The Works of Edgar Allan Poe - Volume 5


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A want of keeping is observable sometimes in the character of the  
several pieces of furniture, but generally in their colours or modes of  
adaptation to use Very often the eye is offended by their inartistic  
arrangement. Straight lines are too prevalent--too uninterruptedly  
continued--or clumsily interrupted at right angles. If curved lines  
occur, they are repeated into unpleasant uniformity. By undue precision,  
the appearance of many a fine apartment is utterly spoiled.  
Curtains are rarely well disposed, or well chosen in respect to other  
decorations. With formal furniture, curtains are out of place; and an  
extensive volume of drapery of any kind is, under any circumstance,  
irreconcilable with good taste--the proper quantum, as well as the  
proper adjustment, depending upon the character of the general effect.  
Carpets are better understood of late than of ancient days, but we  
still very frequently err in their patterns and colours. The soul of the  
apartment is the carpet. From it are deduced not only the hues but the  
forms of all objects incumbent. A judge at common law may be an ordinary  
man; a good judge of a carpet must be a genius. Yet we have heard  
discoursing of carpets, with the air "d'un mouton qui reve," fellows  
who should not and who could not be entrusted with the management of  
their own moustaches. Every one knows that a large floor may have a  
covering of large figures, and that a small one must have a covering  
of small--yet this is not all the knowledge in the world. As  
regards texture, the Saxony is alone admissible. Brussels is the  
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6 7 8 9 10

Quick Jump
1 101 202 302 403