CHEVAL GLASSES

Dominion, Volume 22, Issue 83, 2 January 1929, Page 15

CHEVAL GLASSES

There can be no question as to the decorative properties of plate-glass. It would be possible to dilate upon its good qualities at considerable length, because they are many. Glass is not only useful, but is ornamental as well. Suitably placed in a room, it can be made to contribute to light and brightness and even help to suggest capaciousness ol the apartment. It may be admitted that an excessive use of glass is possible, but with proper restraint, the value of this material in a furnishing scheme ought certainly to be appreciated.

Curiously, modern furniture designs show some tendency in the direction of reducing the amount of glass employed. In the dining-room, the overmantel has become quite unfashionable and the high plate-glass backs of the sideboards have gone. In the bedroom, finely veneered doors are'seen on many of the wardrobes uhere hitherto, plate-glass panels were invariably used. It is not surprising, therefore, that such a beautiful article as the cheval glass should have come into increased popularity. The cheval glass is not, of course, a new idea. The present-day cheval glasses, however, have a charm that is new. They are designed on exceedingly graceful lines and can be obtained in all styles, so as to harmonise with the bedroom suite. Some are quite plain, even severe in their outline. Others are attractively shaped and elaborate glasses can be had, with carved or decorated frames.

; There are beautiful cheval glasses in , walnut or mahogany frames, and there is room for the designers’ ingenuity in ; the variation of the legs which support the glass. These are usually plain and . should be stable enough to maintain an upright position in case of an accidental collision. Another point of note is the space the base occupies. Obviously, this cannot be reduced unduly without sacrificing stability, but where the glass is required for a small room or for a corner where space is a consideration, a pattern can be selected in which the feet do not spread unnecessarily. There are some very handsome cheval glasses in lacquered frames. Lacquer provides an opportunity for the introduction of bright colours into a furnishing scheme, without striking a discord- | ant note. Some very decorative lacquer frames are available, quite suitable for use in a bedroom furnished in mahogany or walnut. Such a glass lends variety to the room and forms a happy relief to the other furniture. Many people prefer to have the glass framed and mounted in the same wood as the bedroom suite and in precisely the same shade. This is a matter of taste and presents no difficulty as these glasses are made m all styles. A glass to reflect the whole figure is almost indispensable in the bedroom and as many of the modern dressing tables have comparatively small mirrors, the cheval glass provides what is needed. It has the great advantage of being easy to move and can be placed where required for use in daylight or by artificial light. Also, these glasses are a real ornament m a room and contribute in no small degree to the handsome appearance of the apartment. A movable glass has” substantial advantages over the long mirror in the wardrobe door,, as it can be shifted from time to time to suit the light or a re-arrangement of the furniture. The modern cheval glass has many forms and many uses. We saw recently a very effective scheme, where two of these glasses were used, one each side of a simply designed dressing-table. On the table was a shaped glass neatly framed, but not constructed as part of the table. The result was quite.pleasing, but might not have been equally so in a small rom. Naturally, ideas of this kind must be modified by or adapted to local conditions.

It need hardly be said, in conclusion, :hat the quality of the plate-glass is im r

portant. Good glass costs very little more, and is well worth the money. This may be thought obvious, but the point is sometimes overlooked, and a word may be worth while. Always examine the glass to see if there are any traces of damp affecting the silvering. — "Town and Country Homes.” THE HOME OF THE FUTURE Dominion Special Service. London, November 29. Inventive genius is gradually simplifying the duties of the housewife, and it is possible to visualise the home of the future in which the domestic servant problem will be solved by mechanical, labour-saving devices, which remove all drudgery. A remarkable collection of new inventions will be on view at the forthcoming Exhibition of the Institute of Patentees. A chef is the inventor of an electrical contrivance which cooks meat on both sides at once, thus grilling it to perfection and improving its quality by retaining its juice. A combination of knife and fork lor use by one-armed persons, and an anti-splash device for soda-water syphons are the inventions of a waiter. Furniture which “contrives a double debt to pay” is represented by a combined wardrobe and settee, and a sideboard which can be converted into a bed. A portable gas heater which will quickly bring bath water to the required temperature has a companion in an improved type of hot water vessel constructed of aluminium and containing a vacuum, round which the water circulates, thoroughly airing clothes placed in the container. Few women —or men—relish the inevitable ‘’washing up” which follows every meal, and they will learn with interest of the arrival of a machine which supersedes the dishcloths and bowl. It is claimed that crockery passed through the machine is cleansed thoroughly, there being a fresh supply of hot soapy water for each article. ’ A method of increasing the heat radiated by fire grates and a device, to be attached to a door, which rings a bell and switches on the light when the knocker is. touched, are also on view. Burglars will learn with disgust, of an invention which makes it impossible to unfasten a window from the outside. For the smoker there is a combined cigarette and match box. and a pipe which is kept free from nicotine and moisture. Motorists have not been overlooked, the inventions. including a shock absorber which minimises the damage in the event of a collision and a tire grip which saves time and temper.