Cutting and draping

by John W. Stephenson

In many cases the designs suitable for an upright piano can be used with good effect on a mantel, Figures[ 23], [24], [25] and [27] of our illustrations possessing this feature to a certain degree.

The decoration of a mantel, however, does not present the same difficulties as the decoration of a piano, because there are fewer restrictions to bear in mind, and there is perhaps more danger of overdoing mantel decoration on this account.

From the appearance of some of the old-fashioned fireplaces still in existence we would infer that in those days utility and capacity were the first, last and only considerations.

The open grate, though popular for a long time after its introduction into this country, gradually became less and less frequently used, and as its usefulness decreased its artistic insufficiencies became more and more apparent, draperies being used to relieve and ornament it where it was thought unwise to remove it altogether. Succeeding the period of disguised homeliness we have a period of more elaborate designs, and with the return of the overmantel architectural art has lavished upon this piece of furniture carvings and mouldings until it is usually a thing of beauty, and the decorator has sometimes to advise against what would be a superfluity of decoration in the employment of fabric.

A little judicious advice along the line of superabundant decoration is sometimes profitably and kindly received, but the man who presumes to so advise must do so only upon invitation and with the utmost tact. In a great many cases, however, the mantel drapery is still an artistic necessity, and we give herewith a few styles and methods of modern treatments. Figure [30] is a flat-covered buckram pelmet, having a scalloped bottom, and a series of apertures through which a light-weight drapery is arranged in regular festoons.

This style is frequently employed to obtain depth without the appearance of weight. The top edge of the pelmet may be finished with a cord, fringe, moulding, antique nails or any simple form of trimming. For method of making this class of drapery see chapter on flat valances and lambrequins. It is sometimes necessary to provide an open grate with draught curtains, as Figure [31].

These are hung on a small rod close up to the top of the opening, using rings large enough to allow them to traverse easily, and are provided with a tassel loop at each side to retain curtains, as dotted lines, Figure [31], when the grate contains fire.

It is necessary, unless the goods are very heavy, to weight the bottoms of the curtains to prevent the draught from drawing them inward. This is accomplished by a small roll of shot, about the thickness of a lead pencil, cased in cotton and inserted between the lining and the goods along the bottom of the curtain. Do not fill the roll so tightly that it will not retain its flexibility.

This will be found a good method to employ where a draught of any kind interferes with the proper appearance of a light-weight curtain, and the roll can be kept almost invisible in the lightest materials by covering it with a piece of material the same shade as the curtains.

Frequently the appearance of a room may be enhanced by giving the mantel fitment some elevation, as, for instance, Figure [32], by reason of its plainness, would in a large room present a squatty appearance, were it not for the elevation given it by the panel and drapery. Instead of the panel, a mirror may be used, and the drapery added to relieve the bare top line. The drapery may be attached to a pole, cords or ornaments, as your design may require, taking care only to give it sufficient extension to clear the panel nicely and not lie flat against the face of it.