Page:An Encyclopædia of Cottage, Farm, and Villa Architecture and Furniture.djvu/1089

 GRECIAN AND MODERN VILLA FURNITURE. 1005 2111. Pier Consol Tables. Figs. 1940, 1941, 1943, 1944 exhibit four varieties of pier consol tables, with marble tops, and silvered plate-glass backs. They are commonly placed against the piers between windows. They are made of rosewood, and sometimes gilding is introduced en the carving, especially when the style of Louis XIV. is imitated, as in figs. 1943 and 1944. The looking- glasses are placed in gilt frames, and they are carried up nearly as high as the ceiling. The tops of these tables are sometimes covered with scagliola, instead of marble, which comes a great deal cheaper ; and, when executed in Mr. Brown's very superior manner, looks nearly as well. 2112. Pier Tables with Marble Tops may be supported by cast-iron brackets, or other stands of that metal, gilt or bronzed, at very moderate expense, and with excellent effect. We have already given various Designs for brackets, and for the ends of tables, to be formed of cast iron, from sketches by Mr. Mallet ; and we might here add a number of others from the same fertile and tasteful contributor, but we think it unneces- sary. Almost every thing in the style of Louis XIV. may be executed in cast iron cheaper than in wood. Pier and consol tables ai-e great ornaments in drawingrooms, and ought never to be omitted where splendour is an object to be desired, and money is not wanting. One greit advantage of them is, that the glasses which form a part of them multiply every object in the room, from the floor to the ceiling, and not only every object in the room, but the -iews of objects reflected from without ; whereas chim- ney-glasses only reflect objects at a cer- tain height between the floor and the ceiling. 2113. Chiffoniers. Fig. 1942 is a chiffonier pier table for placing between windows. These tables are usually finished with white marble tops, with plate glass behind, and a shelf supported by brackets for holding ornaments. The panels of the doors may be sil- vered plate glass, or of fluted silk. These are most useful objects for fa- milies who cannot afford to go the expense of pier or consol tables. In parlours, and even lady's libraries, they may be used as a sort of morning side- board for containing any light species of refreshment. 2114. Devonports (so called from the inventor's name) are drawingroom writing-cabinets used by ladies. Fig. 1945 is a very convenient piece of furniture of this description; the top part, forming the desk, pulls forward to come over the knees when it is to be used. A sliding flap draws out on each side, to hold papers, a candle, &c. The desk lid lifts up, and beneath it is a space for papers, and several small drawers. There is besides a drawer which pulls out at the side, and turns round, as shown in the figure, for pens, ink, wafers, &c. Beneath the flap are drawers on one side, and the other side is finished with the appear- ance of drawers to correspond. The back is handsomely paneled, so that each side of this piece of furniture looks well. The flaps and sides are lined with morocco leather embossed. There are castors concealed in the feet. Fig. 1946 is a Devonport which stands on a plinth, having concealed castors, and 6 K