Figures [119] and [120] illustrate two kinds of portière poles for use on a doorway where it is necessary to have the portière swing open as a door, or with a door which it covers. The principle of each can be readily seen without explanation, and they serve a useful purpose where such fixture is desired.
Figure [119] is self-supporting, and is independent of the door unless provided with bracket X. Figure [120] is dependent on the door for support at one end, and is hinged just in line with the hinge of the door. The small bracket at the left of the hinge is equipped with a set screw, which holds the pole rigid, while the right-hand bracket is provided with a large opening through which the pole slides with the opening of door. Portières are usually made to just clear the floor, and should be suspended from rings which traverse freely on the poles. Appliqués look best on plain materials. Materials with prominent patterns are better without them.
BED · DRAPERIES
Bed draperies should be planned and constructed to carry out the style and design of the bed itself, and should never appear obtrusive. Care should be particularly exercised in sleeping apartments that the draperies, furniture, floor and wall coverings merge into one complete harmonious whole without a discordant note.
The conformation of the draperies has much to do in determining the artistic atmosphere of a room, and may suggest vivacity, dignity, restfulness, solemnity or depression, according to the design and the style of material. The application of style and design to particular purposes is not governed by rules as fixed as the harmony of color, and doubtless every decorator of experience has seen scores of treatments which have impressed him as being in bad taste and unrelated to their surroundings, yet these treatments must have pleased somebody.
The salesman who told a lady customer that good taste was what she liked best was not far astray in his definition, and it would be folly for any of us to say what is and is not absolutely good taste. We would, however, suggest that the purpose for which a room is used should govern to a very large extent the nature and character of the furnishings, and that the more exclusive the purpose so it should be with the furnishings.
This was hardly the thought prevalent in ancient times, judging from the examples extant, but is more in touch with latter-day thought and tendency.
Students of period draperies soon reach the conclusion that there is very little really new, and we think this is particularly true of bed draperies. In bed draperies the French decorators of the Sixteenth and Seventeenth Centuries are still pre-eminent, and we reproduce for purposes of explanation a few of the best examples of these periods.
