Modern Finishes

It has been well said that "nowadays people know the price of everything and the value of nothing." This may be especially applied to the selecting of bedroom furniture. Furniture has, at times, been quoted at exceedingly low prices, but such quotations mean very little. When construction is considered, it goes back to the old text, "What is really worth while, costs." Bedroom furniture receives hard service and should be purchased with extraordinary care.

Furniture for the bedroom is made of all woods, but those most popular are the golden oak, Circassian walnut, and mahogany, although white enamel and bird's-eye maple are used extensively, and in the mission designs the fumed oak again leads. An article that is properly enameled must receive many coats to insure durability; this the low grade enameled furniture lacks, owing to the fact that factories that make the low grade pieces have not the necessary facilities.

Cedar Chests

While cedar lined chests are not 8 exactly bedroom articles, they are most suitable to that room, although a pretty chest is an adornment to any room. Aside from its attractiveness, the cedar chest should be- in every home, because it will protect the woolens and furs that are placed therein from the moth. If a moth is hatched or is locked up with a garment, however, it may live and thrive, hut those on the outside will not bother the cedar. Moth eggs are very small and hard to detect and unless due precaution is taken they may be locked up with the article in which they have been deposited.

In comparing prices of cedar chests, examine the thickness of the stock used, also the construction.

The Auto Valet

The auto valet, chifforobe, or gentlemen's chiffonier, is an article that is almost indispensable in a bedroom, where closet room is limited. There are many styles of these and prices vary according to the style and make-up of the article. The majority are high priced, as they are usually made from mahogany, but some very nice inexpensive ones may be had. They contain a large compartment for hanging suits, besides a large drawer for shirts, collars, shoes, and other garments. Shaving mirrors, and umbrella and whisk broom racks are also fastened to the interior of some.

Bedroom Desks

Ladies' desks for bedrooms are of two patterns, the drop lid and the open flat top desk with drawer-, for stationery on the top. These are very useful and add much to the appearance of a room.

Dressing Tables

Dressing tables with triplicate mirrors are not the most desirable unless the mirrors are very large, as with a hand mirror a person may be able to use the single mirrors as well or to even better advantage.

Cheval Mirrors

Cheval or full length dressing mirrors should he in every home where room and money will afford. The kind with a swivel or turning base is the most practical, affording a better angle with the light. Cheval mirrors vary in price in proportion to the height and width. Every woman who does her own sewing will find these a great help in the hanging or fitting of a skirt.

Bedroom Chairs

Bedroom chairs consist usually of a small low chair, a rocker, and an arm chair. Some prefer the low slipper chair and rocker, and others buy only a slipper chair and use it with their other chairs. The cane seat chairs are very serviceable and may be of enameled cane, which may be washed and cleaned with soap and water.

The low back dressing table chair, which is being sold with almost every dressing table, is made to slip under the dressing table and not mar the view of the table and its attractive mirror and nicely trimmed top. All bedroom chairs can be had in any of the popular woods.

In very large bedrooms, where floor space is of no particular value, the large chairs and rockers with slip-over cretonnes and fancy decorated slips may be used to match the bedspreads, curtains and decorative surroundings.

Plate Glass Tops

Plate glass tops are becoming popular, especially for bedroom furniture. These tops serve as a protection to the beautifully grained wood tops. They are also good for decorative purposes, as fancy cretonne or other materials, matching the wall papers and hangings, can be used under the glass on top of the dresser or bedroom piece, thus completing the color scheme.

In time, no doubt, all case goods for bedrooms will be furnished with glass tops. Glass tops for office desks are indispensable, as references, price list, etc., can be slipped under them and are always in view and at hand.

Casters

See that the casters are of good quality and notice how they are attached to the case or to the beds. If a wheel of a caster breaks, it may do many dollars' worth of damage to the carpet or floor, besides causing much annoyance. A drop of machine oil should be occasionally applied to casters and locks. It will prevent sqeeaking and will prolong their usefulness.

Locks

The locks are also an important feature.

They should work easily and be of sufficient size to be of service equal to the life of the case they are on.