r has already been introduced into the room, the bed
drapery, cover, and valance should be of some thin white washable
material--dimity, Swiss, and the like. But with plain papers, flowered
cretonne, chintz, etc., are appropriate. The canopy top is covered
with the material, stretched smooth, and either plain or plaited, and
the drapery gathered about the back, sides, and front of this, from
which it hangs in soft folds to within two or three inches of the
floor. It should be simply tied back. The canopy projects not more
than half a yard beyond the head of the bed, and may be either oblong
or semicircular. Very thin white material is used over a color.
Whatever the material, it must, of course, be washable and kept
immaculate. The newest bed, all enameled and with a bent bar of iron
at head and foot, lends itself to a pretty style of drapery, which is
simply a plain, fitted white slip-over case for head and foot, finished
with a valance of the same depth as that of the counterpane, which
leaves no metal visible anywhere about the bed. Pretty Marseilles
spreads may be had for $3; cheaper ones in honeycomb follow the same
designs. The white spread, with a colored thread introduced, may
answer for the maid's room--never for the mistress's.

SIMPLICITY

When two persons occupy a room, twin beds furnished exactly alike are
preferable to the double bed. An exclusively man's room demands
somewhat different treatment, though the general principles of
furnishing apply to all bedrooms. A man abhors drapery, and usually
prefers an ascetic simplicity to what he is pleased to term
"flub-dubs." His notions of art are liable to express themselves in
pipes, steins, and other masculine bric-a-brac; but whatever his wills
and wonts on the furnishing question, his room must show care and
attention.

The rule of elimination is a good one to follow in bedroom pictures; no
"rogue's gallery" of photographs, no useless, meaningless, and trivial
pictures, but just a madonna or two, perhaps a photographic copy of
some old master, with a favorite illuminated quotation--something to
help and quiet and inspire.

Tables, dresser, and chiffonier should have each its spotless cover of
hemstitched or scalloped linen, or ruffled lawn or Swiss--anything but
towels. They will answer, of course, but we want a little more than
just answering.

CARE OF BEDROOM AND BED

Much of the refinement of the bedroom depends upon its daily