INTERIOR DECORATION
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present-day
tendencies
Designing Decoration Schemes for Coaches and Buses With a View to Securing Novelty,Harmony and Easy Maintenance
MUCH attention has been given to the improvement of the coach and bus seat, so that it is now extremely comfortable, durable and of light weight, but a glance inside the modern passenger vehicle at once reveals that the seat is also regarded as important from the decorative point of view. The effect may be dark in tone or of lively aspect. Between these extremes many variations are possible, according to the materials and patterns selected and the way these are arranged.
The cushion and back-rest may be covered with leather and the rear panel with leather cloth to match. If the material be plain, then, apart from the colour chosen, the decorative effect depends chiefly on the variations of light and shade set up by tht shape of the cushion, any pleating of the squab and the general outline of the seat structure.
Co_ntrast is introduced by the use of both leather and moquette, the leather covering only the borders of the cushion and back squab. By this means friction is reduced and the advantages of each material are combined. As a rule, the cushion and squab are of the same material, but novelty is achieved by covering the cushion in one pattern and the back in another pattern or colour. The upper exterior panels of a vehicle are frequently painted a different colour from those below, so why should not a similar idea be applied to the upholstery?
When the vehicle is of maximum width there is no need for the seatback to be shortened, in order to give the increase of ga n giv a y width demanded by the regulations.
Instead, the seat-end and back panel are joined by a rounded corner, and there is a continuous line from one side of the seat to the other.
The top line of the seat-back is a single or double curve, according to whether the seat be individually shaped or otherwise.
Much care having been given to the exterior of the seat, in order to make it attractive, it is essential that fittings, such as handles, rug rails and ash trays, shall be in harmony.
Strong loose covers made of linen or cotton, either plain or patterned, may with advantage be used for coaches. Loose covers impart a fresh appearance to the interior display; they protect the upholstery, or if this be soiled they conceal its defects and, at the same time, protect the passengers' clothing.
The underside of the roof is panelled with plywood and covered with leather cloth. As joints in the plywood are concealed by the cloth, mouldings may, if desired, be dispensed with..
The ceiling, however, is seldom quite plain because there are the grilles of roof ventilators to provide a relief. Moreover, decorative effect is afforded by the luggage racks and their supports, with the lamps let in on the underside.
The inside panels below the waist match the roof, whilst the inside waist rail or garnish rail and the backs of the pillars are of polished wood, usually finished in Cellulose.
Walnut and mahogany are favoured for these parts, but oak harmonises well with many colour schemes and, if any unusual colour or graining be required, there is always a veneer available, or it may be reproduced by photography.
The garnish rail, pillar finishers and lower panels of the front bulkhead are similar to those of the sides of the vehicle. A few inches above the floor, there is often a kicking panel made of fluted aluminium.
Between the two front windows a narrow mirror is mounted, or this space is increased so as to provide accommodation for a first-aid cabinet or other locker, This should have rounded ends and be restricted in depth from back to front, so as not to form an obstruction, especially if the entrance to the coach be situated at this point.
Above the windows a clock may be placed in the centre, with a display of polished woodwork, or a mirror on each side. If the roof be extended in front of the bulkhead for the full width of the vehicle, the upper part of the near side may be utilized as a locker, with access from inside the coach.
The furnishing of the interior is completed by a set of ' curtains. These are made of repp, linen or artificial silk, and are held in position against the pillars by means of spring clips. The curtains, when not in use, are improved in appearance if they be not strained to their fastenings, but slightly looped, so that a curve is made on the outer edge, instead of an almost straight line.
The interior decoration of the coach should be designed so that the vehicle is easily cleaned. Ready detachment should not be confined to the cushions, but should be extended to the back squabs and certainly to the curtains.
The finish of the roof, bulkhead and other inside panelling, as already described, is ideal from the hygienic standpoint, because it is quickly washed or wiped with a damp cloth. If a fitted carpet be employed, easy removal of the seats is desirable in order that, at regular intervals, it may be thoroughly freed from dirt and dust.