“Glasses for chimney-pieces run various, according to the size of the fire-place, and the height of the wall above. To save expense, they are sometimes fitted up in three plates, and the joints of the glass covered with small gilt mouldings or pilasters. At other times with the naked joint only. When they are of one plate, the frame in general is made bolder and more elegant.”
The floor is completely covered with a carpet having a border which has to be neatly mitred at the corners.
“The kitchen, the hall, the dining-parlour, the ante-room, the dining-room, the library, the breakfast-room, the music-room, the gallery of paintings, the bedroom and dressing apartments, ought to have their proper suits of furniture, and to be finished in a style, that will at once, show, to a competent judge, the place they are destined for.
“The library should be finished in imitation of the antiques; and such prints as are hung in the walls ought to be memorials of learning, and portraits of men of science and erudition.
“The music-room may be conducted in a more gay style; and the paintings or prints of the muses and masters of music may consistently make a part of furnishing; and chairs and stools of a richer variety of colours may be admitted with propriety.”
“The ante-room is an introduction to the drawing-room and partakes of the elegance of the apartment to which it leads, serving as a place of repose before the general intercourse be effected in the whole company. Here may be placed a number of sofas of a second order with a pianoforte or harp or other matters of amusements till the whole of the company be collected.
“The tea-room, or breakfast-room, may abound with beaufets, painted chairs, flower-pot stands, hanging bookshelves or moving libraries and the walls may be adorned with landscapes and pieces of drawings, etc., and all the little things which are engaging to the juvenile mind.
“The lodging-room admits of furniture simply necessary, but light in appearance, and should include such pieces as are necessary for the accidental occasions of the night. Here should be a small book-shelf with such books as should tend to promote our pious resignation of body and soul to the care of the great author of the universe and divine superintendent of human happiness.
“The dressing-room exhibits the toilet-table and commode with all the affairs requisite to dress as bason stands, stools, glasses, and boxes with all the innocent trifles of youth.
“The drawing-room is to concentrate the elegance of the whole house, and is the highest display of richness of furniture. It being appropriated to the formal visits of the highest in rank, and nothing of a scientific nature should be introduced to take up the attention of any individual, from the general conversation that takes place on such occasions. Hence, the walls should be free of pictures, the tables not lined with books, nor the angles of the room filled with globes; as the design of such meetings are not that each visitant should turn to his favourite study, but to contribute his part towards the amusement of the whole company. The grandeur then introduced into the drawing-room is not to be considered as the ostentatious parade of its proprietor; but the respect he pays to the rank of his visitants.” He also informs us that: