Wall Treatment
In dealing with walls the division can be planned in accordance with architectural proportions, but the orthodox features are not necessarily employed.
In some phases of traditional decoration much use has been made of pilasters—the spacing and distribution of which, while conforming to the conditions of the interior, are similar to the usual employment of pilasters in exterior architecture, with the difference that the spaces between them are occupied by panels or other features.
Except in apartments of unusual height, pilasters should not be mounted on a pedestal; though a pedestal-like feature is often introduced in the form of a Dado or surbase.
In such a scheme the entablature also should be used so that the cornice forms a bed moulding for the ceiling.
Coupled pilasters may also be employed, and in
No. 186. Wall Division.
A. & B. Pilaster Treatment.
C. & D. Alternation of wide and narrow panels.
some well-known instances are placed wider apart than is ordinarily the case, and the space between is then occupied by a narrow panel.
No. 187. Detail of Ceiling. Library of S. Lorenzo, Florence. M. Angelo.
In smaller apartments the pilaster may be dispensed with, but the division of the wall surface can conform to the same general plan both vertically and horizontally. In the absence of pilasters the spaces may be divided into panels alternately narrow and wide.