Let’s All Take the Pledge . . .NO MORE BARE WALLS!

As we turn our attention to our interiors this fall we will be reassess-ing our accessories and changing or rearranging the furniture. But what about what is or what’s not on our walls.
Before you consider buying motel art at the next travelling “starving artist” sale, or checking out the knock-offs at some national discount chain, do a survey of the scads of unique paintings, prints, watercolors and drawings available at the local antique shops. And while you’re there, look around for some non-traditional wall art. Here are some options to consider:
Wood carvings. All artfully hand- carved pieces are by nature unique. Some wood carvings were even created to be hung on the wall and ap-preciated as art. But consider all the wonderful carvings that can be salvaged from old furniture or architectural detail. Other carvings to consider include those in ivory, bone or mother-of-pearl.
Textiles. Fabrics on the wall can warm up a house in winter, and if you want, you can replace them with other art in the spring. Rugs, tapestries and samplers are the traditional hangings, but you might consider framing swatches of cloth from clothing or upholstery. The Chinese have been framing pieces of old robes for centuries; they’re called “Mandarin Squares,” whatever their shape, and you might see some in antique shops today.
Metals. Consider brass and bronze plaques brought back as 19th “Grand Tour” souvenirs. Hammered tin and copper flue covers often featured romantic scenes, because they were given as gifts for tin and copper anniversaries. Also look for tole (painted tin) trays, and items salvaged from furniture and architectural detail.
Mirrors. Instead of a mirrored wall, consider a wall of mirrors, espe-cially up a staircase. Old mirrors are not for looking into, so the condi-tion of the glass shouldn’t matter. The frames on some old mirror frames are just spectacular to look at, and the mirrors will add depth to any room.
Collections. Shadow box mounting of various collections – butter-flies, coins, stamps, postcards, etc. — was a 19th Century favorite. You might consider updating it with a collection of your own, anything from family jewelry, real or costume, to fishing lures.
Ceramics. Some collectible plates, like those by Lenox and Boehm, are still quite stylish. But consider some of the old artful dinnerware, like Staffordshire scenes, Chinese Canton ad Rose Medallion, fish and game dishes, oyster plates. Hand painted plates represent a colorful and inexpensive way to put real artwork on your walls.
Mark Your Calendar. The Hammonton Antique Center has re-opened, and I will be offering appraisals and signing copies my book there this Saturday, October 23, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Hope to see you there.
Arthur Schwerdt, a certified appraiser, is the author of “The Antique Story Book: Finding the Real Value of Old Things,” and co-owner of The August Farmhouse Antiques on Route 9 in Swainton. Send your com-ments, questions and appraisal requests to aschwerdt@cmcherald.com.