CHOICE OF MATERIALS

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXIII, Issue 22344, 15 February 1936, Page 23

CHOICE OF MATERIALS

A MATTER OF BEDSPREADS A general rule to remember in regard to bedspreads is to consider the texture as well as the colour, states a writer in tho Melbourne Herald. Most people give soino thought to tho colour, which is a choice between a contrast or a harmony in the room, and, as the bed is a large object, it is a matter that must be decided. The matter of texture is often disregarded and thus results a mistake that causes vague dissatisfaction ever after. The beds;pread should be on some sort of terms with the curtains. It is better not to use a handwoven spread, for instance, with curtains of silk or taffetas, or a silken quilted spread with hand-printed curtains. Curtains and bedspread, on the other hand, may well be both of the same material if of suitable weight. As to the practical side, the bedspread needs to be at least three yards long, the width, of course, depending on the size of the bed and its height from the floor. There are various ways of making tho spread cover the pillows smoothly. Cine is to have it long enough to come under tho pillow, double back on itself, leaving a fold under the pillow, and then come round and over, finishing at. the top of the bed. Another way is to have a length of the material seamed on to the top end of the quilt, with the right side reversed, so that the spread goes under the pillow and then turns at the seam and comes over it, being finally tucked in underneath. This is very neat and satisfactory. I feel that the mock bolster sometimes made of hard substance and covered to match the bedspread and left on show in daylight, what time the true pillows are hidden away somewhere, is a meretricious trick. Bedspreads in modern days vary from the simplest length of suitable coloured material to the most exciting and luxurious fabrics. Though the bed itself has become simpler and simpler in form until the foot, in some cases, has completely disappeared, the bedspread may be ve:ry important. It is the best way in which the bed may be treated with that dignity and circumstance with which it once was apt to be surrounded. The ends: are sometimes covered in quilted satin or glazed chintz, with bpdspread made to match. The covering may be tailored to fit, or used over padded upholstery on a rather high head board. The bedspread may just clear the floor, or where the bed is to look important and luxurious, may be drapod right on to the floor for some inches. Heal lace used over taffetas can look most attractive this way. But with this treatment no foot should be used on the bed, as it is not practical with the draping. When the bedspread is removed for the night, to prevent the bed legs showing, the mattress may be fitted with a pleated skirt which stays on decorously. The most popular materials for bedspreads to-day seem to be taffetas or glazed chintz. Candlewick quilts are also much appreciated. Originally made by pioneer women in the far west of America, who had only household materials to hand, but by ingenuity often achieved a charming effect, these spreads have had a revival in fashion and now excellent copies go well with modern or antique furniture. One can also get special bedspreads of linen hand-printed to order, with border and central design in colours to suit special rooms.