From the nature of ceilings, the manner of finishing them is susceptible of a wider range than the side wall affords, however ornamental the latter may be. The reason of this is apparent when we consider that the ceiling is the only portion of an apartment which is not covered up or obscured by furniture or ornaments, and that the eye rests upon it undisturbed by surrounding objects. The repose which comes from a repetition of small figures, and the brilliancy of effect of large pictures, balanced by suitable surroundings, are, in various circumstances, proper to ceilings.

Until lately, good taste had been so little developed that it was agreed for dwelling-houses in general that a plain white ceiling was the best, and we were content to paper our walls and kalsomine or whitewash our ceilings. But we are at last beginning to learn that the blank white ceiling may be relieved from its cold chilliness by a mixture of buff, or greenish, or some other hue, which gives a warmer and more agreeable tint to a room than simple whitewash, and it may be made even more beautiful by the use of ornamental papers.

The decoration of ceilings with paper has now come into general use, and has taken the place of the more expensive decorating by fresco painting. The latter method of decorating ceilings in private residences could only be employed by the wealthier classes, and so rarely do we find experienced artisans in fresco painting, that the cost of frescoing the ceilings of a fine residence is so great that but few of even the wealthier indulge in it.

Equally as good and perhaps better effects are now being produced at from one-half to one-tenth the cost, by the use of papers made especially for ceilings in all manner of designs. They are frequently astronomical patterns, representing so far as can be done the canopy of the heavens.

They are produced with no positive or set patterns, and no straight lines. The outer edges consist usually of panel-ings and stilings, of which there are many beautiful designs in paper, while the astronomical patterns come in between, arranged also in panels.

The former style of having large plaster-of-Paris centerpieces and raised cornices along the room has been abandoned. Small, tastefully-ornamented center-pieces from ten to eighteen inches in diameter are much used, from the center of which suspends the chandelier in the middle of the room.

The effect of decorating ceilings with paper is especially beautiful, and when tastily done, it adds very much to the beauty of the room. The paper for ceilings has a light background, while the edges are usually of a darker shade. The patterns of papers for ceilings are quite numerous, and may be found at any store where paper-hangings are sold.

The decoration of ceilings has become a very important part of the paper-hanger's work; and when he has an artistic eye and fine taste, his work often excels that of the fresco painter.