The playroom in this house was to be made use of by the grown folks occasionally for their handicraft work. Special attention was paid to built-in closets convenient for toys and tools
The playroom in this house was to be made use of by the grown folks occasionally for their handicraft work. Special attention was paid to built-in closets convenient for toys and tools
The playroom in this house was to be made use of by the grown folks occasionally for their handicraft work. Special attention was paid to built-in closets convenient for toys and tools
The playroom in this house was to be made use of by the grown folks occasionally for their handicraft work. Special attention was paid to built-in closets convenient for toys and tools
Floor coverings especially suitable for children's rooms are to be found in the more or less recently revived rag carpet rugs, either plain or with figured borders. Almost any of these rugs with their decorative strips showing queerly constructed landscapes are suitable, but most appropriate is one that has a solemn procession of geese across either end, or another that is ornamented with a family of black and white bunnies lined up against a red brick wall. They come in various sizes, from the small hearthrug up to the one that is large enough for the center of an average size room.
A new rug for nurseries that is rather more practical than pretty is woven in the same way as the rag rugs, but instead of cotton materials, strips of oilcloth are used, rolled so that the glossy side isuppermost. The idea was first employed in making small rugs for bathrooms, as they are waterproof and easy to keep clean, but they are quite as serviceable and sanitary for children's rooms, and are cleaned by wiping off with a damp cloth. They are made in different sizes, and in a mixed design, like the ordinary rag rug, or with white centers and borders of solid color.
In the way of furniture, chairs and beds are to be had in a much greater variety than the other pieces, and the miniature Morris chair is no doubt the most attractive piece of furniture that is made for the little folks. It comes in almost as many different styles and prices as the grown-up variety, and may be had in light or dark wood, with cushions of velour or leather or figured cotton material, and is a perfect reproduction of the large chair. Little sets consisting of table and two chairs, one straight, the other with arms, are decorated with juvenile figures in color, and may be had for prices that are quite reasonable. They are especially useful when no attempt can be made at arranging a regulation nursery. One of the most serviceable of these sets is of dark wood with leather seat chairs and a table of good size, the top of which is hinged and may be raised disclosing a receptacle for toys or books.
Small willow and wicker tables and chairs are made in attractive shapes, many of them copies of the larger pieces, and are used either in the natural color or stained to harmonize with the color scheme of the room. Less substantial than the pieces made of solid wood, they are rather more practical for older children than for small ones who are no respecters of furniture, and, while designed for use all the year round, they are particularly suitable for summer rooms or to be carried outdoors.
In spite of the fact that the little white bed is always associated with the child's room in story and song, to say nothing of the popular imagination, there are various kinds of brass and wooden beds made in small sizes that are thoroughly in keeping with one's idea of a typical nursery. The white enamel beds, which may be had as plain or as elaborate as one desires, are always dainty, and have the advantage of harmonizing perfectly with furniture and hangings of almost every description. Brass beds have the same characteristic, but they are much more expensive than those of iron, and seem torequire rather more elaborate surroundings. The newest brass beds for children are quite low, only about half as high as the ordinary bed, which is a distinct advantage, as it is much easier for the child to climb into, and less dangerous in case he falls out.