s, small Japanese fans, pieces of odd china, painted
candles in small scenes, may all find a place on the mantel.

Window curtains of heavy fabric, hung from brass or plush mounted
poles, may be gracefully draped to the sides, while the inner lace
ones should be hung straight and be fastened in the center with some
ornament or bow of ribbon corresponding in shade to the general tone
of the room. The straight shades next to the glass may correspond in
tone to the outside walls or window-facings; but this is a mere matter
of taste. White or light-tinted shades, finished in etching or narrow
lace, are always in vogue.

The dado shades are the latest innovation in window decoration. These
come in all colors, from the lightest to the darkest shades, with dado
in tile, arabesque and fresco patterns, finished in lace, fringe, and
brasses.

Portieres (curtain doors) have superseded folding doors. These should
be in shades to contrast with the general blending of the colors in
the room. The fabrics mostly used are India goods, but they may be of
any material, from expensive tapestries, satins, and plushes, to
ten-cent factory cottons. The curtains, if made from striped tapestry
and Turcoman, will give the finishing artistic touches to almost any
room, but the last softening polish comes only from the genial
presence of trailing and climbing vines.

THE SITTING-ROOM.

The sitting or everyday room should be the brightest and most
attractive room in the house. Its beauty of decoration should not be
so much in the richness and variety of material as in its comfort,
simplicity, and the harmony of its tints--the main features being the
fitness of each article to the needs of the room. In these days of so
many advantages much can be done in adornment by simple means.

The wall papers mostly used come in grounds of cream, amber, rose,
pale olive, fawn, ceil blue and light gray, with designs and traceries
of contrasting hues.

The carpet, if in tapestry, looks more effective if in grounds of pale
canary or light gray, with designs in bright-colored woodland flowers
and borders to match. The new ingrain carpets, with their pretty
designs and bright colors, are very fashionable for rooms that are
much used.

Whatever may be the prevailing tint of the carpet, the window curtains
should follow it up in lighter tones or contrast with it. The curtains
may correspond with the coverings of the chairs, sofa,