Consistent Use Of Draperies, Rugs, And Wail Coverings

As with mission furniture, the most simple draperies, rugs, and wall coverings should also be used with craftsman furniture. With some of the more delicate designs, however, daintier backgrounds are permissible in the rooms where they are placed.

Honesty And Simplicity

The principles upon which both mission and craftsman furniture are based are honesty and simplicity. The wood is of the best quality and the workmanship must be exact, as any imperfections are at once noticeable in furniture of such simple lines. White oak is generally used, and in three different tones, a soft, light brown, a rich, nut brown, and a delicate silvery gray. Table tops are sometimes covered with hard leather, and soft leather cushions are often used in chairs and settles. As with period furniture, the mission and the craftsman types will never go out of style because they in themselves represent a new American period of design based upon natural lines which give comfort and durability, adapted to the lives of the great class of people. There is little chance for change in this style in the years to come, for it is impossible to get far away from the structural lines which give the purpose and use of each piece, and the proportions which best serve that purpose and use are the proportions which it should have.

There are several kinds of "straight line" furniture on the market which are also somewhat upon the mission order, and were probably first inspired by the early western designs. Furniture of this type comprises pieces which are well made, of good proportions, and equally possible for use in kitchen, office, or living room. The dignity of their simple lines makes them harmonious in any setting which is not elaborate.

Cottage Furniture

Cottage furniture is of much the same type, but here there is more of an attempt to make it artistic. It is sometimes enameled, and painted with delicate garlands in conventional designs, or the natural wood is used, stained in several different shades, and oiled. Many of the chairs in natural wood are modifications of the old Windsor style. This furniture is really inspired by the furniture of our grandparents but is often more beautiful than the old pieces. It fits well a demand for a certain type of furniture which is inexpensive and is at the same time very dainty. Rag rugs are generally used with this kind of furniture, with plain walls of delicate tints and old-fashioned chintz hangings at the windows, with the same chintz used for cushions.

Willow Furniture

Willow furniture is another class which is very popular and which has a distinct use in many modern homes. Because of its solid comfort, artistic effect, and great durability it is a great favorite with many people. It should be remembered, however, in using it, that it is of a distinctly informal type. No room in which it is used could be very stiff and dignified. It is very cheerful, however, and one of its good points is that it may be used upon the piazza, left out in the rain even, and still may be refinished to look as good as new with either paint or enamel.