Another dumb waiter that Sheraton recommends is a table similar in general form to No. 1 on Plate LX. The drawers are used for knives, etc. In the centre a shelf or waiter rises on a stem, and below it are four trays for decanters, glasses and small plates. The drawers are lined with “a tin case to fit loose in and japanned white, to have the plate trays with the balusters. These are easily taken out, and may be cleaned and replaced when necessary. And the workman must observe that the waiters turn round on the pillars; for the under pillow has a beechnut let into it, and the upper part screws itself home into it, so as to admit the waiter to turn.
“The plate trays ought to be 11 inches in diameter in the clear, and the opening for the hand 4½ inches. There is a turned astragal for the top rail and the baluster.”
A supper tray called a “Canterbury,” Sheraton says is “made to stand by a table at supper, with a circular end, and three partitions crosswise, to hold knives, forks and plates at that end, which is made circular on purpose.” An Archbishop of Canterbury is said to have invented this piece of furniture.
Sheraton made a great variety of beds. They include French beds, state beds, dome, canopy, alcove, and sofa beds. The former are very intricate. He describes them as follows: “Beds of this kind have been introduced of late with great success in England. The dome is supported by iron rods of about an inch in diameter, curved regularly down to each pillar where they are fixed with a strong screw and nut. These iron rods are covered and entirely hid by a valance, which comes in a regular sweep, and meets in a point at the vases on the pillars. Behind this valance, which continues all round, the drapery is drawn up by pulleys and tied up by a silken cord and tassels at the head of the pillars. The headboards of these beds are framed and stuffed, and covered to suit the hangings, and the frame is white and gold, if the pillars and cornice are. The bed-frame is sometimes ornamented, and has drapery valances below. Observe that grooves are made in the pillars to receive the headboards, and screwed at the top, by which means the whole is kept firm, and is easily taken to pieces. Square bolsters are now often introduced, with margins of various colours stitched all round. The counterpane has also these margins; they are also fringed at bottom, and have sometimes a drapery tied up in cords and tassels on the side.”