THE OLD-TIME MANTELPIECE

Evening Star, Issue 21098, 10 May 1932, Page 2

THE OLD-TIME MANTELPIECE

USE OF CASING MODERN EFFECT ACHIEVED Guo of tho greatest obstacles in the way of room modernising is an -oldfashioned mantelpiece, with its obsolete pillars, ornate decorations, and clumsy “ overhang.” Unless it can bo banished or hidden no amount of cleverness will produce in the room tho effect that is required. Unfortunately, not everyone is in a position to face the expense of having the old mantelpiece removed and a new one installed. The alternative is to cover the old work with a simple casing of modern design. Tho frame for tho cover should he built carefully and firmly on to tho ornamental overhang at the top of tho mantelpiece and carried down sheer to the hearth. Tho front and inner sides of the cover should ho of about threeeighth timber, but the outsides could be of three-ply. The casing must fit tightly under the original shelf, and he almost flush with it in front and on both sides. It may be painted or enamelled to tone with the room, though tho effect of simplicity is enhanced by light shades. The result of tho now casing will bo to deepen the fireplace. Because of this tho best results are to bo obtained in cases where a gas or electric fire is installed. This may be sot well forward and the old fireplace opening fitted with air asbestos-cement shoot which, in tlm case of gas, will be pierced by the outlet pipe for fumes. Tho sheet should fit flush with tho back of the casing.

To keep t/tc /hies of bath-heaters am) coke hob water systems free from soot occasionally burn a. few scraps of zinc in the grate of the fire-box.