These articles offer a wonderfully detailed look at how to decorate several rooms of the home. Besides providing tips on what type of furniture to include and how to arrange it, these articles give suggestions on exactly how to create various items, including tips on embroidery, wood-staining and more. The only "drawback" is that, as is common in this first volume of GOP, the information is imparted in the form of a dialogue between a woman and the "girls" who wish to redecorate, which gets a bit cutesy at points.

Girls' Own Paper - 1880 (Vol. 1)

How the Girls Arrayed Their Sitting-Room, Part I

Creating black-and-gold furniture, the merits of home-made vs. purchased cushions, and what you can do with a clothes-horse.

How the Girls Arrayed Their Sitting-Room, Part II

Displaying articles of "bigotry and virtue," ornaments of cotton reels, and fireplace curtains.

"The Girl's Own" Bed-Room, Part I

Setting up a wash-stand, converting that awkward bath into a comfortable easy chair, creating dress bags of calico (proof against moths!), setting up a wardrobe and more.

"The Girl's Own Bed-Room," Part II

Creating a glamourous dressing table "fit for the house of a noble," floor coverings, decor and so much more!

"The Girl's Own" Entrance-Hall and Staircase

"The absolute necessities for a hall are an umbrella and hat-stand, and a table to put cards on." Plants, curtains, faux panels of wall-paper, and wall-baskets help, though!

Girls' Own Paper - 1880-1881 (Vol. 2)

The Girls' New House, and How They Furnished It

The Drawing Room, Part I

"A hundred little elegances are requisite to make our salon something beyond a state reception room..." These two articles have lovely illustrations.

The Drawing Room, Part II

A folding chair, a Turkish ottoman, and wicker chairs are just some of the necessary elements of this room...