(3) Several washes for the window glass have been recommended, but our observation has been that these usually fail to prevent frosting.
It is true that one method will succeed with a merchant, and fail when utilized by his next door neighbor. It is hard to explain this fact, save for the different atmospheric conditions of the two rooms. It is not unusual to see one window as opaque as a sheet of felt and another loom up as transparent as a crystal, when both are apparently under the same conditions. One sees a window free from frost where it is entirely enclosed, and that seems to explain the reason. But a few doors further on another window similarly enclosed is covered with ice. Some windows that have a half-length enclosure inside are clear and others are frosty, and some that are entirely open to receive the heat of the store room are clear while others are not.
Among the various washes are pure glycerine, in which a flannel cloth is dipped, ammonia and salt, and alcohol and water. As said before, these are seldom effective in preventing frosting. The safest and best remedy will be found in ventilation, as above described.
CHAPTER III.
SOME PRACTICAL HINTS.
Those who are inexperienced in window decoration will need a few general instructions before attempting to trim in a practical and successful manner. Experience has taught us several things which apply so forcibly to the art of decoration that they may be considered in the nature of rules, and must be studied carefully and thoroughly by the novice.
SUGGESTIONS.
The trouble with most window trimmers and beginners is that they ignore all suggestions offered, from the fact that they are window trimmers, and are supposed to know it all, which is a grave mistake (for no man knows it all). From experience, you will find that by listening to any and all suggestions offered, there will be a time when you will be glad to accept them. If you do not take to the suggestion, pass it up, but in all cases it pays to listen and act accordingly.
SIMPLICITY.
There is nothing more “fetching” in a window than the simple artistic arrangement of a few attractive goods. Simplicity has been urged by almost every writer upon window trimming, yet it is generally disregarded. More err in crowding a window than in displaying insufficient goods.
A good background, throwing out a few articles that are good values or distinct novelties, may be relied upon to arrest the attention of the passing shopper. It is poor policy to display expensive and inexpensive merchandise in the same window, or to exhibit what is called a “mixed” window. A crowded window bewilders the beholder, and while he may admire the general arrangement and wealth of color, no one item will sufficiently attract him to induce him to enter the store, or will impress his mind so far that he will recollect it when occasion arises to purchase. The most successful show windows are those where a few goods are well displayed.