The entire ensemble is one in which these elements, together with the window and door, are in pleasing proportion one with another Pilasters Pilasters are imitation square columns, partly built into, partly projecting from a wall. The lowest part of the entablature is the architrave. Next is the frieze, which is used as the fascia-board and takes the lettering. Over this is the cornice which protects the lettering from the weather. Cornices, and to a lesser extent architraves, may be elaborately detailed to increase their decorative effect.
Brackets are of many designs, from scrolls to heaped profusions of foliage.
Brackets terminating fascia-boards are topped by caps to stop the penetration of water. Lettering and Painting Generally, fascia-boards are of timber with painted or raised lettering, occasionally carved. The latter two forms are often found behind glass. Hand-painted advertisements on walls, old enamelled signs and hanging signs representing trades are features which add to the decorative quality of buildings Shopfronts are traditionally painted in strong colours which are slow to fade. The decorative arts of graining, staining and marbling wood and plaster have been frequently used.