iE

FOR

*SMALL HOUSES*
LIBKAKY

ANNEX

PERCY A.WELl S

CORNELL
UNIVERSITY
LIBRARY

FINE ARTS LIBRARY

JIVLR'illV

IIJKAHr

924 075 367 825

FURNITURE FOR

SMALL HOUSES

Frontispiece:

An Open Dresser

FURNITURE FOR
SMAUL HOUSES
A BOOK OF DESIGNS FOR INEXPENSIVE

FURNITURE WITH NEW METHODS OF

CONSTRUCTION AND DECORATION

BY

PERCY
HEAD OF CABINET DEPARTMENT,
JOINT AUTHOR,

A.

L.C.C.

WELLS
SHOREDITCH TECHNICAL INSTITUTE

" .MODERN CABINET

WORK

"

SILVER MEDALLIST, ROYAL SOCIETY OF ARTS

LONDON
B. T.

NEW

BATSFORD, Ltd., 94 HIGH HOLBORN

YORK, E. P. BUTTON &" COMPANY

/^^E%,

'^AC\.'^t

CONTENTS.
PAGE

CHAP.
I.

II.

INTRODUCTION

TABLES

The Gate Leg Table Leaf and Extending Tables Round and Elliptic
Tops The "Kitchen and Dining Tables Types of Construction

'

Small Tables,

III.

DRESSERS AND SIDEBOARDS

The Fixed Dresser
The Sideboard

IV.

Open Shelves Glass Doors The

Clock Cases Coal Boxes.

Dwarf Dresser

CHAIRS

19

The Windsor and

Wooden

Stick

Stuff-over and Loose Seats

Cushions The Settee, the Couch, and the

Back Chairs

Seats and Loose

Settle.

V.

BEDROOM FURNITURE
Bedsteads

VI

BEDROOM FURNITURE
Chests of Drawers

VII.

23

Wardrobes Washstands Combing.

Toilet

(continued)
Mirrors

Towel

MISCELLANEOUS FURNITURE
Book Cases

29

Horses and Kails.

....

China Cabinets Hat Stands Whatnots.

33

LIST OF PLATES

AND TEXT

ILLUSTRATIONS.
F.

XXV, XXIX.

Arm-chairs,

Frames, mirror, LII.

B.

Bedrooms,

large,

H.

I.

small.

III.

Bedroom

furniture,

III.

I,

Hall seat,

XXIV.

Hat
Hat

fig.

stand, LIII.
rack,

1.

XL, XLV.
Book cases, XV, LVI.

Bedsteads,

L.

LV, LVI.

racks,

Button fastenings,

Living room,

fig.

Log

7.

box,

Loose

II.

fig. 4.

seat,

XVI.

M.
XVI, XXIV, XXV, XXVI, XXXXX, XXXV, XLVIII, LIV.
Mahogany, XVI, XXIII.
Chesterfields, XXVII.
Mirrors, XVII, LII.
Chests, dressing, XXXIV, XXX\', L.
O.
of drawers. XLVII.
Chairs, V,

VIII,

painted, XXXIV, XXXV.

Oak,

I,

XVI, XXII, XXIV, LIII.

China shelves, XXVI, LV.

cupboards, LIV, LVI.

Clock cases,
Coal

5, 6.

figs.

Painted work,

scuttle, fig. 2.

Coat rack,

fig.

Parlour,

Combing, XLVI,

Comer

III.

Paper Rack, LVI.

1 1

fig. 9.

cupboards, LVII,

XXVI.

Plate cupboard,

fig. 8.

fig. 2.

Couch, XXVII.
Cupboards, XVII,

Cupboard

chests,

XXXVI,
XVII,

figs. 2, 8.

XXVII.
XXVII.
Shelves, XXVI.
Settee,

L.

Settle,

Sideboards, XVI, XXII, XXIII.

XXVIII, XXIX, LII.

Dressers, dwarf, XV, XIX, XX.
glass doors, XIX.
Designs,

open,

frontispiece,

XIV, XX, XXI.

small,

Dressing chests,

Splash curtains,

XXXIV.

XVIII.

XXXIV, XXXV,

Tables, bedside, VIII,

L.

dining,

fig.

i.

XXXIV.

LIST OF PLATES
Tables, dressing,

XXXIV, XLVII

extension, VI,

IX, XI.

--

XIII.

flap,

gate
IV, XIII.
kitchen, V, X.
large, IV.
living room, VI, VII.

XLVII LI.

XII.

VIII.
small, VI, VIII.
leg,

I,

I,

trestle,

side,

Toilet glasses, LI

I.

Towel horses, XLVII, XLIX.

rails,

XLIX,

W.
Wall

XIII.

flaps,

XXXI, XXXIl,
XXXVIII, XXXIX, XLI.

Wardrobes,

framed up, IV, X.

toilet,

AND TEXT ILLUSTRATIONS

fig.

lo.

U.

Umbrella stand, LI

1 1.

Wardrobes,

double

doors,

XXXIII,

XXXIII,

XXXIX.
Wardrobes, framed up, XXXI, XLIV.

painted, XXXII, XXXIII.

small, XXXVIII, XLIII.
with drawers, XLI
I.

XXXV, XXXVI.
XXXIV, XXXVII

Washstands, corner,

lino top,
painted, XXXIII, XXXVII.
tambour
XXXIV.
front,

Whatnots,

XXVI, LV.

FURNITURE FOR SMALL HOUSES.

I.

The

ot

title

houses

in

this

The

applications

intended to include

all

the smaller types of

villa

designs have been prepareci in response to hundreds of

many from overseas

and inexpensive
IS

is

town or country, whether they be known by the name of

or cottage.

It

book

INTRODUCTION.

producing pleasant

for assistance in

furniture.

happily possible to step into a seventeenth century living

still

room in a wayside cottage

modern touch in furnishing.
ot a simple dignitv

or tarm-house which has

The

and homely

instant impression
restfulness.

The

not yet
that

felt

the

one gets

is

gate-leg table, the

all seem so fit for their place and purpose.

It
would be absurd to claim that such furniture is altogether suitable for
modern needs, but now that thousands of well-planned cottages are to be

dresser, the sturdy chairs,

built

it is

reasonable to hope that something of the quiet dignity and

may be

fitness

introduced into their furnishing.

large manufacturer of furniture

home

can be

making

it

made

ugly

".

has

well-known and

recently said that " the

pleasant at no greater expense than

The

is

humblest

incurred in

designs contained in the following pages are an

earnest attempt to prove that the claim

made

in that

statement

is

both

possible and practicable.

It is

not claimed that the attempt exhausts the

possibilities

construction, or finish in suitable furniture for small houses.

wide

field for local

of design,

There

is

craftsmanship and tradition to vary both form and the

manner of making. The designs here shown are done more for experiment and suggestion. Some new ideas have been introduced in the
making and finishing. There is no article which cannot be produced by
modern methods, hand or machine. Ease in moving and cleaning, and
pressing needs of the housewife
have
a minimum of work in dusting

been duly considered.

Non-essentials, such as cornices and pediments.

FURNITURE FOR SMALL HOUSES

have been discarded, and the whole aim of the designer has been to
suggest a type of furniture which is useful, pleasant to look at, and

moderate

in price.

It

readily admitted that the great bulk of cheap

is

no thought has been

Little or

furniture has been both flimsy and ugly.

The

given to suitable proportions and dimensions for small rooms.

designers and manufacturers must not take
public have been too ready to

demand

the blame for this, for the

all

showy

with plenty of

article

This

polish and plate glass rather than a really serviceable one.

wfell

is

by the type of sideboard or overmantel overloaded with ugly

and useless details which add to the cost and mean so much labour
illustrated

to

keep

selection

On

clean.

and

taste,

the other hand, if the public are to be educated in

come through

education can only

the designers

and

makers who put the goods on the market, and the salesman who comes

There

into personal contact with the purchaser.

is

now

a decided de-

homes and better furniture, and there is no excuse

that ugliness and flimsy work should be the commonly accepted features
Fitness for use, good proportions, and bright, pleasant
of cheap goods.
colour will not cost any more than bad proportions and unpleasant colour.
As a matter of fact they should cost less, for better proportions would

mand

for brighter

mean

a reduction in material,

and good

lines

on the

"
inevitable " apron

or " curtain " pieces could be cut quicker than the coarse, switchback,

curves which are

make no

should

and we have
necessarily

hoped
and

made

to

fit

difference to the right application of the

to get rid

be unpleasant

practical principles,

With

in

form and repulsive to good

principles,

articles

must

taste.

It is

some of these simple

and to apply them when purchasing household

and knowing what they

improvement in quality.

a public asking for better things

wanted there would be no doubt

above

of the fallacy that machine-made

that the general public will begin to realise

goods.

Machine productions

any job or position.

complete

set

as to

of the furniture illustrated has been made, with the

consent of the Education Authorities of the

the Shoreditch Technical Institute.

The

London County

set

comprised

completed furnishing for a five-roomed cottage, including

The

parlour,

and three bedrooms.

Plate

I)

were made of birch and whitewood polished only.

room

(Plate II), the chairs were

whitewood and

deal.

articles in

the largest

made of birch and

These were stained

a light

Council, at

more or

a living

less

room,

bedroom

(see

In the living

the other articles of

brown and

polished.

INTRODUCTION
The

the smaller

sets in

The

III).

room

bedrooms were made of

deal

painting was done as an experiment.

medium

applied, and

Above

all

it

tor finish, offers

make
many

and painted (Plate

Hitherto, cheap bed-

mahogany

turniture has either been stained to imitate

grained in a wretched attempt to

as a

or walnut or

look like oak or maple.

it

advantages.

It

Paint,

durable, easily

is

gives a wide field tor variety in bright and pleasant colours.

there

is

no sham or imitation about

it.

Plain painting in one

or two colours would be infinitely better than the ugly yellow oak grain-

This graining

ing.
sets

done with

dry, and the green

is

done by the comb

number of

and

obvious that there can also be

is

two colours of

patterns can be

paint,

for

done before the

is

An

shows through the combings.

limitless
it

two bedroom

the

in

The combing

example, blue superimposed on green.

blue

comb, and

a steel

process has been adopted in

similar

is

(see Plate

almost

XLVI),

wide variety of colours.

Paint

has a great advantage over stain in that the cheaper woods, such as deal,

and "seconds" or "thirds"

in pine,

which are not suitable for staining,

"
The cheap bedroom " suites

are quite adequate tor painted furniture.

of satin-walnut, though ugly

in

in design,

good colours than polished

been the recognised

finish for

in

them.

Is

to consider the need for a brighter

goods

.''

Here,

at

least,

described in detail

it

not time that the " trade " began

and more honest

a suggestion for

is

The

experimental stage.

would look more pleasant painted

the ghastly yellow which has always

when

anyone

finish for

special construction for painted

the actual

making of

the articles

cheap

beyond the

to carry

work
is

be

will

under

dis-

cussion in the chapters devoted to wardrobes, dressers, chest of drawers,

but the designer disclaims any desire for

etc., etc.,

construction, or finish.

It is

is

inevitable.
for,

There

is

and there

design,

agreed that cheap production can only be

obtained by a large output, and that to

allowed

finality in

not so

much

a certain extent

standardisation

to fear in this if local traditions are

plenty of play and opportunity for variety in

is

form and colour without adding

to the cost or seriously interfering with

standard methods of production.

for

The
much

author

is

indebted to the Design and Industries Association

help and encouragement.

This Association

is

composed

ot

manufacturers, designers, and business men and women who are interested
They maintain that these things
in the betterment of household goods.
1

Queen

Square,

W.C.

I.

FURNITURE FOR SMALL HOUSES

can be both " cheap and good," and are ready to encourage any effort
In pursuance of this policy the -Association has taken

in that direction.

first-hand interest

that paint

in

would make

this

experimental furniture.

better

and brighter

finish

The
for

suggestion

furniture

immediately taken up, and the Association obtained permission

was

from

the L.C.C. to carry out experiments at the Brixton School of Building.

The two
combed

painted

in a similar

bedroom

Many

paint.

manner.

The

for exhibition purposes,

to put the articles

The

sets are a result

of the other designs

of these experiments in

in the

book could be

treated

Association secured the loan of the furniture

and arrangements are being made with

firms

on the market.

author gratefully acknowledges the generous co-operation of

the Principal

(S.

Hicks, Esq.), Miss H.

J.

Plowright, and

the Staff at the Shoreditch Technical Institute.

members of

s
o
o

o
(-

TABLES.

II.

The

" Gate-Leg " Table

Leaf and Extending Tables Round and Elliptic
Tops The " Kitchen " and Dining Table Types of Construction

Small

Tables.

For nearly
its own as a

hundred years the old-time " Gate Leg " has held
popular and useful type for the cottage or the modern

three

dining-room.

It

has been

made

moulded, chamfered or
virtue over other types

left

in all sizes

The

square, oblong, and octagonal.

by which

nearly half, and again to a

full size to

round,

quite plain and square.

the ease

is

and shapes

elliptical,

legs have been turned, twisted,

it

outstanding

Its

can be changed from

No

smaller dimension.

still

and

packed away when the

its

other

room

type of table

is

required.

It

has also one other quality which flap tables as a rule do

not

namely

possess

so

easily

too

many

legs

cannot be tipped over, for the

it

The

downright support.

floor of the

which are

said

to get in the

have a

flaps

one objection to the gate table

is

way of the

is

that

it

has

This

sitter.

objection applies chiefly to the end legs of the centre frame, but the

hindrance

under

is

the

floors

of the table

rail

photograph

which prevents the

IV

in

The

back from the

being put

shows

this

upon

now

there

way

Plate

clearly

As

such a

is

these foot rails

good reason for changing the construction

remove the obstruction to comfortable

as to

design for the gate table on Plate XIII shows the

legs,

and

be room for knees and

to take them.

feet

under-rails were originally used to rest the feet

in

were of stone or were strewn with rushes.

are not necessary

sitting.

The

table.

These low

objection.

when

rather in the bottom

The

as the top projects a

feet,

good

rail set

six inches there

provided the table legs are

far

should

enough apart
some slight

setting back of the rails also involve

alterations in fixing the gate.

The

form of construction where the

rails

table

in

Plate

IV shows

the old

are halved out to take the shutting

(5)

FUIINITUKE FOR SMALL HOUSES

when

which,

leg,

design the short

and

rail

The

rail.

and leave a clearance for the flap to

method there

In adopting this

right angles.

halving of either the leg or the long

table

round, but

is

an

as a rule

In

The

room

to the

reason for

its

are

flaps

On

details

flap to

types of

One,

The second

common

the "

called

each side which

generally

ex-

ordinary

one end, has long since

as

the gate table are

The

two

larger

Such

costs

is

when
is

usually
;

this

no reason

more than

common

table

made of white

deal.

there

why

is

it is

its

drawer
stufl^

at

legs, has a

centre part
is

is

easily tipped

The

legs are

one end, and the

thicknessed up at the

the table at which

all

meals are

design should not be improved

turned leg increases the work of dusting,

a plain taper.

To

The drawing on
table a

The

up the

the flaps are

three-quarter inch

its cost.

time and material.

kitchen tables are in two forms

supported on brackets.

is

type

made of

without increasing

make

at

Pembroke," with turned

In thousands of small houses

taken, and there

it

"living"

The

homes.

of useful table flaps fixed to the wall.

tapered on the inside or turned

and

drawer

same Plate (XIII)

narrow, and consequently

is

and

in.

Though

or farm-house.

smaller

the

in

deal, with a

the

The well-known

top

10

tt.

closed.

of construction.

ends.

extremely useful for temporary purposes and take up but

room when

over.

by

supported by two braced brackets fixed to a wall batten.

is

little

ft.

essentially a kitchen or

with the cottage

made of

place.

diagrams and

one

are 5

be

to

IV shows an

Plate

the

in

decreasing use

its

kitchen table

taken

acknowledged

is

table in

way already described, it is costly to construct

double number of legs.
This fact alone may explain the

tremely useful

owing

the

for

plan of the top of this

made of white deal, which necessitated a wide

"Gate Leg" was

associated

table,

no need

is

fall

flaps.

origin the

its

form

elliptical

The dimensions

the top and framing were

clamp on the

The

rail.

the best and most serviceable shape.

oblong with round ends.

enough

top of the table must project far

to take the thickness of the leg

at

rail

hole under the table top or from a piece

top pin swings from a

screwed on to the

halved into the long

is

upon which the gate swings.

take the pin

to

it

new

the

In

flush with the outside legs.

is

which supports the gate

beyond

projects

The

closed,

little

thickness

up

thin top takes

shows an attempt to
more interesting and pleasant in form.
Plate

TA1UJ<:S

The

top

not

thicknessed up

tapered on the inside and a chamfer run

which can he removed

required, hut

With

these

new

would not be
for the

The
The

On

kitchen.

design

"common,

as

if

desired, but

considerably to the cost.

In

through the

as being pinned

of the frame and

is

it

Plate V,

table, see

this

good enough

or only

"

an alternative design

chamfered edges and under

suitable for a large table

is

(see plan)

reasonahle to suppose that any

it is

Plates I\' and

legs are square with

couki be added

two divisions

simple arrangement as a knife box.

stamped

legs are

each corner ami along the

and good proportions

details

so easih'

down

In the drawer are

rail.

housewife would welcome such

The

rounded on the ends.

is

lower edge ot the trame

if

hvc or

rails

given.

is

are introduced.

Drawers

six feet long.

should he noted that they always add

shown

the table designs the tenons are

all

This precaution increases the strength

leg.

particularly desirable in a table which

subject to a

is

good deal of moving. Details of moulded edges and chamfered or

rounded legs are gi\'en with the designs.
On Plate Ylll are three small tables. They can be made in hard or
soft
is

wood.

is

suitable for a small

suggested as most useful

parlour as a tea or card table.

C would serve as a
meal times.
The flap is

side

bedside table.

as a

table for writing or for extra things at

ported by two "

out

Two

shown.

as

thumb

Extending

" brackets which

work on

a centre

of such small tables are given

tables are

being the " telescope " or

made

in Plate

VI.

best-known types

in various forms, the

tray frame," methods which are used

'

sup-

and are pulled

in the

Another method is based on

heavier and larger kind of dining tables.
"
"
drawinge
shovel-board " or
" table, but all these
the Elizabethan

methods
which

is

On

are expensive.

applied

and support

to

a leaf

By

a simple

To

IX

form of extension

Two

sliders

arrangement of

The

slipped underneath the top.

when packed away.

Plate

a plain table.

section

keep the leaves

rails

slider will

will increase the table

have

drawer

keep the leaves

room

in this table,

for

position.

in

two people.

although

end

in

position

dovetail key can be run

through on the under side or they can be clamped.

drop into each

shown

the leaves can be

shows the leaves

flat

is

pull out at each

It

is

a leaf extension

short dowel to

One

leaf in use

quite impossible to

can be applied to a

table with a drawer which can be used to support the

leaf,

but the leaves

cannot be packed away underneath when not

The

safest principle

in use.

FURNITURE FOR SMALL HOUSES

8
is

to accept the

limits of construction

and confine them

The

other, the leaves without a drawer, or vice versa.

closed,

is

On
method

shown
Plate

is

one or the

VI.

in Plate

shown.

The

named, but the leaves are applied

to the

XI another form of

similar to the last

leaf extension

sides of the table instead of the ends, an

away

the leaves being packed

to

extension table

as

is

arrangement which prevents

the former design.

in

detail

the section of the sliders held in position by a thin metal

shows
This

slip.

jSWV/*--!t?'.

Fig.

table without the leaves

I.

An

O.ik

Dining Table.

would be quite strong and

The

serviceable.

top hangs over at the ends a sufficient length to ensure a comfortable

sitting

and the under

rail

should be high enough to allow for

photograph of the table made

The

"

trestle "

oak, deal, or birch

The

it

in

is

given

in Fig.

i.

Made

in

quite strong, but drawers cannot be fitted to

it.

type of table
is

oak without leaves

it.

is

illustrated in Plate

small table in the lower corner of the page

struction, the struts taking the place of long side

is

XII.

very simple

rails.

in

con-

TABLES

framed-up

table

where the

legs are

9
tenoned into

shown in Plate V"II. The top is rounded on

little more costlv to produce, this type makes
living

room.

in Plate VI.

This

table,

a toot piece is

the ends, and although a

a

good centre

and the one with extension

table tor a

leaves, are

shown

1'lati;

Large Tablf for

A "Gate-Leg"

Living

Table made
2

in

Room

White Deal

IV

<

U
o

PlatkVI

Living

Room Table

Extension Table, Closed

Two

Small Tables

o
U

^^^
ft.

.^
,\v

\ 4 a

a
^^
|^\^ O o

o
'I'l

<

'i'llii;

Plate VIII

W-v>

It^yjg^l^^^h^^^^^ui^

(7.

PUAN or/y

V^, ^_.
(A)

(B)

(.A)

.^^\
SHELT

AND

RAll.

I
I

-I

FLAN or THE

UNDER. RAIl^

=^

zl
(C)
(l)

Small Tables

(2)

fe=^

Side

JEj

Table with Flap

X
t-

^^^

I'

<

I'LATE

A Gate

Table and Wall Flaps

Mil

DRESSERS AND SIDEBOARDS.

III.

The Fixed Dresser

Open

In'

new

the designs tor the

shall

Glass Doors llie Dwarf

Clock Cases Coal Boxes.

Dresser

The

has been agreed that a large

room

Shelves

Sideboard

cottages

it

be provided which should serve the double purpose of kitchen and

living

mittee

room.
"

is

it

In

"Women's Housing Sub-Com-

Report of the

the

recommended

that a dresser with glass doors in

part should be provided for this room.

that this dresser

would be made

It

a fixture

design to the ordinary type found

mav

be taken for granted

and would

kitchens.

in

the upper

also be similar in

The above Report

suggests that there should' be drawers and cupboards

the

in

lower

The

question of glass doors is open to criticism.

In the first
would add very considerably to the cost of the dresser.
It can be sately assumed that the china on the shelves would be used
for at least three meals a day, and there would be very little time for
part.

place they

plates

work

or dishes to get dusty.

to

In such a case

The

glass.

doors would also mean more

Glass

keep them clean and some expense

best

were better

it

ornament

to

if

the glass gets broken.

have wooden panels instead of

for a dresser

is

the china

hanging on hooks and plates resting on shelves

at

jugs and cups

the back, so that

if

doors are to be added, the upper part, or carcase, must be made deeper
than on the usual dresser, whilst the shelves should be narrower to take

There

the jugs.

an expensive dresser
it

is

one things which should be duly considered before

is

is

In addition to any type of fixed dresser

fixed.

more than probable

that a

bought cabinet or sideboard

will

form

People

will

have

part of the furniture of such a large living

vases and ornaments and

them on
such a

"kitchen"

demand

type are

it is

highly improbable that they will ever display

dresser,

whether closed or open.

as this that designs

provided

in

this

room.

for small

chapter.

ai)

It

It

is

to

meet

sideboards of the dresser

may

also

be

stated

that

in

FURNITURE FOR SMALL HOUSES

12

thousands of old small houses there

and the occupants have

or

frontispiece

fall

be anything but good or pleasant.

of a small open dresser, the

a picture

is

up from

in the living

This dresser

the floor and the top

is

is

shaped as shown on the plan so that

The ends

are of

dust to

The door

the top part

kind

is

upon,

settle

chamfer.

is

bottom cupboard

The

made

wood, stained

The
be used

sunk with

and drawers.

if

The

desired.

XIX,

Although made

The

shelf at the

On

Plate

a shelf at

Glass can

it

is

soft

to the

wood, the designs are quite

small dresser at the

stooping

way

obvious that the

is

small

in a

bottom of the

room when upper

of having the cupboard

avoided as

much

as

possible.

bottom of the dresser could be used for boots.

XX

is

design for a small dresser without drawers, but with

the back for china or books, and a full width shelf at the

bottom.

that

is

in white-

by the addition of the doors and

in

One advantage

not required.

are

above the drawers

made

thing was

with a rubber polish.

enclosed with doors.

is

same page would be found most useful

shelves

for

Wooden knobs

carcases are constructed in a similar

oak or walnut.

suitable for

set

third drawer has been added, and

the extra drawer.

all

than a

The back of

a slight hollow.

The whole

brown, waxed and

a light

cost has been considerably increased

to a

even

is

better

of matched boarding which in a dresser of this

next dresser, on Plate

named.

The

leaving no edge at

far as

as

rounded surface

plain

is

of the doors are

rails

quite the most effective type of back to use.

are used for doors

last

panels are

It

The

stuff dowelled into posts, but they

could of course be framed and panelled.

chamfered on the inside edges, but

long.

ins.

not too high to dust.

jars or bottles can be placed in

tall

in.

In the

of which

details

ft.

shelves can be easily reached, and the shelf in the

the cupboard.

room,

back on the modern cheap "chiffonier"

on Plate XVIII.

are given

stands

to

may

which

sideboard

no dresser

is

chamfer

detail of the
is

shown

door

rail

with a rounded edge in preference

to a large scale.

photograph of

this dresser

appears on Plate XIV.

Two
top one

is

designs for dwarf dressers are given on Plate

seen in Plate

XXI, and the

The construction is simple and straightfitted down on to a framed-up stool.
The

XV.

forward, the carcase being

lower one has posts running right through and an under

back and ends only.

rail at

the

DRESSERS AND SIDEROARDS

It is difficult

nowadays

to define just

where

18
dresser ends and a

sideboard begins, tor both are used for the same purpose, but taking a
tier ot

shelves as defining a dresser, the design on Plate

safely described as a sideboard.

design
cost,

is

but

most
it

It

has been

made

Drawers are omitted

suitable.

would be quite easy

to

Fig.

2.

fit

in

oak

solely

one inside

XXII
for

can be

which the

on the score of

if recjuired.

The

Plate Cupboard.

at A
the section B shows the
moulding run through the front division, whilst C and D give enlarged
Plate
details of the bevelling on the back and the edge of the door.

chamfered

XVI
The

shows

finish to the post

this little

On

Plate

tall

cupboard

XXIII
in

is

given

sideboard with a chair.

is

more

costly design for a sideboard in

mahogany.

the centre has been arranged for bottles, and the

shelves at the back are suitable for books or china.

is

the cornice

FURNITURE FOR SMALL HOUSES

14

moulding, B the top,

section

of door, and

photograph of a similar design with one chair

In

all

sizes to a

these designs

minimum and more

would be quite

XVI.

in Plate

Mould-

proportion to small rooms.

in

as useful

has been introduced, but

shown

is

has been the aim of the author to reduce

it

Needless to say that the

ings have been kept as simple as possible.

articles

the bevel under top.

without the

though

utility,

little

ornamentation which

not the only thing to

first, is

consider in furnishing a home.

For

kitchen a plate cupboard like that in

more handy and convenient than

often

box

a scullery or

ft.

high and

The end view shows

8 ins.

As

the shelves.

cannot stand or hang on

a larger dresser.

wide screwed on

a dresser

it is

to a stool

cupboard

which

Fig. 2

It

is

is i

is

just a
high.

ft.

odd things which

for

invaluable to the housewife.

c;^

Fig.

3.

A Wooden

Fig. 4

A Log Box.

Coal Box.

In the general view of the living room, Plate

is

of which Fig. 3

seen,

drawing.

a line

is

It

II,
is

wooden

coal

box

a suggestion for a

many which are now

The change from metal to wood is suggested as being less noisy
and more durable. The one in the photograph is made of ^ in. birch
simpler and easier type of coal scuttle than the
used.

and dovetailed together, but

metal corners

shaped

like

it

shovel

is

in use.

is

shown

The

would be equally

rockers so

a seat

were well nailed and secured with

if it

For logs of wood

in

Fig. 4.

It

The

strong.

box

that the

is

is

easily

underneath are

when

the coal

box which can be used

a strong

about 2

pieces

tipped

ft.

long and 17

ins.

as

high.

ends are cut out to receive the front and back which are strongly

nailed and the edges are bevelled as shown.

the top should keep

brace screwed under

it flat.

room some piece of furniture

looked upon as absolutely essential

In almost every cottage living

nature of a chest of drawers

is

in the

to

its

DUKSSKRS AND SIDHHOAUDS

furnishing.

In

but where
especially

drawer.
bureau.

this

many
is

it

Many of
On Plate
all

is

an old bureau which

absent the general choice

well-known

the

should answer

cases

a famil)'

pulls

heirloom,

of drawers,

tor a chest

type where the plinth

X\'II there

is

out with the

could be

It

5.

made

Clock

is

in

shoddy chest of drawers

deal or whitewtxxl

and

Cases.

painted, or in oak or birch and polished.

In the top

good

design for a cupboard chest which

the purposes of the bureau or

Fig.

wide.

is

these chests have been given in exchange for a

and even surpass them.

7 ins.

is

15

It is

cupboard with

ft.

fall-

10

down

ins.

high and 2

flap.

ft.

narrow

shelf runs round the ends and back of the cupboard space, leaving the

whole height

in

the centre.

Then come

an open shelf for boots or such things

the drawers, and below

as are

needed every day.

them

The

construction can be similar to the painted chest of drawers, described in

Chapter VI.
such a chest

on

the top

There can be no doubt that

would be an untold blessing in

would add

to

its

usefulness.

failing a dresser or

a living

room.

sideboard

book rack

FURNITURE FOR SMALL HOUSES

16

When

some

will

master" take up the job of

enterprising "little

making simple but well-designed clock cases ?

clock shops how very few of the wooden clock

When

one looks

to say nothing of the atrocious designs in black slate or

There should be
cases to

fit

two out of forty

>>ii. II

cases

To

>

II

I >

> it r
l

They were
all

all

varied

The

simpler designs.

cabinetmaker

11>I> >,.l>li r>IllIJJTTT^

6.

Clock

Cases.

colour and wood.

cases are about

They

ins.

pieces of veneer which are

the back

is

and

it

are easily decorated

seriously taken up.

American

by

utilised.

wide,

ins.

a restrained

many of

the

odd

hinged

can be readily seen that there

endless variety in form, simple detail, and colour if the

is

6d.

high and 6

thrown away could be

necessary,

5s.

In Fig. 6 are ,two even

use of a box or black line or narrow banding, but

at

In Fig. 5

the Shoreditch

at

of one size to take a pre-war

tongued and grooved together.

door

should

it

^^,,^<.vv.v^.,^>.kv^-T;g

Fig.

clock, but they

have been made

which

tess '^-'-'^'-'^

Institute.

pseudo marble.

can both design and finish

using up small waste wood and veneer.

be an opportunity for
are

some one who

fortune for

the standard sizes of clocks.

the

in

cases are worth buying,

making of

is

an

cases

DRE8SKUS AND SIDKBOAUDS

In planning the

new

17

cottages there are one or two incidentals which

should be considered, and particularly

in

regard to fixed cupboards in

the recesses and the treatment of the shelf over the fireplace.
a recess

on each

side of the

chimney breast

wouki be unfortunate

it

the usual procedure were followed and cupboards fixed to

trom the

This

floor upwards.

when her good husband

The remedy tor

door to be opened.

On

above chair height.

point.

fixed dresser

has
this

Plate X\'II there

is

is

to raise

mantel

shelf.

In cottages

not

fix

it

is

will

have

its

tiers

room

illustrate this

a shelf, as are

in a living

room.

for a fixed glass over the

mirror of some sort over the

the husband's toilet glass.

one, his well-designed

mantel with
still

People

the cupboards

diagram to

and two such cupboards above

also gi\'es another suggestion

place.

if

the recess

who wants to use the cupto move his chair for the

shown, should provide enough storage accommodation

The diagram

fill

once decreases the floor space and

at

causes endless incon\'enience to the housewife

board, especially

Assimiing

will

If

fire-

the architect does

be spoiled by the

common

over-

of shelves, plate glass panels, and fretwork, which

has a strange fascination amongst the

common

furniture buyers.

XIV

Small Dresser without Drawers

>
X

U
b4

O
o

<

Plati.:

An Oak

Sideboard and Chair with

A Mahogany

Wooden Seat

Sideboard and Chair with Loose Seat

XVI

Plate XVII

TffrW

1^

1-3

I'

/-

LZ

7!^

^^-

(l)

Cupboards Fixed

in

Recesses

(z)

^j- jT-

_-_- _-_^-_-

Cupboard Chest for

a Living

Room

Platk XVIII

Tli^1

Plate

:iiiii!'i

w
i
^-^

-*^

^"^

m
nil'

'

'

'

-*--

TfUf^

Mill'

^
I

(l)

Dresser with Doors to

Top

Shelves

(2)

Dresser without Shelve

XIX

Platk

P
SHOvyiNq

PLAN

THE.1

/DETAIL.

'

DOOTL.

'

SHELF

IN

CUPBOARD

f//r/\

%
DE.TAIL or BE.VF1.UNQ

Small Dresser

eET

XX

Plate

ihlii'i

'!

WWJ
I'M'

II'^S'

g;^ ^^^

.^s^

Small Dressers

IN'i'i'

XXI

Plate XXII

II
'1

m-

i>

mi

Plate XXIII

A Mahogany

Sideboard

CHAIRS.

IV.

The Windsor

and Stick Back Chairs

The

and Loose Cushions.

Wooden

and Loose Seats.

Stuft'-over

and the

Settee, the Coucli,

make

In the tens ot thousands of cottages and small houses which go to

up the

streets of

article ot

our towns and

modern

furniture

cities,

perhaps the most unsatisfactory

The

the chair.

is

Seats

Easy Chairs.

Settle.

only good examples are

copies of old ones, such as the Windsor, stick or ladder-back types, but
as these all

which

is

have the kitchen stamp about them people look for a chair

little

anything but

more showy and

hair,

a little

find

one

The

polishing or varnishing on the legs.

turned
is

legs,

demand

many

and curved back

slats,

for furniture

in the

plush seat stuffed with

bad carving on the back, and

which

is

old

Windsor

chair with

now

not so popular

is

many

and

parts

and flimsy modern

flashy

It is

chair

they are pleasant to look

seat

They

at.

clean.

can be

XXIV,

to the frame.

adds comfort to the

slats

this

or a wide splat.
is

are

made

A loose
seat.

The

only one form, and

show the
are five

rail

in

hoped

that

any hard wood of

suitable.

Those

in the

brown.

The

of thin f-in. birch pinned

cushion which

The

It is also

made

in birch, stained a light

concave and consists of a piece

is

the

and those which are generally associated

which oak, elm, beech, or birch are the most

down

The

medium between

claimed for these designs that they show chairs

which are strong, comfortable, and easy to

photograph, Plate

one

made

well-known Windsor type.

details as this

designs in this chapter are an attempt to strike a

with the kitchen.

is

its

there

In this respect

easier to dust.

can sympathise with the housewife, for probably no chair that

has so

worse

still

is

strapped to the back legs

backs are varied in design either with thin

legs are pinned into the projecting top

an old one, of fixing the

tenoned or dowelled into the

alternative designs and some

(19)

legs.

details.

On
is

rail,

but

Other designs

rail.

Plate

XXVIII

moulding run
5

FURNITURE FOR SMALL HOUSES

20

down

the edge of the second chair at the top and the last one at the

bottom.

is

there

is

is

shown with

slightly

rounded

In the photograph of the small oak sideboard (Plate

corners.

there

large detail of the front leg

a chair with a
a

wide splat slightly pierced, and

XVI)

same

in the

plate

mahogany chair with a stuffed loose seat. Two other simple

shown with the kitchen table in Plate V, and they are best

designs are

suited to a bedroom.

Arm-chairs are illustrated on Plate

one of two

warmth

specially

panelled
rail

and panel

similar design

of

2-in.

lower one

is

bend

at the

head of the page.

one panel of thin

The

to the required curve.

as

is

sides are also

seen in the detail of the

In Plate

XXV

there

is

a heavier type.

very simple arrangement for an adjustable back to an inexpen-

sive easy chair

The back

Legs and arms are rounded

in.

The

designed for an old couple, and are intended for

and a protection from draughts.

birch which will easily

top

XXIX.

given on Plate

is

XXX.

A shows the

oak or any suitable hard wood.

The

the seat in plan.

slats are

The whole frame

back

is

made

in elevation

of

and

screwed flush into the frame and are

intended to take thick loose cushions.

In this design the usual

method

of providing a movable rod to support the back has been abandoned

for a

much simpler one.

The back drops

and D.
rail as

Slots are cut in

into these slots

To

seen in the section at D.

must be

wider than the front

a ^-in.

the side

and

rails as

allow for the slots the side

:

and they must

also

thicker on the inside, although this can be avoided if the

the back projects

A piece

XXVI.

beyond the frame

of cane inserted

and prevent

at

is

strong, comfortable, and

at

back
rails

be a i-in.

bottom

rail

of

the photograph shows in Plate

each side of the cushion will stiffen

sagging when projecting over the front.

it

it

as

shown

rests against the fixed

easy to keep clean.

The

The

chair

cushions should

be sewn together and the back one looped over the top.
When the
cushions are reversed the chair makes a day bed, E, for a child.
Plate

XXVI

gives a view of the chair complete.

On

Plate

XXVII

there is a small settee A, which would be suitable

newly designed cottages.
It is 4 ft. 6 ins. long
and has the usual drop end.
A squab, or loose cushion on a v/ebbed

for the parlour in the

or

wood

slat base,

should be

all

that

and a simple
is

line

of stuffing round the ends and back

necessary for comfort and cleanliness.

The couch
is

below, B,

is

'HA us

n\uch simpler

built out to give a suitable slope

cost tor such a couch

To

who

people

is

sloped

is

tenoned through the

for reclining

and the back

encis

sizes

The

edges where the arm would

setshire cottage.

which

is

made

in

there

a child's

is

They were

mahogany.

slightly

is

made up of two

rails

The

should be rounded.

rest

Somer-

settle in a

was made of deal and had been painted

It

LIV

In Plate

high back, the

with
seat

and the shape of the ends were taken from an old

green.

The

cushion.

with vee-jointeci matched

in

filled

"

The

suggestion tor a small one.

dovetailed into the back edges and

boards.

and

upright head

to a

like the old

at

The

in torni.

minimum.
type of" settle

reduced

design

is

yi

a pleasant

high chair and an arm-chair, both

part ot a set for a living

room

in

which

XVI were included, together with

XXVI. An arm-chair, with what

the sideboard and small chair in Plate

the corner china cabinet in Plate

furniture people would

Plate

XXV.

The

call

" a

front legs are

back would not conform

style " in

more

little

it,

Sheraton in form, but th*

distinctly

to that master craftsman's idea of delicate fram-

In this case the intention was to design a strong well-shaped

or " carving " chair for the dining-room.
ing.

What would
as a matter
in a living

to

draw up

the

of

fact

be termed a " Hall seat "

it

is

room, that
to the fire

mahogany

is

shown

in Plate

used for exactly the same purpose as

is,

with cushions as a comfortable

and screen off the door.

chair just described

would

Both these examples

first

ment

essentials to

are given to

look for

is

just right

show and not made

made

for use.

and

seat

seat

nor

half as

good.

and not the meretricious orna-

fit

for

its

way

That was

The

simple strap carv-

purpose and place, but

when

the

if

for

the back of the chair was

the chief aim of the designer,

whilst the front legs, though strong, could be

be a fine day for craftsmanship

this

would then have been decorated

In a similar

to rest against comfortably.

but

prove that good form and construction

in furniture

the panels had been carved the

XXIV,

a chesterfield

be classed as " cheap " furniture,

for which people blindly pay high prices.

ing on the Hall seat

arm

seat, settle-wise,

Neither

although middle- class people pay more for things not

are

in

illustrated

is

more ornamental.

British

public

realise

It will

some

of

these simple but essential principles, and are as willing to pay for their

sound application

to furniture as they

now pay

are neither right in practice or principle.

for embellishments

which

Plat

Chairs with

Wooden

Seats and Loose Cus

An Oak Seat

I-

XXIV

>
X
X
u
<

PQ

<

B
U

S
ttS

<

SZ-

LATl'

An Adjustable Easy Chair and China

Shelves

XXVI

Plate

'

flit^iui^'

'
-

'

i-

ninn m.'FT M

>^>^>...^.w.... -~..>>

ra

-4-4-U

TT^'^x^ix

ill

""

A.

Small Chesterfield

B.

Couch

C.

Settle

XXVll

l.ATK

//////////,

V TRONT

FLAW

k-t

K^

im

Designs for Chairs

XXVIII

/,/

1'latk

Ifl^

1
V<i'^.^.

,I>

^^^
Designs for Arm-chairs

^^550

XXIX

Plati:

A
'/,

'/.

XXX

BEDROOM FURNITURE.
Bedsteads Wardrobes \Va>hstauds
V.

Ct)mbino;.

I there is a general view of a complete set ofbedroom furniture

what might be termed the " best," or largest bedroom, in a small house.

In Plate
for

The

wooden bedsteads

revival of

is

a small " full size,"

for

ft.

The

ins.

ft.

ins.,

ft.,

or

the head could be followed for either

design for

The

are also shown.

set in Plate

Plate

made

likely

XLV gives similar designs

bed, namely, 4

single

is

it

seen in the photograph

Details tor the finish to the post, and a section of the framing

width.

On

The one

but the drawing on Plate

and

double

a full

not only popular, but

is

permanent demand.

to develop into a

designs are suitable for any hard wood, but the

was made

XL

chiefly in birch

are designs for

in deal or

and finished with wax

two small bedsteads,

whitewood and

The bed

painted.

is

polish.

B,

which were

shown

in Plate III.

and

In designing the wardrobe the chief ideas were to combine strength

with lightness, to discard unnecessary features, such as plinth and cornice,

and yet

to retain

its

right use as a wardrobe.

It is 3 ft.

wide and 6

ft.

high, which leaves the usual inside dimensions for hanging purposes.

On

Plate

Plate

in

XLIV

is

XXXI.

of three-ply wood.
in the

a scale drawing with details

The whole

A method for

wardrobe on Plate XLII.

The

be fixed inside the door.

3

ft.

carcase

wide and

is

and

photograph

movable rod and hooks

If a mirror

is

shown

is

illustrated

desired the glass should

wardrobe on Plate

drawer has been added.

is

framed up and the panels are

detail

XLII

is

just

under

shows how the glass

can be fixed on the inside.

On

one on the
set

XLIII are designs for wardrobes 2 ft.

left was made in deal and whitewood, and is

Plate

in Plate

III.

The

sectional plan

6 ins. wide.

The

seen in the painted

shows the construction.

The

FURNITURE FOR SMALL HOUSES

24

two wide uprights and the framed-up back are tongued, screwed, or
nailed on to the ends which are solid, although they could be framed

up.
tails.

The top is
The door

is

"ledge and brace" with matched boarding, of which

is

shown

sections are

the best.

dovetailed through and the moulding covers the dove-

It

in

should be clearly understood that

suitable only for painted

the wardrobe painted.

is

The rounded

and B.

work

The wardrobe on

framed up and could be made

this

Plate

The

from

pin

button,

XXXII

shows

XLIII

the right of Plate

any wood.

in

method of button fastening

Fig. 7 illustrates a strong

perhaps

is

form of construction

woods.

in soft

joint in

and

metal

for the doors.

knob runs through the

the

keeps

pin

button

the

fixed.

On

XLI

Plate

are drawings for a corner

The

wardrobe with two doors.

is

screwed together

backs are

angle and again into

at the

Top and bottom may

the uprights.

screwed, and

construction

The framed-up

simple.

quite

be

also

whole thing can be

the

easily

taken apart for removal.

XXXIII shows

Plate

a painted

door wardrobe with double doors.

Button Fastening.

on

ing

boards

the

is

matched

The comb-

distincdy

seen

and

The construction of this wardrobe is given in detail on Plate XXIX.

The front is composed of a
frame, mortised and tenoned together.
The back is also framed, but is
similar pattern

is

enlarged in Fig.

9.

These two frames

of course panelled.
carcase and they also

form the

are

The whole

feet.

by these frames, and they can be applied

There
on the

two designs on Plate

are

reduced to the
left is

minimum

made

the right a curtain

Washstands.

provided with

in

way

is

used

in place

Assuming

skeleton

kept rigid

is

to solid or panelled ends.

is

about

for small

wardrobes

3 ins.

The one

ft.

to the description

given above.

On

of doors.

that every

bathroom and

to the

structure

XXXVIII

width which

in a similar

fixed flush

basin, the

new house

still

remain

One bathroom could not

every member of the family, and

necessary piece of furniture in the bedroom.

provide washing accommodation for

to be built will be

washstand must

UKDUOOM
there are times which

bedroom

the

In Plate

is

come

to

FITIINITUUK

25

every household when the wiishstand

in

essential.

XXXIV

a very simple

and cheap stand

is

shown.

It

has

II

Fig.

8.

A Corner Cupboard.

curtains in place of doors and a splash curtain at the back.

of the same stand

top

is

with

is

given on Plate

curved which gives

lino,

and

a detail, C,

a litde

XXXVII.

drawino-

The front line of the

The top itself is covered
rebated to take it.
The rim

wider space.

shows the rim

FURNITURE FOR SMALL HOUSES

26

should be dry dowelled into the top so that

lino cleaned right through.

small bead pinned

down

as

The
shown

it

can be Hfted off and the

front line of the lino

in the detail B.

is

protected by a

Two

posts for the

curtain are halved over the rim and screwed from behind.

Plate

XXXIII and

the top drawing on Plate

even cheaper type of construction

XXXVII

for a painted washstand.

show an

Front and

mm

Fig.' 9.

A "Combed"

Pattern.

back frames are fixed to the ends, A, and the bottom, but the back
is carried up to form a splash board.
Two doors are made from

frame

matched boarding.
In the belief that corner washstands are not so
are said

to

be, the

author has designed two.

chest of drawers in Plate

XXXV.

It

is

made

out and curtains would enclose the lower

part.

unpopular

One

is

of ^-\n.

The

as

they

shown with a
wood throuo-h-

plan and details

BEDROOM
are given on Plate
tains a little

XXXM

27

together with a design on the

The

more work.

ITTHNlTlTliE

back

could be used to protect the wall from splashes.

Below the corner washstands

the lower part.

The

with two doors.

construction

screwed into the uprights.

washstand with

In

left

which con-

framed up and panels or curtains

is

is

Curtains are also used

a

is

medicine cupboard

A shows

very simple.

Plate

XXXIV

there

is

the top

very small

tambour or shutter front which should be cheaper

The

than two panelled doors.

little

table with

it

is

for use at the

bed-

side.

In Fig.

where,

in

8 a

living

corner cupboard

is

shown which would be

room, bedroom, or kitchen.

It

is

useful any-

just under 5

high, and the tront has been brought out to prevent any tipping.

ft.

The

plan shows the two framed backs, the front edges of which are rounded.

The bottom is screwed through

down into them. By this means

the frames and the top also screwed

the whole thing could be easily taken

to pieces if required.

Combing.

In

Plate

ing patterns in paint.

more

XLVI

there are nine suggestions for

Black on a coloured ground

is

comb-

given as being

suited tor reproduction, but any two colours which blend well

can be used.

The comb, which

or teeth, must be used

freely,

is

in

varying thicknesses of spurs,

consequently the scrolled and wavy

patterns are the most successful.

They

are best, too, for getting

Suggestions tor panelling out are given

the corners.
the page.

made

numerous
when lines are

In the process there will be

a livelier interest to the pattern as

at

round

the bottom of

accidentals which give

crossed,

and

it

looks

though the comb had been raised and the pattern jumped at the
With practice the combing can be done very quickly.
intersection.

as

Fig. 9

is

produced by kind permission of the editor of The Builder.

Plate

A Wardrobe

XXXI

Plate

A Deal

Wardrobe, Painted

XXXII

Plate

A Wardrobe

and Washstand, Painted

XXXllI

Plate

Dressing Chest and Washstand, Painted

Washstand and Bedside Table

XXXIV

>
X
X
X

<

o
Q
Z
<

O
o

Platk

(=

XXXVI

Plath

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1

Mt

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l1JJ'-i

Ifffi
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._.

Washstands

XXXVII

Pl.ATl

XXXVIII

7
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12
Small Wardrobes

f7^

Platk

XXXIX

iiirii

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A Wardrobe

'late

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Of dIMqt-E

BEDSTEAD.

l777777r777>.
/.

-POST

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Bedsteads

XL

Plate

rriTT

i:'

Ml

IIP'-

HI

m1
'ii

|ii'')ll'll|i'!i|M"M
1,'

'I'l

FRAMED UP

BACK.

FUl-l. SIZ'K

DETAIL. OF

COR.NE-R,.

Corner Wardrobe

XLI

Platf,

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I

f,
111
I

111

'

w
I

It-

1^

Plan SHCWINQ -RODS

FOT?

HOOKS

A Wardrobe

<;la$s

with Drawer

XLII

Pl.ATI.

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ii:l

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)(

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w^^/-^^^

Y/^^^^)a

,3 -lEET

Small Wardrobes

XLIl

Plate

Q
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i

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7,
Pi:i

'11

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III

llili

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SECTION OF

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A "Framed-up" Wardrobe

XLIV

>
X

7^=^sm

Pi

fi

l'r,Aii

Patterns for Combing

XI.VI

VI.
Chests

BEDROOM FURNITURE {Continued).

of Drawers Toilet Mirrors Towel Horses and

Rails.

The modern

chest of drawers

is

good or extremely bad.

either very

The

best examples are those of the eighteenth-century type which stood

well

up from

the floor,

^'ery

good can be

little

said

chests which are grained to look like oak, maple, or

when they

stand

flat

the cheaper

for

mahogany, and

to the floor they are an assured dust trap, for being

heavy they are seldom moved.

The

chest in the best set

shown

is

hat cupboard at the top in which there

No

or light things.

bedroom
it

made

is

made

painted wardrobe and

in

XXXIV

Plate

Every one knows

supports and

with

hundred

the usual type of

" serpentine " base.

its

years.

is

is

ft.

from the top and

illustrated in the

XXXIV

is

supported by

is

too,

in

(29)

chests

its

the supports

must be

tied to

XXXV

Plate

wood

how

strut, a
is

scroll

its

work

proper

the glass swings

method which

is

clearly

fixed to the chest.

movable and the design

made

smaller

Both

has been the accepted design

It

an alternative to the aforesaid "serpentine"

simpler in construction, can be

feet.

mahogany mirror with

photograph where the frame

the mirror

It is

clearly seen.

On

book.

the top.

9 ins. long.

washstand.

loose and the screws wear out so that the glass

Plate

cupboard has been one

book rack on

the

Every one knows,

angle or propped up with

wardrobes or

in

consequently very strong and

is

were painted and the combing can be

for a

made

is

this

two frames on the cut-out ends forming the

shown

has a

It

higher a third drawer could be added

a little

dressing chest at the top of Plate

like the

rigid, the

chest

If

on

In the drawing, Plate L, there

desired.

The

such provision for hats

furniture, and the general verdict

oi cordial approval.

XLVII.

Plate

in

a sliding rack or shelf for hats

is

is

and " scroll"

In

suggested as
glass.

It is

any wood, and should be cheaper

FURNITURE FOR SMALL HOUSES

30

On

to produce.

post and slot at

Plate LII there

is

a scale

second design shows the glass supported

The

detail

The

is

in slots

little

cheaper than the

first,

This second

whilst the third one

their

purpose

little

at

XLIX

made

satisfactorily.

XLVII a simply made towel horse

drawers.
The shelf at the bottom might

Plate

This makes

All three have been

mirror.

In Plate
chest of

The

cut into the tray side.

screws pass through the frame from inside the rebate.

and answer

of the

at B.

just the mirror frame screwed at an angle to brackets.

quite a strong and serviceable

On

details

gives the slots cut in the back for the strut.

design would be a
the bottom

drawing with

and of the post forked into the tray side

is

shown with the

be useful for shoes.

there are useful designs for towel rails which can be fixed

on the ends of washstands or on the wall.

They are made up of arms
which swing from a centre in a bracket.
In the top one, A, the arms are

Fig. 10.

Towel

pinned right through, and

keep

will

its

place without

if a

Rail for

knob

turned on the top of the pin

is

any further

Bathroom.

fixture.

hard wood, birch, or sycamore for preference.

The arms
They need

it

should be of

not be more
than |-in. thick, and four, or more, would swing from one pin.
The
second, B,

confined to two arms which swing on separate pins.

wood should be

inch
a

is

slot

enough

for

all

the parts.

screwed and can be pushed up and

down

for a

Fig. lo

bathroom.

into brackets

The

is

fits

The

into a piece

the usual

one above the other

easily fixed to the wall or

j^^-in.

as shown
woodwork.

arm.

rail

suitable

or i-in. beech dowels bored

in the

end.

The back

Designs for two dressing tables are given on Plate LI.

method of swinging

which

more ordinary type of

simple arrangement for a towel

rails are

Half-

third,

to release or fix the

the bottom of the page are suggestions for the

towel horse.

is

quite thick

suggestion for one arm only, and the top pin

is

At

is

The

board

usual

from the centre has been abandoned in

both designs.
A wooden dowel in the frame is dropped into a slot cut
in the side supports at the top.
The glass is held at convenient slopes
the glass

BEDROOM FUllNITURE
by

a small

wooden

frame, and small

XLVIII.

Plate

which

strut

slots are cut

the top table

in

in the base

in slots

the glass turning somersault

when

are suggested for the drawers.

This of course adds

made without
In

the shelf

some of

hinged to the glass

is

hinged on to the back

cut into the back of the mirror trame.

if

These

is

never any tear of

the screws wear out.

Wooden knobs

simple devices are inexpensive and

shoes.

is

board to act as the rack, see

In the bottom table the strut

board and works

31

reliable.

There

In the lower design there

a little

to the cost,

is

a shelf tor

but the table could be

desired.

the designs the top projects at the back to clear the

skirting, but in the dressing tables the top has been left flush, as such
tables are generally placed

from

it.

back to the window and a short distance

Plate

Towel Horse and Chest

of Drawers, with Cupboard

XLVII

Plate XLVllI

Chair and Toilet Table

Platk

xlix

aWINqiNq TOVH^EL- RAILS

5s"
I

B
SCALE

lJ^M
riii:'
1

i!i

PLAN

D^t

TUZ

X=N
TOWEt- HORSES

Towel

Rails and Horses

I'l.ATI

(l)

Dressing Chest

(2)

Cupboard Chest with Book Shelf

Platk LI

Toilet Tab

Plate LI I

m
^ZXl

n^z^

Design for Toilet Mirror Frames

MISCELLANhOUS FURNITURE.
Bookcases China Cabinets H.it Stamis Whatnots.

VII.

The
oil

bookcase and cupboard

Plate L\'] ^^ould be

the parlour.

no

would

It

a useful piece

in

chamters or bevels give

more

a little

such a bookcase

is

on the same page should make

periodicals of

good number.
hard or

old-fashioned, and

" willy nilly

"

useful tier of shelves

Plate

and such

Papers and

rack will hold a

in

any wood,

still

popular, but usually ugly " whatnot

room and provides

place for the

have to be kept somewhere.

is

shown

in the

odd things

In Plate

XXVI

corner of the small parlour, and on

LV

differs

The construction
there is a scale drawing of the same article.
from the ordinary " whatnot " with its turned or twisted supports

just pinned into the thin shelves.

tenoned

The

very gooci substitute.

Both the case and the rack could be made

an odd corner in a

which

not possible, the book and paper rack

soft.

The
fills

These

The cupboard would be useful

look untidy when left about the

sorts quickly accumulate,

all

to scale

room or
There are

character to the design and allow

storing magazines which always

Where

and drawn

in the living

the centre of the upper part.

the shelves to set back from the edge.

room.

of furniture

except perhaps the chamfered edges of the

it,

ends and on the dividing piece

tor

XV

or stand-out in the room.

a recess

fit

about

special features

illustrated in Plate

together without

front

stiles

or uprights are

smallest shelf at the top.

The

panels and

The

elevation. A,

shows two frames

securely screwed at the angle.

made wide enough

to be cut out for the

shelves are screwed through the frame

from the back and a centre leg is fixed under the bottom shelf B is
C is a similar set of shelves
the section showing full shape of one frame.
with a cupboard
first

except

at the

that

bottom.

panels

The

construction

would be grooved
(!33)

in

is

the

the same as the

back

where

the

FURNITURE FOR SMALL HOUSES

34
cupboards

are.

would be

solid

book

They

"whatnot," and the frames or

made

can be

in a similar

is

boards

a tier of

way

the

to

backs rebated into the uprights.

solid

no waste space in the corner

is

and the shelves just screwed through.

shelves for a corner.

There

The two back

aiset of shelves for hanging.

is

if

smaller books are arranged in a

semicircle.

For corner china cupboards there are two designs on Plate LVII, the
first one, A, with open shelves above and the second, B, with glass doors.
Both these cabinets could be made in one carcase, but they are better

made

construction

is

very simple with framed-up backs rebated into uprights.

Shaping for the shelves, for which suggestions are given,

they could be kept their

choice as
In

The

Plate

LIV

there

is

a matter of

width and level with the front.

mahogany china

is

full

cabinet for a corner.

quarter circle front complicates the construction somewhat, but the

The

doors are straight.

A
made

turned legs are forked up into the frieze frame.

straight front china cabinet

mahogany

in

for

is

also

which the design

shown
is

in Plate

best suited.

glazed as well as the doors, but they could be solid

The dimensions

reduced.

depth 10
It

12

ins. to

safe

is

ins.

are 5

to say that

6 ins. high, 2

The ends

more modern stands

are

the cost had to be

9 ins. wide,

ft.

and

the hat-stand with a centre upright and

is

It

usually trembles

when you hang

and staggers under weight of a heavy one.

it

was

It

one of the ugliest and most ill-constructed

of curly arms on either side.

a light coat on

ft.

if

LIV.

outside.

household furniture

pieces of
tiers

The whole

two with the top screwed down to the bottom.

in

much

are not

The

better although they are not so likely

to collapse.

hoped that in the new houses some provision will be made

way of cupboards, under stairs or in a recess, for the keeping of

It is

in the

hats, coats,
at

or front passage,

is

villas

recess

with

more of

Old

ideas are

ft.

place

in

such a way that the

to

put a hat-stand, which

in

front

is

kill,

and

probably the best

Failing a recess, a shallow skeleton cup-

high with a curtain to pull across

hard to

hall,

the floor space.

doors or a curtain

arrangement where possible.

board about

are not the best decoration for a hall

have been built

the only possible

generally takes half or

They

and umbrellas.

any time, and our

it

may

is

very

satisfactory.

take a long time to convince

hj

<

<

IMISCKLIANEOUS FUUNrrUUE
people
than

it

ithat the

modern

need^do.

hat stand

is

unsightly and takes up

ii5

more room

Plate LIII shows a suggestion for a stand\which need

not take more than

a framed-up: back,

ins. at

open

the base and q ins. tor the end.

to the wall,

It

is

just

screwed on to the solid ends into

which a^bottom board has been dovetailed. The design could be lengthened another 2 ft. if desired and the back panelled up. Plate LIII

Fig. II.

also

shows

a larger

but

in

depth

and

in

production

it

Coat .md

H.it R.ick.

and more expensive stand panelled right through,

takes less
it

room than

the ordinary stand with a drawer,

should not cost more.

It a

small shelf

is

required

is plenty of room tor one in each angle above the umbrella rack.
For a simple hanging arrangement. Fig. 1 1, shows a shelf with a back
on which the hooks are fixed. The back board gives good fixing to
the wall and the shelf would take hats.

there

>
i-H

u
u

u
u
o

Plaii:

LV

Plati.

'lil-

L\'I

Pl.AIF

1
I

LVII

ABERDEEN

THE UNIVERSITY PRESS

Mr.

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