[Illustration: An artistic staircase hall.]



RUGS

The Biglow Bagdad domestic rug in 27 by 54 and 36 by 63-inch sizes is
inexpensive but looks and wears well in the hall. The first size costs
about $4 and the second $7. A little better quality in Anglo-Indian or
Anglo-Persian costs a dollar or so more per rug. Where there is
constant direct use in the hall we will do wisely to get either a
moderate-priced article that may be renewed or something expensive that
will wear indefinitely. Sometimes the latter is the more economical
plan. Very often halls are so shaped that a rug must be made to order.
It is better to do this and have a good-sized rug that will lie well
than to risk tripping and slipping with smaller ones.

For the living room a variety of choice in rugs is offered. Attempts
to utilize a number of small rugs are not usually joyous in their
outcome; besides, the floor space is too badly broken up. The large
center rug holds its own, with some reenforcement in the alcove or
perhaps before the hearth.

What quality the rug shall be depends largely upon the length of our
purse; yet sagacity and a modest fund will sometimes do more than
plethora and no thought. Design selection is a task to vex the most
patient, but we must not be drawn into a hurried decision. If we are
near enough to the business house with which we are dealing, it is
advisable to have a selection of rugs sent out for inspection on the