Red Wing sentinel. [volume] (Red Wing, M.T. [i.e. Minn.]) 1855-1861, 1856-02-09
a1ricuIturaI GnIttn1 It.
TASTE IN FURNITURE.


TASTE IN FURNITURE.
A lady asks u.s. in letter, to give some
hints respecting taste in furniture. It is
scarcely possible, however, to lay down a
rule with respect to tho ordinary furniture
Of the room; yet there is a general law OF
propriety, which ought, as much as possible
to be observed Regard must be had to
what is called the fitness Of things and
the avoiding of violent contrasts. For IN
stance, sometimes snowy centre-ta table is
seen IN the middle Of room, where the
carpet and every other article is shabby and
out of repair; or q flashy looling-elass
stands above the chimney-piece, as though
TO reflect the incongruous taste Of its owner.
Shabby things always look the shabber
when thus contrasted with what is bright
and now. We do not mean to say that
nav articles should never be purchased;
we remark only, that III buying furniture,
regard should be had to The condition of
the room in which ii is to be placed. For
this reason, second hand furniture is some
times preferable to new.
$50 many men, SO many minds,' is an
old saying; and scarcely two people agree
in choosing their assortment Of flrniture.-
What is convenient for one, is inconyenient
for another; and shat which is considered
ornamental by one family, would be tho't
ugly by their neighbors. There are, how
ever, certain articles suited to most rooms-
an ordinary parIor, for example. The NUM-
Dor Of chairs depends on the size Of the
room; eight are usually chosen, two Of
them being elbows. 4 square two-lap
mahogany table, or a circular one with til
pid stand, occupies the centre Of the apart
mont. AT one sida stands sofa, a side
board, cheffonier, OR perhaps book case.
Sometimes the chetfonier, with a few shelves
fixed to the wall above it, is made to do
duty as bookcase, and it answers the
purpose very well. If there be no sofa,
there will be probably an easychair, in q
snug corner, not far from the fire place; in
another corner stands small work table, or
light occasional table is placed near the
window, to hold flower basket, or some
other ornamental article These constitute
the articles most needed in room; there
are several smaller things. which may be
added according to circumstances.
1t is one thing to have furniture in a
room, and another to know how to arrange
it. TO DO this to the best advantage, re-
quires the exercise Of little thought and
Judgment. Some people live with their
furniture in the most inconyenient positions,
because it never occurred to them to shift
it from place to place, until they had really
found which was the most suitable. Those
who are willing to make the attempt will
often find that q room is improved in APP
psarance and convenience by little change
in the place Of the furniture.
1t is too much the practice to cover the
mantelpiece with q number and variety 9:
knick-knacks and monstrosities by way Of
ornament; but this is in very bad TASTE
Three, or at most, four articles, are all that
should he seen in that conspicuous situation.
Vases Of white porcelain, called spartan"
or Of old china, or small statue, or {: shell
or two, are the most suitable. The forms
of some Of the white vases, now sold at a
low price, are SO elegant, that it is a real
pleasure to look at them.--Peterson'S INay-
ayins.