 
 shown in Fig. 106. Yellow silk makes the center, and a calyx is made of light 
 yellow-green zephyr. The bright green leaves of this blossom are cut out of 
 green cloth, button-holed on the edge with silk of same color, and fastened on 
 the mat with the veining. The beautiful convolvulus blossom is of blue cloth, 
 with a white cloth calyx. The latter with red veins in stalk stitch (half-polka). 
 The blae buds have capsules (or cups) of green silk, and a coil of red and white 
 silk wound around, as shown in the illustration. 
 
 The veins of the full-blown flower are made of loose stitches in red, white 
 and yellow silk, and resting on the blue worked calyx, (at the edge). The pansy 
 is cut from purple and lilac velvet and yellow cloth. The petals are cut out and 
 the edges touched with mucilage (to prevent raveling) ; they are then arranged 
 on a small scrap of cai'd or cloth ; the lower single leaf one inch large and the two 
 middle ones (on each side) are of yellow silk or cloth, the first join being hidden 
 by those placed over it ; requiring a piece of stuff folded a little in the middle and 
 rounded at the ends one and one-half inches long and half an inch wide ; these 
 leaves having points of lilac velvet pasted on. The two upper rounded leaves 
 each three-fourths of an inch high and half an inch wide, and the buds with 
 green calyx are entirely of lilac velvet. Steel beads and loose lilac silk stitches 
 make the blossom calyx of the pansies. Green silk ribbon gathered in the middle 
 is put as a finish all around the mat. 
 
 Fig. 107. 
 
 RUG FOR DOG. 
 
 In the sitting-room we generally find these privileged members of the family, 
 the dog, pussy, bird, and other pampered pets, belonging to the mistress of 
 
BEAUTIFUL HOMES. 157 
 
 the household, and to make them comfortable is frequently as much a matter 
 of grave consideration as to attend to the wants of any other of the home 
 group. 
 
 In order to prevent the soil that of necessity comes from constant use of 
 cushion, sofa-corner or even the rugs belonging to the room, dogs, especially, 
 should be provided with quilted cushions, rugs, such as we show in Fig. 107, 
 which is made of scarlet flannel thickly wadded and quilted on the sewing- 
 machine, thus making not only a useful but quite an ornamental affair of 
 " Fido's " bed. A fringe of w^oolen yarn finishes the edge, and a lining of oil- 
 cloth, renders it durable and easily moved. 
 
 As a fitting accompaniment to the lace covers, anti-macassars and other furni- 
 ture of this ,airy character, we gladly give a beautiful lamp-mat of the same 
 
 Fig. 108. 
 
 kind. This mat is equally suitable for vases, candlesticks, and on a tray be- 
 neath pitcher or glass. The materials required, are strong bobbinet, coarse 
 crochet cotton, and if desired in colors, scarlet or other colored zephyrs. When 
 done in white, it is easily washed, but the colors in zephyr retain their bright- 
 ness for a long time. The star. Fig. 109, shows the manner of darning the lace, 
 which is further explained in the full illustration which shows the mat in about 
 one-fourth its size ; the star being one-half the size if for a large mat, though 
 for a small mat the star will be sufficiently large as it is shown here. 
 
 The fringe is crocheted of cotton rather finer than is used for the mat. The 
 
158 
 
 BEAUTIFUL HOMES. 
 
 under part has a lining of bright colored glazed muslin sewed over a foundation 
 of card-board. When washed this is cut from the outside, and replaced after 
 
 Fig. 109. 
 
 the mat has dried. These mats are not only tasteful but durable, and for the 
 table or washstand answer admirably. 
 
 BRACKETS. 
 
 There is no ornament that can compare with the bracket in point of popular- 
 ity, and it holds its position justly, for certainly as regards both use and beauty, 
 it stands paramount in importance. 
 
 During the past few years, such wonderful improvements have been made in 
 the form and workmanship of this piece of ornamental furniture, that one can 
 scarcely recognize in the elegantly carved or painted specimen of to-day, the 
 simple shelf of former times. 
 
 Whatever else, may from necessity be excluded from the house, brackets 
 surely need not be one of them, for with the most ordinary materials and 
 a hammer and tacks, the tastefully made lambrequin may be tacked around a 
 simple shelf of pine nailed to two triangular braces, and an impromptu bracket, 
 of no mean pretensions is at once formed. This, the very simplest form of 
 bracket may be so greatly complicated, and richly embellished as to form one of 
 the handsomest of the article. 
 
 Besides shelves draped with lambrequins, brackets are of various forms, as 
 the corner bracket with its triangular shelf ornamented in front, the single and 
 
BEAUTIFUL HOMES. 
 
 159 
 
 double shelf, and various arrangements as regards the braces, backs, and other 
 variations of form. Xext to the simple shelf described above, the plain corner 
 bracket shown in Fig. 110, is the easiest made. The one here shown has a 
 
 Fig. 110. 
 
 drapery of cloth embroidered with feather-work, which makes a most exquisite 
 embellishment, the leaves and flowers are fastened on the cloth, which is pinked 
 out on the edge, and stiffened with card-board tacked beneath it. 
 
CHAPTER XII. 
 
 THE DINING-ROOM. 
 
 The dining-room requires less furniture than any other room in the house, 
 but it must at the same time be carefully selected as regards appropriateness 
 and usefulness. A characteristic of this apartment conspicuously noticeable 
 should be its brightness ; for this reason, if possible, the panes of glass should 
 be colored or ornamented in some manner. Relating to this subject we have 
 been pleased with a description of the window which lights the dining-room in 
 the residence of Mr. George S. Boughton (the American artist), in Grove 
 Lodge, Kensington, which is thus given by Mr. Conway : " Passing through 
 the curtains, we enter a hall about two-thirds the depth of the house, to the 
 dining-room. The hall is lined with fine, old engravings and cabinets, with 
 here and there an old convex mirror. The general color of the walls of the 
 dining-room are sage-green ; thus setting off finely the beautiful pictures and 
 the many pieces of old china. There are several cabinets which have been 
 designed by Mr. Boughton himself, and a houffet resembling one designed by 
 Charles Eastlake, but improved by being made higher. * * * This dining- 
 room is lighted by a large window set back in a deep recess, curtained off from 
 the main room with hangings of red velvet, and exquisitely environed by origi- 
 nal designs. The window is composed of the richest quarries, holding in their 
 centers each its different decorative flower, or other natural form, and these being 
 collectively the frame of large medallions of stained glass, representing Van 
 Eyck, Van Orley and the Burgomaster's Wife, from Van Eyck's picture in the 
 National gallery." 
 
 Now with the exquisite designs offered in Diaphanie and Yitromania, the 
 hall, library and dining-room may be as artistically adorned as though done 
 with the costliest stained glass. These designs must be adapted to suit the 
 size of the panes ; and no matter what these are, whether small or large, there 
 are sheets particularly adapted to them. We are so partial to this class of 
 work, that if it were possible we would insist upon every lady making a trial 
 of it on some one window at least; for this done, we feel confident that 
 others in appropriate places would quickly receive embellishment; and the 
 change illuminated glass makes in a hall or dining-room can scarcely be con- 
 ceived. Proper subjects for a dining-room window would be flowers, fruit and 
 
BEAUTIFUL HOMES. 
 
 161 
 
 Rosaces, or such figui'es as " Departure for the Chase," " The Seasons," " The 
 Twelve Months," etc., with borders, corners, and groundings of rich brilliant 
 colors. There is a lovely blue ground and another of crimson which are par- 
 ticular favorites. 
 
 A charming window is made from a Renaissance design, a medallion in 
 
 Fig. 111. 
 
 simple light and shade, with a lovely cherub in the center, and a clear blue 
 back-ground. For small panes, from six to twelve in a window, there are 
 figures representing Music, Painting, etc., of light and shade, or small Ro- 
 saces in Sepia and white, beautiful little landscapes, each a perfect gem pic- 
 11 
 
162 
 
 BEAUTIFUL HOMES. 
 
 ture in the most glowing colors, which, placed in the center of a pane and sur- 
 rounded by a border and grounding, gives a lovely effect. Such windows light 
 up a quiet-looking paper; and some graceful drapery will give an air of luxu- 
 riance to the room, even if the furniture be of simple form and unobtrusive 
 in appearance ; and for these nothing can compensate. 
 
 SIDEBOARD. 
 
 The old fashioned huffet of the French, which for so many years both in 
 England and in this country was considered necessary in every dining-room, 
 
 Fig. 112. 
 
 has been superseded by the more modern sideboard. This piece of furniture 
 is a necessity almost, inasmuch as it affords a place for various articles which 
 are required in this room alone. Therefore, though it be ever so plain, every neat 
 housekeeper should make an effort to have her sideboard, which may be im- 
 provised from very ordinary materials, and by the good housewife herself. It 
 might appear almost absurd to state that the illustration. Fig. 112, which is a copy 
 
BEAUTIFUL HOMES. 
 
 163 
 
 of a rich and costly piece of furniture, has been so beautifully imitated that it 
 appears quite as handsome as the one here shown. The Nyood-work consisted 
 of a lower case, three feet in height, three feet four inches in depth, and seyen 
 feet two inches long. On each end, closets were made as preyiously described, 
 the center left open as a receptacle for the urn, wine cooler, or other high 
 article. On this case was a second one, one foot less in length, five feet high 
 and two feet deep, the ends of which are divided into little niches for lamp or 
 they may be shelyed, the center a cupboard, the door of which is one solid 
 panel, ornamented with a picture upon the polished surface. If possible the 
 wood-work of this sideboard might better be of black walnut, but pine neatly 
 stained can be made to answer, and should be ebonized, in which case the arti- 
 ficial wood caryings with which it is enriched should be left in the natural color, 
 but if the wood is walnut these should be ebonized. 
 
 Mouldings of walnut or pine can be procured, also neat beading, and these 
 with a dozen or two of shell and scroll ornaments, four floral panels, three key 
 
 escutcheons for the drawers, and a set of handsome 
 pieces for the center of the top panel, will make the 
 work as rich in appearance as the sideboard shown in 
 the illustration. A cabinet-maker would make the 
 plain case with three drawers in front, and closet 
 
 Fig. ii;; 
 
 Fig. 114. 
 
 Fig. 115. 
 
 doors neatly paneled (of pine) for a moderate sum, probably from ten to twenty 
 dollars, according to the price of work in the place, and the great beauty of the 
 
 Fig. 116. 
 
 piece of furniture consists in the finishing and embellishments, which when 
 well done would make it worth ten times the amount. We give this as one of 
 
164 
 
 BEAUTIFUL HOMES. 
 
 the best specimens of what the wood-carvings are capable of producing. The 
 doors upon the sides are finished with appropriate carvings of game or fish; for 
 though we agree with " Marion Harlan d " and others, in thinking that this class 
 of ornamentation " savors too much of the poulterers," still if applied judicious- 
 ly they appear well, and on this piece of furniture are peculiarly handsome. 
 The stag's head surmounting the back, is also of the same material and cor- 
 responds with the style of embellishments. This back is separate from the 
 upper part of the sideboard, and is made of a piece of inch thick plank, sawed 
 out on the top in scroll form, in the center of which is the 
 ornaments named above, with oak- 
 leaves below. The door in the 
 center is made of a solid panel, 
 the surface of which is polished 
 and repolished until a uniform 
 porcelain-like solidity is obtained, 
 upon which a picture is painted 
 oi" transferred, and for which we 
 would recommend a fine engrav- 
 ing. 
 
 Should carving of fruit be pre- 
 ferred, such a top-piece as Fig. 
 120, with panel and side-pieces 
 like Figs. 121 will be found 
 equally elegant ; the shell orna- 
 ments applying to either, and 
 handles, escutcheons, etc., may be 
 Fig. 117. procured that are adapted to each j ^^^- ■^^^• 
 
 oak-leaves and acorns, where game is used; shells, where fish ; and grapes with 
 vine-leaves or other fruit, where the various fruit ornaments are preferred ; 
 where all are so beautiful, it is difficult to make a selection. 
 
 Another elegant sideboard is shown in Fig. 119, which is given more to show 
 a fine form and arrangement than with any idea of recommending the rich 
 ornamentation. Still some of our readers may even desire to imitate this ; 
 and with the exception of the top, it may not, after all, be so difficult a matter 
 as would be supposed at the first glance. Let us examine it in detail, and 
 ascertain whether we could not make one at least approaching it in beauty of 
 form and embellishment. For the lower part, we have two cupboards, made in 
 the model with round corners, (but this is not important). Above these two 
 cupboards are drawers of same width, (both about the size of the one previ- 
 ously described). These are separated by wide ornamental mouldings, orna- 
 mented with carvings, — such as the floral ornaments described in chapter on 
 bedsteads. This lower part is three feet, four inches high, two feet deep, and 
 
BEAUTIFUL HOMES. 
 
 165 
 
 five feet long. The embellishment consists in ebonized panels, with a few 
 carved ornaments around both the oblong and diamond-shaped panels. 
 
 Isext the back part is made : a case fourteen inches deep, three feet, six 
 inches wide, and five feet high, is securely nailed on the bottom part ; within 
 this, three shelves are fastened on ornamented iron or carved wooden brackets 
 (the iron ones, of tasteful form 
 and neatly bronzed, are very pret- 
 ty and possess great strength) ; 
 above this and across the front, 
 one of the handsome ornamental 
 head-pieces like Figs. 120 and 121, 
 which could be appropriately sub- 
 stituted for the arch. At a point 
 in Fig. 120, (which would be fast- 
 ened against the top of the frame) 
 an ornamental vase or urn could 
 be placed ; or, if the top is desired 
 still higher, a small box about 
 fourteen inches long, ten inches 
 deep, and two feet high, must be 
 fastened securely to the top of the 
 frame-work, the open part out ; the 
 edges must be ornamented with 
 leaves, scrolls and mouldings, cor- 
 responding strictly in character 
 with the remainder of the work. 
 Within this may be stood an urn 
 or statuette, and on the top, a 
 similar ornament, or one large and 
 a smaller one on each side; by 
 fastening ornaments on the cor- 
 ners of this upper box, an arched 
 form may be given to it similar to 
 the illustration. 
 
 On each side of the case, con- 
 
 Fig. 119. 
 
 taining the shelves, and just at one side of it, a piece of plank two or three 
 inches thick, one foot high, and six inches wide, is nailed in the position shown 
 in the illustration, and behind these pieces, (a few inches at one side) are simi- 
 lar ones supporting brackets, on which stand miniature columns or posts, extend- 
 ing to the top of the case ; while upon those in front are figures of " Pomona " 
 and " Flora "; in the original these are of costly bronze, but of which, really 
 charming copies in plaster may be obtained, which may be beautifully bronzed. 
 
166 
 
 BEAUTIFUL HOMES. 
 
 as also the fluted columns behind. This may appear like a formidable piece of 
 work to undertake, but it is not an impossible thing to accomplish by any 
 means, and where a handsome saite of furniture is desired, the result, if satis- 
 factorily obtained, is well worth the effort, and will amply repay all expenditure 
 of money, labor, care or time. 
 
 The various embellishments and adornments on this piece of work can be 
 clearly understood by examining the illustration, and to make a perfect and 
 satisfactory " job " (as the workmen term it), each part must be carefully done. 
 The great beauty of such imitations as this, where every part is rich and elegant, 
 
 Fig. 120. 
 
 is perfect neatness ; and the carefully finishing up each minute detail, however 
 delicate or complicated it may be. 
 
 It is to be regretted that so many imperfect imitations of home-made furni- 
 ture and home-made elegancies are exhibited, as thej'' are calculated to bring 
 this class of household arrangement into disrepute ; whereas, it being so valua- 
 ble to many not possessed with abundant means, it should, in every instance, 
 bear witness not only of the beauty, but the durability and perfection to which 
 such work may be brouglit. 
 
 In making such a piece of valuable furniture as this sideboard, which is a 
 noticeable example of first-class furniture, the following rules must be observed if 
 neat and durable work are to be the result : The frame-work must be solid and 
 
BEAUTIFUL HOMES. 
 
 167 
 
 substantial ; if it is of pine, the surface must be neatly painted or stained ; 
 rubbed smooth and oiled or varnished, (oiling appears in the best taste) or, 
 better still, ebonized, and polished in the most perfect manner ; the wood carv- 
 ings must be carefully selected, each piece corresponding in style ; and not 
 using several kinds; for instance, if fruit and scroll designs — do not use several 
 varieties of the fruit ornaments, (but either grapes and vine-leaves, nuts, or 
 tropical fruit entirely) ; if the surface is ebonized, these appear best in their 
 natural soft, brown color, without oil or varnish. To have them adhere well, 
 make the surface of the wood (on which they are to be placed) slightly rough, 
 and sprinkled with coarsely powdered charcoal, black pepper or cinders crushed 
 
 Fig. 121. 
 
 to a powder, allow this to dry, then coat the surface of the carving with rather 
 thick glue (about the consistency of syrup) and after placing the ornament in 
 its place, lay a weight upon it until dry. It is best where possible, to screw 
 these carvings from the back, and they may be obtained with screw-holes made 
 in them. 
 
 Where pictures are to be transferred to any smooth surface, it should be made 
 scrupulously clean, and great care should be used to apply it directly in the 
 position desired — as such an embellishment placed to one side, or in any manner 
 crooked, presents a most careless appearance, and is at once noticed by the 
 critical eye. Attention to these little preliminaries, and neatness as regards the 
 minute details, are the " littles " which insure perfect results. 
 
168 BEAUTIFUL HOMES. 
 
 COTTAGE SIDEBOAEDS. 
 
 A dwelling to be in perfectly good taste, must be furnished according to its 
 proportions and style. In a small cottage house, the surroundings, as well as 
 the interior decorations and embellishments, should be of a simple, unobtrusive 
 character ; the colors quiet, and the light bright, (but not garish) in the Winter ; 
 shaded during the hot Summer weather; the furniture unostentatious ; while it 
 bears an elegant simplicity in all its features. Here the sideboards just des- 
 cribed, could be incongruous, though in another dwelling, no larger perhaps, 
 but of different character, they would appear perfectly appropriate. Many 
 persons of moderate, even humble circumstances, are called sometimes from 
 necessity to reside in large and even elegant dwellings ; the rooms are spacious, 
 with high ceilings and imposing windows ; the anxious housewife looks with 
 actual dismay upon the task imposed upon her, of furnishing such an abode — 
 understanding fully that the few yards of carpeting, the neat suites of furniture, 
 and diminutive lambrequins which fitted and appeared quite elegant in her old 
 cottage home, would not appear more than " the drop in the bucket " here ; this 
 is one of the cases where the various articles we have described will be of in- 
 finite value, and even the handsome and massive pieces of furniture prove the 
 " fitting thing." We know of three such cases as the above, that have come 
 under our notice recently, and which have encouraged us to tell others what 
 some women have done. 
 
 As a majority of our readers will probably be of the class which reside in less 
 spacious dwellings, we proceed to give some directions for making sideboards, 
 that will correspond with the chairs, bookcases, etc., described in previous 
 chapters, and these " square Gothic " styles will be found unexceptionable as re- 
 gards beauty of form and general appearance. The diuing-room always requires 
 its sideboard, and no matter how simple it may be, if constructed upon good 
 principles, it will be found a convenience of which no housekeeper will be wil- 
 ling to be deprived. 
 
 A beautiful cottage sideboard may be made as follows : the height of which, 
 exclusive of the ornamental back, is three feet two inches ; its breadth six feet 
 five inches ; its depth two feet. The sides of the two closet-like portions which 
 form the ends are of half-inch plank placed vertically, and screwed together by 
 means of ledgers at top and bottom ; the back portions of these upright pieces, 
 two inches wide, are carried through the top, as shown, and serving to sup- 
 port the ornamental backboard. Three-quarter inch strips pass diagonally be- 
 tween these end cupboards (as shown in the engraving,) and are let into the 
 backs of the inner iipright pieces ; and in front strips run at top and bottom 
 from end to end. The panels in the doors are ornamented or embellished in 
 any one of various ways — either by polishing the panel highly and using imi- 
 tation of marquetry, ivory-inlaying, or transfer pictures — (Dccalcomania or en- 
 
BEAUTIFUL HOMES. 169 
 
 gravings, covering with glass or merely varnishing) or with some simple pieces 
 of carvings. Imitation embossed leather looks well in such panels ; it is made 
 of French wall-paper, M'ith deep crimson moreen ground and gold embossed 
 figures in raised gold, which is tacked on a panel of half-inch wood ; the spaces 
 within the ends may be fitted entirely with shelves, or the upper part may have 
 drawers, though these are always difficult for the amateur to make ; a cabinet 
 maker might better be called on for this part of the labor. The whole case 
 must be securely held together by half-inch matched boards, screwed with flat- 
 headed screws from behind, and running horizontally from end to end at the back. 
 That portion of this match-boarding which appears above the top should be 
 decorated with fretwork opening, cut out with the bow-saws, and neatly finished 
 with the carving-tools. A unique and appropriate manner of finishing this 
 work is by using a set of devices such as the Grecian key, etc., and to heat them 
 until scorching hot, then apply them to the surface of the wood — burning the 
 form on in different shades of brown. Unless seen, no one can understand the 
 beauty of this simple embellishment. Our own keys, taken of various sizes, 
 may be made to form a beautiful border for doors, drawers, picture-frames, etc. 
 The top should consist of one half-inch plank, and be sawed long enough to 
 extend over the ends and top two or three inches. The top may be polished and 
 ornamented, or merely covered with white marbled oil-cloth, of the enameled 
 kind. 
 
 SIDE TABLES. 
 
 Besides the large dining-table which should always occupy the center of a 
 dining-room, a small table, or even two or more of them, not only appear well 
 but are very convenient for various purposes ; as a receptacle for dishes that have 
 been removed or are awaiting the arrangement of the table ; to place the des- 
 sert upon, and many other like uses. These tables should be long and narrow in 
 form, according to the dimensions of the room, and where this is small, the fold- 
 ing tables which can be put together and set aside after the meal is finished, 
 will be found the best form. These little tables are so simple in construction 
 that they may be easily made at home, and can be ornamented to correspond 
 with the remaining furniture. 
 
 A simple side table which upon occasion may be folded and set aside, is 
 made as follows: the frame consists merely of four rods or posts, forming legs 
 and support for the top. These are two inches in diameter, and three feet, six 
 inches long, fastened together, two and two, by long round-headed screws, which 
 allow them to be turned together; across these are two flat strips of one-inch 
 wood, three inches wide and three feet long, which are screwed to the ends of 
 the crossed legs, sawed off flat in order to allow them to be placed flat on the 
 top, after they are opened out ; round rods of the same kind are inserted into 
 holes at the lower part, as shown by the illustration. On this frame the top is 
 
170 
 
 BEAUTIFUL HOMES. 
 
 laid, and in order to make it secure, yet to allow its being removed at any time, 
 four wooden pins about an inch long should be inserted in the four corners of 
 the frame, to enter holes bored in this top, when it is laid in its place on the 
 frame. This frame-work may be made quite ornamental by painting and twin- 
 inof scarlet braid around the crossed-bars, and when covered with a tasteful 
 linen or muslin cover, such as is shown in the model, will form a beautiful 
 addition to a dining-room. 
 
 TEAY-COVEE. 
 
 Materials, fine linen or damask in white or colors, — such as gray or buff. 
 Embroidery cotton, No. 40, drilled thread, No. 20. Tray covers are not only 
 
 Fig. 122. 
 
 indispensa.ble as a table adornment, but are useful as a protection to elegant 
 and costly trays and to hide the deficiencies in those defaced and worn. 
 
 Fig. 123. 
 
 Illustration, Fig. 122, shows a beautiful pattern for these covers, and may be 
 adapted to trays of any size. This work is easily done and is extremely ele- 
 
BEAUTIFUL HOMES. 
 
 171 
 
 gant as well as durable. This same design may be used as application work, 
 fastening fine linen on strong lace, and button-holing the figures, then working 
 the cross threads in chain-stitch with a fine crotchet needle ; afterward cutting 
 away parts of the linen, leaving only the lace and cross-bars. 
 
 WINDOW-SCEEEI:^. 
 
 Especially useful and appropriate to the dining-room are the elegant screens 
 now so much used to place in windows, and of various styles and varieties, one 
 of which, and a charming specimen of them, is shown in Fig. 124. The mate- 
 
 Fig. 124. 
 
 rials required are coarse curtain-net, crochet thread 'No. 40, and black sewing- 
 cotton. The flowers are of the richest character, crocheted and fastened on the 
 net in a graceful group as a center piece, and arranged in the corners and singly 
 around the edge as a border. 
 
 These patterns shown in Figs. 125 and 126, offer the opportunity of using the 
 flowers in the effective Irish crochet for other purposes than the screen shown- 
 
172 
 
 BEAUTIFUL HOMES. 
 
 On account of the lacing of the net when finished over a frame of polished 
 rods fitted to the size of the window, the net must be cut somewhat smaller 
 than the frame. The shape of one of the middle sized crocheted flowers shown 
 in the screen, is seen in the illustration in its full size, and it is easy to arrange 
 the remainder from this in any desired size and shape, beginning in the middle 
 with a small piece of "Loose chain," this is crocheted round with ISC, in- 
 serting the hook through both chain links, ISC, being always added for the 
 upper and lower leaf-point. The single petals are afterward united by a circle 
 of S C, in order to make the flowers stand out still more ; in sewing on these 
 with stalk-stitch in black silk, the back is turned to the outside. The flower 
 calyxes to be made alone, are sewn on the inner flower edge, partly with visible, 
 partly with invisible single stitches, but have single knots as center. For the 
 small calyx, a small ring of S C, is laid under thick only surrounded by one 
 row of S C, while the larger flower calyx, must have a thick Picot edge as 
 
 Fig. 125. Fig. 126. 
 
 shown on the full sized leaf in Fig. 126. The flower added to this leaf has a 
 loose chain-ring to join 'on the leaves, this is crocheted over five times with 
 IDC, in treble crochet. 
 
 So also is the middle part of the leaf, (illustration) with the right side 
 turned to the oatside ; so the middle rib of 18 L Ch join next for one leaf — 
 (half; the following St. 1 S C, 1 D C, 2 T C, 8 DC , 2 H D C, and 4 SC, the 
 other half is then made iu an opposite direction. Now follow 2 rows of S C, 
 worked backwards and forwards. The S C. of the first row catch only in the 
 hind link (the front one makes an effective edge for the leaf) but for the second 
 row the crochet is turned and the hook put through both links. Tlie points of 
 the finishing edge marked by single stitches in sewing on the leaves, are of 
 common P. which are added always on the second edge St. with ISC. rounds 
 of different sizes crocheted in S S. beginning in the middle, give the berries ; 
 the stalks and tendrils are of L Ch. these according to the thickness required 
 are to be crocheted with S. Ch or SC. on one or both sides. Round the leaf 
 
BEAUTIFUL HOMES. 
 
 173 
 
 
 «... ^-=^y*w 
 
 ,.^.«:s» v«i»r *««£.•. » «»:« »;«.««•:♦:•:« 
 
 7^.».«n»r>'rAi 
 
 border the net ground is to be fastened down very firmly, and this before cutting 
 away the material ; the loops to lace on the blind of L Ch., are either put on 
 single or in small bunches and 
 lastly ; underneath the leaf edge. 
 They may be crocheted or sewn on 
 as appears most convenient. 
 
 Another beautiful window screen 
 is made by basting Swiss muslin 
 upon the net, and after tracing 
 corner pieces like Fig. 127, and a 
 center piece made of four of them 
 in a cluster (the points placed to- 
 gether in the center) then work- 
 ing the outlines with fine embroid- 
 ery cotton No. 18 in chain-stitch, 
 the grapes in satin-stitch, and after 
 all are completed, cutting away the 
 Swiss from the foundation, leaving 
 only the design. Such screens are Fig. 127. 
 
 exceeding elegant, and give a beautiful finish to a window, besides frequently 
 shutting out unpleasant views. 
 
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 xiaarmg- -v^o^jw.* m.»miir^ vm.vk.jx'.s.v.tvv >:«« 
 
 ■mrmur^' 1W 
 
 -4 f ^ =iaMMX.* 
 
 nfiasmiKKiiM, 
 
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 XXm^XMifi 
 
CHAPTER XIII. 
 
 TABLES, STANDS, ETC. 
 
 In speaking of the various pieces of f ar-niture required, or perhaps we should 
 say, desired for the different apartments, it is our wish to describe certain 
 simple forms of each kind, that may be made by a lady herself, or at least by 
 some member of her family ; or, these neither being practicable or necessary, 
 perhaps the nearest carpenter may be called upon. Such varieties of furniture 
 are simple in design and easy of construction, requiring but few tools, and only 
 plain pine wood, with some round-headed screws, brad nails, and some two or 
 three sizes of common nails, hinges and locks, paint, varnish and the usual 
 materials for upholstering, with glass perhaps for some of the dooi's. These 
 articles, being what is called '• home-made," will be honest in construction, 
 and this may be adduced as an argument in favor of their being in good taste, 
 for, according to the highest authority upon this point, ''though fitness is not 
 beauty, it is an essential part of beauty, and an article cannot be in good form 
 unless that form explains its construction and is adapted to the uses for which 
 it is intended. The form becomes " elegant " when due proportions and appro- 
 priate ornamentation or embellishmeiit is added." 
 
 Our desire is to give some specimens of plain, simple, but substantial furni- 
 ture, which, by proper and tasteful enrichinent of painting, staining or carving, 
 or the addition of hangings, trimmings and embroidery, may be made so rich 
 and elegant in appearance as to stand the test of critical observation and not 
 offend the eye of correct taste. A certain Gothic air will be preserved in each 
 article, because it appears to us that in this style can most readily be carried 
 out the great principles of making construction itself decorative. The articles of 
 "home-made furniture " we explain, have each been made in our own family, 
 and we can recommend them as being strong and durable. 
 
 Parlor tables, thirty years back, consisted in the inevitable " center-table," 
 and what was termed a " pier-table," Fig. 128 ; the latter being a sort of orna- 
 mental stand with three sides and a plain back, placed flat against the wall be- 
 neath the "pier-glass," which the long, narrow mirror was termed. Tliis table 
 was some four feet in height, with marble slab, and generally richly ornamented 
 with carving and gilding, but was an exceedingly stiff and ungraceful looking 
 piece of furniture. A few years later, the " pier-table " was superseded by the 
 gilded and marble-topped mirror-bracket, introduced for the accommodation of 
 
BEAUTIFUL HOMES. 
 
 175 
 
 the now extended mirror which reached from the ceiling to the floor, but the 
 popular center-table still held its place, and we may say is still admired by many 
 persons, though the tasteful little te(e-a-tetes that now dot the spaces of modern 
 parlors, are so very much prettier and give such a dainty appearance to even 
 the small room that they are becoming more and more popular, and bid fair to 
 discard the ancient center-table to the auction room, where perhaps the frame 
 will be purchased to serve in some ice-cream saloon of modest pretensions, and 
 the marble, cut into sections, ornament smaller pieces of furniture, such as 
 brackets or pedestals. Still, for a large room, the library or common sitting- 
 room, nothing can take 
 the place of a firm, neatly 
 made center-table, if by 
 this term is meant a table 
 for the middle or central 
 part of the room ; for what 
 can appear so altogether 
 social, so cosy, and withal 
 so convenient? 
 
 In a small parlor, how- 
 ever, and it is with this 
 apartment, greater or 
 smaller, that we are now 
 dealing, we should advo- 
 cate the use of several 
 small tables rather than 
 
 Fig. 128. 
 
 one large one; these to stand on the sides and in the corners, and not to 
 obstruct the limited space in the center. The tiny table which our young 
 ladies doubtless would call " a love of a thing," or if a particularly beautiful 
 specimen, a ^^perfect love," is called in England (where it is used for that 
 national institution, the "five o'clock tea,") " Belgravian tables" or "tea- 
 stands." They are Liliputian affairs of only from twenty inches to two and a 
 half feet in height, made with four slender legs, suj:)porting a slab of wood 
 about one-quarter of an inch thick (more or less according to size), which may 
 be from twelve inches to two feet in length and of proportionate width. The 
 methods of embellishing these elegant little affairs are ad infinilum. 
 
 They may be black, white or colored, inlaid or painted in French style, or the 
 Japanese, Chinese, or plain English. That is, supposing we desire to have one 
 of the light, gay little French stands ; first we make a simple frame, like Fig. 
 129, (which being of pine, and of the very simplest construction can be gotten 
 up for about twenty-five cents). This is rubbed down with " emery," or fine 
 sand-paper, and is then ebonized or painted with the enameled (zinc) paint, 
 made any desired color, or shade of color, a delicate pearl-tint, or one of light 
 
176 
 
 BEAUTIFUL HOMES. 
 
 sage-gray is pretty for light grounds, though pure white presents equal charms 
 perhaps ; this ground should when finished appear like glass with a solid pol- 
 ished surface, and should the zinc-lead fail to secure this, recourse must be had 
 to the varnishing and polishing previously described. Upon this is sketched 
 
 any design desired, such as flowers, birds, or even 
 a pretty scene, or group of figures. This sketch- 
 ing will be best accomplished by using the pounce- 
 bag ; thus the outlines of the design and principal 
 parts are drawn upon thin paper, and pricked with 
 a sharp pointed instrument, then placed upon the 
 table, and dusted with charcoal, lamp-black or 
 other powder. Upon carefully raising the paper, 
 the design will appear in small dots on the sur- 
 ^^' ^^^' face, and is then easily drawn off, using care to 
 
 make the lines very light. The painting is then done with tube-colors. 
 
 As many persons have not the time or ability to thus paint their furniture, we 
 would earnestly recommend them to resort to the Decalcomania pictures for this 
 and all work which calls for painted designs. Whatever may be urged in oppo- 
 sition to this imitation, it certainly has born the test of time and experience, 
 and become more and more popular as it has become better known. The writer 
 has had more than the average opportunities for testing the merits of this work, 
 and can testify to its value, and perfect adaptation to household adornment. 
 AVherever Decalcomania is not successful, it is either because the materials are 
 nob of good quality or the operator is careless and unskillful. Only procure 
 the very best of materials from those establishments known to be reliable, and 
 follow closely the directions given for the transferring the pictures, and you 
 cannot fail to procure an effect as perfect as a finished water-color, or illumi- 
 nated design. 
 
 By the best materials are meant, imported German and French plates, which 
 are of three kinds ; those upon white ground, showing the colors, (though not 
 so vividly as they will appear after having been transferred,) those covered with 
 gold foil, (in order to show the colors upon a black or dark ground,) and the 
 brilliant silver-lined designs, which appear to possess a planished metallic 
 luster that is peculiarly fine, and well adapted to certain kinds of work, as imi- 
 tation of painting on metal, etc. For the other materials, the " fastening varn- 
 ish " must be of the most reliable kind, warranted to be pure, or the designs will 
 not only curl and peel off soon after the operation, but- if it remains then, will 
 not " wear well," but in a short time appear worn and defaced. 
 
 The finishing varnish is simply Antique or Demar varnish, and should also 
 be of the finest quality — clear and of the consistency of syrup — not " gunmiing," 
 nor clouded. AVith such perfect materials, you will effect results that will give 
 entire satisfaction, and at this time when painted furniture is demanding and 
 
BEAUTIFUL HOMES. 177 
 
 receiving fabulous or " f aucy " prices, this means of obtaining elegances is not 
 to be lightly esteemed. 
 
 Many persons have a fear of attempting to transfer large designs ; there is no 
 necessity for this, for the writer has seen entire suites of furniture thus embel- 
 lished, where a table, the foot-board of a bed, doors of wardrobe and other large 
 spaces, contained designs eighteen inches in diameter ; and whether these were 
 the oval centers containing a set of scenes in Switzerland, surrounded by a gold 
 scroll-work border, or the charming groups of flowers, mosses and ferns, they are 
 alike lovely, and w^ere done without unusual trouble by a lady. Supposing then 
 that our little French table has been painted with a ground of pearl-gray, or 
 dove-color, on the center we will arrange a group of moss, roses and buds of a 
 delicate pink, with the lovely green and brown leaves ; a graceful border of the 
 same, in smaller buds, and half-blown roses in the corners, (which may be ob- 
 tained with scroll-designs, etc., arranged with corner pieces and continuous vine 
 for sides and ends). 
 
 Around the slender legs, minute roses and buds, (which comes in sheets ar- 
 ranged for edgings) can be put to run spirally from top to bottom. If the table 
 has a shelf, a smaller group of roses, or a simple spray may ornament it, to 
 correspond with the top. The moss roses are mentioned here because the writer 
 has seen and used them with such charming results, and the design in these 
 are so peculiarly beautiful. But morning glories of rich purple, crimson and 
 white, are equally lovely, while upon a white ground the clear turquoise blue 
 of the forget-me-not, or ever beautiful purple of the pansy is not to be sur- 
 passed. 
 
 Here, we have as choice a little treasure in the way of a table as could pos- 
 sibly be purchased in the store, and costing but a mere trifle, compared to the 
 prices asked for these very articles. 
 
 For an Oriental pattern, obtain a quantity of the colored and dyed veneerings, 
 and proceed to ornament your little stand in marquetry, which is now so pop- 
 ular and so altogether elegant. Mr. Eastlake and other of the late writers upon 
 Household Art and Decoration, recommend very highly this mode of enriching 
 furniture, inasmuch as it is again bringing to view one of the ancient arts, now 
 so popular. The tarsia, or old Italian marquetry, was used in forming geomet- 
 rical patterns, or arranged so as to represent natural objects, and so this work 
 may now be applied. This work will doubtless be found a most satisfactory 
 method of enriching tables, cabinets, brackets and such articles of furniture, as 
 it is not only a most fascinating employment, but neither costly nor unusually 
 diflBcult. 
 
 For the groundwork of this ancient style, if of pine, should be stained or 
 ebonized— or better still, make the stand of walnut wood, and inlay upon it. 
 
 In this connection we should mention the use of the Autumn-leaves, which 
 produces charming results if well done— and one of the very prettiest of tables 
 12 
 
178 BEAUTIFUL HOMES. 
 
 the writer has seen, was made from these natural materials as described in 
 " Household Elegancies," page 41. 
 
 Chinese and Japanese ornamentation for these little tables is of several kinds, 
 all exceedingly elegant, as this class of work always is. 
 
 We will suppose you desire to imitate a set of the tables which are imported. 
 These we find usually come " nested," and slipping one in another, so that 
 when all are '' pushed in " the entire four, five or six appear like one table with 
 a deep moulded edge. The edges of the successive tables give the sides and 
 ends the appearance of a moulded panel. The largest of these little tables is 
 two feet long, eighteen inches wide, and two feet six inches high, the smallest 
 only one foot long, eight in(|lies wide and two feet high, the intermediate ones 
 graduated in size to fit each one within the other. These are sometimes 
 arranged in a group, each one drawn out so that it barely rests beneath the 
 edge of the one above it, or they may be scattered in " graceful confusion " about 
 the apartment. We have imitated two styles of these tables, either equally 
 beautiful. In both, the ground was black, then for the one was obtained the 
 dull gold and black designs sold for Potichomania work, consisting of Chinese 
 pagodas, figures, vessels, etc., large scenes for the centers with corner pieces 
 and border, and for the legs and little curved bar across the front, using gold 
 paper cut into narrow strips. The designs were carefully cut out and pasted 
 directly on the tables, and the ground raised by means of repeated coats of 
 paint and varnish. These were when finished quite as elegant as the imported 
 ones from which they were copied. The other set was made of nice pine wood, 
 the outer surface of which was rubbed with emery-paper, and powdered pumice- 
 stone until quite smooth, upon this was placed a design of very simple character, 
 (for inasmuch as this is to imitate difficult inlaying with ivory, it should never 
 be unusually complicated in design, as this would lead to the supposition that 
 it was an imitation, whereas it might better appear as the genuine article). 
 The designs therefore, should consist of geometrical figures or conventional 
 forms of animal or vegetable life, such as we see on Chinese work. The border 
 may be composed of a succession of triangles, circles, or other such figures with 
 a few straight bands, these cut from letter-paper, and fastened on the white 
 board of the wood, by means of small needles or pins placed perpendicularly. 
 The ground is stained or ebonized, and upon raising the paper patterns the 
 designs will appear like inlaid-ivory upon the black groundwork. The whole 
 must then receive a coat of fine Demar varnish. 
 
 But with all these beautiful methods of making perfect imitations of costly 
 tables, not' one of them can exceed in beauty tliat of the transfei-red engravings, 
 (given in chapter on modes of embellishing). Select some exquisite engraving, 
 and transfer it as explained, make a border in the same manner from designs 
 taken from papers or books, and the shelf and legs in similar manner, and you 
 have a table that will call forth exclamations of delight from all who behold it. 
 
BEAUTIFUL HOMES. 179 
 
 Such are some of the methods of ornamenting the small tables which impart 
 such an air of graceful ease and negligence, (if we dare to put it,) at once 
 a sign of taste and prosperity, inasmuch as it gives the idea of real hospi- 
 tality. 
 
 Where apartments are spacious and a center-table is desired in addition, it 
 should be either handsomely ornamented or covered. The latter is a most ele- 
 gant mode of adornment, giving a sort of grace to what would otherwise appear 
 stiff and awkward. It is so easy at the present time to make a rich table-cover, 
 that one would suppose every one would use this tasteful article. A square 
 of cloth of any material, from the stone-colored or white drilling muslin, to the 
 costly damask may with a little vskill and taste, be made into a most graceful 
 and elegant cover. 
 
 Muslin ? you exclaim ! Yes, verily muslin ! Purchase a square of unbleached 
 sheeting ; take this square, and cutting off the selvage, fringe out several inches, 
 and if you desire an extra rich fringe, tie it in knots. Spread this out upon a 
 table or floor, and having cut out some scroll work from paper, arrange first a 
 design in the center with large fern-fronds, leaves of pretty shape and large size, 
 and a few flowers. Make a round or oval frame- work (according to form of 
 table) of your scrolls, placing a spray of fern, etc., here and there through them. 
 Then make corner pieces and border in the same manner. Make a quart of 
 black or colored dye, and with a large brush and a piece of wire-net, or an old 
 sieve, (as shown previously) proceed to cover with spray, according to general 
 rules — which all know. Color fringe also, and from time to time remove cer- 
 tain parts of the fronds and leaves. After all are removed, go over with a 
 small camel's-hair brush, and the dye ; veining leaves, putting lines on flowers, 
 and interlining the scrolls. When entirely finished, you will have a durable, 
 and we can safely add, the most elegant cover you could desire. 
 
 Scroll work for this purpose is made by using saucers of different sizes, turn- 
 ing them to form a serpentine line. As regards the yellow tinge of the un- 
 bleached cloth, it is owing to this very point that Oriental stuifs have that 
 peculiarly rich, soft shade or tone of color. Manufacturers in America, are in 
 the habit of bleaching their cottons and woolens to a dazzling whiteness, whereas 
 the Eastern people leave their cloth with the creamy, delicate tint natural to it, 
 and the consequence is, all our goods possess a ghastly white, wherever white is 
 apparent, while Oriental goods have the peculiar softness and richness of shade 
 in the white parts which give tone to the whole. 
 
 This subject is occupying the attention of decorative artists at present, and it 
 is to be hoped will result in an improvement in this respect, in which house- 
 keepers will rejoice, as it is the excessive bleaching which renders our cotton and 
 woolen goods so much less durable than Oriental fabrics. 
 
180 BEAUTIFUL HOMES. 
 
 SITTING-EOOM TABLES. 
 
 As we have remarked, in library and sitting (or living) room, a table should, 
 if possible, occupy the center of the floor. In small rooms, of coui'se, this is 
 not practicable, but even here, such a table should be used as can be dra-wn out 
 in the evening, for the family circle to gather around the lamp. Where (as in 
 many small houses is necessary) the dining and sitting-room are one, the modern 
 extension table is well adapted for ordinary use, for not only can it be used as 
 dinincr table, but pushed together forms a neat center-table. This table re- 
 quires a rather complicated frame-work, must necessarily be made by a cabinet- 
 maker ; but as a neat, plain extensiou table can be procured for from eight to 
 sixteen dollars, it would appear possible for most families to enjoy this comfort, 
 for this it certainly is, to the housekeeper, who is liable to require an extension of 
 her table at any time, and find it a most inconvenient, perhaps impossible thing 
 to elongate her small family table by means of several small ones, and we be- 
 lieve never was an invention (excepting the sewing-machine), so blessed to 
 woman as this one of an extension table. For the living-room, the table should 
 be strong, neat and solid, without any elaborate ornamentation of carving, and 
 of such height as to form a comfortable desk upon which to write, if occasion 
 requires, and whereupon garments may be cut out, or the various occupations 
 of the family performed by both adults and children. 
 
 After making the frame for this table it may be ornamented to correspond 
 with the remaining pieces of furniture, and no more tasteful or suitable embel- 
 lishment can be applied, we believe, than that of imitating inlaid work (or 
 marquetry), which is easily accomplished and readily kept clean and in order; 
 no knobs of carving to injure or collect the dust, and no projections to catch the 
 dress and be in the way of feet or hands. We should ornament the top of this 
 table in the most beautiful manner possible and leave it without cover. In the 
 center should always stand the evening lamp, but excepting this it should be 
 unfurnished, leaving room for the various accessions of books, work or amuse- 
 ments when they are used. 
 
 In recommending an ornamented top we would say emphatically, never allow 
 a marble slab to cover the top of any table in daily domestic use : the cold, 
 hard surface presents such an unfriendly, almost uncomfortable appearance, 
 and is unpleasant to work or write on in the "Winter at least. For parlors, halls 
 or chambers, marble slabs appear well, but never in sitting-room or library. 
 
 Besides the large central table in the sitting-room, there should be a small 
 table, if room will pprmit, two or even three of them ; a work-stand and a ladies' 
 escritoire. A work-stand was some years ago an object of vast importance to 
 the housewife, but since the introduction of the standing work-basket it has 
 changed its character somewhat and is now merely a small table with drawer 
 or drawers for locking up when necessary, for neither the standing basket nor 
 
BEAUTIFUL HOMES. 
 
 181 
 
 the sewing-machine can quite take the place of the stand. Many persons have 
 one or more, perhaps of the old-fashioned stands still standing in some part of 
 the house, which, if they would bring forward and renovate by ebonizing and 
 putting a line of gilding around the legs and on the drawers ; purchase pretty 
 escutcheons for the key-holes in artificial wood-carving and gild these ; then em- 
 broider a tasteful cover, by cutting out figures from black velveteen and chain- 
 stitching them with gold-colored silk on a piece of cigar or other colored cloth, 
 and lo ! she has the tasteful stand shown in Fig. 130, which is now the "height 
 of the fashion," and could not be pur- 
 chased for less than fourteen dollars as 
 it stands. 
 
 Or, take one of the little tables no\\ 
 sold at the stores for three dollars; (ii 
 of walnut wood), ornament the legs with 
 gilding, (after ebonizing them,) then 
 have made for the top a box exactly fit- 
 ting it with lid to raise, and furnished 
 with lock ; stain and embellish the front 
 and sides very tastefully, and embroider 
 a tasteful cloth cover for the top, as also 
 for the low shelf (made of a narrow 
 strip of board laid on the bar between 
 the feet) which is very convenient for 
 holding a basket or other article used 
 about sewing. Trim the lower part of 
 this case and the cover of the shelf with 
 fringe, and you have a tasteful work- 
 stand, which costs very little ; for truth 
 to tell, any ingenious lady might make the case entirely herself, for the lid need 
 be only a quarter-inch piece of wood with small hinges, and for a trifle a car- 
 penter or cabinet-maker would put a neat cover to fit down into the box, accord- 
 ing to the most approved style of box-making ; but why not, like another woman 
 we know, learn to do even this piece of cabinet-making your own self ? It is 
 not difficult, and merely requires neatness, and it is so pleasant to be indepen- 
 dent of the gentlemen. Fig. 131 will testify to this little table being capable 
 of being changed into a most convenient work-stand. The little drawer should 
 be finished with a neat escutcheon, which can be ornamented with gilding or 
 paint. 
 
 A pair of the tasteful little hour glass stands, shown in Fig. 132, should 
 adorn every sitting-room, for they not only form one of the most beautiful of 
 embellishments, but are withal capable of being made so useful. No doubt 
 many of our readers understand full well the making of these little articles, but 
 
 Fig. 130. 
 
182 
 
 BEAUTIFUL HOMES. 
 
 lest one should not, "^e feel loth to omit the description of a pair which are one 
 of the principal features in a room we wot of, and are so exceedingly elegant 
 in their dainty covers that every one who sees them for first time, " turns to 
 look again." 
 
 The coverings of furniture and hangings of the one window in this pretty 
 boudoir are in accordance w^ith both rug aud paper, and these little stands form 
 a lovely finish to two corners, in which they 
 appear to peculiarly belong. But that our 
 
 Fie. 131. 
 
 Fig. 132. 
 
 readers may have an idea what a perfect little boudoir or morning-room may 
 be made out of exceedingly common materials, (?) merely by bringing taste, 
 industry and skill to the rescue ; we will digress a little and give a brief sketch 
 of this muUum in parvo, — a bijou boudoir. 
 
 A PRETTY BOUDOIR. 
 
 This little apartment, you must know, was a porch built in the angle of the 
 main building, an L, as it is termed ; therefore, though the ceiling is high, the 
 room is long for its width ; the one window occupying the center of the end 
 opposite the entrance, which is from the back parlor. A good effect was here 
 secured by removing the door (or rather having none made), and introducing 
 curtains of a quiet, but warm reddish brown shade, with gayer stripes, (the 
 material nothing more expensive than the striped woolen and cotton goods, 
 sold for one dollar per yard (double-fold). These in Summer find a substitute 
 
BEAUTIFUL HOMES. 183 
 
 in white muslin, with a delicate border of spray- work in blue ; the cornice is a 
 s.trip of pine door mouldings ebonized and gilded on the side next the parlor, 
 while the other is a strip of the same enameled with white, and ornamented 
 with clusters of blue convolvuli. The one window has curtains and cornice to 
 correspond, of course ; while the six large panes of glass admit a soft glow of 
 light through exquisite designs of Vitromania, consisting of six views in Switz- 
 erland of the loveliest character, and a grounding of softest effect in Sepia, 
 with vivid blue Rosaces in each comer. This window, could we but bring it 
 before our readers, would set them "wild " upon the subject of Diaphanie and 
 Vitromania. On the two sides, run long low divans, covered with white muslin, 
 so clouded and figured with blue '' spray " that it appears like some beautiful 
 material, a decided novelty, inasmuch as no one has seen any like it. The 
 effect is charming, however, of that you may rest assured. 
 
 The floor has a border of a geometrical pattern, stained to imitate parquetry, 
 and though it took both time and patience to accomplish it, has repaid fifty- 
 fold all that was spent upon it, if only in the daily satisfaction it is to look 
 upon a floor so beautiful, saying nothing of the gratification it is to " weak- 
 minded woman " to hear the oft repeated and enthusiastic praise lavished upon 
 it by all who see it. On this beautiful floor is laid a large and heavy rug. 
 The center was a remnant of exceedingly handsome Brussels carpet, two 
 breadths in width and three yards long ; around this heavy braids were sewn, 
 until a long oval rug six feet wide, and twelve long was obtained, which was 
 exceedingly satisfactory. The r(ig.-< of which the braids were made were old 
 garments, washed and bleached in the sun as far as was possible, then dyed ; 
 all the white ones, of a vivid blue, the remainder, various bright colors. This 
 rug was carefully made and has been "a success." It lays on the center of the 
 glossy floor, and is not stretched up to the wall as if it were bound to hide 
 something, or was so flimsy it must needs be held with nails. From this gay, 
 yet not tawdry rug and the pretty divans, the eye rises to the walls, covered 
 with a paper of pearl-gray ground, with a lozenge-shaped vivid blue figure 
 above the dado, which, in this case is what is called by the carpenters, a " chair- 
 board " (the old time wainscot— the architect's and decorator's dado) ; this is 
 painted in zinc paiut of a pearl-gray, tw^o or three shades deeper than the 
 ground of the paper, and headed by a simple two-inch gilt moulding, bought 
 for a moderate price at a picture-frame manufactory. Instead of the usual 
 paper border at the ceiling, a similar gilt moulding finishes the edge of the 
 paper and the ceiling of pearl-gray, calcimining a shade or so lighter than the 
 paper, has a circle of pale blue and white morning-glories in the center, where 
 an iron (or rather heavy wire) rod covered with ivy, descends and supports a 
 pretty lantern of Gothic form. The ivy sprays covering the wire are in this 
 case of wax, colored in several shades of green and a few brown ones, also 
 purple berries here and there. 
 
184 BEAUTIFUL HOMES. 
 
 The corners on each side of the entrance are occupied respectively with a 
 little table and a sewing-machine. The light table is entirely home-made, and 
 consists of a board two feet wide and three long, to each end of which is firmly 
 nailed two other pieces of same width and height, on which are screwed four 
 small casters ; this forms a substantial frame, firm, not heavy, and easily rolled 
 from place to place ; it is covered with embroidery ; three pieces of dark navy- 
 blue pressed flannel ; it has upon each side a floral design in Berlin work ; on the 
 top is a scene called " The First Ride," — a little Scotch boy in Tartan plaid 
 and plumed cap, is held on his Shetland pony by his old servant ; while in the 
 background is a group leaning on the gate and a cottage door, while far away 
 is a glimpse of the castle-home of the little heir (apparently), with mountains, 
 trees, etc. (jSTot a difficult pattern to make by any means, and costing but little 
 in time or money, when one thinks of the real value of such work. The entire 
 three designs only occupied the spare minutes of one Autumn and Winter of a 
 woman with four little ones and a full share of this life's busy care.) These 
 designs were tacked on the wood-work with gilt-headed nails, and a deep woolen 
 fringe hung below, with cords and tassels at each corner.' We neglected to say 
 that the side-pieces were sawed out (a la Eastlake) at the bottom ; that is, a 
 triangular section was taken out of the center, thus, — and 
 narrower strips (laths will answer) extend across them 
 from one to the other, at the points a and h ; these are cov- 
 / ered with the same cloth and a very narrow (embroidered) 
 ^ '— = floral design. This embroidery is done in petite-jyoint, with 
 
 the canvas drawn out and the design left upon the cloth. 
 Tins table holds a stereoscope, tray of cards, photographs, 
 parlor kaleidoscope and a few papers or magazines to while 
 \fj w awa}^ the stray minutes of the " passing occupant " of the 
 
 Fig. 133. gasy chair in the corner behind it. This chair is made 
 
 from the pattern of the corner-chair previously described, and covered with 
 material like the divans. 
 
 On each side of the window, the corners are occupied by a pair of " hour-glass 
 stands," covered with blue paper cambric over which are plaited covers of 
 Tarlatan trimmed with puffs and fluted ruffles ; a row of pockets around the 
 top hold buttons, trimmings, etc. ; and an opening down the center of the 
 lower part forms a bag or case for scraps, patterns or other work-materials 
 necessary in sewing. Dainty bows of Tarlatan edged with the paper cambric 
 pinked out on the edges, and a puff and ruffles of the same with a large bow 
 and ends fastens the dress around the ])o\e. 
 
 Above these pretty stands are suspended a pair of Chinese shelves, made of 
 two triangular pieces of board, eighteen inches on the sides, rounded in front, 
 and hung by three blue cords and tassels ; the front is ornamented with a strip 
 of card-board cut out in points covered with gold paper, with a Chinese design 
 
BEAUTIFUL HOMES. 185 
 
 on the center of eacTi large point, and a gilt bell (a bell-button) suspended on 
 a slender cord. The top of the shelves may be either painted or covered. The 
 effect of these corner shelves and the dainty little stands beneath them is 
 exceedingly lovely. Upon one stand is placed the writing-desk, with a tasteful 
 gold and blue wall-pocket hanging on one side for paper and other writing- 
 materials ; on the shelf a few choice books ; in front a chair that had once done 
 service in some other house, in a more lofty position doubtless ; as it is one of 
 the beautiful colored bamboo chairs, so highly esteemed, and was bought at auc- 
 tion (in a most dilapidated condition,) for fifty cents ; but cleaned, varnished 
 and repaired, and covered with a blue tufted cushion over the broken seat, and 
 trimmed with delicate puffings of white Swiss with edgings of fluted ruffles, 
 and it has changed into a most attractive object. 
 
 On the other stand is a handsome work-box, once a long cigar-box, which, 
 pierced with holes, and embroidered with zephyr, silk and beads, in imitation 
 of /nc?ienne work ; pretty feet, made of four English walnuts, painted and gilded, 
 a border, and knob on the lid of clusters of pecans and acorns, treated in the 
 same manner, and the interior lined with blue silk, and fitted up with great 
 care and neatness — all this, and behold an elegant box. The little work-stand 
 is furnished with every article and implement that can possibly be required 
 about sewing, while the footstool in front of the low sewing chair, in connection 
 with the case — made by buttoning down the dress of the lower half of the stand, 
 contains all necessary rolls of materials, scraps, etc. 
 
 The chair and footstool were both made according to directions given in 
 chapters on these subjects. On the shelf above this stand are three books — not 
 new, but well worn. A Bible and prayer-book, and a Thomas A Kempis, (good 
 helpers for the day's-work commenced in this pretty morning-room). 
 
 The walls are furnished with lovely water-color pictures, consisting of bright 
 flowers, soft, green mosses, and wavy looking ferns. Autumn leaves and two 
 landscapes. Two pretty whitewood easels, on brackets of the same, hold photo- 
 graphs, and one large eng;-aving of " Christ Stilling the Tempest," on the wide 
 space on one side of the room, balances the two water-color landscapes on the 
 other. In front of the window stands are an aquarium and fern case, both home- 
 made, and resting on an iron stand that once served its time as a sewing- 
 machine table. On each side of the window, three pot-brackets contain a half- 
 dozen flourishing vines and creepers, which clamber up light wire trellises on 
 the sides of the window and thence turn around the walls. 
 
 Now every part of this beautiful room is in perfect keeping, nothing garish 
 or " loud," no one thing offending another ; but each in harmony with the other, 
 and showing its intention, which is, to make this room, intended for woman's 
 ivork, as pleasant a place as may be, yet testifying in every particular for what 
 it is used ; in which opinion we are sustained by Mr. Conway, who says, " the 
 life of an apartment consists in the degree to which it subserves its end ; the 
 
186 
 
 BEAUTIFUL HOMES. 
 
 decoration of a salon or parlor may well sympathize with the gayety of festive 
 occasions, for they do not exist for the family alone, but in the more private 
 apartments the tired limbs will require rest on chair or couch, and equally the 
 eye will need rest upon soft and subdued shades." 
 
 The beautiful table in the illustration. Fig. 134, is connected with another 
 section of our work, wherein the cover richly embroidered with convolvuli is 
 shown, and we would suggest, that a charming effect is produced by using that 
 entire series of embroidered articles on the various pieces of furniture to which 
 
 they are adapted. This center- 
 table also shows the beautiful effect 
 of the lace mats, and also of some 
 tasteful ornament in shape of a 
 handsome Jardiniere, aquarium, 
 or perhaps a la,mp of some fine 
 form. Many persons still cling to 
 the center-table, and consider no 
 room well furnished that does not 
 have its circular table in the center 
 of the floor ; and certainly where a 
 group of persons desire to gather 
 about one common center, perhaps 
 to enjoy a Winter's evening game, 
 or examine a set of beautiful or 
 rare pictures, curiosities or books, 
 what presents so perfect and appro- 
 priate a scene as the good old fash- 
 ioned center-table; so though we 
 are fully aware that fashionable 
 ^^S- ^^*- people cry out " away with center- 
 
 tables," we say to those who enjoy their comfortable form and proportions, use 
 your center-table and welcome— only, make for it a tasteful cover. The one 
 here shown is beautiful beyond measure, but among the numerous patterns we 
 offer in the following chapter, many other varieties will afford a large number 
 from which to choose ; some extremely simple, others as rich and expensive as 
 may be desired. 
 
 The greater the variety among the small stands, the more " stylish " is 
 the arrangement of the room considered. In Fig. 135, is shown a tasteful little 
 round stand, which is rendered peculiarly beautiful by the graceful cover with 
 which it is draped. 
 
 This stand is intended to occupy the corner of a sitting-room, and the accom- 
 modation of the feathered pet, the beautiful canary, and on this account the 
 lovely table-cover is of material that will not become marred by the splashing 
 
BEAUTIFUL UOMES. 
 
 187 
 
 of the gay fellow as he takes his morning bath, and dashes the water in a shower 
 over the sides of his fountain. 
 
 A square of light-gray linen damask is procured, and the edges frayed out to 
 the depth of four inches for the 
 fringe, next a pretty fancy braid, 
 scarlet, black and white, or a stripe 
 of percale with suitable design, is 
 stitched on each edge with a machine, 
 two rows three inches apart, and 
 (eight inches within the inner one) a 
 third row crossed as the illustration 
 shows. 
 
 Between these, a running pattern 
 is done in scarlet and black braid, 
 one row within the other. This is an 
 exceedingly fine piece of work when 
 neatly accomplished, and this cover is 
 very beautiful, moreover it may be 
 washed frequently without any fear 
 of its fading, as the scarlet woolen 
 braid as well as the black will beai- 
 frequent washing. 
 
 CHESS-TABLES. 
 
 It is now so usual for guests to be 
 entertained with the popular games, 
 of chess, checkers, etc., that tables or 
 stands specially adapted to the pur- 
 pose, are always considered necessary 
 as a part of the furniture of a parlor 
 or library. There are many beauti- 
 ful methods of making these stands, 
 one of which is, to obtain a plate of 
 heavy glass, of size to fit the top of Fig- 135. 
 
 table, and having drawn out a design of checkers in the center with ornamental 
 figures around, (as shown in the pretty stand Fig. 136,) on paper, pricking the 
 outlines, and transferring the design by rubbing, then drawing it out with a 
 small camel's hair pencil dipped in varnish, afterward painting all the figures 
 with transparent colors (as in Oriental painting) which will appear exquisitely 
 beautiful when thrown out by the black background made with lacquer 
 varnish. " 
 
 Another way of ornamenting the top of such a stand, is by obtaining a set of 
 
188 
 
 BEAUTIFUL HOMES. 
 
 Decalcomania designs for the four borders around the checkers, and painting 
 the squares in black and scarlet or other colors, which is easily done, then cover- 
 ing the whole surface with paint of some contrasting color, upon turning the glass 
 over the designs, checks will appear in their own brilliant tints thrown out 
 by the background. We sometimes are able to purchase engravings, with de- 
 signs and checks already prepared for a chess-board, when it makes an elegant 
 
 piece of w^ork transferred. The glass 
 plate is fastened on the top by a strip of 
 wood moulding, painted to correspond 
 with the rest of the stand, which is hand- 
 somely ebonized and gilded on prominent 
 places. The form of such a stand need 
 not of course be circular ; a square being 
 more easily made. 
 
 Another pretty top for such a stand is 
 shown in Fig. 136. This is made by first 
 polishing the top of the table until a 
 hard, smooth surface like glass is obtain- 
 ed, which may be black or any other 
 shade. On this is traced a border and 
 corner -pieces, and in the center an oval 
 with cards, as shown. Various colors of 
 sealing-wax are dissolved in alcohol, and 
 a brush being appropriated to each, the 
 figures are painted on the colored surface 
 of the table. This work is not difficult 
 and produces the most charming embel- 
 ^^" ^^^' lishment not only for this stand just de- 
 
 scribed, but for other furniture, cabinets, backs of chairs, and especially for 
 small articles such as wall-pockets, easels, etc. 
 
 Another handsome table is made by making a pine top very smooth, then 
 drawing the border and central oval figure of cards, to paint them in with 
 white paint slightly tinged with yellow until an ivory tint is obtained. On 
 this to paint, with vivid scarlet and black sealing-wax, the hearts, diamonds, 
 spades and clubs; then cover the ground with stain, or, in other words, to 
 " ebonize " it. This will appear like ivory inlaid work, and is capable of 
 being made surprisingly beautiful. The border and corners should be exceed- 
 ingly simple in order to appear more characteristic of real inlaid ivory, which 
 seldom presents elaborate designs. The present design is well adapted to this 
 purpose, the conventional trefoils on the border and in the corners merely 
 requiring to be made in three entire leaves and greatly enlarged. 
 
 The small walnut tables sold in the stores for three dollars, and frequently 
 
BEAUTIFUL HOMES. 
 
 189 
 
 procured at the auction-rooms for fifty cents, may be made into elegant little 
 tables for playing various little games upon, by working a cover in Berlin pat- 
 
 Fig. 137. 
 tern with zephyr alone, or with zephyr, silk and beads combined, the latter 
 making a remarkably pretty top. The design given in Fig. 138 is appropriate. 
 
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 Fig. 138. 
 for such a cover, and may be made to fit the table exactly by applying rows of 
 work outside the border given until the proper size is attained ; such designs as 
 
190 
 
 BEAUTIFUL HOMES. 
 
 Fig 139 will make a rich border for this purpose, but by using coarse canvas 
 and ^Yorking four stitches for each one, the design will be so greatly enlarged 
 
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 Fig. 139. 
 
 that it will be found sufficient to cover the top of the table. A second cover 
 on the shelf sometimes found beneath the top makes a still handsomer stand, 
 and such a shelf is useful to hold the box containing games, chess, cards, etc. 
 
 Fig. 140. 
 
BEAUTIFUL HOMES. 
 
 191 
 
 After the embroidery is finished, it is stretched tightly over the top of the 
 
 table and shelf, and tacked closely along the edges with the little gimp or 
 
 upholsterer's tacks (which are the 
 
 only kind that will enter the hard 
 
 wood). On this is placed a narrow 
 
 moulding of wood, either gilded or 
 
 carved ; and if desired, exceedingly 
 
 ornamental ; the legs and frame-work 
 
 of the stand may be ebonized and 
 
 gilded, or painted with enamel in 
 
 fancy colors. 
 
 Any table is made handsomer and 
 
 unusual grace given to it, by the use 
 
 of a cover, a pretty one of which is 
 
 shown in Fig. 140. The top is cov- 
 ered with a circle of plain cloth, 
 
 quilted in diamonds on the sewing- Fig. 141. 
 
 machine with silk of a darker shade, or some contrasting one ; around this is 
 
 sewed (with covered cord inserted between,) a straight strip of embroidery, 
 
 the full-sized pattern for which is shown in Fig. 141. 
 
 The leaves are first thickly form- 
 ed with working cotton, over which 
 " stuffing " (as it is called,) is work- 
 ed the satin-stitch embroidery, in 
 coarse silk of contrasting color ; the 
 stems are of silk one shade darker. 
 This lambrequin may be made 
 of material corresponding with the 
 upholstering of the room, or of con- 
 trasting colors, if preferred ; the 
 only care necessary to be observed 
 being to have the whole harmonize. 
 The little tables with shelves be- 
 neath them are made very much 
 more elegant by simply covering 
 the tops with cloths finished with 
 narrow lambrequins like Fig. 142, 
 tacked on with gilt-headed nails on 
 ^^g- 1^2. gimp or strips of cloth pinked out 
 
 on the edges. The narrow lambrequin is of cloth pinked out and ornamented 
 
 with satin-stitch embroidery. 
 
192 
 
 BEAUTIFUL HOMES. 
 
 DESIGN rOE, TABLE-COVEE. 
 
 An elegant table-cover may be made by taking a square or circular piece of 
 flannel of color to correspond with the upholstery or hangings, and transferring 
 to it a border such as shown in Fig. 144. As the full size of this pattern is 
 distinctly shown in Fig. 143, no diffi- 
 culty will be found in doing the work, 
 for which the following variety of mate- 
 rials is required : Silk of many colors, 
 alpaca braid of contrasting color to the 
 ground, and sufficient white braid of 
 the same kind to carry out the orna- 
 mental scallops around the entire bor- 
 der. The figures are done with the 
 various colors, and the design shows 
 the different stitches, satin, chain and 
 half-polka, with a little point Russe, 
 and application with braid. This bor- 
 der will be found one of exceeding 
 beauty, and is worthy the attention of 
 
 Fig. 143. Fig. 144. 
 
 any lover of the beautiful. Such a table-cover would cost, in the stores, from 
 twenty-five dollars to a hundred, according to the quality of the cloth and the 
 beauty of the embroidery ; yet, worked upon a square of thin cloth or pressed 
 flannel, it may be made up for five dollars or even less. 
 
 After basting the braid in place, the knotting is done both on the white 
 scallop-work and also on the ribbon-knots and ends ; the graceful, conventional- 
 
BEAUTIFUL HOMES. 
 
 193 
 
 looking flowers may be made with great rapidity, as also the chain-stitching 
 and loose stitches of the remaining parts. In making covers of this and similar 
 patterns, it will be found more economical to purchase the silk braid etc., by the 
 ounce and from a wholesale establishment. 
 
 TABLE-COVEE, BOEDER AND COENEE. 
 
 Another beautiful means of ornamenting table-covers and the edges of cur- 
 tains, etc., is by the use of the applique work. This work is of two kinds, in 
 
 Fig. 145. 
 
 the one the figui-es are cut from Cretonne or other cloth, and fastened to a 
 ground, by means of chain-stitches, the figures, etc , being arranged just as they 
 
 appear upon the cloth in all the beauty 
 of a shaded picture, whether it be a 
 pastoral scene, flowers, or other such 
 design ; while with the other kind the 
 various parts are cut from cloth, vel- 
 vet, silk, etc., in proper colors, and the 
 edges covered with chain-stitching, 
 while the various parts of the flowers 
 or other design, are brought out and 
 formed by stitches of different kinds, 
 and other applications that will pro- 
 duce the desired effect. 
 
 In Figs. 145 and 146, we have exam- 
 ples of this style, which will be found 
 Fig. 146. well adapted to the handsome adorn- 
 
 ment of a table-cover or curtains. The design is an extremely simple one, consist- 
 ing only of a waved line of scarlet braid edged on each side with sewing-machine 
 stitching, and held down by a line of herring-bone in black silk. The leaves 
 with three points are cut from scarlet cloth a shade or two darker or lighter, 
 and fastened down on the edge with narrow gold-colored braid, held with black 
 13 
 
194 
 
 BEAUTIFUL HOMES. 
 
 silk stitches taken across at equal distance, about one-eiglith of an inch apart. 
 The remaining part of the work is done in silks of all colors used at the discretion, 
 and according to the taste of the operator. In each corner a cluster of leaves like 
 Fig. 146, cut from brown and green merino, silk or velvet is fastened in a simi- 
 
 Fig. 148. 
 
 Fig. 147. 
 
 lar manner, and a gay star as shown in Fig. 147. Or the various colors of braid 
 may be of the narrower variety, and held by embroidery like Fig. 148, with 
 stitches of various colors on each side. Again, a piece of material of contrast- 
 ing color from the cloth may have a scallop embroidered with three different 
 colors and a gay dot of large size in satin-stitch above it, while along the edge 
 the braids (named before) may be held in place by stitches. 
 
 Fig. 1.50 is a simple yet elegant border made by stitching ribbon or alpaca 
 braid with loose stitches of bright colored silk or zephyr, 
 and embroidering across in the center of each figure thus 
 
 Fig. 149. Fig. 150. 
 
 formed. This with black braid, scarlet, yellow and green stitching, will be 
 found a most beautiful border. Fig. 151 is different from any other given, and 
 is to be applied to pique or damask. The pique may be white or colored, and 
 has a figured percale basted on the center ; it is marked off in points, and 
 
BEAUTIFUL HOMES. 
 
 195 
 
 either cut, turned under on the edges and has a stitching in machine or chain- 
 stitching. 
 
 Fig. 153 is also a beautiful design in application embroidery, consisting 
 merely of a border of gray and green velvet leaves upon a light ground. The 
 
 Fig. 151. Fig. 152. 
 
 effect is lovely, and with a scalloped edge, this alone makes a simple yet elegant 
 cover, easily accomplished. 
 
 The design in Fig. 150 is more easily made than any that have been given, 
 and consists only of a design formed of cord held in place by stitches of silk or 
 wool of any bright shades. 
 
 A beautiful and economical cover is made by cutting out a quantity of 
 squares of flannel or cloth, embroidered as shown, 
 and pinked out or notched around the edges and 
 fastened on the cover in rows with dots and stitches 
 as shown in the illustrations, Figs. 151 and 152. As 
 several kinds of materials can be used in these covers 
 and any scraps will answer for the small squares, it 
 will be seen tha.t they may be made quite economical, 
 as they use up, not only the odds and ends of various 
 materials, but the ends of embroidery-silk, remnants 
 of spools of sewing-silk and braid. 
 
 The last and most elegant border we shall describe, 
 is a superb design in true Oriental style. It is made 
 of two colors of cloth united by means of chain- 
 stitching, and the center design is worked in chain- 
 stitch, point Russe and half-polka stitches, in all 
 varieties of color. The effect of this Indienjie design, 
 wrought in all the brilliant tints that can be pro- 
 cured, is surprisingly beautiful. The pattern can be readily understood from 
 the illustration, and the colors may be arranged to suit the taste. It will be 
 perceived that the entire design is given, and the light block unites with the 
 dark continuously. This is the richest cover of this kind we have ever seen. 
 
196 
 
 BEAUTIFUL HOMES. 
 
 Other beautiful covers are made by cutting paper patterns of scroll work, and 
 applying these to materials of contrasting colors or shades, cutting them out 
 carefully, and after basting them on in proper position, to stitch a line (along 
 the inner margin,) on the sewing-machine ; then cover the raw edge with braid 
 a shade or so darker or lighter than the scroll ; next, to work lines and figures, 
 with silks of various bright colors, in chain, point Russe, half-polka and side 
 stitching, in imitation of the Turkish embroideries. A still more simple meth- 
 od is, to use the fine alpaca braids, with stitching on the sewing-machine, using 
 several shades or colors of silk (or cotton even), in plain "lock" or shuttle 
 stitch. Mere straight bands of various colors done in this way, will afford an 
 
 Fig. 154. 
 
 elegant border, and where sofa and chair-covers, lambrequins, curtains, and 
 table drapery are made en auite in this way, it will be found not only an inex- 
 pensive, but elegant garniture. 
 
 Still another pretty border is made by cutting out deep scallops on one or 
 both edges of the cloth, covering the edges with braid or stitching, and putting 
 a scallop or a row of them above. 
 
 Again, the application of flowers and figures from chintz, by means of appli- 
 que embroidery, is another tasteful and economical ornamentation. 
 
 Two or three yards of some design that has figures frequently repeated, will 
 be amply sufficient for several covers, (table, lambrequins, etc). The safest 
 method is to fasten the cut figures on the material with a touch of mucilage ; 
 
BEAUTIFUL HOMES. 
 
 197 
 
 then chain-stitching, a little satin-stitch, perhaps, braid, and side-stitching will 
 hold the edges secure, and make a neat finish. Most Oriental looking hangings 
 can be produced by means of this style of work, and it should be adopted by all 
 those who desire to make their homes tasteful at small expense of time and 
 money. 
 
 On the central medallion, copy some of the curious figures and Chinese char- 
 acters such as you find on tea chests, etc. On the next, diamonds and circles 
 made like Fig. 155, and join the scalloped edges with a colored braid fastened 
 
 with herring-bone stitching ; below, add a second 
 row with stitches of coarse silk between. The scal- 
 lops below are covered with points and braid, and 
 which is clearly shown in the miniature illustration 
 of the section of the cover. 
 
 The different Figs, given, though straight, can be 
 readily adapted to the curves in the scallops, when 
 required in this form. On each cornei-, is a medal- 
 lion of scarlet and white on the black cloth, the 
 
 iPiiiiiiil 
 
 Fig. 155. 
 
 Fig. 156. 
 
 palm-leaf figures of which are shown in Fig. 156. The medallion is an oval six 
 inches long, cut out in scallops and united to a scarlet figure two inches deeper, 
 which is embroidered with button-hole stitching on the small scallops around 
 the edge, and further adorned with circular ornaments, but of the smallest 
 size; also a line of dots within the button-hole w^ork on the edge, as is shown in 
 the illustration. 
 
 The same medallion just explained, maybe continued (reduced in size) around 
 the entire border, or it may be merely worked on the scallops. At the extreme 
 end of each corner below the oval, is a figure composed of three double leaves of 
 yellow silk, with a central single one, each worked around with button-hole 
 stitching, and each alternate one worked with dots and herring-bone, from which 
 
198 
 
 BEAUTIFUL HOMES. 
 
 the graduated circular figures extend and join the border. If the small illustra- 
 tion and the full-sized figures are closely examined, there can be no difficulty in 
 arranging this handsome cover. 
 
 COVER FOE SMALL TABLE. 
 
 Another stylish little cover is made thus : Take a piece of cloth two feet in 
 diameter, whether round, oval or square, and of a cigar-color; cut the outer 
 edges in inverted scallops ; place this on another piece of cloth of a deep-green 
 shade, and six inches deep, and fasten the scalloped edges with herring-bone 
 stitching in black, on a braid a shade or two darker than the green cloth, 
 beyond which work a Grecian key design in yellow silk. Next cut a strip of 
 
 Fig. 157. 
 
 black cloth five inches wide, and make the edges slightly scalloped, fitting the 
 one on the green margin with herring-bone stitches and scarlet braid ; the other 
 on another band of the cigar-colored cloth eight inches deep, on which arrange 
 a border of palm-leaves adorned with applique. Make these palms in all colors, 
 as also the leaf and diamonds surrounding them, and the herring-bone, button- 
 hole and other fancy stitches used in the embroidery. Thus, in a scarlet palm 
 
BEAUTIFUL HOMES. 
 
 199 
 
 the leaf may be buff or maize color, with embroidery of browns, reds, etc., in a 
 blue palm. Use a white leaf and black, yellow and crimson embroidery, and 
 thus make as great a variety as possible. The greater the variety and the more 
 brilliantly imposing the colors in these covers, the greater the beauty. In the 
 central medallion a Chinese figure piece like Fig. 158, may be fastened in 
 application work. Such designs can be found on many kinds of Japanese or 
 Chinese fabrics, and must be cut out and fastened on with button-hole stitching 
 or a braid. Where surroundings are not exactly what is desired, resort may be 
 had to embroidery, as shown in our illustration where the shrubbery and vege- 
 
 Fig. 158. 
 
 table growth is entirely made of silk stitches, in shades of green and brown, 
 with crimson and yellow flowers. In application work, anything is allowable 
 which will enhance the beauty of the work or make it plainer. 
 
 Another handsome little cover is made by using the different colored cloths, 
 as has been described, and putting in the center an embroidered flower in satin- 
 stitch. This, upon a scarlet ground, perhaps, is placed beneath a larger circle, 
 from which a section is cut out, and the edges pinked, as shown in Fig. 159, 
 which is only one-fourth the size. The edges of each piece of cloth are scalloped 
 and embroidered with silks of all colors in one of the designs shown in the de- 
 
200 
 
 BEAUTIFUL HOMES. 
 
 sign, which exhibits three beautiful patterns, each easy of execution, and which 
 may be rapidly accomplished. 
 
 Fig. 159. 
 
 TABLE EOE THE BIBLE. 
 
 The parlor lectern for the accommodation of the family Bible is spoken of in 
 its proper place, but inasmuch as many persons use a small table for this pur- 
 pose, we will offer a design for a cushion and cover for such, which will be 
 found extremely elegant and appropriate. The cushion for this purpose should 
 be made to fit the table, and made in what is called " box " form, that is ^Yith a 
 narrow strip extending around it between the top and bottom. This piece should 
 be two inches in width, and below it depends the lambrequin. The top of the 
 cushion is first embroidered with the design traced out so as to fit the central 
 part, in a space twelve inches square or less. Around the cushion is fastened a 
 shaped lambrequin ten inches deep, on the front of which is embroidered the 
 monogram I. II. S., with the appropriate leaves and figures, Avhich in our illus- 
 tration are made in application embroidery with gold thread and cord. The 
 foundation is of purple velvet, the design cut from amber-colored satin, with 
 narrow cord of gold fastened down with yellow silk ; the leaves arc veined with 
 
BEAUTIFUL HOMES. 
 
 201 
 
 gold, and the medallion and monogram are made entirely of gold thread. A 
 handsome design is made by using crimson velvet for the foundation, with the 
 
 Fig. 160. 
 
 designs cut from satin a shade or two lighter or darker, and the dotted raised 
 knots covering the leaves, stems and medallion done with gold thread. The 
 
 Fig. 161. 
 
202 
 
 BEAUTIFUL HOMES. 
 
 monogram is made of gold cord fastened down in the usual manner with gold- 
 colored silk or fine gold thread. The lambrequin must be lined with stiff mus- 
 lin, or interlined in order to give firmness. The edges are finished with cord, 
 and tassels are fastened to each corner, and also to the corners of the cushion. 
 
 BOEDER FOR TABLE-COYEES, BED-SPEEADS, ETC. 
 
 Another beautiful border is shown in Fig 161, and this will be found of easi- 
 est accomplishment, as it only consists of a simple scallop, well stuffed with 
 
 embroidery cotton under the button-hole stitching of 
 silk, as also the three dots in satin-stitch. The spray 
 of leaves above may be made in various colors, each 
 single spray forming the compound cluster, being dif- 
 ferent on each leaf of the single sprays in various 
 colors or shades of the same color, as taste dictates ; 
 or if preferred, the whole cluster may be of one color, 
 as black, the next scarlet, and so on. When worked 
 with zephyr, this style of cover costs but a trifle, and 
 may be rapidly accomplished. 
 
 Fig. 162 shows a lovely border of oak-leaves and 
 acorns in application work, the leaves having been cut 
 from green and brown cloth fastened to the founda- 
 tion with button-hole stitching of the same color, and 
 veined with a very light shade ; the acorns are formed 
 by raising with cotton, and covering with two or 
 three shades of brown, with black and gold-colored 
 silk knotted over the cups. The veins also are made 
 of light shades of brown. 
 
 This border is unusually handsome, and a set of 
 curtains and covers of cigar-colored reps, with these 
 oak-leaves in four shades of green cloth, and the 
 acorns of dark brown silks, make one of the richest 
 sets of home made hangings we have ever seen. The 
 leaves may be cut three and four inches long if de- 
 sired, and a table-cover thus made will repay all the 
 time spent upon it. 
 
 There are a great number of persons who prefer 
 
 white covers for sofa and chair-cushions, tidies, and 
 
 other articles of white muslin, lace or net. These 
 
 Fi«. 1G2. ^'ij j^Q doubt hail with delight an opportunity for 
 
 making, in their spare moments, various beautiful designs for this kind of 
 
 work. Materials. — A piece of coarse white net fifteen and three-fourths inches 
 
 
BEAUTIFUL HOMES. 
 
 203 
 
 wide, and eighteen inches long, coarse embroidery cotton, coarse drilled thread, 
 one yard ribbon one and one-half inches wide. 
 There is no cover for cushion, or table, as dainty as the ones made of white 
 
 Fig. 163. 
 
 material ; and the style shown in Fig. 163, with the various squares used in mak- 
 ing it, are of great beauty and well worthy of imitation. In this pattern, the di- 
 vision of diamond squares, which make, at the cor- 
 ners, triangles, are worked on a straight net foun- 
 dation, and these have in our model, the size given 
 by the material itself. Each diamond is of forty- 
 four net holes on each side, these being first run 
 round plain with the thread; the plain spaces for 
 colored ribbon to be run in between the net divisions, when counted out, are 
 after the full-sized illustrations below, each darned with a lace pattern, and 
 
 Fig. 16-4. 
 
 
 IM )M H"^ )/T^ 
 
 Fig. 165. 
 
 Fig. 166. 
 
204 BEAUTIFUL HOMES. 
 
 with coarse thread ; the outer edges of the cover are to be button-holed firm, 
 with which the outer tatted edge is to be caught and worked in. Any tatted 
 edge may be substituted for this one. Colored ribbon is placed under the bound- 
 
 Fig. 167. Fig. 168. 
 
 aries of each net division. Fig. 164 shows a pretty medallion-shaped trim- 
 ming for inserting between squares of embroidered linen for these white covers. 
 There can be no excuse for a housekeeper's not having a tasteful cover for 
 
 Fig. 169. Fig. 170. Fig. 171. 
 
 her table, surely, in this day of " w^onderf ul bargains " and astonishing imita- 
 tions, for with a square of double-width reps, or some one of the other pretty 
 stuifs now to be had at such reasonable prices, and a band of five inch velvet 
 ribbon, sewed a few inches from the edge, a unique cover is made at once; 
 or, supposing your table is round or oval, cut a piece to fit the top, then a band 
 six inches wide sewed around it, finished with cord on the seam and a scalloped 
 edge bound with braid on the sewing-machine, or embroidered ; otherwise sub- 
 stituting heavy fringe. Covers in imitation of the Indian or Oriental woik, are 
 made in many ways. A striking design is shown in Fig. 172, which we will de- 
 scribe so plainly that we believe any one will be able to imitate it. For this, 
 three colors of cloth are required — supposing we name black, scarlet and steel- 
 gray. Cut a piece for the center from the gray cloth, sufficiently large to cover 
 the center of the table, for a distance of two or three feet from the middle point 
 (more or less according to the size of the table) ; cut the edge out in scallops 
 four inches wide, and rather shallow. Around this place the black, cutting the 
 edge to fit the scallop, and overlapping about one-fourth of an inch, and seal- 
 
BEAUTIFUL HOMES. 
 
 205 
 
 loped on the other edge to correspond in like manner. This piece must be eight 
 inches deep for a large table, six for a small one ; next place the scarlet, cutting 
 
 l<"ig. 172. 
 
 one edge to fit the scallops, the other left straight ; on this join the black again, 
 making both of width to suit the table. Run the different parts together, lav- 
 
 Fig. 173. 
 
206 
 
 BEAUTIFUL HOMES. 
 
 iiig one edge over the other, and stitch together on the sewing-machine ; if a 
 chain-stitch, making it come on the outside and using silks of all colors. This 
 done, mark out the figures ; long stitches dotting the spaces between the her- 
 ring-bone, are of black zephyrs. The edges are finished with small points in 
 button-hole stitching, and on each end is a border of plain linen or cotton goods, 
 of color harmonizing with the material used for the center, embroidered with the 
 same colors ; a large scallop on the edge is worked closely with scarlet thread in 
 button-hole stitching, while the figure in the center of each scallop is made 
 with scarlet zephyr corresponding with the previous work; the star of the 
 
 darker, and the coiled circle of the lighter shade. The dot of satin-stitch in 
 the center, of scarlet cotton. This cover is particularly beautiful when made of 
 one of the gray or buff striped table linens, though some extremely handsome 
 ones have been made of the wide striped bed-ticking, and where a fine quality 
 of this article can be procured, it will be found most desirable for covers of 
 various kinds. The colors used in the embroidery may be varied to suit cir- 
 cumstances, of course, and the scarlet is only recommended on account of its 
 being durable and not changing color in washing. 
 
 An elegant appearance can be given to a very shabby table by painting and 
 embellishing the legs or pedestal and covering the top with cloth embroidered in 
 
BEAUTIFUL HOMES. 
 
 20' 
 
 the Turkish style, using silks or wools of all bright shades and colors conceiva- 
 ble ; putting them in according to convenience or fancy. Such a design 
 as Fig. 174 will make a most gorgeous 
 cover, and be found very easy to en- 
 larofB and draw off ; for it is not ma- 
 terial about its being accurately 
 transcribed, merely giving sufficient re- 
 semblance to retain the characteristic 
 points, which are entirely Oriental in 
 appearance. The central circle is 
 chain-stitched, (say in black, with a 
 circle of white beyond) and may be of 
 any size from a tea-cup to a dinner- 
 plate, according to the size of the 
 cover. The star in tlie center is of 
 shades of gold color, scarlet and from 
 filling made of rows of knots or 
 stitches. Outside of this circle, on the 
 sides, are ten points outlined with 
 green, in arches extending from one 
 to the other ; in each point a white 
 and violet figure, while between, a triple leaf in satin-stitch with yellow ; then 
 the scallops with dots of straw-color or white. On the top and bottom of circle 
 
 the graceful arabesque figures are made 
 in silks of various shades of scarlet, 
 yellow, lilac, green, brown and blue, 
 with sufficient white to give the bright- 
 ness which wydte alone can impart. The 
 second figures upon each side of this 
 corner one, are only one-half as large, 
 but of similar character, and extending 
 from them is a branch of conventional- 
 looking flowers, for which the full pat- 
 I terns, Figs. 175 and 176 will give an 
 accurate guide ; and these will aid 
 337 — immensely in forming the preceding 
 parts, as each stitch is clearly defined. 
 
 The colors may be of any shade 
 
 preferred, as we have said ; but the 
 
 finest effects are produced in these 
 
 large flowers by using several shades 
 
 Fig. 176. of one color ; and a few strongly con- 
 
208 BEAUTIFUL HOMES. 
 
 trasting tints, throw these out with full power ; black and white in the parts 
 designated (in chain-stitching) add materially to the beauty of the design, and 
 if narrow silk braid is preferred to chain-stitching, it may be used with equally 
 satisfactory results ; indeed braid and satin-stitch combined make an elegant 
 cover. 
 
 These imposing looking covers, often approximating in richness and beauty 
 of color to the fruits of Eastern looms, or " cunning work " of those wonder- 
 fully skillful people who dwell in the lands of the Orient, are well worth the 
 cost of the materials (which purchased at wholesale houses is not extravagant), 
 and the work is fascinating beyond description. 
 
 An easy and tasteful cover of the kind is made by using strips of two or 
 three colors, braided with chain-work of narrow worsted braid or zephyr ; or 
 to take a square of cloth and sew on lines of alpaca braid with sewing-ma- 
 chine, scarlet with gold-color or yellow; green with black, and black with lilac ; 
 above this line, a strip of some flat braid held with point Eusse embroidery 
 are placed below (as shown in the diagram, to which thej are also screwed). 
 teffl^^^^^S^^^^ga Two small triangular blocks are screwed in to pre- 
 ^I^^P^^^^^HH "^'^^^ ^^y looseness, and also to give strength later- 
 ^yJ^^^^^J^^^j}^ ally. The corners of the top are sawed off to give 
 P^Mjpm ^'^^^^^^^^gB^ more tasteful form, and green or other colored oil-cloth 
 ^^^^^^^^^^^^^ or other material, such as velveteen or cloth tacked 
 
 tightly overj the tacks running along on the underside. 
 
 Strips of half-inch moulding an inch wide, or a neat 
 
 beading is fastened with round-headed screws around 
 
 the edge and over the oil-cloth, and directly above it 
 
 ^^" runs a line of gilt-headed nails, which give a neat finish 
 
 to this portion of the top. The whole wood-work is finally rubbed smooth 
 
 with fine emery-paper, and powdered pumice-stone, and either well oiled or 
 
 varnished. 
 
 The large round-headed screws are painted with black lacquer or Japan var- 
 nish, or if an extremely elegant finish is intended may be gilded or bronzed. 
 The legs and frame around the lower part, may be ornamented in various 
 ways, either by painting in imitation of inlaying or by fret-work, sawing out 
 ornamental figures. Either of these methods will be cliaracteristic of this 
 kind of work, and in perfect keeping M-ith the workmanship. The appear- 
 ance of this style of furniture cannot be imagined by merely looking at an 
 illustration, and this table though apparently so simple is exceedingly hand- 
 some, but as so very much depends upon the nicety of workmanship and 
 tastefulness in embellishing in articles so simple in form, it is only by examin- 
 ing the object itself that its merits can be fully appreciated or justice done 
 to the style . 
 
BEAUTIFUL HOMES. 
 
 209 
 
 COVEE FOR TABLE-CUSHIONS OE CURTAINS. 
 
 The cover, Fig. 178, is shown in miniature size, and consists of gray and 
 white striped drill or diaper. The pattern is worked on the wide gray stripes 
 
 Fig 178 
 
 with colored purse-silk, (or zephyr if striped woolen 
 
 material is used) in pretty colors in point Russe and 
 
 herring-bone stitches. The narrow white stripes are 
 
 marked by black alpaca braid, stitched on wdth any 
 
 bright color on the sewing-machine. As a finish to 
 
 the edge, scallops, bound with braid or colored fringe, 
 
 will be most appropriate. 
 
 The style of cover here shown in Figs. 178 and 179, 
 
 are now so much used, that ladies are constantly desir- ^g- " ■ 
 
 ing new designs, and these are among the most ele- 
 gant we have yet seen, still so easily made that any 
 one may accomplish them without difficulty. Fig. 
 181, is shown in the pattern IsTo. 180, and consists 
 of a square of damask or plain linen, white or gray, 
 embroidered with applique in scarlet and white 
 braid. The design is marked upon fine white linen 
 lawn, and basted on the colored ground, oatlined 
 M'ith the braid, and then cut out as shown; the 
 stems are made of braid or chain-stitching of the 
 ^^S-'i-^o. cotton. Or as in the pattern No. 180, the design 
 
 may be fastened on with button-hole stitches of scarlet working cotton. The 
 
 material may be ecru, and if preferred the white leaves held with black or white. 
 14 
 
210 
 
 BEAUTIFUL HOMES. 
 
 Fig. 182, shows a cover of colored linen braided with black, white, and scar- 
 let braid, and stitches of herring-bone in scarlet and black cotton, the full-sized 
 pattern for which is shown in next Fig., and may be extended to any size. The 
 
 Fig. 182. 
 
 edges are fringed out and may be tied or not as preferred. For oval trays 
 these may be adapted to the form, and a complete set with coffee and tea-pot 
 cozies to match ; egg-covers, mats and dish napkins, give a bright and elegant 
 appearance to tlie table. 
 
CHAPTER XIY. 
 
 CHAIRS. 
 
 It is a rather popular idea in this " our day and generation," to incline to the 
 ultra fashionable ; or, to the Eastlake style, because in the old garret lurks some 
 quaint remnant of the olden time in shape of a heavy oak or walnut chair. 
 
 Mr. Charles Eastlake, in his " Hints on Household Taste," has immortalized 
 several chairs, celebrated articles of furniture, as samples of perfect style, and 
 obtained permission from the late Earl de la Warr (Knole, Eng.), to make 
 copies of them. Mr. Eastlake found a slip of paper " tucked beneath the web- 
 bing of a settee, which fixed the date of 
 some of the furniture of this ancient 
 mansion indubitably at 1620"; "it hav- 
 ing remained intact since the reign of 
 James 1st. " These examples of ancient 
 furniture are eminently adapted to the 
 majority of homes in this country, com- 
 bining, as they do, elegance, simplicity 
 and comfort, and being so easily imita- 
 ted, either by rejuvenating some old and 
 perhaps valued relics, or by getting a 
 house carpenter to make the simple frame- 
 work, which any lady may afterwards 
 cover as elegantly or plainly as desired. 
 
 A set of chairs Mr. Eastlake has had 
 made for his own dwelling, after designs 
 of his own. These, also, can be readily 
 imitated, and certainly do possess the ad- 
 vantages he applies to them — simplicity 
 in design, durability and comfortable 
 upholstering. Such chairs could be ob- 
 tained at a small cost, directly from the -^S* •^^' 
 manufactory, and "finished up" to suit the taste of the housekeeper; and, in- 
 deed, so many of just such form of chair are to be found in old dwellings, or 
 may be procured at a merely nominal sum from the auction rooms, that we can 
 not but recommend our readers to obtain a few, at least, of these quaint looking 
 
212 
 
 BEAUTIFUL HOMES. 
 
 articles. With embroidered covers they would be exceedingly elegant, and the 
 wood-work either ebonized or painted with some delicate light tint, in the fine 
 enameled zinc-paint; would make a handsome chair out of a very plain and 
 rough one. 
 
 As will be seen, it is not a difficult form to imitate, and the carving may be 
 altered to suit the taste or circumstances of the case ; such a chair would look 
 well with a plain panel for the back, embellished with imitation of marquetry, 
 ivory-inlaying or painting, or, in lieu of the last, to apply " transfer " designs, 
 
 in some one of the many elegant varieties 
 of this beautiful work. This is a hall 
 chair, but its comfortable proportions and 
 form would appear to recommend it highly 
 as a sitting-room or library seat, in which 
 case upholstering would be necessary on 
 seat and back, the material used in cover- 
 ing to correspond with the furniture of the 
 room, or harmonizing with hangings, car- 
 pet and wall embellishment. 
 
 Figs. 183 and 184 are illustrations of 
 chairs that have been made elegant simply 
 by the aid of rich and tasteful work, and a 
 little painting and gilding. Such chairs 
 arc to be found in many houses, and, per- 
 haps, have been put away out of sight as 
 '•old rubbish," but if so, let them be 
 brought forth to the light, well scrubbed, 
 and " scraped," and repainted, as we have 
 directed previously. Across the back and 
 extending round the posts, fasten strips of 
 embroidery in such a manner that they 
 cover the hard wooden strips extending across the back: if desired, these em- 
 broidered bands may be lined and slightly padded, to insure comfort to the 
 back. The seat is then covered with a loose cushion, which is tightly stuffed 
 with hair, moss, or even newspapers finely shred. Over this is tacked the cloth 
 or other covering. A double cover with a very thin layer of cotton between, 
 neatly quilted on the sewing-machine like Fig. 184 looks well, as also a diamond 
 pattern in chain-stitching. The bands of embroidery fastened across the seat 
 may be of any kind preferred, either Turkish, Berlin, or applique. The lower 
 part of the seat may be still further ornamented by a narrow strip of embroid- 
 ery, a scalloped lambrequin or a fluted ruffle. The stripe given in Fig. 184, of 
 Berlin work, is fine for this purpose. Many old chairs have a vast deal of carv- 
 ing about them, and though, while shabby and covered with dirt this may 
 
 Fig. 184. 
 
BEAUTIFUL HOMES. 
 
 213 
 
 not appear sightly ; when refreshed with the painting and gilding we have 
 described, they will be more admired, perhaps, 
 than many new pieces of furniture. 
 
 In Fig. 186 the upper band on the back is 
 an application design of black velvet fastened 
 with a chain-stitching of gold-colored silk in a 
 variety of colors, which will give the appearance 
 of Oriental embroidery. For common furni- 
 ture, such as sitting-room footstools, chairs in 
 constant use and other such articles, a good 
 strong bed-ticking (with clear blue and white 
 stripe) if nicely worked with gay -colored 
 zephyrs in " side-stitch," makes beautiful 
 stripes, or, indeed, entire covers, which could 
 never be supposed to have for a basis so ordi- 
 nary a ma.terial as bed-ticking. 
 
 Fig. 185. 
 
 In Fig. 185, we have a plain but 
 beautiful chair, covered with white 
 cotton drilling (or muslin of good 
 quality will answer,) and adorned 
 with monogram and floral design in 
 spray-work, which, as we have said, 
 is a charming means of embellishing. 
 
 The monogram is cut from paper 
 and fastened in position on the mus- 
 lin, the leaves and sprays arranged 
 on back and seat, and the spray cast 
 in the usual manner. The colored 
 spray, violet, crimson, blue and all 
 the varied colors of the aniline dyes, 
 pi-oduce a lovely effect upon white or 
 stone-colored drilling, and will be 
 found admirably adapted to the 
 adornment of chamber or sitting- 
 room, where the lambrequins, cur- 
 tains, furniture-covers, and other 
 appointments require a more cheery 
 aspect than other apartments. 
 
 The simplicity of the chair of which 
 Figs. 186 and 187 give the back and 
 
 Fig. 186. 
 
214 
 
 BEAUTIFUL HOMES. 
 
 front view, will render it very appropriate for a hall or chamber, yet when 
 tastefully adorned with embroidered cover, as in our illustration, it is sufficiently 
 tasteful for any apartment. The frame is plain, and could be made with but 
 little trouble or expense. The seat and back are covered with webbing only, 
 as it is proposed to cover both with embroidered cushions. 
 
 Figs. 188 and 189 will serve as samples of chairs which may be made exceed- 
 ingly elegant by gilding the wood-work, and upholstering with stone or laven- 
 der-colored velveteen, ornamented with spray-work finished up with India ink 
 and Sepia, thus producing the black figures. Birds, flowers, etc., cut from 
 newspapers, answer well for patterns. White velveteen, when evenly covered 
 with black spray, makes a soft grounding that has a beautiful effect. This 
 
 is a style of ornamentation that 
 we can heartily recommend as be- 
 ing not only as beautiful as more 
 costly materials, but inexpensive 
 withal. As many do not under- 
 stand the manner in which the 
 spray is thrown, we give an illus- 
 tration in Fig. 190. 
 
 Figs. 191 and 192 are illustra- 
 tions showing how two varieties 
 of old and partially worn-out 
 chairs may be renovated and 
 made both comfortable and orna- 
 mental. 
 
 In this Fig. we have one of the 
 ordinary cane-seated chairs, such 
 as are found in many houses in 
 a shabby, half-worn condition. 
 There are numerous ways of 
 changing these into most delight- 
 ful sewing and "cozy" chairs, or 
 as the two here shown testify, 
 into really elegant parlor furni- 
 ture; an entire set thus finished, 
 Fig. 187. making a beautiful suite. 
 
 For this Fig. obtain four casters, one for each foot, and screw them securely 
 into the wood, adding a solid plate if necessary, in order to give a wider and 
 deeper hold for the screws. Next rub oif all the old varnish with a piece of 
 glass, and afterward either polish and re-varnish, or stain and ornament as 
 describ-'cl in appropriate chapter. 
 
BEAUTIFUL HOMES. 
 
 215 
 
 This done, tack a piece of strong webbing over the back, from the top to the 
 seat ; on this place sufficient hair, moss, or other filling to produce a thick pad, 
 
 Fig. 188. 
 
 Fig. 189. 
 
 Fig. 190.— Mode of throwing spray with brush and, wire-gauze. 
 
216 
 
 BEAUTIFUL HOMES. 
 
 layiDg several inches on the top, tack a second strip of webbing or coarse 
 crash across the back of the upper panel, and turn the webbing over, thus 
 formiijg the raised head-piece shown in the illustration ; tack the strip closely 
 
 down the sides, stretching it tightly 
 over the stuffing. Finish the seat in 
 the same manner, and finally cover 
 with any material desired ; our figure 
 has a cover of Tycoon rep in striped 
 pattern, costing only 25 cents per 3-ard. 
 Along the front, the cover forms a little 
 lambrequin, and arouud it, extending 
 up the sides, is a thick woolen cord. 
 As a further finish to our old chair, a 
 strip of coarse Swiss muslin with tat- 
 ting on each side, covers the gay cen- 
 tral stripe, and is fastened on top and 
 bottom with full bows of ribbon, or a 
 piece of the reps pinked out on each 
 edge. Across the lower bar of the 
 back is tacked a strip of heavy fringe 
 which covers the open space between 
 back and seat ; but if preferred this 
 may be upholstered by extending the 
 padding continuously from top of back 
 to front of this seat. The legs may 
 be made more ornamental by adding 
 carved wooden rings, or ornaments of any kind desired, but the neat appear- 
 ance given to the frame-work in the illustration, is done by painting in two 
 colors (with mere lines of bulf or white). 
 
 Fig. 192, shows a similar article made into a lounging or reading chair, and 
 exceedingly comfortable it is, as we can testify from experience. The first step 
 is to saw oif two or three inches from each leg, in order to make the seat lower, 
 as the castei-s and upholstering, necessarily raise the height and besides, this 
 kind of chair is intended to be unusually low. Next, fasten the caster firmly 
 on each leg, and to insure the strength of the casters, those with brass sockets 
 for the admission of the leg will perhaps be best, and are certainly more orna- 
 mental, though any neat strong kind will answer. 
 
 The next step is to upholster tlic back and seat, and this is done by first cut- 
 ting the interlining of some coarse material, two pieces extending entirely 
 across the chair, and allowing at least eight inches on each side, and nine 
 on top and bottom, on account of filling, (which in this chair requires unusual 
 depth,) also cut two side-pieces shaped to the sides of the back and seat as at 
 
 Fig. 191. 
 
BEAUTIFUL HOMES. 
 
 217 
 
 A, sew these side-pieces to the under part of the lining, and lay on the filling 
 until six inches deep, then sew the upper part to the sides, and finally make 
 the outside cover of any material desired, slipping it over the padding, and 
 catching the two together at top and bottom. Tlien with a long sail-needle 
 and strong twine, proceed to catch the back and front together, fastening a but- 
 ton, or tuft of worsted in each place, and using care to make the " buttoning " 
 regular, placing the rows so that the buttons in one row alternate with those in 
 the next. When this is finished, tack the pad to the wooden frame of the chair, 
 and line the back with glazed muslin, and trim around the lower part with 
 deep fringe, a plaited rufile or ornamental lambrequin as preferred. Finish the 
 
 Fig. 192. 
 
 edges with heavy cord, and make rosettes for each side of the top, in the center of 
 which let tassels and cord depend. A strip of rich embroidery adds vastly to 
 the elegance of this comfortable chair. 
 
 A handsome chair is made, by painting the frame with enameled zinc-white, 
 tinted some delicate shade of pearl-gray, sage-gray, or green, or the lovely tints 
 of lavender, blue-green, or peach-bloom. After varnishing and polishing until 
 a high polish is obtained, the embellishing is commenced by drawing lines 
 lightly on the surface, and painting in with black and white, and adding gold- 
 bronze or color if desired, the forms of these figures will be seen in the illus- 
 tration, though in a diminutive form. We have seen some of these fancy 
 chairs painted in various bright colors, with tube or sealing-wax paint, and the 
 
218 
 
 BEAUTIFUL HOMES. 
 
 effect was extremely fine. In the model from which Fig. 193, was taken, the 
 ground is pearl-gray, the lines on the legs are black with edges of gold, narrow 
 bands of scarlet, blue, yellow, and green, with gold and white dividing them, 
 encircle them above and below, and extend along the front, also on the back 
 and supports. The effect of this style of painting these chairs, is more beauti- 
 ful than can be imagined from this meager description. The cover of our 
 model consists of crimson satin, with a painted design in transparent colors. 
 
 An equally elegant cover is made by 
 using white velveteen, cutting flowers 
 from paper and arranging ferns, leaves 
 and fine sprays on the outside ; cover the 
 ground with spray-work as before shown. 
 In purple, crimson, blue or green aniline 
 dye, the effect is very fine, and the white 
 velveteen so well covered that it is not 
 sufficiently delicate to be easily soiled. 
 
 There are many beautiful methods of 
 rejuvenating old chairs, one of which is 
 shown in Fig. 191. This is only a plain 
 walnut chair, and an old and dilapidated 
 one besides, the seat gone, the back badly 
 broken. We shall attack it first, by rub- 
 bing it down smoothly with fine emery- 
 paper. This done, we give it a coat of 
 smooth white paint, and this dry, another 
 coat of zinc-white in which sufficient color 
 is added to give a delicate tint of buff, or 
 other color corresponding with the sur- 
 Fig. 193. roundings. Lines of white and some bright 
 
 color, such as scarlet, black and blue, in style of the old fashioned painted fur- 
 niture. When dry, give a coat of varnish. Against the back, fasten a cushion 
 either oval or round, covei'ed with an embroidered, or Cretonne piece fastened 
 with cord on the edges, and tied in place with bows of ribbon. On the back, 
 tack a piece of colored alpaca or muslin, which will make a neat finish over 
 the panel. The seat is stuffed and covered in the same manner with a cord 
 like that on the back, tacked around the edge. 
 
 An exceedingly shabby chair thus renovated, will present a most ornamental 
 appearance. The bright lines of paint on such chairs, gives them a peculiarly 
 tasteful appearance, and very happy effects are produced by using the narrow 
 bands of figures in Decalcomania designs. Scarlet and gold, green and gold, 
 and other combinations variously arranged, may be obtained in these sheets of 
 
BEAUTIFUL HOMES. 
 
 219 
 
 designs, and the simple narrow bands of color and gold, may be transferred to 
 the smallest spaces. 
 
 The Gothic form of chair shown in Fig. 195, will show the beauty of this 
 form of furniture, which, though simple in the extreme, is at once comfortable 
 and elegant. The seat is set low and the wood-work handsomely turned and 
 painted. Such chairs may be readily obtained, or can be made to order for a 
 moderate price, if left entirely unfinished; and this is the very condition in 
 which the amateur decorator desires them, in order to enjoy the pleasure of 
 self-creativeness. Therefore obtaining the rough skeleton fresh from, the 
 manufactory, it is rubbed down, stained or painted, varnished and polished 
 
 Fig. 194. Fig. 195. 
 
 highly, and finally enriched with gilding and paint of handsome transfers ; for 
 parlors, an ebonized frame with lines of gold, or merely narrow bands of deli- 
 cate color, as white or yellow; or, better still, perhaps, to paint the wood first 
 a yellowish-white, then, arranging narrow lines and some simple borderings cut 
 from paper, fasten them on. painting, or rather staining the surface around in 
 imitation of ebony ; then, upon removing the paper, the designs will appear 
 like inlaid wood or ivory. This style of embellishment is capable of wonder- 
 fully beautiful effects, and yet is most easily done. The model from which we 
 copied this illustration had a cover of gray damask, upholstered as shown, and 
 finished with embroidered bands, according to one of the patterns we give. A 
 set of such chairs would form a beautiful addition to a parlor, and could be 
 easily got up at a comparatively small cost. 
 
220 
 
 BEAUTIFUL HOMES. 
 
 In the chapter on sofas and lounges, we described the manner of chang- 
 ing the old-fashioned "settee" into a comfortable sofa. In our present illus- 
 tration is the old-fashioned chair found in 
 the wide chimney-corner of the same old 
 kitchen, the two making appropriate com- 
 panions. 
 
 In the olden time, chairs were made much 
 higher than we now consider comfortable 
 for ordinary use ; therefore, the first step 
 is to shorten the legs some four inches, and 
 fasten casters on them. This renders the 
 chair of comfortable height, and also 
 makes it less difficult to move, the uphol- 
 stering, etc., making it quite heavy. The 
 covering is put on in precisely the same 
 manner as the sofa, and where embroidered 
 bands are used for adornment, they may 
 correspond with the sofa. We admire 
 bands of bright colored cloth pinked out 
 ^'g- 19^- on each edge, and embroidered in the mid- 
 
 dle with chain-stitching in every variety of color. The wooden bottoms to these 
 old chairs and settees are so strong and solid that if desired the spiral springs 
 may be screwed into the wood, and covered with a thick cushion, thus making 
 a most luxurious seat. The manner in which the arms are covered is shown 
 distinctly in the illustration. Any material may of course be used for covering 
 these pieces of furniture, but it should correspond with the style of other arti- 
 cles and the use to which it is to be devoted ; if for a sitting-room, a substantial 
 fabric will be most suitable, and it is probable that such a chair would occupy 
 this position, therefore we would recommend strong reps. Cretonne^ cloth or em- 
 broidered bed-ticking. 
 
 HALL CHAIES. 
 
 The most appropriate chair for the hall is a plain walnut or oak frame, 
 with seat of leather, or the "leather cloth" which Europeans call "American 
 leather cloth." In many cases, the entire chair is of wood, and is so simple 
 in form that almost any one could form the frame, which can afterwards be 
 ornamented with wood-carvings of the " artificial " kind, to correspond with 
 the remaining wood-work. The common " Windsor chair," rubb':'d down with 
 fine emery-paper and ebonized, makes a handsome hall chair, and when simply 
 ornamented with gilding is really elegant. 
 
 For a large hall, and where means will allow the expense, the " church chairs " 
 with high Gothic backs and wooden seats, will be found to furnish hand- 
 
BEAUTIFUL HOMES. 
 
 221 
 
 somely. These may be purchased for five dollars and upward, and really ele- 
 gant ones are sold at second hand for two and three dollars, which require 
 
 only cleaning and varnishing or oiling, to make equal 
 
 to new. 
 
 Another beautiful method of enriching such chairs 
 
 is by painting them in imitation of inlaid w^ood, the 
 
 method of doing which we have previously explained. 
 
 The illustrations, Figs. 197, 198, show good styles for 
 
 hall chairs, and any one of them may be easily imitated. 
 A hall should not be crowded with furniture of 
 
 any kind, and one or two chairs in a small one is all 
 
 sufficient ; while even where this apartment is large, 
 
 it is better to use a " settee " and other furniture, 
 
 rather than over-abundance of chairs. 
 
 This Gothic style of furniture, the seed of which 
 
 was planted and flourished in England after the Re- 
 naissance, exhibits so many valuable features when 
 
 applied to furniture, that we feel glad to be able to 
 
 furnish our readers with a few types of this class, 
 
 which is so well adapt- 
 ed to the solid, simple 
 furniture appi'opriate 
 
 to the majority of American homes. Many per- 
 sons do not admire the quaint forms of the 
 Gothic ; but if not the most perfect in point of 
 beauty it presents a picturesqueness that must 
 be satisfying to the artistic eye. 
 
 We take pleasure in giving clear explanations 
 for making various pieces of furniture in this 
 style in our chapter on the libraiy, for which 
 apartment such furniture is peculiarly well 
 adapted. But in the hall it is also appropriate, 
 though at the present time, imposing suites of 
 furniture of this class are exhibited for every 
 apartment in the house. In some of the elegant 
 furniture ware-rooms of this city, not only com- 
 plete sets of mediseval furniture are made and 
 exhibited, but their arrangement charmingly 
 portrayed in niches specially adapted to this 
 
 purpose, where the Gothic window, fire-place and various apartments are 
 
 arranged in true Gothic style. 
 
 The hall chair shown in Fig. 198, is one of these models from a firm which 
 
 Fig. 198. 
 
222 
 
 BEAUTIFUL HOMES. 
 
 makes a specialty of this class of furniture. This chair can be readily made of 
 pine wood, and when ebonized and embellished with painting in imitation of 
 inlaying, will prove as elegant as the specimen given. 
 
 A simple yet most picturesque chair 
 for a hall will be seen in Fig. 199. 
 The frame, as will be noticed, is of the 
 rustic order and extremely plain and 
 unpretentious, therefore well adapted 
 to small houses, especially in the coun- 
 try. Having obtained proper branches 
 and put them together in a substantial 
 manner, the seat and upper part of the 
 back are to be covered with canvas and 
 well stuffed ; then covered with plain 
 crocheted tidies, edged with a lace of 
 the same character, and tied in place 
 with bows of ribbon. These covers 
 are very tasteful and may be removed 
 and washed when they become soiled. 
 Chairs of this kind are exceedingly 
 appropriate for the veranda, porch or 
 Summer house, if covered with oil-cloth 
 neatly fastened on with gilt-headed 
 tacks. Rustic chairs are usually rath- 
 er heavy in appearance, but this sam- 
 ple clearly shows that this is not nec- 
 essarily the case, as the one here made is unusually light and graceful, yet per- 
 fectly strong and substantial. 
 
 THE OCCASIONAL OR RECEPTION CHAIRS. 
 
 In the old old time of the Renaissance period, we see from pictures that the 
 fashion was to arrange the regular suite of chairs stiffly around the sides of an 
 apartment, between cabinets, mirrors, tables, and other heavy furniture, while 
 in the center (of large apartments) was a group of four chairs placed back to 
 back, the form appearing much like the round, thickly-stuffed lounging chairs 
 (or " Sleepy Hollows ") of this day, which are probably copies of them. This 
 style of arrangement has a most cozy and yet imposing appearance, and would 
 offer many recommendations for a large apartment ; but the present style of 
 scattering" the light faticy chairs about the room gives an air of graceful careless- 
 ness to the apartment which cannot but please the artistic eye, though care 
 must be taken not to carry the apparent negligence to such a degree that unti- 
 diness is approached. 
 
 Fig. 199. 
 
BEAUTIFUL HOMES. 
 
 223 
 
 Fig. 200. 
 
 Fig. 201. 
 
 Allow the regular suite of four or five chairs to occupy the corners and spaces 
 between furniture around the room, keeping them drawn out from the wall ; 
 then arrange a few of the lighter and more fanciful varieties about the tables, 
 around the stove or grate, and, if space permit, in the center of the room. 
 
 For these occasional chairs, as they are now called, no form is more pleasing 
 and appropriate than the many varieties of the old "camp-stool," of which we 
 have such an infinite number of pat- 
 terns and styles, many of which we 
 give. These are light, graceful, and 
 admirably adapted to the use here 
 named, as they can be so easily folded 
 and transported from place to place 
 The prettiest cover for the backs and 
 seats of these chairs, is embroidered or 
 braided cloth or canvas ; and here is 
 opened a wide field for the genius and 
 taste of the ladies of the family. The 
 wooden frames may be highly orna- 
 mented by gilding and painting ; above and below this a line of the wood is 
 painted in gold and black ; then below again a strip of embroidery with a 
 fringe. The lower band of embroidery is simply three scalloped circles of white 
 cloth in application, held by six rows of embroidery, and a heavy chain-stitching 
 around the edge ; this also is finished with fringe. 
 
 The embellishment on the seat is in application embroidery, and consists of 
 a wide band of cloth (fourteen inches) of a dark crimson color, on which the 
 squares of black velvet, embroidered with shades of gold-color, are fastened 
 with a flat braid sewed on with a sewing-machine. 
 
 In Fig. 202, the upper band across the back is a strip of cloth edged on each 
 side, with strips one-half as wide as the band, edged 
 with ornamental braid, a floral design in a satin-stitch 
 embroidery, or with Berlin-work on canvas ; below this 
 is a second strip of cloth, embroid-' 
 ered with six separate clusters of 
 flowers and ornamented with tassels. 
 The seat has a crossed band of em- 
 broidery corresponding with that 
 across the top, and across the front 
 another matching the lower part of 
 back. 
 
 This method of adorning chairs 
 with bands of embroidery is a most 
 beautiful one, and affords wide scope 
 
 Fig. 202. 
 
 Fig. 203. 
 
224 
 
 BEAUTIFUL HOMES. 
 
 Fig. 204. 
 
 for the inventive and artistic genius of ladies, for they may be made of various 
 materials and in all variety of styles, and as the}^ can be made to cover worn 
 places and soiled spots, they prove " blessings " to the 
 perplexed housekeeper, who has anxiously watched the 
 gradual wearing away of certain spots in the handsome 
 cover of chair or sofa, and felt unable to re-cover during 
 the "hard times," for lo ! here is a ready and easy method 
 of renewing the beauty of the furniture, and covering 
 the worn places at the same time, really rendering it hand- 
 somer than when in its pristine glory it first came from 
 the store. 
 
 Pretty bands are made, by pinking out the edges of 
 two or three colors of cloth or flannel, each narrower 
 than the other, placing them one on the other, and stitch- 
 ing on the machine. Another is made of any striped 
 woolen material of two colors ; pink the edges and work each stripe with side- 
 stitch. 
 
 SITTIXG-ROOM CHAIES. 
 
 In the sitting or "living "-room, as it is now called, the chairs should all be of 
 the class termed " easy." Be the number few or many, let no one of them be 
 stiff, hard, or high. In this room, devoted to the wants and daily occupation 
 and entertainment of the family, some object should speak of the peculiar taste 
 or requirement or occupation of each member of the loved circle, from the oldest 
 to the youngest. Whether it be the soft-cushioned chair of the aged grand- 
 parent in the most comfortable corner, the tufted foot-rest, and newspaper stand 
 of the father, the low rocker and work-basket of the ever-busj" house-mother, or 
 the various objects related to each dear child, down to the cradle of the baby- 
 pet, here in this room it is to testify to the world, that this family is one of 
 united love ; that at some period during the twenty-four hours, the disbanded 
 group are gathered together again, and here hold sweet communion. Says 
 a late writer, " The life of an apartment consists in the degree to M^hich it 
 subserves its end," and in the living-room the tired limbs require rest on 
 chair or couch, and equally does the eye need rest upon soft and subdued 
 shades. 
 
 There is one comfort for those wlio desire to furnish this, the " dearest 
 room " in all the house, with various kinds of comfortable chairs, and yet have 
 not the well-filled purse wherewith to purchase them, which is, that with a few 
 old " "Windsor," or cane-bottomed chairs, or even the homely but very comfort- 
 able " splint-bottoms " of the Western States, various cozy and tasteful seats 
 may be made. The very first thing will be to lower the seat, by sawing off two, 
 three or even four inches from each leg, according to the height desired, for 
 
BEAUTIFUL HOMES. 225 
 
 what is more uncomfortable than a high chair, or more barren-looking and un- 
 graceful than four long stiff chair-legs ? 
 
 Having made the chair low, the next point is to make it soft and to cover up 
 all deficiencies as regards broken and disfigured parts ; to do this, take any old 
 quilt or "comfort," or, in lieu of these, parts of old worn garments, cotton 
 batting, soft pieces of carpet, or indeed, any material that will serve to make 
 a soft foundation. Tack this covering over the entire chair, from top of back 
 down to the seat, putting on layer after layer until a soft foundation is 
 secured. Next measure the length from the top of back down to the floor in 
 front, (seat and all,) and cutting a lining and outside cover to fit this, make 
 it sufficiently thick with raw cotton or wool to form a comfortable pad, either 
 quilting or buttoning it, and trimming the edges with fringe, gimp or em- 
 broidery. Secure this cover on the sides of back with bows of colored flannel, 
 or cloth pinked out on the edges, or button with loops of gay cord and fancy 
 buttons. 
 
 By changing the outside material, or using embroidered, braided or orna- 
 mented cloth, or in some cases covering only the back and seat, and making a 
 lambrequin for the lower part, or again ornamenting the legs with paint and 
 allowing them to show ; as also by varying the trimmings, a set of chairs may 
 readily be made — no two of which are alike — and yet each one not only comfort- 
 able, but beautiful little affairs that will prove an ornament to any apartment, 
 and for sewing-chairs they are not to be excelled, even by the handsomely 
 upholstered article of the stores. 
 
 For children nothing can be more cunning and really comfortable than kegs 
 or small barrels made and upholstered as described previously. When covered 
 with gay cloth, with the name or monogram wrought on the back, these little 
 chairs always afford infinite satisfaction to the little folks. It is our own plan 
 to embroider some little design suitable for children, or in case this is not 
 practicable to obtain a set of Decalcomania designs, such as the history of " Puss 
 in Boots," " Cinderella " or " Jack the Giant-Killer," or larger pictures of some 
 childish scene or group ; these are transferred to ovals, circles or squares of 
 light silk or even glazed colored muslin, which are then fastened as applique 
 embroidery, with chain-stitching around the edges. 
 
 The little " basket-chairs " used for infants should always have a com- 
 fortable, padded cover fastened over them, and the little seat-lid softly cush- 
 ioned ; this cold, hard-looking chair is then changed into a pretty and comforta- 
 ble piece of furniture, in which "baby " may sit and play by the hour; but to 
 see the poor little head bumping about against the hard basket work, and the 
 tender flesh frequently torn by the projecting points of willow, as is too often 
 the case, is a cruel sight, inasmuch as there is no necessity for it. Besides, a 
 chair thus covered will serve for a whole generation of children ; indeed, we 
 know of one used by a family of five successively, then handed to the next 
 
 15 
 
226 
 
 BEAUTIFUL HOMES. 
 
 generation, and which still appears to be a sound chair ; (but its various covers 
 have been legion !) 
 
 For the mother's sitting-room chair, vrhat can ever take the place of the old 
 " rocker " ? Yet there certainly will be another beatitude added to the list, by 
 the notable housekeepers, when some ingenious person (why not a woman?) 
 invents a rocker that will entirely supersede the forked, horned and spiked 
 affair which has occupied space and ruined walls, furniture and feet for the 
 past centuries. We know full well that there have been several patents taken 
 
 out for chairs, the rockers of which are 
 invisible, or, at least, so constructed that 
 they do not rest upon the floor nor project 
 into interminable space before and behind 
 the seat ; but this is not the article re- 
 quired, unless indeed such chairs can be 
 made at so low a price that they may be 
 procured quite as cheaply as the rocker 
 now in common use. 
 
 These patent rocking-chairs are far too 
 expensive to be purchased by the '• mil- 
 lion " who most require them, conse- 
 quently they are never seen save in the 
 1, houses of the wealthy : and those who pro- 
 cure their pieces of furniture "by the 
 hardest," go on from day to day, having 
 veneering broken out, holes ground into 
 ■^^^- ^^^- polished panels and the walls worn into 
 
 chasms, with the incessant vibrations of those great horns in the rear, for rock, 
 women will, especially if there is a baby in the question. We would say, 
 though, to every woman who can possibly raise the amount of money required 
 for it, to purchase one of the patent rocking-chairs (for her sitting-room at 
 least), for she will find it money icell spent. 
 
 As we are writing for that class of housekeepers who are desirous of making 
 beautiful homes with the least possible cost, we endeavor, in taking up the fur- 
 niture adapted to each department and its furniture, to describe the very best 
 ways and means of securing comfortable, and even luxurious furniture, at the 
 least expense. Xow as regards the subject of rocking-chairs, those with long- 
 est rockers are not either the most comfortable nor the easiest rocked ; the rock- 
 ers should only be sufficiently long to preclude the possibility of tipping over 
 backward or forward ; not an inch longer. Very much also depends upon the 
 form of the rocker, which should not be curved too deeply, and which can only 
 be ascertained by trying the motion of the chair. We really know of no more 
 comfortable chair than the homely "splint-bottom rocker" that accompanies 
 
BEAUTIFUL HOMES. 
 
 227 
 
 the farm-house chair of the western prah-ies. These quaint-looking but sub- 
 stantial affairs would suit Mr. Eastlake exactly, but as we cannot admire them 
 in their rude state, it has become a subject of importance to make them as 
 tasteful as possible by means of padding and covering Now these chairs 
 cost but two dollars jis they come from the store, yet, after upholstering, 
 they will readily sell for ten. It would be wise, therefore, for every one who 
 desires economy and luxury combined in a rocking-chair, to purchase such 
 at once, or several of them, and by means of padding and covering, to make 
 
 Fig. 206. 
 
 them into handsome pieces of furniture. The rockers should be polished 
 and painted, or, better still, ebonized and touched up carefully with lines of 
 gilding. 
 
 For the pater-famHia^, the comfortable arm-chair should be always ready. 
 This should be in contrast with the office or store chair he has occupied through 
 the day ; or, in default of this, a delightful luxury after a day of toil ; therefore 
 it is to be deep and thickly cushioned, with a springy seat and padded arms, 
 and, above all, with the head-rest, in shape of round bolster hung over the back 
 at the upper part of the back. 
 
 A good form of chair is shown in Fig. 206, which has extension seat that may 
 be turned down and afford a pleasant rest for the feet, if desired. We give this 
 
228 
 
 BEAUTIFUL HOMES. 
 
 chair in merely its skeleton frame-work, with embroidered pad, which is thrown 
 over it, after the upholstering is done. This chair is so simple, that any ordin- 
 ary workman may readily 
 make the frame- work ; 
 the extension is simply 
 fastened with hinges, as 
 also the legs, both easily 
 folded in and turned on 
 the seat ; or, it may have 
 a division in the center 
 also hinged, and the two 
 parts folded together and 
 hooked, may form a front 
 to the bottom of the 
 chair; the latter arrange- 
 ment is preferable, as it 
 _^^__ does not necessitate the 
 
 ■^'^- ^^^' raising of the seat cush- 
 
 ion. When thickly padded like Fig. 207, this is the best gentleman's reading 
 or lounging chair that can be made. 
 
 AN EASY CHAIR. 
 
 The term " easy "-chair is frequently a misnomer, and the poetical quotation, 
 so frequently given, " stretched on the rack of a too easy-chair," means very 
 much more than the writer 
 intended, for verily many 
 of the so-called " easy "- 
 chairs of the day are veri- 
 table inquisitorial racks. 
 
 As many families enjoy . . 
 
 the privilege of possessing '^ 
 
 among their number that 
 blessing, an " ingenious 
 mind," we give the plan 
 of a celebrated chair, 
 called by the imposing ^'^ 
 nime of the *' Royal Vic- B • 
 toiia Chair," which pos- 
 sesses so many advantages, 
 and is withal so simple 
 and easily constructed, 
 that we believe many per- Fig. 208. 
 
BEAUTIFUL HOMES. 
 
 229 
 
 sons may follow our example and have one made for themselves, they will never 
 regret it certainly, for to own this chair is to possess a " perfect luxury." 
 
 The arms are not shown in the illustration, bat they are as simple as the rest 
 of the work ; they extend from the back to the end of the seat, and are thickly 
 padded the entire length, and iinished with a broad soft cushion on the top, 
 which affords a comfortable rest for the arm. These arms are placed low, not 
 necessitating the uplifting of the arm to an unnatural position, but simply sup- 
 porting it. Starting from the point A, they extend two-thirds the length of the 
 seat, and gradually slope to the frame at B. The frame-work is of plain solid 
 wood, and as will be seen is perfectly simple, consisting of a back and seat put 
 
 together at the angle denoted, which is the whole secret of this patent chair, it 
 being planned upon scientific principles, to give perfect support to the back, the 
 seat inclining slightly downward toward the back, instead of tilting forward as 
 chairs generally do ; the arms, of plain boards, screwed to back and seat, slope 
 almost imperceptibly toward the edge of the seat, merely sufficient to afford an 
 easy rest for the arms from the elbow to the hand. 
 
 This frame is furnished with the spiral-springs, sold by the dozen at any hard- 
 ware or upholstering establishment, which is fastened into gimlet holes bored 
 in the seat and back ; on these a thickly stuffed pad, cut to fit the back, seat 
 and arms, is placed and tacked closely around the frame-work with gilt-headed 
 nails. 
 
 The form of the cover is first cut from soft paper — thus : — cut two edge- 
 
230 
 
 BEAUTIFUL HOMES. 
 
 pieces, shaped like the dotted hnes, a, b, c, also for seat f , g, measuring from the 
 top or head to the bottom of the seat h, and the side-pieces of seat from h to i ; 
 to these sew the long straight piece fitting between these and across the back 
 and seat of the chair. For the arms, cover the board thickly with the filling 
 and tack over the cover, then make a cushion four or five inches wide and as long 
 as the board, which nail firmly and securely on the top. This chair, which would 
 cost forty dollars in the store, may be nicely got up for five dollars, more or less, 
 according to the material used for upholstering, and will be found in every re- 
 pect what its name promises, an " Easy Chair." 
 
 A Lady's sewing or nursing chair of same construction, but without arms, is 
 shown in Fig. 209, to which rockers may be affixed if desired. This figure will 
 also show the manner of upholstering the back and seat. 
 
 SITTING-EOOM EOCKEE. 
 
 The comfortable looking " rocker " shown in Fig. 210, possesses the advan- 
 tages of short rockers, and broad, low seat. The form of this chair is rather 
 peculiar, but if exam- 
 ined it will be found 
 that the workmanship 
 is extremely simple, 
 and of the plain Gothic 
 order, thus affording 
 another piece to add to 
 the suite described in 
 chapter on library. 
 Any ingenious person 
 or ordinary mechanic 
 could make such a 
 chair by examining the 
 illustration here giv- 
 en, taken from a home- 
 made article, for the 
 piece of ornamental 
 carving on the top of 
 the back may be easily 
 procured fi'om the arti- 
 ficial wood carvings; 
 and the fiame-woik or turned posts on the sides of back, may bo made merely 
 square, plain round, or be turned at a manufactory, as preferred. The back and 
 seat may be very plain, as it will be covered with the embroidered rug, extend- 
 ing from the top of back, over the seat. This rug in the model is exceedingly 
 
 Fig. 210. 
 
BEAUTIFUL HOMES. 
 
 231 
 
 Fig. 211. 
 
 ornamental, consisting of a deer cut from brown or gray cloth, and embroidered 
 ill shades of brown, as in all application work. The branch and leaves (shown 
 more distinctly in the larger pattern) are of greens and browns in wool or silk, 
 and the white tracery of silk 
 braid. This design is beautiful 
 in petite-point, the colors looking 
 lovely after the canvas is drawn 
 out. The cloth should corre- 
 spond w^ith other furniture. A 
 reading chair of same kind is 
 shown in the next illustration. 
 
 The chair illustrated by Fig. 
 212, is of such easy construction 
 that it can be made at home, with- 
 out difficulty; or, if this is im- 
 practicable, the nearest cabinet- 
 maker or carpenter should make 
 the frame-work without trouble, 
 so plain is the manner of constructing, shown in the engraving, which is left 
 uncushioned on this account. If the carved head-piece is preferred plain, it 
 may be merely a smooth panel of wood, and the entire straight back can have 
 an upholstered cushion, which may continue down and cover the seat, also. The 
 bi-eadth of embroidery may be of any pattern or variety preferred. A good 
 kind for such a chair is simply one width of any striped material such as is 
 shown in Fig. 215, which is worked on the stripes, or between certain of them. 
 If the material is woolen and rich in quality, let the embroidery be of silk, or 
 silk and beads ; but if it is linen or cotton, or even low-priced woolen material, 
 the embroidery may be done with zephyr. The point-E.usse, chain-stitch, half- 
 polka, and other varieties of those stitches are used in " Turkish embroidery," 
 
 We have been delighted by seeing an entire room upholstered with an ex- 
 tremely pretty striped bed-ticking worked with several shaded colors of single 
 zephyr worsted, in the stitches shown in Fig. 215. The effect was beautiful, 
 and the whole appearance of the furniture was as rich and elegant as if the 
 foundation had been costly damask. The style of work used on the stripes here 
 shown are fully described, and the designs, Figs. 213, 214, 215 and 216, will 
 show the various kinds of stitches and materials used on it. Figs. 218 and 219 
 are designs for the pretty footstool belonging to the chair, which will be readily 
 understood from the various plain patterns both for sides and top. 
 
 The beauty and general luxurious appearance of this graceful and comfortable 
 chair are greatly enhanced by its final finishing ; the upholstering of back, arms 
 and seat, and the cushion or bolster for the head. The embroidered rug is fas- 
 tened on with cords and tassel finished with frinee on each end. 
 
232 
 
 BEAUTIFUL HOMES. 
 
 CHAIR J^B FOOTSTOOL. 
 
 Fio-. 213 shows the fuschia spray between the stripes on rug of chah-, and is 
 done with embroidery silk in satin-stitch. The colors may be varied to suit 
 
 Fig. 212. 
 
 the taste. Fig. 211 is the stripe upon the sides of the flower embroidery, and 
 is done with narrow silk braid of tliree colors stitched down with the sewing- 
 
 Fig. 213. 
 
 Fig. 214. 
 
BEAUTIFUL HOMES. 
 
 233 
 
 machine, both the outer edge and central figure ; on the inner side is a strip of 
 braid one inch wide, on which is stitched a row of pointed braid through which 
 is worked a line of some contrasting color as shown in the figure. Figs. 218 
 and 219 belong to the footstool and are done in satin-chain and point-Russe 
 
 Fig. 216. 
 
 stitching, with braiding in fancy braid. Fig. 217 shows sample of embroid- 
 ery upon a striped material ; this being done in satin-stitch and braiding, 
 with a little application woik in the pointed pieces on each side of the light 
 stripe. " Side '' stitch, or the old herring-bone stitch is equally pretty for such 
 stripes. Alpaca braid stitched on a sewing machine, (either in the Grover & 
 
 Fig. 217. Fig. 218. 
 
 Baker or Wheeler & Wilson stitch,) will be found a beautiful method of orna- 
 menting trimming for chair and other covers, using contrasting colored thread 
 or silk for the stitching. 
 
 THE COEISIER EASY CHAIR. 
 
 We presume there never has been a home-made chair that has become as 
 popular as the one shown in Fig. 221. The first appearance of this little 
 household star on the domestic stage was several years since, in the columns of 
 
234 
 
 BEAtJTIFUL HOMES. 
 
 " Hearth and Home," and again in the "American Agriculturist " some years 
 later, in both of which diagrams similar to A and B, with dimensions and direc- 
 tions for making were given. We at once saw the comfort and utility of the arti- 
 
 Fig. 219. 
 
 cle, and forthwith commenced huilduig a similar structure ; for indeed so lai'ge 
 and hea^-}^ was it that it appeared more like a small room than a chair ; but it was 
 all it professed to be and ten times more, for so invaluable is it now considered 
 in our family, that we could not be without one, and would not take one hun- 
 
 Fig. 220. 
 
 4 
 
 Fig. 221. 
 
 Fig. 222. 
 
 dred dollars for ours could we not obtain another. "We do not imagine, how- 
 ever, that ours can be as ponderous an affair as " Faith Rochester's," who tells 
 of it in the "American Agriculturist," and says it served as a cradle for baby, 
 and was of such proportions that she left it when moving to another home. 
 
BEAUTIFUL HOMES. 235 
 
 We think that we have improved somewhat on the original plan, for 
 though ours is a large and deeply cushioned chair, it is by no means a clumsy, 
 cumbrous article of furniture; too unwieldy to move from room to room. It is 
 made thus : Have two boards sawed of " half-inch stuff," four feet by two 
 feet six inches, shaped out from the arms up to the top, as shown in dia- 
 gram A ; at the narrowest part, one foot ; above (at the widest), three feet ; 
 the edges on the hack must be beveled off in order to let them fit closely to- 
 gether. Two triangular pieces, two feet six inches on the sides, and a board 
 fitting across the front are all the parts required excepting four cleats, two feet 
 six inches long, for the seat to rest upon (for which a lath answers very well). 
 Three strong casters, material for stuffing and covering, and a few yards of 
 gimp or cord, are all that is required for furnishing the chair. 
 
 The outside covering may be of any kind desired, whether of common calico 
 or rich damask ; and we would here remark that when honored with a hand- 
 some cover, our old friend is worthy of a place in the corner of the parlor, (for 
 it is eminently a corner ornament). Having screwed the two pieces of board 
 together at a and &, in diagram A^ nail on the two lower cleats, just above the 
 bottom (at c), place the board B on this ; and above, at the point d, fasten the 
 other cleats as a support for the second triangular board, which thus forms a 
 lid to the box, making a good receptacle for rolls of work, papers or books. 
 (If a lady puts this frame together, she may find it easier to fasten on the cleats 
 preparatory to screwing the back together.) After fastening on the casters, 
 the chair is ready for upholstering, which is done as previously described. In 
 nailing on the upper cleats let them incline gradually downward towards the 
 back, as this makes the seat more comfortable ; and in upholstering make a 
 narrow pad, about a half yard wide and six inches thick, for the corner of the 
 back, nailing it along the top and bottom, and covering afterwards with 
 the padding used for the entire chair ; this gives the back a soft, rounded 
 appearance. 
 
 The cushion and pad for these chairs are made of cloth, embroidered in any 
 style most appropriate for the room they are to furnish. With handsome mate- 
 rial and rich embroidery they may be made sufficiently elegant for the parlor, but 
 on the other hand they may be neat and simple, and embellished to suit the rest 
 of the furniture. 
 
 The pattern Fig. 223, will be found well adapted to such a chair, and the de- 
 sign is so very simple that even a child may undertake it. It is in petite-point 
 embroidery, and we give it for several reasons ; first because it may be worked 
 upon any material, as the canvas in this kind of work is drawn out, and leaves 
 the design upon the material beneath, which forms the groundwork. Again, 
 the design is adapted to both back and seat, the square serving for the seat, 
 and frequent repetitions of it for the back. The colors may be selected 
 to suit the worker, and if wrought in various gay tints it will be found a 
 
236 
 
 BEAUTIFUL HOMES. 
 
 good imitation of Turkish embroidery, though in two colors it is exceedingly 
 beautiful. 
 
 The illustration shows plainly the manner of working at A, A, A, A, the 
 
 material with a part of the 
 canvas drawn out, and tlie 
 worked pattern left, B, B, and 
 the pattern worked on the 
 canvas prior to its withdraw- 
 al, C, C. Any Berlin pattern 
 will answer for peiite em- 
 brodiery, and if strong can- 
 vas is used and the stitches 
 not drawn tightly, there is 
 no difficulty in withdrawing 
 the strands. Either "side" 
 or " cross-stitch " answers for 
 this kind of work, but care 
 must be used to work all the 
 stitches to run in the same 
 direction, or an uneven ap- 
 pearance will be the result. 
 ^^S- 2^^- A beautiful little sewing- 
 
 chair is shown in Fig. 224, which may be made from one of the old fashioned 
 cane-bottomed walnut chairs, found in almost every house. First the legs are 
 to be sawed off about four inches, and trimmed neatly down to a graduated point 
 at the bottom as shown in the illustra- 
 tion : Xext, procure a dozen turned pieces, 
 which fasten between the rounds and 
 frame, thus giving a more ornamental 
 character to the frame ; the same is done 
 above, using long turned rods, and while 
 purchasing these procure also a few fret- 
 work and carved ornaments, or we would 
 suggest the substituting some pretty arti- 
 ficial carvings of any kind preferred, and 
 by obtaining a catalogue these may be 
 selected to suit the circumstances of the 
 case. This makes the frame-work at once 
 tasteful and appropriate to the after em- 
 bellishment, which consists in fancy 
 painting. The varnish must be entirely 
 removed from the wood with glass, scrap- Fig. 224. 
 
BEAUTIFUL HOMES. 
 
 237 
 
 ing carefully with the grain of the wood ; then rub smooth with emery-paper, 
 and proceed to paint the central part of all the faces with any dark enamel 
 paint (which is mixed with varnish instead of oil) ; great care should be used 
 to draw the line very carefully, and to paint the lines with a very small brush 
 in order to keep the lines exactly parallel. A charming frame is made by 
 painting the centers dark-gray one-half inch wide, on each side a line of black 
 separating the gray from a scarlet, white and blue border, the black a mei-e 
 thread of color ; the scarlet one-fourth of an inch broad ; blue, one-sixteenth of 
 an inch ; white between scarlet and blue a narrow line. On the circular rounds 
 use gold, scarlet, blue and black, and gold on the ornaments with lines of color. 
 Embroider a square of navy-blue cloth with gold color and black in clusters, let- 
 ting one come on each diamond in upholstering the seat. 
 
 DINmO-EOOM CHAIRS. 
 
 The regular set of chairs for the table of a dining-room should all be of one 
 kind, and these should be rather high from the floor, and may be of the sim- 
 plest, plainest manufacture, yet appear per- 
 fectly "genteel." 
 
 "VVe have seen a country dining-room which 
 was the perfection of tasteful beauty, yet the 
 table chairs of which were the plain "splint- 
 bottoms " of the prairie. These were repainted 
 until the surface was of one solid, uniform 
 character; then a coat of buff zinc-paint, on 
 which simple lines of black and scarlet made 
 sufficient and beautiful finish. The seats were 
 upholstered with buff linen embellished with 
 spray-work, in black and white, the effect of 
 which was charming, and accorded well with 
 a green and oak carpet and cream-colored pa- 
 per with a dado of green and gold, made by 
 simply applying a roll of paper the width-wise ; 
 a frieze of another pattern arranged in a simi- 
 lar manner, made a beautiful wall covering, and 
 testified to this housewife's knowledge of true Fig. 225. 
 
 artistic arrangement as regards mural decoration. The common cane-seated, 
 or even " Windsor" chairs are wonderfully improved by using a little gold and 
 color on the wood-work, and covering the hard, bare seats with some pretty 
 material corresponding or contrasting harmoniously with the carpet, and fasten- 
 ing these on with brass-headed tacks or cord. An old set of second-hand chairs 
 bought at auction for a trifle, may thus be made into really elegant sets. 
 
238 
 
 BEAUTIFUL HOMES. 
 
 Inasmuch as the dining-room is frequently used as a sort of clolce far itienle 
 place in which to lounge away the leisure moments which should (if possible) 
 succeed the meal time, a few "easy" chairs should grace the corners or be rolled 
 in front of the fire or stove. These chairs may not assume the dainty lightness 
 
 of the chamber-set, nor the regular 
 easy " Sleepy Hollow " of the sitting- 
 room, yet they are to be in every way 
 comfortable ; therefore we offer an 
 illustration of the best model we have 
 examined for this purpose, and in 
 Fig. 226 will be found a chair at once 
 elegant and yet well adapted to a 
 lounge after dinner. The foundation 
 of this chair may, if desired, be one 
 cf the ever-ready barrel arrange- 
 ments at once so comfortable and 
 economical. In order to make the 
 frame more tasteful, side pieces of 
 carved walnut may be added to the 
 back and arms, and short legs fas- 
 tened on the bottom, though casters 
 fastened to the wood of the barrel an- 
 
 Fig. 226. 
 
 swers every purpose, and are hidden by the fringe of ruffle arranged around the 
 lower part of the frame, as will be seen in the illustration. AVe have so fully 
 described the covering and stuffing of such a chair that it is useless to repeat 
 these directions. A pretty lace tidy adds greatly to the beauty of such a chair, 
 as also cord, or gilt nails on the edges. The carved pieces on the sides of back 
 and arms are securely screwed or nailed on the solid frame of the barrel. 
 
 VEKAKDA CHAIES. 
 
 The veranda or porch, be it ever so humble, should always be furnished with 
 seats, for, during the pleasant weather, these out-door haunts generally afford 
 the most pleasant place for the family gatherings. In-door chairs and stools 
 should never be carried to the outside of the house for many reasons; they be- 
 come soiled and disfigured by effects of glaring light, sunshine and dust, and 
 are apt to be forgotten at night, when, perhaps, a storm arises, and the result is 
 "total destruction " to the chair exposed to the drenching rain. 
 
 There are many varieties of chairs suitable for this purpose— iron, terra-cotta 
 and handsome wooden kinds, but as these are all more or less expensive, we 
 shall recommend the rustic seats as being not only appropriate but of easiest 
 construction, and costing only the price of a pound or two of nails, and the 
 
BEAUTIFUL HOMES. 
 
 239 
 
 labor of collecting or ordering a quantity of gnarled roots and branches of trees. 
 In the country, a quantity of what are called " tree-tops," are easily obtained in 
 places where wood-chopping has been going on, and nothing can be better for 
 the purpose than these, covered, as they frequently 
 are, with beautiful bark. Where it is desired to re- 
 move the bark, the pieces should first be soaked, 
 when the bark can be easily peeled off. Various 
 patterns may be used for such chairs, several of 
 which we give as a guide to some of our readers, 
 and we would encourage any faint-hearted ladies by 
 telling them that we see daily many perfect speci- 
 mens of such chairs made by a lady noted for the 
 beauty and delicacy of her hands. Furthermore, let 
 us add, not only chairs and small articles have been ^ 
 thus made, but during last Winter she formed, in "^^ 
 sections, an entire rustic bridge, which was put to- 
 gether last Spring, and she is now engaged in con- ^'g- 227. 
 structing a lovely little Summer-house. This is done only at odd moments, for 
 she has a large family and is one of those imfortunate (?) persons who, losing 
 the efficient help on which she had been accustomed to rely from her birth, 
 during the late war, has found it doubly hard to learn late in life how to help 
 herself, and perform her own household labor. "What a woman has done a 
 
 woman can do," is her motto, and could 
 our read rs see the charming home she 
 has adorned by means of her own handi- 
 work, we believe they would at once make 
 up their minds to do likewise. We have 
 digressed thus far, with the earnest desire 
 to inspire our readers with an interest in 
 this same rustic work, which shall result 
 in an effort to make some, at least, of the 
 numerous beautiful objects for which Na- 
 ture so bountifully supplies materials. 
 We would say here, that this rustic fur- 
 ^^ niture is not suitable for furnishing any 
 ^^^p apartment in the house, not even the ball, 
 I^P^ inasmuch as it is a prolific source of dust 
 and dirt, and a safe harbor for insects 
 and " all manner of creeping things." If, 
 however, any have a "warm love" for this style of furniture, let each piece be 
 thoroughly cleaned and dried, then varnished with Copal; thus finished, it 
 presents a beautiful appearance, but on account of the complicated workman- 
 
 Fig 228. 
 
240 
 
 BEAUTIFUL HOMES. 
 
 ship and the numerous nooks and crannies, it requires daily care to keep in 
 good order, and should, once each week, be painted over with kerosene oil, 
 
 which not only gives it a fresh appear- 
 ance, but prevents vermin from collect 
 ing. 
 
 Grape-vines, roots of hazel and lau- 
 rel, branches of red cedar and spruce 
 pine, with the gnarled tree-laps just 
 mentioned, all afford fine material for 
 this work, which will be found a fas- 
 cinating employment, and prove far 
 less arduous labor than would be imag- 
 ined by most persons, who form their 
 ideas of it from the pictures of the 
 various articles which necessarily ap- 
 pear cumbrous and rough, but the more 
 so the pieces are, the greater the ease 
 Fig. 229. ~ of constructing. 
 
 BED-EOOM CHAIRS. 
 
 In purchasing entire suites of bed-room furniture, we generally find that three 
 or four chairs are included, but though these may be ever so richly carved or 
 embellished, or possess all the delicate beauty characteristic of the " Cottage 
 suites," they may be vastly improved by a little upholstering ; a pretty embroid- 
 ered cushion on this one, and a gossamer-like tidy on another. It is these 
 trifles which give a certain air of comfort and elegance to the houses of some 
 persons, while others, with ten times the opportunity, will never make their 
 homes anything more than simply " houses filled with furniture." It is the 
 innumerable little additions which give that air of artistic beauty to certain 
 pieces of furniture ; a picture on one, a piece of exquisite embroidei-y covering 
 parts of another, a little graceful drapery here, and some lovely arrangement 
 of ferns and grasses there, make bald places rich in covering, and lighten up 
 what was otherwise only gloomy. 
 
 As Mr. Conway says in mentioning a picture of " St. Cecilia playing on her 
 keys," which ornamented an organ in a house he was visiting : " It is scarcely 
 enough to bring into the house, furniture of a color which is vaguely harmo- 
 nious with the paper ; by a little ornamentation, even the piano, the cabinet, 
 the book-case, may be made to repeat the theme to wliich the walls have risen." 
 
 Many chairs are ugly in the extreme, but if we have (by any means) become 
 the owners of such "eye-sores," there is.no reason why we should allow them 
 to annoy us day after day, there is no absolute and irrevocable law by which 
 
BEAUTIFUL HOMES. 
 
 241 
 
 we are compelled to gaze upon ugly objects, when pretty ones are within our 
 power. Prettiness is not intrenched against the Decalogue, nor " thou shalt 
 make for thyself ugly things," carved upon the tables of the moral law ; so let 
 us take our old bed-room chairs and see what we can do to rejuvenate them. 
 First, we have here some old parlor-chairs of that wretched style which never 
 allowed any solid, broad-shouldered man to lean back against them without the 
 embarrassing result of " down goes chair-back, man, and all." ISTow the two 
 slender uprights which liold back 
 and seat together, can never be put 
 firmly together again, without the 
 aid of strong iron bands, and of 
 course, these would present an ex- 
 tremely rude appearance in the par- 
 lor, but as bed-room chairs, we have 
 repaired five of this class, and they 
 prove not only durable, but are much 
 admired. 
 
 The first step we take must be to 
 the blacksmith shop, for each one of 
 these chairs require two long iron 
 plates screwed securely to the seat 
 and wood-work of the back, and a 
 brace on the front to hold them firm. 
 This makes the chair stronger than 
 it was when merely supported by the 
 wooden uprights. We next recover 
 the seat and back with material har- 
 monizing with the curtains, and in 
 tasteful contrast with carpet and wall 
 covering. Bands of embroidery on 
 seat and back, aid materially in im- 
 parting elegance to these chairs ; and 
 for a chamber, a full ruffle from the ^^^' ^^^' 
 
 seat to the floor adds a graceful and dainty appearance, especially in Summer, 
 when light chintz covers may be used to impart that cool delicacy which light 
 materials only can. The iron bands are to be covered with puffs of whatever 
 material covers the chair, and will entirely dispel any idea of this having been 
 an old chair j-epaired and renovated ; presenting only the appearance of taste- 
 ful additions, not covered blemishes. 
 
 Figs. 232 and 233 show two pieces of furniture which should stand in the 
 bed-room of every house. 
 
 We say the bed-room, as referring to that particular room known we suppose 
 16 
 
242 
 
 BEAUTIFUL HOMES. 
 
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 to every family, the " family-room," where the sick or merely indisposed mem- 
 ber of the household always resorts in time of need. Where there is a family 
 
 of children especially, be they mere 
 babies or quite " grown up," there 
 is generally a desire to be near 
 ••mother" when indisposed, and 
 •• mother's-room," is therefore the 
 '• haven of rest " to each member 
 of the home-circle, as we have ob- 
 served before. As mother's bed 
 cannot always be at the disposal 
 of the little con;munity, or it may 
 appear desirable to keej) it in a 
 state of unruffled neatness, it is 
 always wise to have ready some 
 comfortable, indeed inviting 
 '• Sleepy Hollow " for the afflicted ; 
 we know of nothing so entirely 
 perfect, and so well adapted to all 
 the requirements of this case, as 
 the arrangement shown in the illustrations, Figs. 232 and 233, which give the 
 chair an ottoman, singly and combined. For the chair, procure one of the 
 large wooden arm-chairs of the cheapest and most comfortable kind, (for spa- 
 ciousness and proper curve to the back, etc.) are the essential points to recom- 
 mend such a chair, the finish or style 
 being of no consequence, as the entire 
 wood-work will be covered. 
 
 Having secured the chair, first saw 
 off the legs in order to make the seat 
 only one foot from the floor, then screw 
 large casters to each one ; this done, 
 proceed to pad the bottom, back and 
 arms as previously directed, the only 
 difference being that in this chair, the 
 arms are to be stuffed as shown in the 
 illustration. A piece of linirfg and ma- 
 terial are cut to fit back and arms, and 
 sufficiently long to turn over the arms 
 in a roll which are carefully stuffed. A 
 
 Fig. 231. 
 
 Fig. 232. 
 
 piece is cut to fit down the front of each arm, meeting the cover of the seat in 
 front, and finished in the center with a rosette of the material, and a tassel or 
 bunch of woo'.en balls. The lower part of the front of the chair, and the sides 
 
BEAUTIFUL HOMES. 
 
 243 
 
 of arms are covered plainly with the material, but for the back, any colored 
 muslin will answer. 
 
 A soft cushion should always be placed against the back of such a chair, 
 with a round bolster hung over the back, and an "Afghan " or soft woolen rug, 
 in case the invalid should feel " chilly." A deep heavy woolen fringe, or a 
 
 ruffle of the material fin- 
 ishes the bottom. 
 
 The ottoman is made of 
 a box the same width and 
 height of the chair-seat. 
 The one in our illustration 
 is of a half circular form, 
 but a square will answer 
 the same purpose ; casters 
 are screwed to the four cor- 
 ners, and the sides covered 
 in the same manner as the 
 front of the chair, while 
 the lid is padded and then 
 ^*S- 233. covered. The inside of 
 
 the box is lined neatly with muslin or paper, and is convenient for holding 
 books, and various trifles an invalid may require, and desire to have near by. 
 The lid of this ottoman is fastened with two hinges and a loop on the front 
 whereby to raise it. In case the person occupying the chair desires to rest, this 
 ottoman drawn to the front of the chair, and the cushion fixed beneath the 
 shoulders, they can recline upon it very comfortably. When not thus used, 
 such a piece of furniture forms a tasteful and useful appendage to any bed- 
 room. If desired, this stool can be made with hinged legs, which turned under, 
 allows it to rest on the floor as a footstool for the chair, it only needs to have 
 them opened out beneath the cushion. We believe most persons (like our- 
 selves) will prefer this way of making it, as the chair requires some support for 
 the feet when used merely to sit in as a lounging chair. 
 
 The " Sleepy Hollow " barrel chairs have become so well-known that a descrip- 
 tion of them appears almost useless, yet, as we have never seen any that were 
 made or looked as well as the one shown in Fig. 234, we feel inclined to give 
 our own method of making this useful and economical piece of furniture. 
 
 First, the barrel should not be one of the loose, badly-hooped flour barrels 
 which will come apart almost as soon as finished, but a substantial article, not 
 heavy, yet well put together with wooden hoops. Remove the head, and to the 
 bottom fasten four casters ; then have the exact form marked out upon the 
 staves, using care to make the sides precisely alike, and giving a graceful curve 
 at that point where the arm turns into the back. At the top, too, instead of 
 
244 
 
 BEAUTIFUL HOMES. 
 
 simply rounding it, cut out a point and curve down to each arm, as shown in 
 diagram. This will make a more graceful back, and yet be quite as readily 
 
 upholstered. Very much depends upon the 
 shape of the barrel, and we prefer a rather 
 short, wide form, to a narrow, high, or long 
 one. About one foot from the bottom nail 
 or screw (around the inside), a number of 
 little blocks for sustaining the "slats," 
 which are to form the bottom ; this mode 
 is much better than a solid bottom, on ac- 
 count of lightness and a certain amount of 
 " springiness," the latter being specially 
 the case when flexible wood is used, having 
 thin but tough strips, such as green hick- 
 ory ; but an excellent plan is, M'here an 
 extremely nice chair is made, to obtain 
 % four of the movable coil springs such as 
 y^£ -- are used for " spring bottoms " to beds, 
 and making the bottom of strips crossed 
 Fig- 234. (jyei- each other, fasten a spring in each 
 
 intersection. This makes a delightful chair seat. After arranging the seat, 
 proceed to cover the sides and back, and nothing is better for stuffing these 
 chairs than clean, fresh corn-husks, well split and cut, using care to remove all 
 hard parts and washing them perfectly clean, in order to remove all dust; this 
 makes a very elastic and durable filling. After 
 covering with webbing or other coarse mate- 
 rial, and stuffing tightly, cut a paper pattern 
 to fit the entire back and arms, and from it 
 cut two of coarse cheap calico or muslin, and 
 one of the material to be used for outside cov- 
 er; lay several thicknesses of cotton-battmg. 
 hair, moss, or other filling, between the two 
 pieces of lining, and stitch them together ; then 
 quilt or " tie and button," and tack this when 
 finished on the cbair, filling around the edge 
 with a quantity of the stuffing material, and 
 making a round, puffed appearance across the 
 head and on the arms, as shown in the illus- 
 tration. Next, make and fill a cushion for the 
 seat in the same manner, making it at least 
 eight inches deep, as it must sink into the circular cavity above the slats, and 
 still be seen above, as shown in the finished illustration ; around the edge a 
 
 Fig. 235. 
 
BEAUTIFUL HOMES. 
 
 245 
 
 deep quilted or buttoned side piece is fastened, which gives a most comfortable 
 and handsome appearance to the chair. Our illustration is finished with a 
 fringe and tassels one foot in depth, which covers the piece of wood- work below 
 the cushion, and extends round the sides ; rosettes of the material and tassels, 
 are placed on each arm, and a strip of braided cloth ornaments the middle of 
 back and cushion. 
 
 A barrel chair thus made will be found a most luxurious seat and well de- 
 serving of the name given this comfortable seat, " Sleepy Hollow," for verily it 
 is intended to induce repose, so soft and cozy is the deep cushioned depths of 
 this old barrel. Many of these chairs are clumsy and unjustly condemned on 
 this account, but this is certainly because they are not properly made. 
 
 CHAIE-BOLSTEES. 
 
 There is no longer the painful necessity of dislocating one's neck in endeav- 
 oring to rest the head against the chair-back, for the beautiful bolster now to 
 be found hung against all high-backed chairs not only remedies this evil, but 
 proves a tasteful addition as well. These bolsters are made in every variety of 
 embroidery and in various styles of arrangement, though the form is invariably 
 the same, and the most sensible one that could be devised ; a long, round, 
 narrow pillow, neither broad nor deep, but exactly adapted for the purpose 
 designed, a head-rest. We give a number of beautiful designs for these bol- 
 sters, any of which will be found easy to make, and not costly as regards 
 material. 
 
 Fig. 236 is made of soft merino on the usual round foundation, which being 
 always made in the same manner, we will give here, as it will answer for all 
 
 Fig. 236. 
 
 the different cushions. Take a piece of bed-ticking, crash, strong muslin, or 
 indeed any material sufficiently substantial to hold the filling without allowing 
 it to work through to the outside cover ; in length, let it be eighteen inches, 
 and in width, eighteen. Sew together and turn ; then gather one end and sew 
 
246 
 
 BEAUTIFUL HOMES. 
 
 it around a circular piece four inches in diameter ; fill with feathers, curled 
 hair or other material, until it is of good form but not firm and devoid of elas- 
 ticity ; when sufiiciently full, gather the other end left open for filling, and sew 
 
 Fig. 237. Fig. 238. 
 
 to a circular piece as at the opposite end ; these pieces give a better form to the 
 bolster than if the ends were merely gathered into a knot ; it also makes the 
 outside cover set more neatly than if the whole were gathered into one close 
 knot at each end. Over this pillow the cases are fitted and should always 
 
 Fig. 239. 
 receive the embroidery or other ornamentation before being sewed together. 
 The outer cover should always be sewed together on the sides, and slipped over 
 the stuffed bolster, then gathered at the ends. 
 
 In Fig. 241 the merino is ornamented with embroidered leaves, laid one over 
 
BEAUTIFUL HOMES. 
 
 247 
 
 the other. These leaves may be made in various ways, and are a beautiful 
 method of ornamenting other articles besides these cushions. Fig. 237 shows 
 one of cloth or flannel pinked out on the edges, and embroidered with a figure 
 in application cut from black velvet, and fastened on with white cord, held with 
 stitches of black silk ; chain-stitching, point Russe and other stitches of that 
 kind. Figs. 238 in point Russe embroidery, are both pretty for the purpose. 
 
 Besides the points the cushion has a protector or lidy made of fine Swiss 
 muslin, with an application design of Xainsook embroidered with chain- 
 
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 stitching of black. This is edged on each side with narrow Swiss edging, and 
 tied with three dainty bows of ribbon. A large button and bunch of tassels 
 finishes each end where the gathers are collected, and from these the cord 
 extends which holds the bolster over the chair. When the muslin cover becomes 
 soiled, it is easily removed and washed. A tasteful mode of embellishing the 
 muslin tidies for these bolsters is by means of spray-work, which if done with 
 indelible ink can be easily washed. 
 
 EMBROIDERED CHAIR-PILLOW. 
 
 To make the round pillow (or bolster) in Fig. 239, take a piece of brown 
 damask silk, or merino twenty inches long and sixteen inches wide, and lay 
 
 Fig. 241. 
 
248 
 
 BEAUTIFUL HOMES. 
 
 under it a half-inch depth of cotton or wool, making it quite uniform in thick- 
 ness throughout, then quilt in diamonds one inch 
 long on a sewing-machine, using maize-colored silk 
 for the upper stitches, if done on a AVheeler & Wil- 
 son, (or any lock-stitch machine,) if on a chain- 
 stitch reverse the order. Sew the edges neatly 
 together, and gather the one end drawing it up 
 closely. Into this case, the bolster made of tick- 
 ing or cotton-cloth of some kind, and filled Mith 
 hair, is slipped and the other end gathered and 
 stefaned in the same manner. These are finished 
 with circular pieces of the material covered over 
 card-board, two inches in diameter, on which a 
 cord and tassel is sewed, and the suspension-coid 
 to pass over the back of the chair, with a bunch 
 of tassels in the center. Next, two strips of can- 
 vas three inches wide, and eighteen inches long, 
 are embroidered with zephyr and silk in red, 
 green, black, and white zephyr, with maize-colored 
 silk, which gives a peculiarly rich and brilliant 
 effect. Any strip of work will of course answer 
 for this purpose, provided the colors are well 
 chosen, but the pattern belonging to our model, 
 shown in Fig. 240, will be found specially adapted 
 to this purpose, and cannot be excelled in beauty. 
 
 SET m APPLIQUE EMBEOIDEKY. 
 
 The illustrations here given, show a complete 
 suite of cushions, mats and borders in application 
 embroidery. 
 
 The chair-bolster. Fig. 241, has a vine of con- 
 volulus leaves and flowers, which may be cut 
 from Cretonne, or made by using scraps of colored 
 flannel, velvet and cloth, button-hole stitching the 
 edges, and after touching the backs lightly with 
 thin glue, (or paste with a little glue added,) the 
 separate pieces are held by the veins, and stitches 
 along the edge. The bolster is made in the usual 
 way, and covered with glossy black alpaca, or 
 richer goods, such as satin if preferred. Fig. 242 
 Fig. 242. in small size, forms the lamp-mat ; larger a foot- 
 
BEAUTIFUL HOMES. 
 
 249 
 
 rug for chair or sofa. In the former, it is made of a circular piece of black 
 velvet, ten inches in diameter, the edge pinked-out and ornamented with bands 
 of scarlet silk braid or velvet ribbon, put on (as illustrated by the figure) with 
 a machine stitching, and crimson or pink roses cut from brocade ribbon or silk 
 sewn on, with pink and green silks of several shades in button-hole stitching. 
 
 Fig. 243. 
 
 For the foot-rug, take a circular piece of heavy flannel or blanket, color black, 
 and pink out around the edges. Obtain a number of scraps from a carpet-store 
 with roses or other flowers in Brussels or velvet carpeting, and cutting them 
 out carefully, fasten on the rug with a large needle and German w^ool or yarn in 
 over-hand stitches, until the edges are completely covered. Line the rug with 
 coarse canvas or old carpeting. Make a border connecting the clusters of 
 
 roses M'ith woolen braid, stitching several rows around, and uniting them with 
 cross-pieces w^oven in and out. This makes a durable and exceedingly hand- 
 some rug. 
 
 Fig. 243, gives a small and greatly reduced pattern for the border of curtains 
 and bands on furniture. It is a design easily procured on Cretonne, and we 
 
250 
 
 BEAUTIFUL HOMES. 
 
 would advise the use of this material in all these articles excepting the two 
 mats, for which more delicate fabric in the one, heavier, and more durable 
 
 Fig. 245. 
 
 in the other, will be found better substitutes. A fancy braid edges the sides 
 of the border, and is arranged in ornamental cross-work at intervals of six 
 
 inches. The lambrequin, Fig. 
 24:4c, still continues the same 
 scheme of decoration, and con- 
 sists as the illustration shows of 
 convolulus blossoms and leaves, 
 with an outside work of fine 
 tracery done in point Russe and 
 chain-stitching in silk of various 
 colors. This lambrequin will be 
 found very beautiful for the 
 mantel, brackets and a hanging 
 etagere. 
 
 The sofa cushion. Fig. 245, 
 may be made in the usual way, 
 and the upper cover adorned with 
 the design shown in Fig. 246, 
 which beautifully combines both 
 ^^' ^^' the convolulus and rose patterns, 
 
 and is finished with a border of the braid, and a suspension ribbon and bow. 
 
 
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CHAPTER XV. 
 
 SOFAS, LOUNGES AND DIVANS. 
 
 A room is scarcely considered completely furnished in this day without its 
 sofa, lounge or divan. The old-fashioned " settle " or " settee" of years past, is 
 scarcely to be found in any dwelling of the present time, though now and then 
 in some farm house kitchen, the " old arm-chair " and quaint " settee " may still 
 be found opposite the now closed fire-place. If there should happen to be any 
 of the old-time pieces of furniture in any of your houses, bring them forth, and, 
 according to the " heavy Gothic," change them into most artistic shape copied 
 from the prescribed patterns described by Mr. Eastlake, of " The Ancient Sofa 
 in long gallery at Knole ; " or " The Settee in Billiard-room at Knole ; " for 
 these heir-looms are at least two hundred and sixty years old, and the former so 
 celebrated as to have been introduced into a painting by Mr. Marcus Stone, ex- 
 hibited in the Royal Academy, England, a few years since. The sofa here 
 spoken of is stuffed with feathers, and two cushions filled with the same, cover 
 the seat. The old-time settee could easily be made to appear precisely like this 
 sofa, by covering the straight sides and back with coarse sacking of some kind^ 
 and filling between with feathers if you will, or any substitute at hand. Then 
 make square box-cushions for each end, and cover the sides with a straight piece 
 of the covering material ; make two large feather cushions for the seat (dividing 
 the seat with them) ; finally, resurrect some ancient damask or other faded ma- 
 terial from the trunks in the garret, with a quantity of heavy fringe, and with 
 these cover and ornament the structure, and your old settee is changed into 
 "the most luxurious form of couch that could be desired." 
 
 In England, in the most elegant mansions, the divan has become one of the 
 principal features in house furnishing, and as the custom of adopting Oriental 
 luxury is becoming popular among the higher classes, the introduction of the 
 Persian divan, with rugs of leopard skins and hangings of rich Eastern looms, 
 is esteemed the perfection of comfort and elegance combined. 
 
 When there are recesses on the sides of a chimney, as is the case in many 
 houses, nothing furnishes better than a pair of divans, filling the spaces entirely; 
 or, in the case of a bay window, a narrow divan running entirely around the 
 projection beneath the sash, has a remarkably cozy, pretty effect. 
 
 The divan proper is simply a wooden frame as long and wide as desired, and 
 about eighteen inches from the floor, furnished with casters. This simple box 
 
252 BEAUTIFUL HOMES. 
 
 is covered first with some heavy material, such as a worn quilt, carpeting or 
 blanket, tacked on smoothly over the entire back, seat and arms. On the seat, 
 an elastic mattress of considerable depth is placed, which should be covered 
 with the material intended for upholstering the front, sides, back, and a set of 
 cushions (from five to seven), which must be made large and square, and be 
 firmly stuffed with hair, feathers or moss. These are piled two and two upon 
 the ends, and three are stood up against the back. A row of brass-headed nails 
 or a heavy cord or braid, may finish the edges of the front, back and arms, and 
 tassels the corners of the end-cushions. After covering, the upholstering should 
 be finished by sewing the cushion of back and seat through with buttons or 
 tufts of wool in diamond, similar to a mattress. 
 
 Where the sides of a room or a window are furnished with this Oriental lux- 
 ury, they should be made extremely narrow — ^not more than one foot in depth, 
 and finished without large cushions, or merely long narrow ones placed across 
 the ends. Such a finish to a large apartment will be found exceedingly elegant, 
 and for a living-room nothing can be more convenient or impart a greater air 
 of cozy comfort. 
 
 Where windows extend to the floor, with merely a panel beneath the seat, the 
 shallow cushioned divans are a charming finish, as they give the appearance of 
 the old-fashioned cushioned window-seat, connected so delightfully with the 
 tales of our childhood. Where (as is the case in many houses) the window-seat 
 is too high to be cushioned, a small divan should always be placed beneath, and 
 these may be only boxes neatly covered and cushioned, which can be utilized 
 as receptacles for work, rolls of pieces, scraps and papers, or, perhaps, for dust- 
 ers, brushes, in the nursery for the toys, in a chamber for shoes, bed or toilet 
 linen. 
 
 The low wall-divans are pretty, simT)ly covered with colored drilling, or brown 
 linen bound with colored braid, and an elegant effect is produced by covering 
 with coarse Turkish toweling and crash, worked with scarlet zephyr, and bound 
 with alpaca braid of the same color. The shades of brown contrasted with the 
 red are extremely tasteful, and impart a most cheery aspect to an otherwise 
 rather dull room. Low divans extending along a wall are of great value as a 
 protection against chairs being pressed against and breaking the plaster. 
 
 The plain turned lounges with straight back and arms (made entirely of 
 beaded rails and bars) are exceedingly quaint looking, and neatly cushioned 
 and embellished with fancy painting, make really elegant looking pieces of fur- 
 niture, eminently adapted for hall and the more simple kind of library furniture. 
 These may be purchased for from three to six dollars ; the lower priced ones 
 having no back, require cushions. These simple lounges, made almost exclu- 
 sively for country use, are generally made with the legs entirely too high to 
 appear graceful. They should, therefore, prior to embellishing them, have two 
 or three inches sawed from each leg, and casters fastened on. The embellish- 
 
BEAUTIFUL HOMES. 
 
 253 
 
 ment may consist in ebonizing and painting on the npper part of the pointed 
 (Gothic) back, with a band of color around each bead, which gives a beautiful 
 appearance to the wood-work. The higher priced of these lounges is generally 
 arranged with a double seat which may be turned over, and thus an impromptu 
 bed is improvised at short notice, which makes this simple piece of furniture of 
 great value, in a small dwelling especially. This double seat is merely a light 
 frame (fitting the bottom of the lounge) with slats running horizontally ; hinges 
 connect it to the front of the seat, and three strong pieces of wood the length of 
 the height from the floor, fastened each with a hinge to the opposite side, are 
 thus made to fold over against the bottom when not in use, and in case of using, 
 are arranged so that they fall to the floor when the half is turned over ; and 
 thus a full sized bed may be formed with but little trouble. A lounge that can 
 
 Fig. 247. 
 
 be used for its legitimate purpose during the day, and at night turned into a 
 bed, is of great value in a sitting-room, as in case of sickness or a crowded 
 house it can be used as we have described, and in a family-room this is no small 
 consideration. 
 
 We give the design of Fig. 247 to show how an old and w^orn sofa may be 
 repaired and renewed. Supposing the seat, arms and back have become worn, 
 procure suflicient material of whatever kind desired, and, measuring the size of 
 each part accurately, fit the cover over and tack firmly to the wooden frame. 
 The arms will require the greatest care, and as the form varies so greatly it 
 is impossible to give a particular pattern, but it is not a difficult matter to cut 
 the shape of back and arms with front piece, as shown in the illustration ; in 
 our own family it is such a usual thing for us to re cover our furniture, that it 
 has come to be considered as simple a job as the making of a dress or shirt. 
 
 Nothing helps the appearance of a sofa so much or imparts such an air of 
 
254 
 
 BEAUTIFUL HOMES. 
 
 comfort as cushions. "Where the depth will not admit of back-cushions, divide 
 the covering of the back and tack it, so that when filled it will simulate cush- 
 ions as in the illustration. The old-fashioned bolsters are again much esteemed, 
 and give a quaint and cozy appearance to the seat. After covering the sofa as 
 described, finish off with cord or flat furniture gimp and fresh tassels ; fringe 
 around the bottom is v^ry elegant if deep and heavy. 
 
 An Afghan rug, either crocheted or of silk or soft woolen goods, should be 
 hung across the arm and back of every sofa ; not only because it imparts a 
 certain air of graceful and luxurious taste, but also for the sensible reason that 
 it is really necessary and the preventive of many a cold when the sofa is used, 
 
 Fig. 248. 
 
 as it frequently is, for a brief siesta. For this purpose, nothing can be better 
 than parts of old discarded silk dresses, made into some tasteful design of 
 patchwork. 
 
 The illustration, Fig. 248, is given to show our readers how an old sofa may 
 be renovated and made to appear really tasteful as well as comfortable. This 
 was an old hair-cloth covered " abomination," which was always a slippery and 
 severely ugly piece of furniture. At last, '' Father Time " punished its numer- 
 ous faults by repeated hard knocks, until it was no longer presentable, and we 
 concluded to attack it with vigor and make a change in its appearance, as well 
 as its power of giving comfort ; for the springs having become broken and dis- 
 placed, and the stuffing matted, it was no longer the sleek, hard, smoothly 
 rounded piece of furniture which was considered so exceedingly elegant, and 
 the discomfort of which we so meekly endured because it was the fashion. By 
 turning the entire sofa upside down and removing the webbing beneath, we 
 
BEAUTIFUL HOMES. 
 
 255 
 
 could gain access to the springs ; which were then re-arranged, and in some cases 
 replaced with the spiral ones (purchased by the dozen at the hardware stores) ; 
 the canvas was then put back and closely tacked, and the under part of the work 
 was accomplished. Next, the entire cover of hair-cloth was removed, and the 
 stujSing taken out, picked loose, washed and dried ; then replaced and covered 
 with a piece of old bed-quilt, which is very much softer than mere ticking or 
 canvas. We then cut a pattern of the back, seat and arms, and from it cut the 
 outside of a brown twilled cloth, two yards wide, costing one dollar and seventy- 
 five cents per yard ; two yards covered the entire sofa, excepting the back, for 
 which we used muslin. On this was laid three thicknesses of cotton-batting 
 (requiring six rolls) ; we found 
 this an easier method of quilting 
 than to do it after tacking on the 
 cover. With neat black woolen 
 buttons we then caught the out 
 side cotton and a lining of old 
 material together in regular dia- 
 monds, and fastened them on the 
 wrong side. 
 
 The back, seat and arms thus 
 quilted were finished with a row 
 of ornamental tacks, and furniture 
 gimp or cord. On the front the 
 woodwork was covered with a 
 piece of the goods, with cord on 
 each edge and a fall of long and 
 heavy fringe below, but this may 
 have a substitute in form of a ^^S- 249. 
 
 lambrequin or scantily gathered ruffle. The pretty cushion finishing our now 
 neat and comfortable sofa, is shown in Fig. 249, though any pretty design will 
 answer equally well. 
 
 We hope our illustration. Fig. 250, will aid some of our readers to utilize the 
 old-fashioned "settee "that are still to be found in many an old farm-house 
 kitchen, or, perhaps, has been stowed out of sight in the ancient garret, consid- 
 ered only an '' eye-sore " to the tasteful. Bring it forth, and at once saw off 
 at least three inches from the feet ; have casters fitted to the corner ones, using 
 the kind with brass sockets, into which the legs may be securely screwed. The 
 next step is to cover those hard, uncomfortable rails and upright rods which 
 used to so lacerate our feelings and injure our spines ; this is done by tacking a 
 piece of canvas or ticking along the upper edge of the back, and along the back 
 of the seat, and proceed in the same way with the arms ; tack a similar cover 
 on the other side and fill between tightly with moss, feathers, corn-husks or any 
 
256 
 
 BEAUTIFUL HOMES. 
 
 other suitable material. Next, make a similar cushion for the seat, but do not 
 tack it on until covered and fastened through, which is the next step, both with 
 back and arms. The back is fastened through with a long sail-maker's needle, 
 strong cord, a button or tuft of zephyr being fastened between each stitch, and 
 the cord tied on the back. Care must be used to tie in the center between each 
 
 Fig. 250. 
 
 two bars, thus making the diamonds of uniform size. In making the cushion 
 for the seat, allow sufficient to cover the edge, and extend down to the round 
 running along the front and ends, to which it must be tacked, the ends being 
 covered from the arms. In order to make the appearance still more attractive, 
 bands of embroidery, fringe, and gilt-headed tacks may be used, as shown in 
 the copy of our own model. 
 
 BED-LOUNGE. 
 
 It is frequently a great accommodation to have in sitting-room or library 
 some opportunity of arranging an impromptu bed; indeed, either in living- 
 room, houdnir, or library, a tasteful lounge so constructed as to admit of being 
 changed into a bed, is a real comfort. In Fig. 251 such a lounge is shown, the 
 construction of which is so simple that any one may undertake it. 
 
 It consists of a long, narrow box seven feet in length and four in width. To 
 the bottom, turned feet with casters are screwed, and in the box is fitted a 
 "spring bottom," on wliich a comfortable mattress is placed. To the one end 
 of the box a piece of board two feet high is firmly screwed, as a support for the 
 pillow. This forms the frame-work of the lounge, which is next to be neatly 
 
BEAUTIFUL HOMES. 
 
 257 
 
 covered with any material preferred ; first, however, the head-board should be 
 padded by tacking a portion of an old quilt, or several folds of blanket over it 
 beneath the cover. The material is then covered over and fastened with gilt- 
 
 
 Fig. 251. 
 
 headed tacks, the same being applied to the cushion of the seat, with a fall of 
 heavy woolen fringe below it. 
 
 In our model from which the illustration is copied, the cover is dark green 
 reps embellished with strips of embroidery, which we have applied to this pur- 
 pose with fine effect. If preferred, however, a braided pattern may be used, 
 and we have found a cover of wide striped bed-ticking worked on the white 
 stripes with the various colors of zephyrs in herring-bone or point Russe stitches, 
 not only beautiful, but durable as well. 
 17 
 
CHAPTER XVI. 
 
 OTTOMANS. 
 
 Besides the sofas and chairs required in a tasteful room, there is much ele- 
 gance, and that indescribable air of " easy and sociable " comfort imparted by 
 the addition of what might be called the promiscuous seats, the stool and little 
 tete-a-tete sofas ; the quaint little chair and corner " cozy," but perhaps above all 
 the beautiful ottoman with its low soft cushion and easy-rolling casters, that 
 
 allow it to be propelled 
 from one spot to another, 
 with the mere touch of 
 hand or foot. Every room 
 may have one or more of 
 these tasteful seats, which 
 rolled out in the center of 
 the floor near the fire, or in 
 front of some pleasant win- 
 dow, gives an inviting as- 
 pect to an otherwise simple 
 apartment. It is to these 
 little adjuncts indeed, 
 rather than to the regular 
 "suite" of furniture that 
 an apartment receives its 
 principal and most pleasant 
 aspect. Whether in parlor, 
 bed-room, living or dining- 
 Fig. 252. room, the ottoman should 
 
 always have a place among the first, simply as a seat perhaps, though even here 
 if made in box form, it might better be devoted to holding dusters, or perhaps 
 the boxes of cards, chess, and other games frequently scattered about in incon- 
 venient places. In the chamber and living-room these receptacles for shoes, 
 rolls of work or papers are invaluable, and in the dining-room, when lined with 
 oil-cloth, they afford a ready place wherein to deposit the dishes that have been 
 removed. This class of ottoman is always made like a deep box or case, and 
 such should always be the kind used in any room excepting the parlor, where 
 
BEAUTIFUL HOMES. 
 
 259 
 
 it may be in more ornamental form if desired, several pretty plans of which we 
 offer as samples, which any one may readily carry out herself, as the embroid- 
 ery, lambrequins and general outside ornamentation forms the principal features 
 in these articles of furniture. 
 Fig. 252, illustrates an elegant 
 ottoman with carved frame, 
 which we give in order to show 
 how an old but handsome article 
 of this kind, may be upholstered 
 and made more beautiful than 
 in the beginning, and we fre- 
 quently find exceedingly elegant 
 frames of the kind sold at sec- 
 ond-hand for a trifling sum, it is 
 well to know various ways by 
 which they may be repaired and 
 beautified. The carved frame- 
 work is ornamented with black 
 lacquer and gilding. The cov- 
 ering of material like the up- Fig. 253. 
 holstering of the chairs, etc. On the top, a tufted cushion is fastened and edged 
 with a cord, over which is tied a square of black velveteen, trimmed with a" 
 border of lace, fastened on as shown in four bands ; heavy cords and tassels trim 
 the edges and tie the corners. The lace for such a cover is pretty made of tat- 
 ting a wide insertion and 
 edging on each side. 
 This ottoman is unusual- 
 ly chaste and artistic in 
 appearance. 
 
 The next figure, 253, 
 shows a more simple 
 frame, which is easily 
 constructed, if instead 
 of making the tasteful 
 open frame-work curved, 
 it is straight as also the 
 legs. By this change it 
 will be clearly seen how 
 „. „^, easily such a frame may 
 
 Fig. 254. '^ . -^ 
 
 be made, and it is at once 
 so light and tasteful that it will be found one of the best forms for this article. 
 Four or five strips of wood run longitudinally from the seat, which is thus 
 
260 
 
 BEAUTIFUL HOMES. 
 
 rendered " springy " ; on this, a long stuffed cushion covered with reps or other 
 material is stretched smoothly over, and finished with a band in contrasting 
 color, richly embroidered in Turkish embroidery with silks of all colors. 
 
 Fig. 254 is a copy of an old ottoman that had had many new covers but none 
 that had been admired as much as the present one, consisting of a piece of 
 brown woolen stuff, the color of the chairs, sofa, etc., with a lambrequin of 
 scarlet velveteen, trimmed with fringe and gimp. Across the top, diagonally, 
 is a band of the velveteen embroidered in various colors in a running design, 
 using petite point, drawing out the threads of the canvas. As will be seen, this 
 made a useful and handsome cover. 
 
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 The ottoman, Fig. 254, is very handsome, though its foundation may be 
 nothing more than a common square box obtained from the nearest grocery, 
 unless the beveled corners is preferred, in which case a box can be made of the 
 form shown in the figure. This is covered with any dark material, and instead 
 of the fringe, a deep, scant ruffle or lambrequin may be substituted with equal 
 effect. The top is covered with velveteen, and is put on in four separate 
 cushions, or rather these are simulated by the embroidered bands wbich cross 
 the top. A beautiful Tapestry design for tliese bands is shown in Fig. 25G, 
 which worked on coarse canvas will appear several inches in width. Beads may 
 be substituted, if preferred, using four for each stitch. 
 
BEAUTIFUL HOMES. 
 
 261 
 
 The tete-a-tp.te form of ottoman, is always elegant, and has withal such a cozy 
 appearance that it makes a corner, otherwise empty and inhospitable of aspect, 
 put on a most sociable appearance, conducive of agreeable intercourse. The 
 ottoman here displayed will explain itself in point of form, and is upholstered 
 with any material that may correspond with the remaining furniture ; and to add 
 to the beauty of the appearance, circular pieces of embroidery cover each seat. 
 
 With regard to such furniture as this, it is not the mere frame that is costly, 
 but the after work of stuffing and covering ; and it is with the object of induc- 
 ing ladies to furnish their houses tastefully, by performing this part of the 
 labor themselves, that we append such specimens of furniture as the foregoing. 
 By visiting a turning establishment, or, as we have before said, securing the 
 services of a neat carpenter during the leisure season, such frames, or the vari- 
 ous parts of them, may be purchased at a very low figure, and made up by the 
 housekeeper herself into the most elegant suites. It is by examining such 
 models as these that a correct taste is formed ; and frequently persons are pre- 
 vented from surrounding themselves with elegancies for the simple reason that 
 'they know of no such forms and do not possess models from which to copy. 
 For this reason, we give throughout this volume many perfect models of beau- 
 tiful furniture, in order that our tasteful readers may have a guide from which 
 they, or perhaps some ingenious mechanic of their neighborhood may be able 
 to make articles quite as elegant. 
 
 EMBEOIDEEED OTTOMAN. 
 
 The foundation of this ottoman is a square, pine-wood box, fourteen inches 
 high and two feet four inches square. The sides are covered with any plain 
 material convenient, and casters 
 fastened under the corners. A 
 wide fringe covers the sides, and 
 should be thick and heavy, 
 though a deep puff slightly full 
 may be substituted, if more con- 
 venient. A cushion thickly tufted 
 covers the top, and is finished on 
 the sides with a wide puff and 
 lengthwise plaited strips, with 
 tassels at each corner. A pretty 
 combination of colors for such an ^ 
 ottoman is to make the top and J 
 plaited sides of the cushion of 
 maroon, and the puff below black, 
 with maroon and black fringe and Yi^t. 25J. 
 
262 
 
 BEAUTIFUL HOMES. 
 
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 iiiBsa 11 irtjni ! lEB B22ni i i iSBBcaaaBBsan ii i i ■aaBsaBaniiiiiaa 
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 nn?-:?Rni i 
 
 ^aaassi 'inEni'M £fii la tw ii 
 
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 bbbb:ii iflBEi I lEBas. n ii i: ii ii i2»^i ii 
 BBBB. ISBBBB ISBBK, I 
 
 ■Si^l II BB II l: 
 
 Fig. 258. 
 
 peculiar elegance of this style of embroidery, and would onl}' remark here that 
 
 it is specially adapted for this class of work. 
 
 In Fig. 259 is shown a quaint ottoman which has a richly carved frame, but 
 
 it is shown here more on account of 
 the cover than to explain the frame- 
 work, and for the reason that it exhib- 
 its a method of coveiing a worn seat 
 by means of application work of a dif- 
 ferent style from any we have shown. 
 Here a piece of light gray (or other 
 colored) cloth, or even fine flannel is 
 covered with black silk or velveteen ; 
 a design with center piece, border and 
 corners marked out on it, and worked 
 in button-hole stitching. The inter- 
 mediate cloth is then cut away, leav- 
 ing tlie design in the black upon the 
 Fig. 2:;9. light ground. The effect in this com- 
 
BEAUTIFUL HOMES. 
 
 263 
 
 biiiation is exceedingly beautiful, and this will be found a durable cover for 
 chairs, cushions, and upholstering in general. 
 
 Fig. 260. 
 
 In Fig 260 a plain frame easily made is covered with a strong piece of rug- 
 work embroidered with coarse double zephyr in star stitch, which consists of a 
 
 common cross stitch recross- 
 ed. Designs like Figs. 261 
 and 262, with a border, will 
 
 MliIilHHai 
 
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 Fig, 261. 
 
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 ragiPiJIigBBBiojiaiaElBl EiqiioiolSSoiSioiioi.ggia Eirail5'6lBB51BBl9!'o,!o;rsl l2isfe<gi:^BBHl2.»o'Wieie^ 
 
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 g^isjgilgioiaeigjEiiaiaE] la&ejiaiselisigisigigiaai g;iS!Q)i2ieJiafi)Qifte)i3fiici EiaiaaiSioiiafijifflEaLCiCi lOl Lllcfec tdbucJLLii iittic ocauo 
 
 ^ig- 262. ^^Q always highly apprecia- 
 
 ted by the " pigmies," besides adding a graceful appearance to an apartment. 
 
 A few such ottomans will 
 be found of inestimable ser- 
 the various apart- 
 ments, especially if there are 
 children to be accommodated, 
 
 EOUND HASSOCK m PATCHWORK, (MOSAIC DESIGN). 
 
 Materials. — A round box, cloth, silk or merino of three colors, (black, light 
 and dark,) strong lining, woolen braid, (one inch wide,) woolen fringe, and 
 material for filling. The design for the patchwork of this hassock is a mosaic 
 design, commenced with a star made of the light and dark color, the diamonds 
 of which it is made, being two and one-half inches on each side, with a row 
 around it of two diamonds sewed together (one light, the other dark) and a 
 diamond of the darker, and one of the lighter alternately, as large again as 
 
264 
 
 BEAUTIFUL HOMES. 
 
 those composing the star, between the space thus formed are five sided figures 
 or blocks of black, and beyond these are blocks of the three colors, (triangles of 
 
 black, and irregular blocks 
 of light and dark) cut to fit 
 the spaces and completing 
 the mosaic circle. The sides 
 of the box are covered with 
 dark colored or black alpaca 
 or other material covered 
 with fringe, or this may 
 have as a substitute a 
 plaiting of the material. 
 After stretching the cover- 
 ing and patchwork over 
 the stufiuig in the box, cov- 
 Fig. 263. er the edge with plaited 
 
 braid, and fasten casters on the bottom of the box. 
 
 Those accustomed to making fancy patchwork, understand that each block 
 must be tacked or basted over stiff paper or card-board, and the blocks over- 
 stitched closely, then carefully pressed with a warm iron on the wrong side, 
 after which the linino: must be removed. 
 
 FOOTSTOOL AND BEIOCHES. 
 
 The footstool and brioche are the usual accompaniments to the sofa and 
 " easy "or " lounging chair," and give such an air of comfort to the room, that 
 all tasteful people have them 
 scattered through their 
 apartments, the parlor es- 
 pecially. Many footstools 
 are by their elegance made 
 costly affairs, yet no piece 
 of furniture is capable 
 of being made extremely 
 elegant at so small a cost, 
 for not only will any small 
 sized wooden box, a foot 
 square, admit of being 
 changed into an exceedingly 
 beautiful one, but many ^^' "^ ' 
 
 scraps of carpet and pieces of cloth, can be used with equal effect for the pur- 
 pose, as also remnants of trimming, tassels, etc. Take for instance the model, 
 
BEAUTIFUL HOMES. 265 
 
 Fig. 264, which appears (as it readily is) an elegant stool, it cost nothing for new 
 material, and is one that can be specially recommended, inasmuch as it will be 
 found a means of using the jet and bugle trimmings that were so fashionable on 
 ladies' garments a few years ago, and of which many have mourned the loss, as 
 they were expensive and did not grow shabby by use, so that laid away for so 
 long a time they appear equal to new. 
 
 But concerning this stool : the foundation was a large-sized cheese box fourteen 
 inches in diameter. This was tightly stuffed with moss and covered with tick- 
 ing, allowing it to rise above the edge of the box, as shown in the illustration. 
 As regards the cover, the original was made entirely from fragments of a dis- 
 carded walking dress, parts of the overskirt, a brown poplin, forming the puff 
 around the sides, allowing the strip sufficiently long to pass once around (and 
 one- third over for fulness) ; also measuring rather over the length, which gives 
 a pretty appearance to the puff. Four triangular pieces, rather more than the 
 width of one-eighth of the circumference, cut from the lower skirt, (which was 
 of poplin a shade or two darker than that around the bottom), were allowed 
 long enough to make slightly full, and were caught to the ticking cover of the 
 top, as shown in the illustration. The edges covered with the trimming put on 
 the ornamental square made of the velveteen jacket belonging to the suit, which, 
 being black, made a beautiful yet quiet contrast. This cross was cut so that 
 the sections, four in number, covered the spaces between the puffs of the top. 
 The whole was trimmed with rich jet gimp and edging, with silk cord forming 
 a looped cross on the top, and tastefully coiled around the edge. Other mate- 
 rials may be substituted for these, of course, which were only given to show how 
 certain old and available fragments may be made to serve a good end, and yet 
 an elegant object be the result. A sim- 
 ilar box may be covered and orna- 
 mented in a variety of ways. Fig. 265 
 shows one covered with cloth matching 
 the sofa, and with an embroidered strip 
 fastened across the center. The em- 
 broidery should match the sofa and 
 chairs, if possible, and a suite thus fin- 
 ished will be found exceedingly beau- 
 tiful. If preferred, application em- 
 broidery may be substituted, and will 
 
 be found extremely effective, besides using the small scraps of cloth always to 
 be found in the scrap-bag. 
 
 A beautiful form of footstool will be seen in Fig. 266, which is made with a 
 frame of wood on four short carved legs. The frame is exceedingly rich, being 
 embellished with carved designs ; but an equally handsome one may be made 
 by having recourse to the wood carvings, and on such a stool to paint these with 
 
266 
 
 BEAUTIFUL HOMES. 
 
 black lacquer and use a little gilding on certain parts, would make an elegant 
 finish. The top is then covered with a hard cushion over which is arranged the 
 beautiful star-shaped center of the cover. This, in the one illustrated, is com- 
 posed of blue soutache embroidered 
 in satin-stitch, with a beautiful de- 
 sign of roses and forget-me-nots. 
 This star is cut with eight points, 
 trimmed around with narrow fringe 
 and gimp above the pinked-out edge. 
 Puffings of satin fill each of the 
 points ; these are cut in large tri- 
 angles and gathered on the three 
 sides, thus forming full triangular 
 Fig. 266. '~ puffs, the edges of which are cov- 
 
 ered with the overlapping of the points of the star. 
 
 This embroidery is extremely beautiful in application embroidery ; in this 
 case cut the rose in the center f ] om three shades of rose-colored velvet, button- 
 hole stitching the edges with silk of like shade, and fastening each petal with 
 long stitches in the center, folding one over the other in a natural manner. 
 The forget-me-nots are cut from blue satin worked with fine blue silk on the 
 outer edges ; the leaves are of various shades of green and brown cloth, silk or 
 
 Fig. 267. 
 
 satin, held by stitches of the same shade. The fine tracery is done in chain 
 and half-polka stitching with light shades of green. 
 
 A more beautiful brioche than Fig. 267 cannot be conceived. It consists of 
 the usual foundation stuffed sufficiently to be firm yet elastic, over which the 
 elegant cover is sewn. To make this, take a strip of black velveteen, suffi- 
 ciently long to extend around the cushion, and eight inches deep; line with 
 
BEAUTIFUL HOMES. 
 
 267 
 
 paper cambric and cut one edge into points, which bind over and cover with 
 cord. Cut a circular piece of the same material of size to cover the top of 
 cushion and reach the ends of the points described ; cut the outer edge into 
 regular points as many in number as will correspond with those in the edge, 
 and trim in the same manner. On the center, transfer a design in application, 
 in rich, bright colors ; or other varieties of embroidery may be substituted, if 
 preferred. Next, make full diamond-shaped puffs of crimson satin, which sew 
 
 into the openings made by fastening 
 the lower points and top together. 
 Trim each corner with a crimson but- 
 ton, and make a ring and loop of cord 
 on one side. 
 
 An elegant little footstool is shown 
 in Fig. 269, the frame of which is so 
 easily made that, even though a per- 
 son may not be able to construct it 
 themselves, they will get any ordinary carpenter to make it for a trifling sum. 
 Over this frame is stretched a piece of sti'ong canvas, tacked closely around the 
 edge of the frame. If made of pine, the sides and feet should be stained or 
 ebonized, but the upholstering, it will be observed, covers the ends. On this 
 tightly stretched foundation is tacked a cushion stuffed until perfectly" firm 
 and smooth, over which is fixed the beautifully embroidered cover of Turkish 
 work, in all shades and colors, which will be found a capital means of using the 
 
 Fig. 268. 
 
 Fig. 269. 
 
 many " odds and ends " of sewing and embroidery silk found in the work-box 
 of every family. 
 
 Fig. 270 will be found another method of using old material. Two colors 
 presenting strong contrasts are woven, basket fashion, to form the octagonal 
 cover ; or it may be round or square, if desired. We have found black alpaca 
 and strips of bright color (scarlet, blue, or other vivid color), worked up well 
 in this cover ; but of course any materials may be substituted, and even several 
 
268 
 
 BEAUTIFUL HOMES. 
 
 used, only using care to have them contrasted, half light and half dark. 
 Strong crash, or even carpeting, will form the foundation, cutting eight side 
 pieces, ten inches long, and four wide, with a bottom fitting the octagonal 
 
 Fig. 270. 
 
 figure thus formed, and the top held in loosely in order to form a high, rounding 
 upper surface. This case is tightly packed with bran, moss or other material. 
 For the cover, take pieces of the lighter material, with which cover the sides ; 
 
 Fig. 271. 
 
 Fig. 272 
 
 then cutting pieces of each four inches wide, fold them together lengthwise, 
 and baste or press them; when a quantity of these have been made, proceed to 
 braid them, as shown in Fig. 271. Where the material is not heavy, a strip of 
 
BEAUTIFUL HOMES. 
 
 269 
 
 muslin laid in between the folds of the cloth will make a stronger cover. Rows 
 of white porcelain buttons (of the ball kind) finish the edges ; and rosettes 
 made according to Fig. 272, of the material plaited, ornament each section of 
 the octagon sides. This will be found a beautiful hassock. 
 
 FOOTSTOOL OF VELVET AND APPLICATIOK WORK 
 
 A beautiful footstool is made by cutting out a square of floor oil-cloth, round- 
 ing the corners and hollowing out the center of each side as shown in the illus- 
 tration. Cut also a strip 
 
 of the same six inches 
 
 high, and with a strong 
 
 needle and coarse " patent 
 
 linen-thread," sew this 
 
 along the bottom uniting 
 
 the ends at one of the 
 
 sides ; cover this on the 
 
 top with coarse muslin 
 
 held on very loose, (in 
 
 order to fill in the puffing 
 
 of the cover of velvet) 
 
 s t u ff this tightly with 
 
 corn-husks, hair or moss, 
 
 and the case or founda- 
 
 tion is ready for ^^^' ^^^* 
 
 the after embellishment. Make a case of crimson velveteen by cutting a square 
 
 one-third larger than the oil-cloth bottom, also a piece to fit the sides, sew the 
 
 ends of the latter together 
 and measuring it into four 
 equal parts, sew, fit the 
 square also measured into 
 four parts to this, and 
 gathering the edges sew 
 these two firmly together, 
 and fit it over the stool, 
 sewing the bottom securely 
 around the oil-cloth, and 
 finish with a thick woolen 
 cord. Xext, take two 
 smaller squares of gray 
 and yellow silk or fine 
 cashmere, baste them to- 
 
 Fig. 274. 
 
270 
 
 BEAUTIFUL HOMES. 
 
 gather slightly and mark out a design, such as is seen in the illustration, 
 embroider the outlines with button-hole stitching, and when finished cut away 
 
 the yellow silk (or satin) from 
 the surrounding parts, and 
 figures will remain upon the 
 gray grounding. Cut the out- 
 side in leaves and four bands, 
 and fasten the square upon the 
 hassock with yellow cord of 
 finer size than is used on the 
 edges of the stool. A wooden 
 handle with the cord passed 
 ^' ' ■ through, and tassels and fringe 
 
 around the sides and on the corners finish this beautiful stool, which is suf- 
 ficiently elegant for parlors handsomely furnished. 
 
 An exceedingly handsome brioche of square form is seen in Fig. 271. It has 
 for its foundation a strong case of canvas or carpeting stuffed very tightly, 
 and tied down on the top in the way that mattresses are upholstei-ed. The 
 cover is Cretonne in the original model, but any other may be used. Around 
 the sides is a plaited ruffle, edged with 
 gimp and tacked in every under-plait ; 
 against the canvas side piece a heavy 
 cord is sewed around the bottom edge, 
 and a quilling two and a half inches 
 deep, pinked out or edged with gimp, 
 covers the raw edges around the upper 
 part, with full bows of the same at each 
 corner. 
 
 The beautiful brioche, Fig. 275, is 
 made by covering a circular bottom (of 
 floor oil-cloth or other strong material) 
 with muslin, and sewing around an edge 
 of strong material, held sufficiently full 
 to form a round puifed edge ; a circular 
 top one-third less in size than the bottom is then sewed to the other edge, and 
 the stuffing put in until a solid cushion is formed. The cover of this brioche 
 is extremely beautiful. 
 
 The sides are covered with a puffing of black cloth, with eight points of scar- 
 let pinked out on the edges, and embroidered with chain-stitching and point 
 Russe embroidery (Xo. 1 shows the design) in shades of gold and brown silk. 
 A quilted circU of the black cloth covers the top with an ornamental square, 
 fastened over, of the scarlet cloth embroidered according to No. 2, which shows 
 
 Fiji 276. 
 
BEAUTIFUL HOMES. 
 
 271 
 
 one corner and a figure of the side, which is merely to be extended, as shown in 
 the full illustration. This square has a section cut out from the center and 
 displays an embroidered design on white cloth like pattern ]^o. 3, which gives 
 
 Fig. 277. 
 
 Fig. 278. 
 
 one-third of the cluster, and will show clearly the style of embroidery, which is 
 satin-stitch in shades of scarlet and brown, with a little yellow in the small 
 flowers. This brioche is sufficiently rich and elegant to correspond with hand- 
 
 Fig. 279. 
 
 some surroundings, yet may be made quite simple, if desired, and still preserve 
 the beauty of the design. 
 
 In the chapter on rugs has been given the method of tanning and preparing 
 
272 
 
 BEAUTIFUL HOMES. 
 
 small skins and sheep or lambskins ; in Fig. 279 one of these will be seen applied 
 most appropriately to the covering of a brioche. For persons who suffer (as many 
 
 do) with cold feet, this footstool will exhibit 
 the advantage not only of resting the feet, 
 but keeping them comfortable. A case is 
 stuffed, as has been described, and over it the 
 lambskin is sewn ; or, if a box has been used, 
 it can be tacked around the edges. The sides 
 are covered with cloth or carpeting, and a 
 heavy woolen fringe made of covered buttons 
 with a woolen ball beneath and a bead above, 
 strung on cord as shown in the section A, 
 which are hung over the heavy fringe ; or a 
 plaited ruffle of cloth may be substituted. 
 The wool may be dyed in color, or white 
 skins in imitation of ermine. Squirrel skins 
 Fig. 280. look well for such a stool. 
 
CHAPTER XVIL 
 
 SOFA CUSHIONS. 
 
 The comfort and luxuriance of a sofa, lounge or divan, is greatly enhanced by 
 having cushions — one or more — placed at the ends and against the back, if the 
 depth will admit of it. These cushions are generally one of the principal feat- 
 ures in a tasteful parlor, as they are capable of being made exceedingly rich and 
 elegant by the embroidery of various kinds with which ladies have it in their 
 power to lavishly adorn them. 
 
 The cushion itself should be firm, yet elastic, but never so soft that it will not 
 admit of being placed on end and hold its upright position. Hair is the very 
 best material for filling, on account of its elasticity, but various substitutes are 
 used, such a^ moss, fine shavings, wool, corn-husks, straw, and a new patent 
 material highly esteemed by many. Paper torn into very small pieces and used 
 generously until the case is tightly stuffed, makes an excellent filling, which 
 retains its elasticity for a long time. As we have already noticed, feathers were 
 used in the olden times for filling both bed and cushions of sofas, and, when 
 well stuffed with a good article, this stuffing is perhaps better than any we have 
 named, excepting hair. For sofa pillows, the form should be either oblong or 
 square, the old-fashioned round bolster being no longer used, and justly con- 
 demned on account of its uncomfortable form. 
 
 For chairs, however, a round long bolster or cushion has come into use, which 
 is to be highly recommended as a most comfortable, even luxurious finish ; for 
 the head and back often require a support which a high backed chair fails to 
 afford. "We offer some beautiful patterns for both sofa and chair cushions, to 
 our readers, and have endeavored to give those which they can easily imitate. 
 
 SOFA CUSHION" WITH TATTi:tTG AND CEAPE. 
 
 Materials : White satin, lilac crape, purse silk in lilac the same color as the 
 crape, yellow, brown, and shaded green silk, fine bonnet wire, muslin, and wool 
 or hair. 
 
 Definition of abbreviations : Dk., double knot ; that is, one front and one end 
 knot ; P, Picot ; Jsph-kn, Josephine knot, consisting of six to ten end knots. 
 
 The cushion seen in illustration, Fig. 281, is made first of the usual muslin 
 case stuffed with wool or hair, and is twelve inches in diameter cut out in twelve 
 18 
 
274 
 
 BEAUTIFUL HOMES. 
 
 Fig. 281. 
 
 large scallops three-fourths of an inch deep. The eight in the center should be 
 about six inches, sloping gradually to the edges. This cushion is covered 
 
 underneath with white alpa- 
 ca or satin, and on top with 
 a white satin embroidered 
 with crape and a tatted dec- 
 oration. 
 
 The curve trimming going 
 around the scallops is of 
 single white satin stripes, 
 ^each seven and one-half 
 inches long and two and one- 
 half inches wide, cut on the 
 crosswise, which, laid dou- 
 ble, are folded between the 
 two stuff layers of the 
 upper and lower coverings of the cushion, and fastened with the ends coming 
 over each other. The violet group making the middle of the cushion, to be 
 tatted in separate parts, w^hich are fastened on a card-board, round, two and 
 one-fourth inches large, covered with lilac crape. Fig. 282, and are to be 
 tatted in separate parts, 
 which are fastened on a 
 card-board, round, two one- 
 half inches in diameter, 
 covered with lilac crape. 
 Fig. 281 gives the full size 
 and shows the arrange- 
 ment. 
 
 Each violet has two lilac- 
 leaf circles, graduated in 
 size and put over each 
 other ; they are each made 
 of five closed loops, and in 
 the center a large Jsphkn 
 (yellow), forming the ca- 
 lyx. The five loops of the 
 first leaf -circle are each 
 time of 16 Dk., with 1 P. 
 in the center, the five loops 
 lying over on the contrary 
 of the second leaf-circle of 12 Dk., with 1 middle P., and always 1 small Jsphkn 
 in the middle, working after the completion of every loop; to begin the same 
 
 Fig. 282. 
 
BEAUTIFUL HOMES. 
 
 ■275 
 
 the working thread is to be thrown tight in the middle P. of the required 
 loop. The Jsphkn makes the leaf filling up, by being joined at the loop close. 
 The violet buds, fastened on wire stalks twisted over with green silks, are 
 arranged of three loops, united at the middle P. and 1 small Jsphkn in the 
 middle, of the same size as mentioned for the second leaf-circle of the violets. 
 To begin the leaves worked with green shaded silk, the green wire stalks reach- 
 ing up at the back to the leaf-point, to give more strength, is tatted with 1 
 
 Fig. 283. 
 
 closed loop of 26 Dk., with middle P., 2 side P., and 1 large Jsphkn in the mid- 
 dle. Then round this middle loop, according to the size of the leaf, taking in 
 the helping thread Q ; 5 curves united at the P. are made. The number of 
 knots and Picots in each following curve is to be enlarged as required. For 
 the join of the Jsphkn, which are tatted as an outer finish, besides on the two 
 smallest middle leaves, on all the other ones, the necessary number of P. are 
 also to be made. The stalk tatted by taking in the helping thread with brown 
 silk is of 12—15 Dk. 
 
276 
 
 BEAUTIFUL HOMES. 
 
 Illustration, Fig. 283 gives in the full size the embroidery design and edging 
 lace for this cushion, and this is to be put on in such a manner that sufficient 
 room is left in the middle of the foundation for the group of violets just 
 described. The embroidery pattern is traced out on paper, then laid over with 
 three layers of lilac crape, making the outlines of this by running round several 
 times with lilac saddlers' or purse silk, and edging this line on both sides with 
 lilac button-hole stitches, catching one in the other, which gives a thick, corded 
 appearance to the edge. The inner space of these stars are filled in, as shown, 
 with point Kusse stitches ; and after all are done, the material outside the out- 
 lines is carefully cut away. The outer edge all around is marked by the mid- 
 dle line of the lace tatted with lilac silk, for the beginning of which a row of 
 Jsphkn is first knotted on to this line on the outside. Two rows of curves, 
 each of 10 Dk, taking in the helping thread with 3 P. equally divided, over 
 which, according to illustration Fig. 283, are to be arranged opposite each other, 
 thus complete the lace-work cover. The single flowers simulating violets, 
 which are put on between the lace design as a running pattern, are made as 
 already described, and add vastly to the beauty of this truly elegant cushion. 
 The tatting of the various parts makes pleasant work for spare minutes, and by 
 picking them up in this way now and then, such a cushion has the most tedious 
 part finished before a person is aware of it. 
 
 SOFA CUSmOK OR COVER. 
 
 Materials : Colored satin or merino, white cloth, wood-brown and green 
 shaded purse silk, and floss silk in white, blue, lilac, green, scarlet, yellow, etc., 
 
 etc. A square of blue satin (seven one- 
 half inches) is laid on thin wadding, 
 and quilted on the sewing-machine with 
 white silk in diamond across the block 
 diagonally. The edge border of white 
 cloth or merino, or some neutral shade, if 
 preferred, as stone, or light ecru ; is dec- 
 orated with a flower wreath worked in 
 variegated but tastefully arranged col- 
 ors ; one corner is shown in Fig. 285, of 
 full size for a cushion cover ; is suffi- 
 cient for one-eighth and can be extended 
 from this, as all the varieties of flowers 
 and leaves are shown. All the flowers 
 are worked with coarse embroidery; 
 Fig. 284. the stems and fine tracery with saddlers' 
 
BEAUTIFUL HOMES. 
 
 277 
 
 twist silk. The green calyxes of the corn-flowers are stretched over net wdth 
 brown silk- Asters arranged in groups appear in one place, blue with yellow 
 
 [f^?igSaSSS5i 
 
 Fig. 285. 
 
 calyx ; in another cherry or pink and white with green knots. The centers 
 of the large flowers are scarlet, lilac, white, crimson and pink ; the fox-gloves in 
 
 lilac, the bottoms of the bell-shaped 
 I^'SOiSESH- flowers -green, the top of green dotted 
 with a shade darker, the petals pur- 
 ple, white and lavender; the stars 
 and long stitches holding the pinked- 
 out edge in place, are of black and 
 gold color. A heavy cord and tas- 
 sels finish the edges and corners of 
 this beautiful cushion. 
 
 This same design will be found 
 ^^5^^ equally effective as a table or chair 
 lh'S-0m cover, a sofa rug, or bed or cradle 
 *-'^ quilt, and has the recommendation 
 ^«^^ of novelty and unusual richness of 
 i^^tf^i^ effect. The color, of course, may be 
 varied to suit the furniture or hang- 
 ings of the rooms. 
 
 . Fig. 288 is made of a square of cashmere or merino of any color that will har- 
 monize with the upholstery of the room, on w^hich is set a circular piece of velvet 
 or cloth of contrasting color, on which has been previously embroidered a pretty 
 design in Berlin work ; on this again is set a second circle cut out in ornamental 
 form, as shown in the illustration, a pretty cord or narrow braid holding down and 
 covering the raw edges. A little white braid-work on this circle (which is a 
 
278 
 
 BEAUTIFUL HOMES. 
 
 lighter shade of cloth than the central ch'cle) will add to the richness of the 
 appearance, and in each scallop of the circle is an application of leaves cut from 
 
 Fig. 287. 
 
 green or brown cloth, veined and fastened with stitching of silk. In the ori- 
 ginal from which this was copied, the foundation is brown damask, the cen- 
 tral circle, white velvet, 
 embroidered in rich colors, 
 the scroll circle surround- 
 ing this of buff satin, with 
 chain-stitching in black 
 and white silk, edged with 
 three cords in as many 
 shades of crimson. The 
 applique leaves in three 
 shades of green velvet and 
 silk, with half-polka stitch- 
 ing in lighter shades. 
 Cord and tassels of silk are 
 looped and fastened to each 
 corner with cord extended 
 around the edges. This 
 cushion is exceedingly beau- 
 tiful, and if desired a Ber- 
 lin wool design may be used 
 Fig. 288. ill ^^^ center. 
 
BEAUTIFUL HOMES. 
 
 279 
 
 PATTEEN FOR SOFA CUSHION— EUG-WOEK. 
 
 The style of work shown in the sofa cushion, Fig. 289, is something novel, 
 and at the same time extremely beautiful. It is worked on fine canvas, and 
 the design of butterflies, beetles, and various insects, with bright green and 
 brown leaves is quite unique. 
 
 The contrast is very fine, with the lovely Oriental bright colors of the 
 insects, giving an extremely artistic effect to the wreath of vine-leaves 
 
 ll!ililliliiiiillilMi8ip 
 
 tanniiiiyiiiM^iiiiiil^ ill i i ii;illillld=l 
 
 .,,„„.,„,„a,..jj?|fffjip;si!i^a^ 
 
 i^|l||pi|iiy|:llj||liii 
 
 i|Si|:||||liii 
 
 flliiliiiiiiiipnli 
 
 Hit,":?"''"'? ■•""' 
 
 _^^pp^ ii 
 
 
 Fig. 289. 
 
 climbing over a trellis-work of slender rods, the shades of a reddish-brown, 
 stone-gray (in five shades) with pale-yellow floss silk for the lightest color. A 
 pale soft pea-green lace-like ground of fine purse silk for the center, agree best 
 with the bright green and brown of the leaves, and shows out the metallic 
 colors of the silken insects, while the outer corners are filled in with black (or 
 other dark color) in zephyr, with common cross-stitch. The insects are worked 
 with floss silk in fine side-stitch, using four stitches for one, but the filling is in 
 cross-stitch; then the frame-work is in ordinary cross-stitch, which gives a 
 
280 
 
 BEAUTIFUL HOMES. 
 
 peculiarly prominent appearance to the outside parts, making it appear as if it 
 stood out from the central portion. A person who understands Berlin-work 
 will have no diflS^culty in tracing the design from the illustration. The canvas 
 should be twenty-three inches square. After the work is finished, the cushion is 
 
 Fig. 290. 
 
 lined upon the under side with green or brown material, and finished with a heavy 
 
 cord and tassels around the edge and corners. 
 
 Point-lace work is now so popular with ladies, that the heavier kinds of braid 
 
 and coarser thread are being applied to household embellishment as well as to the 
 
 mere personal articles, and exquisite covers for cushions, tidies, and various 
 
 other knickknacks, are now being 
 made, which add a peculiar delicacy 
 to the apartment they beautify. 
 
 The sofa pillow, Fig. 290, is first 
 covered with crimson damask, on 
 which is embroidered a floral de- 
 sign in satin-stitch and white silk, 
 the edge finished with a plaited 
 ruffle of the damask, edged with 
 loose button-hole stitch in the 
 white silk. Over this is fastened 
 the lovely point-lace tidy. 
 
 A beautiful and easy kind of 
 fancy work, is shown in the sofa- 
 cushion. Fig. 291, which will answer 
 equally well for table-covers, cur- 
 tain-borders and chair-bolsters; in- 
 deed a complete set, made in this 
 
 Fig. 291. 
 
 way, will be found exceedingly handsome, and at the same time inexpensive. 
 This work consists of a foundation of printed flannel, such as the imitation 
 
BEAUTIFUL HOMES. 
 
 281 
 
 of ermine with black spots, bordered with a point Riisse embroidery, This 
 border is cut in four strips two and one-half inches wide, and embroidered 
 
 Fig. 292. Fig. 293. 
 
 on the edges like the patterns, Figs. 292 and 293, in point Russe, chain and 
 half-polka stitches. 
 
 The foundation of ermine, or flame dotted flannel, has each figure edged with 
 
 SE button-hole stitching of green, scar- 
 let, yellow, orange, violet and blue ; 
 a stitch of the same kind in con- 
 trasting color, and somewhat long, 
 is taken across the dark place en- 
 ■^^S' ^^*- closed in each flame or spot ; this 
 
 center should be about twelve inches square. The border of scarlet flannel is 
 pinked out on each edge and worked with white. The transparent white flannel 
 rosettes are pinked or embroidered in button- 
 hole stitch, and are fastened on the scarlet 
 stripe with colors, as black, orange, blue and 
 scarlet silk. This pattern also makes an ele- 
 
 Fig. 295. Fig. 296. 
 
 gant bed or cradle-spread, or is very ornamental thrown over the back of sofa 
 or lounge as an Afghan or rug. 
 
 FOOTSTOOL (HASSOCK). 
 
 The materials required for the beautiful hassock shown in Fig. 297, are a 
 strip of scarlet merino or fine flannel four and one-half inches wide, and twenty 
 and one-fourth inches long ; two strips of black cloth the same length, and each 
 
282 
 
 BEAUTIFUL HOMES. 
 
 eight and one-half inches wide ; small pieces of satin in Turkish blue and myrtle 
 green ; some scarlet cloth forty and one-fourth inches, scarlet silk braid, yellow 
 
 braid one-half inch 
 
 broad, and a like quan- 
 tity of the same braid 
 three-fourths of an inch 
 broad (a scarlet braid 
 edged with yellow would 
 be best, perhaps, if ob- 
 tainable; otherwise, 
 stitch the two together) , 
 twenty-seven and one- 
 fourth inches of twisted 
 black woolen fringe two 
 
 Fig. 297. 
 
 and three-fourths inches deep, embroidery silks in black, white, light-chestnut, 
 brown, blue and green (like the satin) ; purse silk in two dark shades of chestnut 
 brown, light-brown silk, and sewing silk of different colors. 
 
 The under cushion is thirteen and one-half inches square, and stuffed with 
 hair, moss, or finely split corn-husks. The middle strip (made according to the 
 pattern), is of scarlet merino, and we will make the mode of embroidering it 
 plain by description and application to the figures. It will be noticed that the 
 embroidery is of flowers in the center ; the round flower is of blue satin, the leaf 
 
 Fig. 298. 
 
 green, fastened down with deep button-hole stitching of black silk edged with 
 half-polka stitches of black and white silk ; these extend alternately the entire 
 length of the strip. The remainder of the embroidery between these flowers 
 and leaves are done in the three shades of brown silk in half-polka or dovetailed 
 satin-stitch. Xext, the edge of the scarlet merino (5) and the black strips (1) 
 on each side of it, are to be united by the narrow scarlet and yellow braid (2) 
 which is to be stitched on^the two edges, using the darkest brown silk and a 
 close chain-stitch. Next the widest fancy braid (-1), and between it and the 
 narrow braid (2) are the rows of Vandykes — upon each side — (3), which are of 
 
BEAUTIFUL HOMES. 
 
 283 
 
 brown, green and blue embroidering silk in. satin and half-polka stitching, with 
 chain-stitching on each side. The pillow is finished with tassels on the corners 
 made of the black woolen fringe wound together and headed with rosettes of 
 scarlet cloth pinked out on the edge and laid in 
 plaits ; the widest and outer strip for these is 
 one and one-half inches wide and twelve inches 
 long ; the smaller one in the center one inch wide 
 and ten inches long. The central scarlet em- 
 broidered strip of the hassock with a black strip 
 on each side, is sewed on the one side of the 
 cushion, and a cover of scarlet or black material 
 sewed over the opposite side, the edges pinked- Fig. 299. 
 
 out and folded over the edges of the outer side, thus covering the rough unfin- 
 ished ends of the pieced strips, and making a neat finish to both sides. 
 
 This hassock is one of special beauty, and, if desired, a sofa cushion and a 
 chair bolster may be made in the same manner, thus making a complete and 
 handsome set. 
 
 The beautiful sofa cushion, Fig. 300, is one of the most elegant specimens of 
 applique embroidery, and is composed of the richest colors and combination of 
 beautiful materials, being a group of wild flowers with gorgeous butterflies, etc. 
 The model from which the little sketch was taken is upon dark-brown cloth 
 ground, the group shaded in every rich and resplendent colors, but with skillful 
 fingers, taste and good ideas of combining colors, it will not be diflScult for our 
 
 readers to invent shades and ar- 
 te rangements that will be quite satis- 
 ig factory. The large leaves are all cut 
 |B from various shades of green velvet, 
 M silk and merino, the edges button- 
 "z^^f^M holed, and the veins made of yellow, 
 NS "^'hite and green silk, as the case 
 ^ may be ; when laid on the cloth these 
 are in some cases raised with a little 
 edge turned over. The strawberries 
 and some flowers have a little cot- 
 ton laid beneath them, to give a 
 rounded appearance. The grass 
 and stems are made with silk, some 
 ^^B in half-polka, others in satin and 
 
 ^,. „ chain-stitches. With the blue, green 
 
 Fig. 300. ^ , . . ,^ 
 
 leaves and sprigs are mixed, some 
 
 of very light colors, and others of brown in various shades. Close to the clus- 
 ters of foxgloves, which is the most projecting flower, a stately bough of lilac 
 
284 BEAUTIFUL HOMES. 
 
 campanulas is placed, at the side a cluster of unripe nuts of pale greens shaded 
 over into brown, and white strawberry blossoms peep forth from between the 
 dark green leaves, and have an extremely pretty effect as contrasted with the 
 vivid scarlet berries, dotted with pale yellow. The small golden dandelions en- 
 liven the whole, as they stand out in all their bright saucy prettiness from the 
 long pointed leaves, and the red blossoms of the beautiful heath are scattered 
 over the whole with fine effect, giving a light airy look to the group. Work all 
 these fine leaves with various shades of bright green silk in herring-bone and 
 chain-stitches, and add the beautiful tints of wood-browns, putting several 
 shades of pink at the points of the small feathery sprays. The curving border 
 of contrasting colored cloth is to be applied with herring-bone stitches of yellow 
 silk. 
 
CHAPTER XVIII. 
 
 SOFA RUGS OR AFGHANS. 
 
 Every sofa and lounge should be furnished with its soft, warm rug or Afghan, 
 for not only are these articles of great comfort and convenience to a person rest- 
 ing, when suffering from fatigue or indisposition, but they add a peculiar aspect 
 of luxuriance to the apartment, especially if 
 made of bright. Oriental-looking woolen stuffs, 
 whether of richly crocheted stripes, or some 
 woolen strip or figure, covered with curious 
 Turkish designs. 
 
 Many of the crochet stitches suitable for 
 such rugs are so exceedingly simple, and yet 
 so beautiful when nicely wrought, that we feel 
 inclined to urge all our readers to procure suf- 
 ficient zephyr for such a one and commence it 
 forthwith ; or, if this is not possible, take all 
 the bright scraps of silk or woolen goods, and 
 make them into a piece of patchwork, of some 
 tasteful pattern, either block or star design ; 
 when sufficient to make a cover has been 
 pieced, (about two and a half yards long, and 
 two yards wide) lay a layer of sheet wool or 
 cotton on a lining made perhaps of parts of 
 discarded silk or soft woolen dresses, and the 
 patchwork on it ; then with pretty buttons, or 
 tufts of bright zephyr — sew the two parts to- 
 gether in diamonds.' 
 
 Fig. 301 shows a section of the box-pattern 
 patchwork; made of black, light and white 
 diamonds, in this model of six colors of silk 
 goods, with chain-stitching (on each seam) of 
 embroidery silk. Silk fringe finishes each edge, 
 and a cord the side edges. These blocks may ^'8- 30i. 
 
 be made of any size, from one to several inches, and thus prove valuable as a 
 means of utilizing scraps. A beautiful effect may be produced by a tasteful 
 
286 
 
 BEAUTIFUL HOMES. 
 
 arrangement of colors, either silk or woolen, in the accompanying illustration, 
 of circular blocks of patchwork. The central pieces are hexagonal in form of 
 block, and on their equal sides are arranged six perfect squares, one of which 
 unites each two of the blocks, lengthwise, and as the five blocks— this central 
 one and two on each side in the hexagonal blocks are of one kind of material, 
 either plaid or plain, tney form a running pattern, which is continued on 
 through the entire work. The triangular pieces uniting the squares, must also 
 be divided into sets of light and dark, as shown in the two blocks given as a 
 
 Fig. 303. 
 
 Fig. 302. 
 
 guide ; the running pattern of light and dark, as well as the hexagonal figures, 
 form a mosaic pattern, when the various colors are arranged tastefully together. 
 
 All the care required in making these blocks, is to use five square dark blocks, 
 and five square light ones ; to each four blocks ; uniting them with light and 
 dark shades of some different color in triangular blocks. All the pieces must 
 be first sewed on letter paper before overseaming them together. 
 
 This pattern also appears well arranged in stripes, a row of two blocks in 
 width of the patchwork united by velvet ribbon, or silk if preferred. In this 
 case, the blocks must be set on a strip of material slightly wider than their width. 
 
 A HANDSOME KUG. 
 
 Materials : — Double zephyr, green, scarlet and white, with the same colors in 
 single zephyr for the frmge. Embroidery silk, black, violet, silver-gray, brown, 
 blue and maize color. All the stripes of which this rug is composed are in 
 
BEAUTIFUL HOMES. 
 
 287 
 
 common Tunic stitch, worked over with cross and other ornamental stitches 
 laid loosely. 
 
 The length of the rug is sixty-one and one-half and sixty-three and three-fourths 
 inches ; the width, 
 fifty-one and one-fourth 
 inches ; each stripe 
 two and three-fourths 
 and six and one-fourth 
 inches wide, begins with 
 one stitch ; in the next 
 following rows at each 
 side edge is increased by 
 one stitch until sixteen 
 and thirty-two stitches, 
 making the points of the 
 wide and narrow stripes. 
 The s t r ip e s are then 
 continued without inter- 
 ruption, and finished 
 with a point as begun. 
 A row of green cross- 
 bars, yellow embroidery ^ig- 204. 
 
 and stars with green knot calyxof floss silk, make the border for the six narrow 
 black stripes. The shapes in bright colors, worked in cross-stitch for the five 
 wide stripes, will be understood from the illustration, and may be arranged 
 
 according to the taste of the worker. 
 
 r 'WX!8l: 
 
 The variegated colors are chosen in 
 the best possible harmony with the 
 ground-colors, white in the center, 
 scarlet ; then green on the sides. 
 On the corners of the two side 
 stripes and middle one at the op- 
 posite end, use yellow bordered 
 black diamond squares and black 
 embroidery stitches, but on the lat- 
 ter these are also yellow like the 
 ^^g 2^^- diamond edge. The stripes are 
 
 joined by a row of single crochet of maize-colored zephyr. This is a most ele- 
 gant rug and not difficult to make. If desired, the colors may be altered to 
 suit the taste. 
 
 A rich and beautiful cover is made, by cutting large squares of different 
 colors in flannel, or merino, and braiding each one with some tasteful design. 
 
 U.f 
 
 i|!iiiii;;iliMiiiiiiiliiiilliliiillililjliiliiill 
 
 
288 
 
 BEAUTIFUL HOMES. 
 
 then putting these various . blocks together with long strips edged also with 
 braid. Where a mass of many colors are thus put together a most elegant cover 
 of Oriental character is formed, and will richly repay the labor and material 
 spent upon it, as such a one could not be purchased under a high price. 
 
 INFANT'S BUG. 
 
 This rug, intended for the baby's perambulator, is given to show a beautiful 
 method for applying those exquisite tatted rosettes which some ladies make so 
 
 Fig. 306. 
 
 rapidly and perfectly. The shape of the rug is oval, or rather an ohlong-square, 
 with the corners rounded (though the description may appear rather paradox- 
 ical). The material is silk of any pretty 
 color, lined with soft flannel. 
 
 On the foundation, tatted rosettes are sewed 
 in rows alternating with quilted circles. 
 Around the outer edge is a plaited frill 
 finished with fine tatted edging, and pinked 
 on the inner edge. The tatted rosette is 
 shown full size in the illustration annexed, 
 but if preferred an equally pretty effect is 
 given by using circular pieces of lace, with 
 edging or tatting around the outside. 
 
 An entirely different specimen of a 
 sofa rug is shown in Fig. 308, which con- 
 
BEAUTIFUL HOMES. 
 
 289 
 
 sists of strips of vari-colored merinoes, embroidered with the Turkish designs 
 shown in Figs, a, h, c, d, and put together with damask or reps. The colors of 
 the merinoes are scarlet, green, yellow and blue, put together with brown or 
 gray. 
 
 The scarlet ground is worked with black and gold-colored silks in the oval 
 
 figures as in Fig. a, and with 
 and violet in the cen- 
 
 green 
 
 tral forms, bordered with 
 orange and brown. Fig. &, 
 the green ground has a con- 
 ventional shaped flower com- 
 posed of two sets of colors, 
 yellow - brown, scarlet and 
 black in the one, m^aize-color, 
 dark brown and yellow in 
 the other, with edge of scarlet 
 and black. In Fig. c, the corn- 
 colored stripe has palms of 
 three shades of scarlet and 
 brown, with edsre of white. 
 
 Fig. 308. 
 
 Fig d is composed of arabesque figures in all shades that may be convenient, 
 using pieces of any length, so that a curious mingled design, such as is seen in 
 some of the Turkish embroideries, is produced ; this stripe might better be 
 
 Fig. 309 a. 
 
 Fig. 310 6. 
 
 worked last, and wdll be a happy method of using up all odds and ends of silk 
 left from the other strips. Line with silk or merino, quilting a layer of sheet 
 wool or cotton between, by tying a knot or tiny rosette of ribbon or silk, in 
 
 diamonds, at intervals of four or five inches. 
 
 A rug of entirely different character is made 
 
 with opplication embroidery upon a foundation of 
 
 merino, which may be either in stripes of different 
 
 I colors or of one entire piece. The Cretonne cloth 
 
 : affords beautiful designs for this work, but a dif- 
 
 Fig. 311 c. ferent style of embroidery is shown in Fig. 313, 
 
 19 
 
290 
 
 BEAUTIFUL HOMES. 
 
 where the silhouelle designs afford a humorous ornamentation upon a piece of 
 damask o • merino. The silhouette figures for applique work are cut from black 
 
 Fig. 613. 
 
 Fig. 312 d. 
 
 and white cloth, embroidered with Avhite and 
 dark gray, sufficiently to form the prominent 
 parts of the figure. 
 
 Designs for such groups may be obtained 
 in paper at the Art stores for a few cents, 
 and from these copies can be taken by prick- 
 ing aroufid the edges and outlines of the en- 
 tire group — then placing it in position on 
 the cloth and pouncing with white powder, 
 which will leave the design upon the cloth in 
 tiny dots. With a light pencil these marks 
 are then traced out carefully, and the cloth 
 cut in proper form. Next baste the 
 various parts made of black upon the cloth, 
 and in the same manner prepare the white 
 figures (if there be any), basting them 
 against the black, as shown in the illustra- 
 tion, and with black and white silk button- 
 hole stitch the edges to the foundation, and 
 finally trace out the various parts with white 
 and gray silk, wherever lines appear in the 
 paper silhouette. 
 
 This will be found vety fascinating em- 
 ployment, especially for the young people, 
 and for a lounge in a living-room, or gentle- 
 man's lounging-chair, such rugs will be 
 found exceedingly satisfactory, and affords 
 great amusement. A border and edge on 
 the sides of chain-stitching (in black and 
 white) with scroll patterns at the end', will 
 finish such a rug appropriately. 
 
BEAUTIFUL HOMES. 
 
 291 
 
 RUG IN SPOTTED CEOCHET. 
 
 Use double zephyr and a large Afghan needle. First row, make a long chain of 
 stitches ; very loosely form a loop on each of the first three, which will give you 
 then four loops on the needle ; reduce these to one by passing the wool through 
 all four at a time, which forms the first spot. 
 The second is formed in the same manner. The 
 first loop is drawn through the same stitch as 
 the third of the first spot, and the two others 
 through the two next stitches of the foundation 
 chain. All the row is worked in the same way. 
 
 In the following rows, the first and third loops 
 are made in the openings on each side of the 
 spot, and the second in the top of the spot itself. 
 In the illustration, a dot shows the place of the 
 first loop, and a cross that of the third. The 
 whole of this easy pattern is worked in the same 
 way. It may be made in stripes of various col- 
 ors, or in shades of one color. These crocheted 
 rugs, as we have intimated, are eminently adapt- 
 ed to the purpose here named, forming a soft 
 warm cover, the gay colors of which give a most 
 luxurious appearance to an apartment, and when 
 the sofa and curtains, or general tint of the room 
 is of quiet, subdued shades, will present a charming contrast, like a gleam of 
 sunlight across a sky covered with soft clouds. 
 
 This spotted pattern has a very curious, and at the same time beautiful 
 appearance, and is so easily accoraplished that even a child may undertake it. 
 
 Fig. 314. 
 
CHAPTER XIX. 
 
 MISCELLANEOUS ELEGANCIES FOR THE VARIOUS 
 APARTMENTS OF THE DWELLING. 
 
 Besides the various articles we have described as necessary furniture for the 
 different rooms of the house, there are innumerable knickknacks and articles, 
 both useful and ornamental, which add greatly to the elegant appearance and 
 comfort of the house in general. A few of these, at least, we will endeavor to 
 describe, but many more can be made from the directions given for such work, 
 in the two previous works of the " Household Series," Household Elegancies 
 and Ladies' Fancy Work. 
 
 Every bed in the house should be furnished with one or two negligee pockets, 
 
 in which the night dresses 
 may be placed, instead of re- 
 sorting to the careless habit 
 of placing them beneath the 
 pillow. These envelopes or 
 pockets may be made as 
 ^ simply or elaborately as de- 
 sired. A very neat style is 
 shown in Fig. 315, which 
 consists of a square of pique 
 one yard in size, richly 
 braided, with a center and 
 four corner pieces, the latter 
 of which show, when folded 
 over on the side, as explained 
 by the illustration. A quill- 
 ing of edged cambric sewed 
 around the four corners, and 
 Fig. 315. straps of the same buttoned 
 
 acroiss, finish this neat case, and is shown in pretty contrast on a lining of pink, 
 blue, or other colored cambric. 
 
 Another pretty pocket is made by quilting two pieces of material, with a 
 slight layer of cotton between, and finishing with embroidery on the edges; also 
 l)y using spray-work on Swiss muslin, with colored lining and fluted ruffles on 
 
BEAUTIFUL HOMES. 
 
 293 
 
 the edges. Such tasteful pockets placed below the pillows add a neat and beau- 
 tiful finish to the bed. 
 
 Cut the petals of the poppies of red cloth or velvet, and fasten them partly 
 with single half -polka and button-hole stitches, and partly dove tailed satin 
 stitch, with several shades of scarlet silk. Work the spikes with yellow filling 
 and saddlers' silk in chain-stitch, and the corn flowers with blue silk in satin 
 stitch. The stamens are worked in knotted stitch with yellow silk, and the 
 forget-me-nots with turquoise blue silk. Cut the large leaves from dark green 
 cloth, and apply them with half-polka stitches of green silk. The veins, stems 
 and leaflets are worked partly in satin and partly in half-polka stitches, with 
 green, brown, and yellow saddlers' silk. On the outer edge of the lambrequin 
 apply gray silk, satin or velvet, and edge it partly with button-hole stitches and 
 partly with gold-colored cord. 
 
 HAIR PINCUSHION. 
 
 For this pretty cushion, take a common collar box about six inches in diam- 
 eter and two inches or more in height, and fill it with hair or wool so that 
 it is raised well in the middle, 
 and slopes gradually to the 
 sides. Cover this with a 
 piece of loose knitting, in any 
 scraps of yarn or worsted on 
 hand. Then knit an over-cov- 
 er of a bright color suiting the 
 trimmings of the remaining 
 toilet articles, such as the " hair 
 receiver," "catch-all," "comb 
 and brush case," and pincush- 
 ion. For each of these covers, ^^^- '^^^• 
 
 make a foundation of thirty sts. (stitches) with fine wooden knitting needles, 
 and going back and forth on these work thirty rounds, all knit plain, and then 
 
 cast off. Or a circular piece 
 may be crocheted in the usual 
 short and long stitches. Hav- 
 ing sewed both under and over- 
 ;!l| cover closely to the edge of the 
 1^ b^x, cut off the corners of the 
 piece (if knitted, square), and 
 trim the side of the box with a 
 box-plaited ruche of ribbon, 
 suiting the cover in color, and 
 Fig. 317. two inches wide. Above this 
 
294 
 
 BEAUTIFUL HOMES. 
 
 fasten an embroidered border, worked on white flannel or merino, the design of 
 which is given in Fig. 317, in chain, herring-bone and point Russe stitches, with 
 green silk of various shades, and flowers coi-responding in color with the trim- 
 mings, using three or four shades. The edge is cut out in points, or pinked, as 
 most convenient ; above this, around the edge, is a ruching of ribbon one and a 
 quarter inches wide. 
 
 BABY'S CEIB. 
 
 In houses where the apartments are small, it is frequently a matter of great 
 importance to have certain articles of furniture in a portable shape, so that they 
 
 may be put out of the way oc-> 
 casionally. The cradle or cot, 
 especially, is frequently a sub> 
 ject Qri great annoyance, and 
 the neat mother when expect- 
 
 Fig. 318. 
 
 ing company, and baby is not occupying its crib, would gladly put it out of 
 sight ; for such situations as these, the elegant folding cot shown in Fig. 318, 
 would prove a boon indeed. 
 
 This simple little affair is made only of four rods, slender but strong, fastened 
 together with screws that allow of its being turned up in the compact form 
 shown in Fig. 319. The bed, itself is made like a hammock, of merino, reps, 
 damask, etc., with a strong interlining of canvas with quilting to hold the parts 
 together. Our small elegant model of blue quilted silk, is trimmed with a Swiss 
 musi:n frill trimmed with lace and a puffing lined with blue, and medallions of 
 lace edged with fine Valenciennes or tatting ; this is caught up around the sides 
 with bows of the silk or ribbon. 
 
BEAUTIFUL HOMES. 
 
 295 
 
 Around the entire edge of the hammock a strong piece of rope is fastened, 
 which not only strengthens this part, but gives the long boat shape to the cot 
 when opened out. A mattress, pillow, etc., will fold inside the hammock. At 
 the head of the cot a strong rod is screwed, which bends over the top and sus- 
 tains a drapery of light muslin matching the other hangings. This slips iu a 
 socket prepared for it, and is easily removed and hung away. 
 
 MATS FOR WASH-STAND. 
 
 A wash-stand should always be provided with a set of mats, upon which the 
 various articles may be placed, in order to avoid soiling or scratching the sur- 
 
 Fig. 320. Fig. 321. 
 
 face, whether it be marble or wood, or covered with material of any kind. In 
 Fig. 324, is shown a beautiful pitcher, embellished with a transfer in Decalco- 
 
 
 Fig. 322. Fig. 323. 
 
 mania, and standing upon a mat of two colors of linen. An open border is 
 traced out, of which the patterns, 320, 321, 322 and 323, and the one around the 
 illustration are good examples, and 
 after finishing the embroidery, the 
 open parts are cut aw^ay, showing 
 the colored linen beneath. A pret- 
 ty combination is white and gray 
 linen with scarlet embroidery, or 
 white and buff with black. Em- 
 broidery cotton No. 20, is best 
 for this work, and the mats should 
 be lined with baize reaching as far d 
 as the embroidered edge, hemming "' 
 it down around the edge, or using 
 a line of sewing-machine stitching. 
 
 These mats are equally pretty as Fig. 324, 
 
296 
 
 BEAUTIFUL HOMES. 
 
 tray-covers, and where used for a pitcher, etc., an oval circle, or square of fine 
 enameled oil-cloth, embroidered in scallops around the edge may be cut to fit 
 within the embroidered border, as shown in the illustration, and is a preven- 
 tive of dampness and soiling, or the effects of heat, where hot coffee or tea-pots 
 are placed on them. 
 
 WALL-POCKET FOR BEUSHES AND COMBS. 
 
 Fig. 325, shows a wall-pocket for brushes and combs, carved from black-wal- 
 nut, with the bracket-saws and carving tools. Make the back of a piece of wood 
 one-fourth of an inch thick, fourteen inches high, and the front six wide at the 
 top, four at the bottom, and six and three-quarters high, with triangular side- 
 pieces four inches wide and six and three-quarters long, forming a box or 
 
 pocket. The front is ornamented 
 with application embroidery, 
 worked on a foundation of brown 
 carriage leather or enameled oil- 
 cloth. 
 
 To work this embroidery, cut 
 the foundation of the material in 
 shape of the front of the pocket, and 
 the foundation figures of riugs and 
 square of oiled lines or light 
 colored enameled oil-cloth, and 
 arrange them in place, cutting 
 through the square, passing it 
 through the rings, and covering 
 the slit with the rings. The 
 square is fastened on the founda- 
 tion with point Russe, and knotted 
 stitches of brown silk, and edged 
 with button-hole stitches of the 
 same. The rings are ornamented 
 with herring-bone stitches of yellow- 
 brown silk. The remainder of 
 Fig- 325. i]jQ embroidery is done with point 
 
 Russe embroidery, and knotted stitches of maize-colored silk. After finishing 
 the embroidery, interlay it with card-board, and line both back and sides with 
 enameled oil-cloth, place it against the fret-work of the front, and fasten 
 securely. This will be found an elegant pocket, and easily made. 
 
BEAUTIFUL HOMES. 
 
 297 
 
 BRUSH CASE. 
 
 As the nail and tooth brushes used on the wash-stand necessarily become 
 damp, and in order to preserve them it is necessary to dry them as quickly as 
 possible; it becomes a matter worthy of attention to provide some means of 
 doing this effectually, yet neatly, 
 and perhaps tastefully. 
 
 The china stands with perfo- 
 rated bottoms are objected to by 
 many persons, and sometimes 
 occupy too much space, whereas 
 the case we show in the illustra- 
 tion, Fig. 326, may be hung 
 against the wall above the stand, 
 and would prove a beautiful ad- 
 dition to the stand and toilet 
 table combined, described in 
 another chapter. 
 
 The case here copied, was from 
 a model made of pine-wood, eight 
 inches square, sawed off to form 
 a perfect hexagon. On this was 
 screwed a half -circle, fitting the ^^^' ^^' 
 
 center, in which were cut openings to admit the brushes, and adorned with a 
 lambrequin, cut from green oil-cloth, cut out in design figures as shown, and 
 lined beneath with black velveteen, which showing through the openings has a 
 beautiful effect. The pine back (for which heavy pasteboard may be substi- 
 tuted) was covered in like manner, and the back part lined with muslin, glued 
 neatly over. The shelf was covered with the oil-cloth tacked neatly down beneath 
 the lambrequin, and when finished, a beautiful, though simple and easily made 
 case, was the result. 
 
 FOOT RUGS. 
 
 The efforts made of late years to introduce the luxuriousness of Oriental life 
 into this and other countries has led to the use of many exceedingly attractive 
 and comfortable articles of domestic furniture ; among which may be named the 
 soft rugs and beautiful mats,, which in Eastern lands cover the costly marble 
 floors in rich profusion. 
 
 Whenever a custom prevails, which has good sense to govern its adoption, we 
 should always use it to the best advantage, both for ourselves and others ; and 
 the use of rugs is at once so great an advantage to an apartment, both as re- 
 gards appearance and comfort, that we feel glad to be able to assist our readers 
 
298 
 
 BEAUTIFUL HOMES. 
 
 in making several varieties, at small cost. We may all admire the elegant im- 
 ported rugs, rich in Eastern workmanship, or even the Turkish rug, sent us from 
 
 Germany, and M'hich is an 
 imitation altogether so 
 beautiful and perfect, that 
 none need hesitate to use it ; 
 but as even the latter is 
 comparatively costly, many 
 would be obliged to forego 
 the use of this comfortable 
 luxury altogether, w^ere it 
 not, that even elegant speci- 
 mens of the same may be 
 made at home. 
 
 The sheep and lambskin 
 rugs are beautiful, placed 
 before the sofa or chair, but 
 there are many other kinds 
 which can be made of va- 
 rious materials, and form 
 such attractive objects (on 
 Fig. 327. ^y^ otherwise bare floor, per- 
 
 haps, or as cover to a shabby carpet) that many ladies will gladly avail them- 
 selves of this method of giving an air of comfort to their rooms. 
 
 The first illustration is for a circular rug, the foundation of which may be a 
 piece of worn carpeting, crash or other substantial material. The star in the 
 center is cut from any bright woolen material, about eighteen inches in diame- 
 ter, which is fastened on a circular piece of cloth in some contrasting color ; or 
 better still, on a section of woolen drugget-cloth of some inconspicuous design, 
 or plain giound. Coarse and strong wool or thread with chain or button-hole 
 stitching covers the edges, and forms the center ; strips cf flannel pinked-out on 
 the edges, extend to the edge of the star and confine it ; these strips and the 
 points of the star are finished with long stitches of the wool used on the edges, 
 three in a cluster forming rays. 
 
 The cloth beyond the star is cut into divisions for the first circle ; two inches 
 are cut, then a space left of the same length, then another two-inch slit, and so 
 on around the circle, care being used (by measuring) to have the spaces come 
 out correctly when they meet around the circle. In the second ciicle, allow the 
 spaces about a half-inch longer, on account of the widening of the cii'cle, and 
 the third circle still larger. The arrangement will be understood from the illus- 
 tration. Through these slits are woven strips of the cloth forming the star, 
 sewing each strip firmly down at each end on the under side of the rug. Each 
 
BEAUTIFUL HOMES. 
 
 299 
 
 strand is finished outside with the embroidery. The outer edge is ornamented 
 with a braided plait made of several kinds of cloth sewed into four long strands, 
 and then plaited. 
 
 This forms a gay and beautiful rug, especially pretty under a chair or round 
 table ; moreover, it is easily kept clean and free from dust, on account of its be- 
 ing so flat, and having no tufted or puffed work. Mats and rugs admit of being 
 made in bright colors ; indeed, they rather demand these shades, and thus give 
 
 Fig. 328. 
 
 a cheery aspect to a room where the remaining furniture is of the quiet and 
 subdued order. 
 
 Application embroidery forms a beautiful method of ornamenting rugs, as 
 shown in Fig. 328, in which a circular piece of drugget cloth is pinked out 
 around the edges, and above it is worked a row of simple chain -stitching. In 
 the center is a star formed by cutting out two squares (hollowed out a little on 
 the sides), and placing them on each other, on the light foundation of cloth cut 
 out in form of a cross with broad rounded ends. Besides the central star, eight 
 circular pieces of the same cloth are fastened around it with black worsted 
 braid. (Alpaca braid folded and stitched on the sewing-machine.) Between 
 
300 
 
 BEAUTIFUL HOMES. 
 
 the four divisions of the cross are circular pieces of cloth of a different color 
 from either the ground or central parts just described, which are held in place 
 by bands of alpaca braid stitched down on the sewing-machine. Beyond these 
 is a circle of leaves cut from heavy cloth, and fastened on with a chain-stitching 
 of coarse thread or wool. These leaves may be of various colored scraps. This 
 mat, in shades of green and brown, with embroidery of golden tints, is one of 
 the most beautiful that can be made. 
 
 The next illustration, Fig. 329, is a beautiful rug and most easily made. It 
 consists of a foundation of cloth on which is wrought a border of cloth of any 
 bright color, sewed over rope (about as thick as is used for clothes-lines) ; about 
 
 Fig. 329. 
 
 two dozen large woolen balls (made over circles of card-board in the usual way) 
 are placed at the intersection of each coil of the rope, as it is wound around the 
 edge of the rug. 
 
 Within the border (which is about twelve inches deep) the covered rope is 
 coiled, one row within another, until it ends in the center. We have seen a 
 mat of this kind, the foundation of which was a circle of crimson ingrain carpet 
 of small mixed design ; the rope around the border was covered with a corn- 
 colored figured flannel, and the woolen balls of black and shades of corn-color 
 (ranging from brownish-yellow to light gold color) gave a lovely effect. The 
 small buttons of white-porcelain, three in a row, on the edges of the foundation, 
 
BEAUTIFUL HOMES. 
 
 301 
 
 give a very pretty finish to the edge, and the rope covered with a piece of 
 Scotch plaid, in various bright colors, being cut on the bias, made a bright and 
 curious center that excited much wonder and many praises. 
 
 Fig. 330. 
 
 Simple as this rug may appear, it is exceedingly pretty, and the one here 
 copied was made entirely of old materials. The most beautiful rugs imagin- 
 able are made with plaited rosettes of merino flannel or other such material. 
 
 Two forms of such rosettes are 
 given in Figs. 330 and 331. In 
 Fig. 330 the material is pinked-out 
 on one edge, and plaited in close 
 box-plaits ; then sewed on a circu- 
 lar foundation of stiff cloth, such 
 as a piece of pilot-cloth, or drugget. 
 
 These circles should be about 
 three inches in diameter, and the 
 rosette is finished in the center 
 with a button, either a fancy 
 variety or a mould covered with 
 any bright material. These rosettes may be of various materials, or of one or 
 two, and are sewed firmly on a strong foundation of carpet or cloth. Fig. 331 
 is made in the same manner, but is finished on top with a cluster of leaves of 
 the material worked over the edges. 
 
 Fia. ^31. 
 
302 
 
 BEAUTIFUL HOMES. 
 
 BEAIDED KUG. 
 
 Fig. 332 shows a rug which is not only neat and even tasteful, but economi- 
 cal withal ; as it may he made of old garments or pieces of carpet. It may- 
 consist of any number of colors or of blacks, light and dark pieces mixed, pro- 
 miscuously. 
 
 Strips are cut about two inches wide, until a quantity of each color is ac- 
 cumulated (and this will be found a nice task for children or for " occasional " 
 pastime work to "pick up" at odd moments). As regards material, any pieces 
 will answer, whether woolen or cotton, and carpeting cut into pieces one inch 
 wide, will make an article both strong and durable. The pieces are sewed to- 
 
 ''•*«i'allliiial 
 
 Fig. 332. 
 
 gether (as for carpet rags), then folded lengthwise, and three strands, (black, 
 lighter shade, or some bright color, and white) are braided together; then com- 
 mencing in the center, a piece a few inches in length is taken, and placing it 
 flat, the braid is turned round and sewed down one side of it, coiled round the 
 other end and so on, until the entire mat is sewed, coil after coil, around this 
 center; this gives an oval shape. If the rug is desired round it will require 
 the central coil to be worked round only an inch of braid, instead of a strip of 
 central braid. After sewing the braids together with strong patent thread in 
 over-stitch, it may be sewed on a foundation of crash or carpet, or left unlined, 
 as most convenient; if lined it will require binding around the edge. The 
 fringe is made of raveled carpeting. 
 
 In Fig. 333 we have an entirely different rug. This is made either of lamb- 
 
BEAUTIFUL HOMES. 
 
 303 
 
 skin, carpeting, or heavy cloth in the center, around which is fastened a border 
 of dark cloth ornamented with application embroidery. Beautiful designs such 
 as are shown on the illustration, may be found in applique, and all that remains 
 to be done is to cut the separate part carefully out, and after arranging and 
 basting down the various figures, to fasten them to the foundation and cover 
 the edges with chain-stitching, using a shade of the color found in the designs ; 
 for instance, in the leaves several shades of green or brown ; in the deers' heads, 
 various shades of dun ; and so through all the parts. In some cases, the design 
 
 Fig. 333 
 
 is cut out of self-colored cloth and applied to the foundation by means of em- 
 broidery, introducing various stitches, such as half-polka, point Russe, chain and 
 coral stitches. This requires not only skill in embroidery but considerable 
 knowledge of colors, as the whole formation of birds and other prominent ob- 
 jects, depends altogether upon the arrangement of colors. In certain kinds of 
 woolen goods very appropriate designs are found, as also in silks, the only ob- 
 jection being the tendency in this class of goods to fray on the cut edge, and we 
 have found it an excellent plan where we have used such, to touch the edges 
 with a little nice, clear gum arable, and work over closely (after it dries) in 
 button hole stitch. 
 
304 
 
 BEAUTIFUL HOMES. 
 
 BRAIDED RUG. 
 
 Those acquainted with the manner 
 called in the old days, can apply it to 
 
 accompanying iig- 
 
 Fig. 334. 
 
 are sewn on the foundation which has 
 of which is shown in Fig. 334. The 
 
 of making the " quilled braid," as it was 
 the manufacture of beautiful and ser- 
 viceable rugs, for parlor or 
 sitting-room floor. The ma- 
 terials required are wide, 
 woolen braid or strips of 
 cloth of two or more colors, 
 a piece of canvas or carpet- 
 ing for the foundation, and 
 strong thread. 
 
 The 
 ures clearly show the modus 
 operandi of plaiting the 
 braids, if any are unac- 
 quainted with the simple 
 performance. 
 
 Scarlet and black, green 
 and brown, or a row each of 
 various colors, will all be 
 found beautiful for these 
 braids, which, when finished 
 been cut to proper form ; a tasteful one 
 form of arranging the braids, which are 
 
 Fig. 335. 
 
 shown in one-half size in the diagrams 335 and 336, is plainly marked in the 
 illustration of the rug. 
 
 Where such rugs are made of old cloth, (which, by-the-way, will be found a 
 
 Fig. 336. 
 
.BEAUTIFUL HOMES. 305 
 
 most useful manner of utilizing old fragments or pieces of discarded garments) 
 they must be cut into strips and run together along the edge, thus making long 
 inch-wide pieces, of which the braids are plaited. The edge is finished with 
 cloth pinked-OLit on the edge, or perhaps merely cut into points and sewed 
 around the foundation beneath the first and outer row of braids. 
 
 SHEEPSKIN EUGS. 
 
 Mats should be placed in front of each door, and here instead of being the 
 rough sort required upon the outer step or in the vestibule, they should be 
 made of some soft, bright-colored material. In the country where sheepskins 
 are abundant, nothing can be more appropriate than a rug of soft, woolly sheep- 
 skin. After the skins are removed from the animal and cleaned, any woman 
 may tan and " card them," and finish by making thoroughly white or coloring 
 with aniline dyes. The process for preparing such skins is as follows : — 
 
 Take two nice long-wooled skins and well wash in strong suds, made of one 
 gallon soft water, one table-spoonful of sal soda and one-fourth pound of good 
 soap. Make the water boiling hot, and work the skins, one at a time, thor- 
 oughly in it, then pass through another weaker suds, placing the skins in it 
 while boiling hot, and allowing to remain until sufficiently cool to handle; 
 squeeze them well between the hands, and pass once or twice through a clothes- 
 wringer made moderately tight. Rinse in clean, cold water, and dry off by 
 wiping and shaking. Next dissolve one-half pound alum and one-half pound of 
 salt in hot water, and put into sufficient water to cover the skins ; soak in this 
 for twelve or fifteen hours, or overnight, and hang across a fence or frame to 
 drain ; when well drained, spread on a board or against a building, nailing at 
 the corners and frequently stretching ; while still a little damp, sprinkle over 
 the flesh side one ounce saltpetre and one ounce alum, powdered and well 
 mixed ; rub in thoroughly. Lay the two skins together (wool out) and hang 
 in the shade for three days, turning them over each day ; then separating them, 
 take a dull knife and scrape carefully to remove any remnants of flesh or skin 
 that may remain, trim into proper shape, and with powdered pumice-stone and 
 a hard pad well rub the whole surface, and finally finish by wiping briskly 
 with a woolen cloth. They will be extremely soft, white and pliable, and, 
 either white or colored, will make durable and beautiful rugs. Lambskins 
 thus prepared are well adapted for small rugs. 
 
 FUK RUG WITH EMBROIDERY. 
 
 There are many persons who have the opportunity of obtaining fur or skins 
 
 '^of various kinds, especially in the Western States, where the gentlemen of the 
 
 family spend a portion of each year in long hunting excursions and return 
 
 laden with their spoils ; sometimes, perhaps, consisting of a fine bulf alo or otter 
 
 20 
 
306 
 
 BEAUTIFUL HOMES. 
 
 skin. Of these, all understand the value and mode of making into something- 
 valuable, but in this connection, we desire to bring before our readers the man- 
 ner of utilizing even small and (dare we term them so ?) common skins, such 
 as rabbit, squirrel, opossum, raccoon, and even the domestic cat. Many perhaps 
 will smile to see that pussy may be made into a thing of use and beauty, but 
 if the furriers will use her skin for muffs and tippets, surely we may for 
 rugs etc. 
 
 In the chapter on modes of embellishing will be found many recipes and 
 explanations of useful methods of applying certain things, and among 
 
 Fig. 337. 
 
 them the manner of tanning such skins, which even a lady may undertake if 
 she is not over-fastidious, in which case, doubtless some of the gentlemen would 
 undertake the operation. Once tanned, and these small skins may be cut and 
 pieced together very readily ; thus forming beautiful rugs, such as the one 
 shown in the illustration, which is made of rabbit skins fastened upon a strong 
 foundation (in the present case a piece of worn-out carpeting), and around it a 
 border of scarlet flannel, braided and embroidered with shades of yellow and 
 brown zephyr. A thick cord and woolen fringe finishes as elegant a floor-rug 
 as can be wanted by even the most fastidious taste. 
 
CHAPTER XX. 
 
 CLOTHES-HAMPERS AND BAGS. 
 
 One very necessary article in a bedroom is a basket or box, hamper or 
 bag for soiled linen, and inasmuch as these articles are not in themselves elegant 
 pieces of furniture, it behooves the tasteful and tidy housewife to render them 
 so by the pretty designs she is enabled to put upon them, in form of covers, 
 lambrequins, etc., or in the case of the useful 
 bag by making it elegant with embroidery or 
 crochet-work. 
 
 Fig. 338 shows a plain wicker-work hamper^ 
 which becoming defaced by long usage, has 
 been covered with a lambrequin, made of old 
 materials entirely, and consisting of black 
 cloth, taken from gentlemen's wear, white, 
 scarlet and green woolen materials (old 
 
 Fig. 338. 
 
 Fig. 339. 
 
 dresses) . These are cut into four sets of points, placed one above the other on 
 four sides of the basket, and between them points of black velveteen Fig. 340 
 
308 
 
 BEAUTIFUL HOMES. 
 
 embroidered with long stitches of zephyr in yellow and scarlet, and pinked-out 
 on the edge. Each of the colored points are pinked and dotted with contrast- 
 ing colors. The lid is covered with four sets of points arranged in a similar 
 manner, and the edge of both lid and basket are finished with a plaiting of one 
 of the materials, folded over on each edge and stitched securely down. Tassels 
 finish the points. Should the handles or ring of the lid have been torn oif, 
 replace with wire, covered with alpaca braid or crochet-work, and a very forlorn- 
 looking hamper "rnay be changed into a most tasteful appendage to the room 
 
 Fig. 340. 
 
 which will prove quite an ornament to the corner nearest the bed ; the tassels 
 which finish the lambrequins are made of strips of the different colored cloths, 
 those on the points three inches long, those between four inches. Full quilled 
 ruchings of the alpaca are tacked around the edges, top and bottom, also on the 
 edge of lid, which has a ring of covered wire for lifting. This box may, if 
 more convenient, be covered with linen, and be adorned with points of white, 
 pink, buff or other colored cambrics, embroidered witli white. 
 
 The bag for soiled clothing or bedroom linen is indispensable, and should be 
 found at the head of each bedstead. As pretty and tasteful articles therefore 
 
BEAUTIFUL HOMES; 
 
 309 
 
 are.. more grateful to the tasteful, thau' those devoid of beauty, it is far wiser to 
 make these articles so that they may have some pretensions to the elegant, and 
 for this reason we append, a few simple patterns for these articles. 
 
 Fig, 339 is made of a straight piece of linen one and a half yards wide, and 
 three-qtiarters of a yard long, which is laid in plaits at the bottom around a cir- 
 cular piebe of card-aboard four inches in diameter, covered with the material, and 
 at the, top finished with a pasing, through which two drawing-cords are passed. 
 The whole surface of the bag is adorned with figures in applique, cut from colored 
 
 chintz, and fastened with button-hole stitchinor. 
 
 A ruching of bright colored chintz-work in scallops 
 
 Fig. 341. 
 
 Fig. 342. 
 
 on^ each edge, divides tlie length of the bag into three parts, the upper twq 
 finished with the fringes placed in different directions, the lower parts witli 
 drapes,rin Guipure embroidery, the full size shown in Fig. 339, and consisting 
 of a scalloped bias strip, button-holed on the edges, with a design figure in the 
 center, held with stitches as shown. 
 
 Another handsome bag is made by crocheting an upper part and fitting it 
 around an embroidered bottom made of six Vandykes of linen embroidered an(i 
 finished at the top with a shaped lambrequin to correspond. Three d9signs 
 
310 
 
 BEAUTIFUL HOMES. 
 
 for the drapes are shown in Figs. 342, 343 and 345 either of which are be?.utiful 
 for the purpose. 
 
 In Fig. 341, the lower part of the bag is made of striped goods, either bed- 
 ticking, chintz or pique, embroidered in various colors with zephyrs, and stitch- 
 ing on the sewing-machine, with a heading of linen, gray or colored, braided 
 with fancy cord and edged with a narrow braid button-hole stitched on the 
 edges. This forms a gay and inexpensive bag, and may prove pretty work for 
 
 Fig. 344. 
 
 Fig. 343. 
 
 the little girls of the family, as it is very simple to work in herring-bone be- 
 tween stripes. 
 
 In Fig. 343 we find an elegant drape formed of gray pique at the bottom, 
 dotted with star-shaped stitches in coarse silk or zephyr; above this leaves (of 
 which the central one shows the form) diminishing in size as it runs towards 
 the upper part; each leaf made of alternate scarlet and buff linen, embroidered 
 with white and black, (black on the buff and white on the scarlet leaves). 
 The coral work above is in scarlet, first formed with cord and covered closely 
 
BEAUTIFUL HOMES. 
 
 311 
 
 with the stitches ; the circular flowers are buff, made in the same manner. 
 This piece is finished with a scalloped edge fastened with button-hole stitching. 
 At the bottom is a linen or woolen fringe. 
 
 Another pretty drape, and one easily made, is shown in Fig. 342, and consists 
 merely of the application of " serpentine " braid, plain twilled tape, and button- 
 hole stitching. The design will explain itself perfectly. 
 
 These various drapes may be used for many purposes, and the colors can be 
 varied to suit circumstances. In the last one, for instance, the " serpentine " 
 
 Fig. 345. 
 
 braid may be scarlet or white, and the stitches on the colored tape of any 
 desired shade. 
 
 Fig. 344 is a bright, fanciful-looking bag, the central part of which is covered 
 with stripes, one of heavy, the other of open work, placed in a sloping direction, 
 the lower points of which stand out beyond the firm foundation below of six 
 firm pieces of stuff, each four and three-quarters inches deep, and four inches 
 wide below ; at the, top these points are sewn to the bag-part, made of loose 
 chain crochet-work. Scarlet merino stripes with rosettes of tatting, and various 
 intermediate stripes of green, yellow, white, etc., each embroidered with some 
 contrasting color, as buff with scarlet, black with green, blue with white, scarlet 
 
312 
 
 BEAUTIFUL HOMES. 
 
 with black, and white with pink, would make a beautiful contrast, and be found 
 
 exceedingly handsome for such a bag, or, indeed, for stripes in lambrequins, etc. 
 
 Fig. 346 shows a home-made clothes-hamper, which in appearance is quite as 
 
 handsome as the purchased baskets, and can be made at a trifling cost. It 
 
 consists of one of the circular wooden 
 firkins in which eggs, etc., are sent 
 from a distance, and can be purchased 
 at a grocery for a few cents (two 
 shillings perhaps). This is neatly 
 lined with muslin on the inside, 
 either tacking or pasting it smoothly 
 around the sides, and covering the 
 bottom with a circular piece. Xext, 
 some strong wire is procured and, 
 first, a circular piece is made to come 
 within one inch of the edge of the 
 bottom, and to this four pieces, coiled 
 as shown in the illustration, are fast- 
 ened firmly, as feet, while four others 
 Fig. 346. are bent around and up against the 
 
 sides of the box, turned over square and taken up again ; first, however, slip- 
 ping a wire ring between the opening, and then tying it securely at the top, 
 
 where a full bow of ribbon hides the join ; a hoop of the 
 
 wire also passes round the box and is joined to these 
 
 four uprights by small pieces, 
 
 as shown in the figure. The 
 
 wire supports and feet are all 
 
 painted with scarlet lacquer or 
 
 varnished. The entire outside 
 
 of the box and lid are covered 
 
 with black alpaca, and on the 
 
 lid is arranged a star in ap- 
 plique work, with flannel or - 
 
 merino embroidered and 
 
 pinked, or notched as shown 
 
 in the pattern. Fig. 348; and 
 
 around the center of the box 
 
 is a similar point, Fig. 347, 
 
 either embroidered like Fig. 
 
 348, or with a center of woolen 
 
 Fig. 347. 
 
 lace (as shown on the center ofFig. 349) on the point, 
 one or various colors. 
 
 Fig. 348. 
 
 These points may be in 
 
BEAUTIFUL HOMES, 
 
 313 
 
 A box about two feet high and the same width and height, makes a conven- 
 ient receptacle for soiled linen where space must be economized, as it can be 
 used as a seat as well. To line it neatly within is the first step, and next to 
 cover it with any goods convenient ; the model is of striped material. On the 
 
 Fig. 349. 
 
 lid a stuffed pad is tacked, and the whole is finished with a quilling of some 
 contrasting color, an ornamental button or a gilt-headed nail being placed in 
 the center of each plait. Casters may be placed at the four lower corners if 
 desired, and a strong loop nailed on the lid, wherewith to raise it. 
 
 CLOTHES BASKET WITH LAMBEEQUINS. 
 
 A pretty style of hamper for soiled linen is shown in the accompanying illus- 
 tration, and may be readily made by any lady of taste, possessing a knowledge of 
 embroidery by application, or applique work, 
 as it is called. The frame of the basket con- 
 sists first of a circular piece of wood, or a 
 hoop twelve inches, and a second hoop fifteen 
 inches in diameter, united by four bars of 
 thick wire twenty-nine inches long, bent into 
 the form shown in the illustration, with four 
 shorter pieces, two feet long, bound around 
 the lower part. Four inches of the wire is 
 turned into a coil at the top, and ornamented 
 with rings of wire. In this frame-work sets 
 the basket, made of strong pasteboard 
 twenty inches high, fitting in the irame at 
 top and bottom, and strengthened with wire 
 sewed around each edge. This is lined with 
 table oil-cloth, glazed muslin or even paper, 
 and covered on the outside with striped 
 goods to suit the hangings, etc., of the room, 
 and adorned with a woven braid simulating fig. 350. 
 
314 
 
 BEAUTIFUL HOMES. 
 
 the hoop around wicker baskets ; a lid cut of four pieces of pasteboard, -with a 
 small hoop of wire giving the round form, and a circular piece on the top is 
 covered and finished in like manner. This lid is six inches high and has a 
 scalloped strip of pasteboard one inch wide sewed around the top, covered with 
 
 Fig. 351. 
 
 the stripe and bound with braid ; across this a wire handle is fastened. Around 
 the top edge of the basket is fastened a piece of wire coiled with a cord of bright 
 color, as also the feet and frame-work. The wire frame is neatly bronzed or 
 covered with lacquer. The elegant lambrequins are worked upon a foundation 
 of gray cloth in application, satin and half- polka stitches. 
 
INDEX. 
 
 • ♦ • 
 
 Chapter I. Furniture, - 5-8 
 
 11. Selecting and Arranging House Furniture, - - 9-14 
 
 III. The Hall. 10 Engravings, - ... - 15-32 
 
 IV. Wall Paper, 32-M 
 
 V. Carpets, 45-49 
 
 VI. Blinds, Curtains and Lambrequins. 28 Engravings, 50-79 
 
 VII. Bed-Rooms. 5 Engravings, - - - - - 80-94 
 
 VIII. Toilet Tables, Washstands, etc. 9 Engravings, - 95-109 
 
 IX. Parlors and Mantels. 18 Engravings, - - - 110-129 
 
 X. The Library. 7 Engravings, 130-137 
 
 XI. The Living Room. 32 Engravings, ... 138-159 
 
 XII. The Dining Room. 17 Engravings, - - - 160-173 
 
 XIII. Tables, Stands, etc. 56 Engravings, - - - 174-210 
 
 XIV. Chairs. 64 Engravings, 211-250 
 
 XV. Sofas, Lounges and Divans. 5 Engravings, - - 251-257 
 
 XVI. Ottomans. 29 Engravings, 258-272 
 
 XVIL Sofa Cushions. 20 Engravings, .... 273-284 
 XVIIL Sofa Rugs or Afghans. 14 Engravings, - - 285-291 
 XIX. Miscellaneous Elegancies for the Various Apart- 
 ments of the Dwelling. 23 Engravings, - » 292-306 
 XX. Clothes-Hampers and Bags. 14 Engravings, - < 307-314 
 
(T-^ 
 
 The most beautiful Ladies' Book ever published. Get it for your "Work Basket 
 or Parlor. A Beautiful Gift to Friends. 
 
 B V HENR Y T, WILLIAMS AND MRS. C, S, JONES, 
 
 VOL. 2-WILLIAMS' HOUSEHOLD SERIES. 
 
 A splendid new book on 
 Household Art, devoted 
 to a multitude of topics, 
 interesting to ladies ev- 
 erywhere. 
 
 CONTENTS. 
 
 Chap. 1 — Transparencies on 
 Glass for Windows, Lamps, 
 Halls, etc. — Diaphanie, Vit- 
 remanie. 18 Engravings. 
 
 Chap. 1" — Fancy Work with 
 Leaves, Flowers and Gras-ses 
 —Phantom Leaves, Autumn 
 Leaves and Mosses. 23 En- 
 gravings. 
 
 Chap. 3 — Ppray Work or 
 Spatter Work. 23 Engrav- 
 ings. 
 
 Chap. 4 — Brackets, Shelves, 
 Mantels, etc. 2? Engravings. 
 
 Chap, t — Picture Frames — 
 17 Engravings. 
 
 Chap. 6 — Fancy Leather 
 Work. 29 Engravings. 
 
 Chap. 7— Wall-Pockets. 18 
 Engravings. 
 
 Chap. 8— Work Boxes and 
 Baskets. '7 Engravings. 
 
 Chap. 9 — Wax Plowers, 
 Fruit, etc. yi Engravings. 
 
 Chap. 10— Indian Painting 
 in imitation of Ebony and 
 Ivory. 14 Engravings. 
 
 Chap. 11— Cone. iSjiruce and 
 Seed Work, cb Engravings. 
 
 Chap. 12 Miscellaneous 
 
 Fancy Work. 46 Engrav 
 ings. 
 
 *; c8 o 08 0.2P 
 
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 O.T5 u t) SCti 
 
 p. O. Box 6205. 
 
 ADDRESS HENRY T. WILLIAMS, PUBLISHER, 
 
 46 Beekmak Street, New York. 
 
HOME RECRE Al^IONS 
 
 IN 
 
 Just published, a Charming New Bool< 
 with above title. A Companion Volume to 
 
 Household Elegancies and 
 Window Gardening-, 
 
 Issued in same size and style, profusely 
 illustrated with engravings of superior 
 execution, and devoted to many topics of 
 Household taste, Fancy Work for tlte 
 ladies, and containing hundreds of sugges- 
 tions of Home decorations. 
 
 VOLUME THKEi: 
 
 OF 
 
 ^intntl{$* SiJtt$^f(oIil 
 
 mm. 
 
 CONTENTS. 
 
 Amongthe topicswhich "Ladies' 
 Fancy Work " treats of, are- 
 Feather Work, Paper Flowers, 
 Fire Screens, Shrines, Rustic Pic- 
 tures, a charming series of designs 
 for Easter Crosses, fetraw Orna- 
 ments, Shell Flowers and Shell 
 V^^rk, Bead Mosaic, and Fish 
 S de Embroidery, Hair Work, 
 Card-board Ornaments, 
 Fancy Rubber Work, 
 Cottage Foot Rests, 
 Window Garden Deco- 
 rations, Crochet Work, 
 designs in Embroidery, 
 and an immense num- 
 ber of designs Of other 
 Fancy Work to delight 
 all lovers of Household 
 Art and recreation. 
 
 Price sent post-paid 
 by mail, $1.50. 
 
 Address, HENRY T. WILLIAMS. Publisher, 
 
 p. O. Box 6,205. 
 
 46 Beekman Street, New York 
 
Window (K-ardeiiim 
 
 By HENRY T. WILLIAMS, 
 Eciitor Ijstciios' IFlcDirstl Oci^Toiixot UST. IT. 
 
 BIGIILT Il£fSfMfiP WITl lipiglTl lllMflieS. 
 
 An Elegant Book, with 250 Fine Engravings and 300 Pages, 
 
 @Qat%£iiiig a i@ssviptl?e L^st d all Pbits SiltaMe fo? Window Oiltire. 
 
 A ready and invaluable aid to all who 
 wish to adorn their houses in the easiest 
 and most successful manner with plants 
 or vines, or flowers. Instructions are 
 given «s to the best selection of plants for 
 Baskets or Ferneries and Wurdian Cases. 
 Several chapters are devoted to Hanging 
 Baskets, Climbing Vines, Smilax. and the 
 Ivy, for decorative purposes. Bulbs for 
 House Culture are fully described; also 
 ornamental Plants for Dinner Table 
 Decoration. Other topics are well con- 
 sidered, such as Balcony Gardens, House 
 Top Gardening, Watering Plants, Home 
 Conservatories, Fountains, Vases, Flower 
 Stands, Soil, Air, Temperature, Propaga- 
 tion, Floral Boxes, the Aquarium, Rustic 
 Conveniences for Household Ornament, 
 and directions in detail for the general 
 management of in-door plants for the en- 
 tire year throughout the Winter, Spring, 
 Summer and Fall. The volume is pro- 
 fusely illustrated with choice engravings, 
 and pains liave been taken to make it one 
 of the most attractive books ever issued, 
 from the American Press. For sale or 
 supplied by Bookstores everywhere, or 
 sent post-paid by mail on receipt of price. 
 
 Price, $1.50. 
 
 Every Woman Her Own Flower 
 G-ardener. 
 
 By Daisy Eyebright, (Mrs. S. 0. Johnson,) 
 
 A delightful little volume, written by a 
 lady fond of flowers, as a special help and 
 assistance toothers interested in outdoor 
 flower gardening. Simple directions are given ho ^o lay out -d gant Mower^ B^ 
 
 Bulb'; O^nam^SVloTedng ShrSis?EVerta" tin! ^!^we?s^ Ornamental Grasses Coleu, Peonies, 
 Ihlde ?Vees G^den regetibles? Old Fashiopell Flowers, Annual Flowers Perenm«l^^^ Orna- 
 mental Vines, Lawns. Insects, Manures. Watering Soils When ^"^ Hi>^^^^J,PjJ''^' ^\^^^^^^^^^ 
 Gladiolus. Verbenas/Cannas, Balsams. Portulaccas, and nearly a^^he popular vaneties of fl^w^ 
 ers and shrubs. The book contains 148 pages, is charminplv written ^y,P"« ^,^|ffi j^^^X^ J^^ 
 the subject, who appreciates the tastes of ladies and aims to do good Jith agreeable, kiuaiy aa 
 vice on home gardening. For sale or supplied by Bookstores every where 
 Price, in handsome Pamphlet Covers, 50 cents; bound in Cloth, $1; postpaid by mall. 
 
 Address HEWBY T. WILLIAMS, TuhUsher, 
 
 46 Bcekman Street, N. T. 
 
Of(:KSMs<N^si< ®s|gmj^^ 
 
 -FOR 
 
 -AND 
 
 HOME DECORA-TIOlSrS. 
 
 Fret-Sawine has become an art of such wonderful popularity that the interest in it has been 
 •hared by both amateurs and professionals to an astonishing extent. Hundreds are earning large 
 suras of pocket-money by cutting these beautiful household ornaments, and selling among 
 friends or acquaintances, or at the art stores. 
 
 Ladies and the Young Folks find in it a fascinating 
 recreation, and are making dozens of fancy articles 
 at small cost, to decoiate their homes in a charming 
 manner, or to give as Holiday Presents to friends. The 
 following books contain mechanical designs of full 
 size for immediate use. and are invaluable alike to the 
 amateurs, ladies, young folks, mechanics, architects, 
 and all of professional skill. 
 
 Part 1 contains full size designs for Picture 
 Frames, Small Brackets, Book Backs, Fancy Letters 
 and Figures. Ornaments, "^^'all Pockets, etc. (Has 
 pattern^ worth at usual prices over $8.) Price, 75 cts , 
 post-paid by mail. 
 
 Part 2 i:< devoted exclusively to designs of Brackets 
 of medium to large size, all entirely new, and of the 
 most tasteful detail and execution. '(Contains over 50 
 plans, worth at least §15.) Price |1.00, by mail, post- 
 paid. 
 
 Part 3 is devoted to Fancy "Work, Ladies' "Work 
 Baskets, Easels, Crosses. Match Boxes, Pen Racks, 
 Paper Cutters, Calendar Frames, Them^ometer Stands, 
 Watch Pockets. Fruit Baskets, Table Platters, etc. 
 Nearlv 100 designs, many of them really exquisite. 
 Price,' SI. 
 
 The above books contain over 300 patterns, all beau- 
 tifully printed in blue color. These books are the 
 only ones yet issued in the U. S. Ihe patterns are 
 mostly original, designed expressly for these books, 
 and in execution, choice selection.' taste, cheapness, 
 they may be safely esteemed the best collection yet 
 produced! The whole series of three costing but S2.75. contains upwards of 300 patterns, worth 
 at usual values over §30. All sent post-paid by mail, on receipt of price. 
 
 Bracket and Fret Sav/. 
 
 "With this Bracket Saw, the designs and directions, very 
 desirable articles can be made for Fairs, etc., which will 
 sell quickly and at a good profit. With it you can make 
 beautiful articles for presentation gifts. "With it you can 
 help heautifn your homes. "With it you can make money. 
 To parents desiring a useful gift for their children, we 
 would call attention to this Bracket and Fret Saw. for it 
 not only affords great pleasure, hut it helps to cultivate a 
 mechanical taste. 
 
 Price with 25 bracket and ornamental designs, 6 bracket 
 saw blades, also full directions for use. Sent by mail for 
 $1.25. 
 
 Address H21TRY T. WILLIAMS, Publisher, 
 
 46 Beektnan Street, "Sew York. 
 Part 4, Price 60 Cents.— A new book of Fret Saw designs, containing many tasteful pat- 
 terns, entirely new and of special elegance, is now in press, and will be issued early in October. 
 
IpTTIBST loUSBpiiD (|OURNAL§) 
 
 
 ^-^D Fi<}^01ll^3&^ JFi(5)3V4E[ •C(5)3V43!><;^]>li03^, 
 
 Devoted to Household Ele- 
 gancies, Housekeeping, Art, 
 Music, Home Pets, Ladies' Fan- 
 cy "Work, Society, Amusements, 
 Flowers, Window Gardening, 
 Cottages, etc. The Prettiest 
 Ladies^ Paper in America. Beau- 
 tifully Illustrated. A perfect 
 Gem. Full of good sense, and 
 invaluable to every lady for its 
 refinement, elegance, and rare 
 value. 
 
 Price, $1.30 per year, including 
 beautiful Cliromo. 
 
 Price, 35 cents, three months, 
 including beautiful Chromo. 
 
 Price, 15 cents, three months, 
 on trial. Specimen copy, 10c. 
 
 None Free. 
 
 Agents Wanted. Get up a Club. 
 Premium List Free. 
 
 FOR THE BOYS AND GIRLS ! Send 10c. for Trial Trip 3 Months. 
 
 THE PRETTIEST PAPER FOR THE YOUNG FOLKS, IN THE UNITED STATES. 
 
 A beautiful illustrated Journal, devoted to the interest of the Young Folks, their amusement, 
 improvement, and instruction at home and at school. Full of pretty pictures, entertaining 
 stories, puzzles, fun, anecdotes, questions, little pieces, and helps to school studies. Pure, sensi- 
 ble, useful. Parents, take it fory our children. Boys, get up clubs. 
 
 PKICE,— 36 cents on trial 6 months, including pretty Chromo, " Mischief." 10 cents on trial 3 
 months, without Chromo. 5 cents specimen copy. None free. 
 
 HENRY T. WILLIAMS, Publisher, 
 
 46 JBeekman Street, New York. 
 
 N. B.— Please state where you saw this notice. 
 
K?Jf ?o'^° &, FRANCINE CLARK ART INSTITUTE 
 
 NK1130 .W5 stack 
 
 Williams, Henry JVBeautiful homes : or, 
 
 1962 00072 5188