This section is from the book "Our Homes And Their Adornments", by Almon C. Varney. Also available from Amazon: Our Homes and Their Adornments.
A hearth or hall can be paved with tales at a very reasonable cost, about fifty cents per square foot, and when once done, the whole always presents a neat and cosey appearance, and is easily cleaned
The patterns can usually be selected from catalogues furnished by dealers and manufacturers.
It is becoming popular to lay whole floors in tiles, and as people become better acquainted with this material, its will supersede wood in many cases where durability and beauty are desired.
The tile floor or hearth is laid in mortar, and presents a perfectly smooth surface, the joints fitting closely, and the whole contrasting finely with carpets and furniture.
 
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