This plaster effect is less expensive than 40-cent burlap or ordinary
white calcimine or paper. The picture molding may be at the bottom of
the cornice. Sometimes the cornice is dropped to a level with the tops
of the doors and windows (usually about seven feet), leaving a frieze
of two or three feet, the molding then going to the top of the cornice.
Ceilings and friezes of ivory or light yellow are usually in good taste.

The living room may carry out the panel and plaster effect, but is more
likely to demand a simple paper of good quality with no border. Here,
as in the hall, the wooden (or plastic) cornice with no frieze is
suggested. Grilles are discarded, and portières are avoided where
possible.



THE BEAMED CEILING

In the dining room the beamed ceiling has been found so appropriate
that it continues popular. It is simple, easily maintained, and has
the broad, deep lines that put one at ease. Here it is advisable to
carry a wooden wainscoting up to about 3 1/2 feet, the panels
continuing to the ceiling. Tapestry, burlap, or plaster may show
above. Plate shelves are somewhat in disfavor, partly because of abuse
and partly because the tendency is to eliminate all dust-catchers that
are not necessities. Where doors and windows are built on a line (as
they should be), shelves are sometimes placed over them. But there
should not be too many broken lines if we would preserve the
comfortable suggestion of the beamed ceiling.