Hold That Elevator...

Further to my previous post 2 years ago on elevators we are now in the process of getting quotations for a domestic lift, so I thought I would write a second more comprehensive post.

There are essentially 2 types of lift mechanism - mechanical winch from above or hydraulic jack from below. Most domestic lifts are run by the second means, and the most common (because it is the least expensive) is a simple square carpeted platform that is pushed up the shaft from below, without a ceiling or sides to the carriage (well, in fact no carriage full stop, unlike the winch models which require a box to pull up the lift shaft.). This platform idea seems very rudimentary, so we are varying it by having a full carriage but pushed from below. This will allow us to go to town on the detailing inside the carriage with wooden paneling, beveled mirrors and a chandelier. As with everything at WBP, it is the detail that will set us apart.

I am fascinated by the fin de ciecle wrought iron lifts. They were amazing...

and Art Deco lifts:

Modern copies...

I would like to have a glass and wrought iron door as an homage to these great contraptions of yesteryear. Also, it will be next door to the wine cellar, so the wrought iron and glass doors will compliment each other.

The Inside:

The wooden paneling will be similar to that below: 

 The bare light bulb lets it down somewhat.

I like the 2 tone paneling below, although we will have beveled mirror where they have lighter panels, to give a sense of space. No one wants to feel like they are in a vertical coffin.

although there are simpler forms of paneling...

It must have a charming light in the ceiling...

Something like the basket below would be suitably sparkly (c.f. top photo).

Down lights are just not the same...

It would be nice to have ornate brass-work for the buttons...

and maybe a brass floor indicator (that would be pushing it in a 2 story house)...

No seating, though an interesting idea...

now all we need is a bell boy...

or girl... 

Though we don't want a bumbling Bell Boy, we need to be more Hotel Babylon than Faulty Towers...

But I digress. Other lift ideas...