Omaha daily bee. (Omaha [Neb.]) 187?-1922, 1914-09-20
MANTELS HELP BEAUTIFY
Fireplace and Accessories Do Much
to Help Looks of Honse.
COLOR SCHEME IS IMPORTANT
should Match with General plan
of Room and BE so Con structcd
that It VIII Not smoke
Up House.
by r.. e. SUNDERLAND.

oTlunately lOf the nome builder, the
thought OF accessories for the fireplace
may be dismissed until the house is fin
ished and ready to be occupied; or at
least until the question of interior deco
rations and hangings must be taken up,
for there should be a right relation be-
tween these features and the articles
which stand upon the hearth.
Presenting that the fireplace Cor man
ted is one of actual beauty and in per-
feet harmony with its surroundings,
which result Is easily realized now-a-
days If thoughtful attention is given to
the subject, it is a simple. inexpensive
matter to beautifully and appropriately
equip the hearth.
Personal references and individual taste
must naturally govern to a considerable
extent, but there are few substantial
considerations worthy Of note. In the
first place we should enumerate the var
ious articles. which compose complete
fireplace outfit. Then we might well cata-
log the several types or kinds of mater
ials, designs and finishes that are avail
able in hearth furniture. 1t is not feas-
ible to do this adequately in this brief
| account.
l
| sary TO install a gas log and a suitable
| pair of andirons. Addition pieces are
superfluous, because admittedly not USE
full A fender or railing may be very
properly used, but it's purpose is wholly
ornamental Gas logs are now made in
many different patterns resembling diff
ferent kinds and shapes of actual logs.
They also vary mechanically, some be-
| ing 'odorless, intended for use where
no vent of flue is provided; some are
strictly surface burning end are suitable
for use II the fireplace has a good flue.
Wood and coal burning firplacos call
for more complete equipment. If prop
erlay constructed scientifically correct
damper has been installed, with hand con-
troll on the front of the fireplace. This
is one of the most important features
of any fireplace, for smoking can only
be prevented by a properly designed
damper.
Then there is usually placed in the
center of the back hearth floor an ash
dump, through which accommodations of
ashes may drop to the basement This is
very convenient arrangement
A completely furnished hearth includes
portable basket CRATE, a pair of and
irons. a spark screen, a fender or foot
rail, set Of fire tools, including brush
and a wood or coal holder. Other less
important articles are often used in ad-
dition to the regular outfit. but II is GER
tainly desirable to retain simplicity and
apparent usefulness ms the dominating
idea in furnishing the hearth.
Much uncertainty exists as to whether
black andirons. e. g. are proper to use on
well ordered hearth. This may be
answered in the affirmative very posi-
lively. II is decidedly correct to use either
black or darkly finished articles Of hearth
furniture.
To specify broadly Just what should be
dsed under certain circumstances would
be the height of folly, for individual
taste must govern. 1t IS, however, inn
portant TO include the list of available
( and distinctly creditable and correct
goods, those articles which are finished
in black or in the natural dark gray of
uncolored wrought iron.
There are conditions under which brass
! hearth furniture must be used in order
to harmonic with the surroundings.
There are also situations where bright
brass would be entirely out OF place
Color scheme Important.
| What Is the color of the fireplace and
i the woodwork? Is II light or dark? Does
| it stand in the shadow of windows at one
| or both sides OF the fireplace or in the
bright light from windows across the
room? Is the whole decorative scheme
bright or subdued? Is it desired TO make
the whole fireplace outfit blend into the
surroundings inconspicuously or to make
it stand out as distinct thing OF beauty
Ia dominating feature of the room2
All of these things must be considered
in approaching the subject OF furnishing
the hearth. The size and design OF
andirons is another consideration.
Andirons are made in modern, colonial,
Elizabethan, Louis XVI and many other
period" designs and. of course. the re-
mainder Of the hearth furniture should be
In the same design.
| AS 10 material and finish, fireplace ac-
cessories are available in bright or brush
brass, burnt antique brass (either hand
hammered or plain, Swedish gray, verde
antique, art dull black and in numerous
other effects.
II Is evident that there 10 plenty OF CD
portunity for the use of originality. taste
and judgment in the selection of furnish
| ings for the hearth.
H.