A manual of home-making

The size and proportion of pictures should be adjusted to the wall spaces; a tall picture in a vertical space, a broad pic- ture in a horizontal space, or a coml>ination of these so ar- ranged as to form groups of pleasing proportions. Pictures rec- tangular in shape hannonize better with the structiind masses than round or oval ]>ictures. Strong contrasts of color and value between wall and picture tend to destroy tlie liarmony between the picture and its setting. Dark pictures on a light wall, light pictures on a dark wall, assert themselves unduly. The general tone of the picture shoultl l>e related to that of the w^atl A few general points should be remembered in the hanging of pictures. They should Im^ hung flat against the wall, not tilted out from it; they should be fastened securely to ttie wall or suspended from the picture-molding by two parallel vertical wires. The height of the pictures should be related to the I I 90 A MANUAL OF HOME-MAKING level of the e^'e^ unrl in f^enera! either the tops or bottoms of the franic»s should he at the same distance from the floor, unless a pirture appeal's l>etter hung in relation to some piece of furniture, such sa^ a desk or bookcase. Pictures are often hung too high. i Oilier fumir&hing accessama Wiilc some small furnislungK have a distinct use and may introduce tfie one dccorati\'e note needed to complete the scheme, safety lies in restraint. These small things should be selected with as nuich care as the larger furnishings. The lesson of sacrificing lieirlooms, mistaken purchases, and even misfit gifts for tho sake of tlic unity of the whole scheme should be early learned. Constructive forms with lines that are slightly curvetl for the sake of grace while the general direction of suppfjft or econonne outline is kept, are pleasing. Wliatever is addeit \)y way of ornanxent must follow or fit, not conceal, this structural shape. Miisses of decoration applied without re- gard to the form, cheapen the appearance and coafiL^ the intent of the object. In the choosing of a clock, a clearly marked rlial and a support- ing case of pleasing contour and form are the essential considera- tions. The general design will vao' according as the clock is intended to stand on the mantel or the HfK>r or to be affixed to the wall. The real function of a vase is to serve iis a container for flowers. The design of the vase should, therefore, anticipate the flower, though it may l>e so distinguished in color and form m to be by itself a decorative note in a room. The color or decoration on the vase should not attempt to compete with the flower. Lamps are indispensable to comfort, whether oil, gas, or electricity is used for illumination, and are one of the most decorative am! intimate features in a furnishing scheme. Throe elements enter into the design of lamps; the light, its shade, and its support. The support should fjoth be and appear adequate for its use and should harmonize both in size and 4 lay ■ the ■ HO^fE FURXISHING dl