The combination sideboard and china cupboard, the

subject of the two illustrations, was made by a carpenter under the directions of

the designer, for a dining room having only one closet, and that a small corner

closet built to complete the octagon form of the room. In this instance the

sideboard was made of clear white pine, and the finishing and decorating done by

the ladies of the family. The woodwork having all been well sandpapered to a

nice smoothness, an oak stain was prepared. Raw sienna ground in oil was

purchased, a one-pound can being more than sufficient, a little bronze-green

ground in oil, and some turpentine to thin them; raw sienna gave the prominent

tone, a little bronze-green was added to give an old oak effect. The stain was

rubbed in with a bit of soft woolen cloth. A little brown Japan added to the

stain improved it, and gave a slight gloss to the wood, helping also to fill the

pores.

The illustration at right shows the

combination sideboard and cupboard as it appeared when first in use, that is,

previous to its intended decoration. It will be seen that it has large shelf

space to accommodate china and glass, both in the upper and the lower part, the

latter especially, the shelves being both wide and deep. The shelves of the

upper part have mouldings for holding plates in their places, and the intention

is to put a row of brass hooks on the under side of one shelf for the hanging

thereby of the handsomest cups.

Between the upper and lower parts of the cupbaord, that is, on the top of the

base portion, there is ample space to stand extra plates, dishes, or saucers

needed for dessert. Ordinarily, a two-handled bamboo tray stands in the middle

of this space and holds two caraffes or water bottles set in old-fashioned fluted

silver “coasters” or decanter stands; also two heavy old English cut glass

decanters, one near each end, and a china open-work fruit basket, as seen in the

large illustration. The lower part holds a china dinner service, while the upper

part with its glass doors reveals the best china of the house, blue and white,

and red, blue, green and gold porcelain, also the cut glass dishes, etc. The gay

colors of the china are well thrown out by the old oak tone of the wood, and the

pretty forms of cups and pitchers and odd-shaped dishes, combine to make this

sideboard an attractive feature of the dining room.

The first illustration shows the empty cupboard and sideboard after its

decoration is completed, and is thus drawn so as to concentrate the attention on

its ornamentation as well as construction. It will be seen that the edges of the

shelves are ornamented, as also the outer edges, beyond the doors and the panels

of the lower doors. The ornament displayed is painted in coach-black with a fine

brush. There is also painted ornament around the base escutcheons. As all the

lines of this sideboard are straight and severe, the ornamentation takes the form

of curves and flowing lines, yet follows the line of construction, according to

the canons of good taste. The drawers for holding knives, forks and spoons,

which by the way should always be lined with velvet or canton flannel, and for

the table cloth and napkins, are also ornamented by painted designs, and swinging

handles of bronze have been added, replacing the knobs first in use.

Originally published December 1892