same materials as the purely decorative lamps; however, they are
usually more conservative than the purely decorative lamps, and
rigidly avoid unusual shaped shades or novelty treatments which
might cut down the utility of the lamp. I. E. S. standards are
not rigidly followed on all table lamps, but the specifications
serve as a master guide. When dark shades are used they are
usually lined with white to reflect the light. Reflector bowls
are used to encase the light bulb. These are made of holophane,
milk, or glazed glass, and provide a diffused indirect light.
_Commode lamps._--Commode lamps are smaller than table lamps and
are usually used to flank a sofa or as pairs on either side of
a chair grouping. I. E. S. standards for this type of lamp call
for a base 23 inches in height, an 8-inch reflector bowl and an
intensity of light, 12 inches from the center of the lamp, of 30
footcandles, when a 100-watt bulb is used.
_Floor lamps._--Several types of floor lamps are now in use--the
lamp with diffusing bowl and fabric shade and the reflector lamp.
Floor lamps show a tendency to shorten and new junior floor
lamps are about 10 inches shorter than standard models. I. E. S.
standards on floor lamps call for a base 58 inches in height, a
reflector bowl 8 inches in diameter and an intensity of light 12
inches from the base, of 30 footcandles, when a 100-watt bulb is
used. At 24 inches from the base a 100-watt bulb should give 10
footcandles of light intensity, according to these standards.
Floor lamps are usually made of metal or wood and many have
marble or crystal inserts in the base. Many of the new floor
lamps have three-way mogul-type lamp arrangements in addition to
a reflector, which give four intensities of light. The reflector
bowl may be lighted separately from the bulbs.
_Reflector lamp._--The reflector lamp is a tall floor lamp with a
glass or metal bowl. The light is reflected upward toward the
ceiling. This is in contrast to the lamp with the diffused glass
reflector bowl and fabric shade which directs the light downward
toward the floor as well as throwing a portion of light toward
the ceiling. The reflector lamp may be used instead of a ceiling
light but is not recommended as a reading lamp.
_Bridge or lounge-chair lamps._--Most of the old-type bridge lamps
in which a bulb hung from a projected arm have been replaced by a
reflector type lamp which employs a diffusing bowl. These bridge
or swinging-arm lounge-chair lamps are smaller than the floor
lamps, and can be adjusted to any position over a chair. Many
have a cover or closed top on the diffusing bowl so the light
will not shine in the user's eyes.
Although theoretically lamps have no traditional period styling,
since all lamps are a product of modern invention, manufacturers have
styled lamps of all types to blend with period decorations, and have
classified them as to English, French, Colonial, Early American,
modern, nautical, juvenile, and commercial types to meet various
decorative demands. Lamps for use in period rooms should be selected in
the same manner as accessories, the simpler types of lamps for English
settings, the more ornate types for French and Victorian.
Materials long associated with the various periods of furniture design,
and popular during certain centuries have been employed in lamp bases;
bone china, Wedgewood, Sheffield silver, brass, and Chinese porcelain
bases have been used on eighteenth century lamps. Just as one would
select brass or milk glass accessories for an Early American room,
lamps made to resemble old vases, oil lamps used during the period,
and hurricane lamps with an electric light replacing the candle in the
glass chimney, are appropriate for rooms furnished in Early American
style.
For the French room are the more elaborate lamps such as onyx, crystal,
metal figurines, and French china. Modern lamps are made in such
materials as wood, glass, cork, plastics, and metal. Floor lamps, as
well as table lamps, follow period styles, and lamps are designed to
accompany practically every type of setting.
After determining the style of lamp for a particular room, the next
problem is the type of lamp to use. It is well to remember that
enough light should be provided in home decoration so that the ratio
of darkness to light will not exceed 10 to 1. It is also a cardinal
rule of decoration that each grouping should have a light in keeping
with the purpose of the grouping; for example, a lounge chair is used
primarily for lounging and reading. To place a lounge chair in a room
without a lamp as its companion decreases the utility and enjoyment of
the chair.
[Illustration:
Courtesy American Furniture Mart.
Figure 49.--Many interesting new pieces make up this grouping. The
chair side table provides accommodation for books, lamps, and smoking
accessories and offers the new approach to eighteenth century utility
pieces. The refreshment cart heralds the return of the once-popular tea
table. A drawer in the back of the table provides space for silverware
and linens. The lounge chair is covered in maroon striped satin damask.
The rug is an all-over textured Axminster.]
If a table is used beside the chair, a lamp in proper proportion to the
table should be used. The lamp may provide a color accent beside the
chair or may be of a material in keeping with the decorative trend.
Since the lounge chair is used for reading, the lamp should be a good
reading lamp and should come up to the scientific standards set up for
good light. If no table is to be used, a bridge or lounge chair lamp
may be added.
Commode lamps should be in proportion to the sofa with which they are
used. Reflector lamps fit into corners, or may be used beside a grand
piano or in front of windows.
If the decorator keeps in mind that the lamp is an accessory, that it
should complement the room and serve a specific purpose by its use, the
correct use of lamps is made quite simple.
When a woman wishes to buy a lamp the salesperson should first inquire
where the lamp is to be used. If it is a table lamp find out if there
are other lamps in the room. Ask if there is a chair next to the table
and if that chair is used for reading or sewing. If the lamp is to be
used purely for decorative purposes it may be of a different type than
that which provides adequate light for a specific purpose. Find out the
general period of the room and the color scheme so the lamp will be in
keeping with the surroundings and provide the proper accent. Impress
the customer with the necessity of a lamp for every grouping, and with
the importance of good lighting.
Oil lamps for farm use have been styled to resemble electric lamps and
have enameled bases, diffused reflectors and attractive shades. All
lamps regardless of the source of light have been materially improved
and there is no need for any person to have poor lighting in the home
today.
PICTURES AND MIRRORS
Pictures and mirrors are important accessories in present day
decorating and their correct use can change the appearance of the
entire room.
Pictures vary according to size, subjects, and medium used. There is no
set, all-comprehensive rule for the use of pictures, but certain types
of pictures are used with certain types of settings either because the
subject matter confines it to a certain period, or the technique used
is in keeping with a definite century.
Frames many times control the use of a picture, and an old picture may
be placed in a modern frame and used in a contemporary setting. Mats
used on pictures may be varied according to the subject matter and the
frame selected according to the manner in which the picture is used.
Wood frames are popular and in good taste and are shown in natural wood
color, mahogany, walnut, maple, or enameled. Gilt frames are still in
use, but for the most part picture frames are simpler than in the past
century.
Pictures should be selected according to their subject and should be in
keeping with the general trend of the room. Certain subjects are known
to be ageless and are in good taste when used in an eighteenth century
room or in a modern room. This specifically refers to Chinese pictures
or florals and they vary in use only by the type of frame employed.
Portraits may be used with all periods if they are done in oil and
properly framed and preserved.
Many times a picture, if large and particularly lovely, may furnish
the decorative theme of the room, and the colors used in the picture
picked up in the upholstered pieces and the accessories. At other times
pictures will provide a necessary color accent.
Certain subjects, popular during a particular century, lend themselves
to rooms of that century, as for example, hunting scenes are known
to be of English origin and lend themselves to English settings.
Elaborately dressed women of the French court shown in a court scene
are best used with a French setting, and a daintily furnished girl's
room requires dainty subjects on the wall such as flowers, birds, or
feminine subjects.
Pictures may be hung singly, in pairs, or groups according to the
manner in which they are used. A small picture placed over the center
of a sofa is out of balance with the sofa. One large picture or a group
of small pictures may be used depending upon the size of the picture. A
sense of balance should be brought into play when hanging pictures, and
common sense used not to let the picture over-balance the piece with
which it is used, nor to appear dwarfed on a large wall area.
Pictures should be hung so that the center is eye level to the person
standing in the room. They should be hung flat against the wall with
the hooks and cords used to suspend the pictures entirely concealed.
Many novel arrangements are being used effectively in contemporary
decorating, and it is a good habit to watch the home furnishings pages
of the newspapers and national magazines for new methods of arranging
pictures.
Mirrors are playing an increasingly important part in today's
decorating scheme as they have been found to serve a multiple purpose.
Architecturally, mirrors may be used to give the illusion of increased
space. A wall covered with mirrors will make a room appear twice its
size. Because of this illusion of space, many rooms, furnished in the
modern manner use large, full wall mirrors as part of the decorative
scheme.
Mirrors fall into two main classes, the Venetian type without frames,
and the framed models. Mirrors may be etched, painted, sand-blasted
or have decorations applied to the exterior, such as pieces of wood,
flower containers, or bits of metal. Many frames are made of wood and
finished in mahogany, maple, walnut, or bleached wood or gilt frames.
Many times genuine gold leaf is used. Single, double, and triple
beveled edges are used, in many instances the beveled edge being the
only decoration on the mirror. Mirrors with beveled edges are shown
with and without frames.
The old belief that mirrors vary in quality according to the thickness
of the glass has been disproved. The United States Department of
Commerce under its commercial standards (C. S. 27-36) has set up three
grades of mirrors for classification by the manufacturers. These
include:
_A quality._--The best type of mirror, in which the central
area of the glass is free from major defects but the mirrors
may contain tiny, well-scattered bubbles (referred to by the
Government as seeds) and short, faint hairlines on the back or
face of the mirror. The outer area of the mirror may also contain
well-scattered bubbles and faint clouds.
_No. 1 quality_ mirrors are rated as second grade and may contain
tiny, well-scattered bubbles, short faint hairlines and scattered
clouds.
_No. 2 quality_ mirrors are rated as third grade and may contain
scattered bubbles, some coarse bubbles, light beams, light
scratches and some cloudiness. The No. 2 mirror may also have a
"bull's-eye" (distortion) if it is not visible from directly in
front of the mirror.
Although these are highly technical specifications laid down by the
manufacturer, the consumer may watch for certain imperfections when
purchasing mirrors. A good test which may be made of a mirror as to
its quality is to examine the mirror from the front and the side to
see that the reflection is not distorted. Ceiling and floor lines
should appear perfectly straight, and not waved. The mirror should be
comparatively free from bubbles, and scratches should be very faint.
Mirrors which employ window glass, show distortion when given the side
test, and lines will appear to be waved.
The quality of the mirror depends upon the manufacturer since many
chemicals are used and atmospheric conditions have a pronounced effect
upon the finished product. Mirrors made under proper conditions should
give at least 5 years of service without tarnishing. Improper silvering
will result in tarnishing within a few months.
Color of the mirror is also a determining feature of the quality. Good
mirrors should be a sparkling white color. Poorly silvered mirrors
reflect a yellowish tint.
Tinted mirrors for decorative purposes are shown in blue and peach
tones. These reflect a colored image and are considered in good usage
in certain instances when this color is needed in the room.
Plain silver mirrors are most popular and when used in a room, pick up
and reflect the colors of the room without adding an additional tone.
Many times, when it is necessary to bring color into a certain part of
the room, a mirror is used since all of the colors are concentrated in
the glass and reflected back into the room.
Both period and modern mirrors are on the market with period types
especially adapted to period rooms. The shape of the frame and
decorative accent determine the period of the mirror, and sizes vary
according to the purpose for which they are to be used. The same
principle applies to hanging mirrors as in the case of pictures, and
mirrors should be in related balance to the piece with which they are
used. Unless designed as a left and right mirror, mirrors should be
used singly rather than in pairs although mirrored wall plaques may
be used in pairs or grouped in the same manner as pictures. Mirrored
frames on pictures are being widely used since they combine the use of
a mirror with a picture.
Mirrors may be used in the dining room over a buffet or commode; in the
living room over the mantle, sofa, or wall grouping, in the hall, in
the bedroom, bathroom, and in the kitchen. Kitchen mirrors should be
plain, unframed, and undecorated. Many times an interesting group is
made up of a mirror flanked by a pair of pictures.
WALL DECORATIONS
In addition to mirrors and pictures, there are many other types of
wall decoration. Sconces, or small shelves nailed to the wall on which
plants or small art objects are placed, are growing in popularity.
Wall brackets for growing plants, knickknack shelves, corner shelves,
clocks, plates mounted on wall holders, murals, and tapestries are all
used in today's decorative scheme.
In an eighteenth century room, an effective grouping can be made of
three wall sconces arranged in pyramid fashion, on which Chinese
celestial figures are placed. Sconces may be used singly, in pairs or
in groups, and may be made of wood, glass, or metal and either finished
in natural color, gilded, or enameled. A grouping of sconces with art
objects over the fireplace, above a sofa, on a narrow wall, or in the
hall is extremely effective. Plants with drooping vines may be placed
on the sconces, or colorful art objects in keeping with the general
scheme of the room.
The popularity of touches of living green in the room has brought wall
brackets for holding potted plants to the fore. These brackets are
usually made of wrought iron and are enameled white or pastel colors.
A ring holder keeps the pot in place and provides accommodations
for one or several such plants. Wood plant brackets are also on the
market and are used in the more formal period rooms. Wall brackets for
plants can be used in any room from the kitchen to the front porch
and may be placed on the window frame, in the archway of a hall, on
the walls flanking a mirror or picture, on a narrow wall, or may hang
from a central doorway. Many times colored pots in contrast to the
wall bracket are shown, and the effect is cheerful and adds color and
growing greens to the home.
Knickknack shelves have become popular with the increased hobby of
collecting art objects by the amateur. Knickknack shelves are shown
in a variety of styles for various rooms, and are available in wood,
enameled metal, chrome, and glass. In the bathroom knickknack shelves
are used to hold bath accessories, powder, toilet water, and attractive
bottles and jars; in the kitchen these shelves may hold salt and
pepper shakers, tiny decorative pitchers and gayly colored kitchen
accessories; in the bedroom, perfume bottles, and knickknacks find
their way to these shelves; and in the dining room and living room,
plants in decorative pots, and art objects add color to the wall and
the room. Corner shelves, which fit into a corner of the wall and
make use of otherwise waste space are used in the same manner as the
knickknack shelves which are shown in a variety of shapes and sizes.
Clocks to hang on the wall are made in styles to harmonize with every
room in the house. Kitchen clocks, in white and pastel enamels to match
the room's color schemes, novelty bedroom clocks, and living room
clocks come in period and modern varieties. Popular for the Colonial
and Early American room is the banjo clock. Many of the new clocks are
operated by electricity.
A popular wall decoration consists of rare plates, placed in wall-plate
holders and arranged in groups on the wall either over a sofa, or
mantle, or on plain walls. Plates may be used in the same manner as
pictures but care should be taken to select plates which have genuine
decorative value and have interest either by their antiquity, coloring,
or subject.
Murals in which photographic subjects are enlarged in a panoramic
manner are used as wall decorations, particularly in rooms furnished in
a contemporary manner. Outdoor scenes, familiar scenes of the city, or
a composite of photographic subjects of interest to the occupants of
the room are applied to the wall either in the manner of wallpaper or
in a frame as a gigantic picture. Murals, properly used, are extremely
decorative but should be used under the guidance of an expert who
understands the correct application of the mural to the wall.
Tapestries are not in as common usage as a decade ago, having been
abandoned in favor of pictures, mirrors, wall brackets, and other
newer accessories. Tapestries many times give a heavy appearance to
a room and have been condemned by many modern housewives as "dirt
catchers."
Many of the tapestries in use today are framed and these may be used in
the same manner as a picture. A large tapestry hanging may be used on
the wall of a study or den or behind a large wall piece. The subject of
the tapestry should be in keeping with the general room scheme and the
color in harmony with the other furnishings in the room.
PLASTICS ENTER THE HOME FURNISHINGS FIELD
For years plastics have been of major importance in the industrial
field. Now the chemist's test tubes are revealing new and outstanding
uses for plastics in architecture, lighting, decorator's accessories,
furniture novelties, and miscellaneous items. The records show that
160,000,000 pounds of plastics are produced in a single year in the
United States alone, and that new plastics are being developed at the
rate of one a year.
This evolution of plastics has made possible large-scale production
of articles within a price range that makes them available to large
numbers of homes. A recent issue of the British Yearbook devotes 55
pages to the mere listing of products made of plastic and 30 pages to
substances from which plastics are derived. The fifth annual modern
plastics competition brought more than 1,000 entries. Top award in the
furniture classification went to a display of occasional tables with
revolving tops, made without using screws, bolts, and other attachments
ordinarily used in furniture construction. At the January and June
(1941) Furniture Mart shows in Chicago, Ill., plastics definitely
entered the competitive fields for interior decoration, surfacing,
hardware, and paneling. There were "all-plastic rooms" featuring
dinette sets, bedroom suites, dressing tables, vanity chairs, bar
stools, consoles, bedside tables, and sophisticated modern stow-away
chests. Chrome and wood were combined into a high chair with a back
formed of pink and blue opaque woven plastic. There were bedroom
groupings in soft, light grays matched by the woodwork of the room.
Plain panel backs of beds were in cedar to match the carpet. Wall paper
was plaided in ivory and two-tone gray. There were bedrooms in French
Provincial style; others in simple Colonial, or Georgian. Dining room
groupings were shown in sparkling furniture that was not glass but
was warp-resisting and impervious to mars, nicks, chipping, and such
abuse as would require refinishing in the case of wood or metal pieces.
The talent of ingenious designers and decorators had been used to
aid in producing home accessories in plastics. There were on display
table lamps, curtain rods, picture frames, salad bowls and utensils,
vases, wastepaper baskets, bird cages, carved ornamental centerpieces,
mirror frames, and coat trees. Plastics were shown in fluorescent
lighting effects possessing the advantages of day-like light, less
heat, less power consumption, and greater illumination per unit of
power consumption. There seemed to be no major product in the home
furnishings field, including lighting and accessories, for which this
"plastics age" had not prepared an entry.
[Illustration:
Photograph by Grignon.
Figure 50.--Exhibit 249, June (1941) American Furniture Mart, Chicago,
Ill., showing reproduction of wood grain so applied as to take the form
of a veneer as an integral part of the surface processed. The chair
shows zebrawood graining.]
As talking points for plastics in the home furnishings field, consider
the following claims:
1. The plastic used for furniture is neither a finish nor a
protection for a finish. It is a hard-surfacing substance said to
be "many times as strong as wood."
2. Tests show that it is not affected by hot dishes up to 200° F.
Liquids of all types and unusual temperatures harm plastics not
in the least. These include perfumes, ordinary acids, alcohol,
nail polish, and fruit stains.
3. Plastic surfacing will not discolor or fade, even though exposed
for a long period to the sun's rays.
4. Plastic pieces need neither polish nor wax. They are washed with
ordinary soap and water.
Salespersons should understand a few basic technical facts in order to
discuss plastic pieces or sets or "all-plastic" rooms with interested
customers.
The term "plastics" is a commercial, rather than a scientific,
designation; the line is drawn not so much by what the substance is,
as by what it will do. The materials called "plastics" have in common
not only the ability to be formed while soft into a desired shape
possessing rigidity, but also the chemical characteristics of having
been polymerized; that is, they are constituted of large molecules
which are aggregates of similar molecules.
Plastics are classified into two types depending on their physical
properties:
1. _Thermoplastic._
2. _Thermosetting._
Thermoplastic materials soften upon being heated and become solid
again when cooled. This change of state can be repeated over and over.
Thermosetting plastics on the other hand are compounds which definitely
alter their chemical constitution in the course of molding under heat
or pressure or both.
Plastics also may be classified according to their chemical source.
The 18 or so known basic types fall into 4 general fields: Cellulose
plastics, protein plastics, natural resin plastics, and synthetic resin
plastics.
CELLULOSE PLASTICS