From House to Library: 4. Bedroom

Posted on 8/2/24

Authored & Curated By
M.J.G.

A glimpse into the 19th-century bedroom offers us a rare look at private spaces that guests typically wouldn't see. However, there are instances where accounts mention sick or pregnant individuals receiving visitors in their bedrooms. Each decade during the century imposes the next trends in design, technology, and health benefits. These rooms were decorated in various styles throughout the century. The decoration of rooms varies with some people filling their rooms with cherished personal items, while others kept them sparse. Ultimately, the decor depended on the occupants' preferences.

There are many excellent books from that era covering topics like sleep health, bedroom hygiene, and furnishings. A particularly noteworthy resource is " The Bedroom and Boudoir" by Lady Mary Anne Barker, published in London and available in Canada and the United States in 1878.

Thanks to Julia Yardley, Library Director for her additional assistance and information.
All photos are used with permission from the Little Falls Public Library Collection.

Looking into this window reveals a bedroom. It appears that there is a marble-top Eastlake table positioned in front of the window as well as built-in shutters.

This bedroom is simply decorated with a self-made canopy bed with netting. It is unclear if this was purely decorative or if they actually lowered the netting at night due to mosquitos. Right now there isn’t any photo that shows screens in the windows. Some home did have slide screens that were removable or ones that would attach to the outside. Though no evidence of this is seen at least in the photos that I saw. Take note the chandelier was removed, and the gas pip capped above the bed. Beautiful Homes from 1878 has a great section on bedrooms.

Here’s a closer look at the bed cover with its heavy fringe. Beds were typically available in two sizes: single and double. A single bed is equivalent to what we now call a twin bed, while a double bed is similar to today’s full size. By this time, ready-made mattresses of all types were readily available in stores and by catalog.

Myth Buster: Contrary to the belief that Victorians only slept sitting up, there is no evidence in contemporary books or journals to support this. In fact, period sources are conflicting: some suggest sleeping on a high pillow, particularly if you have lung trouble, while others recommend avoiding it. According to the Lowell Sun in 1898, “never sleep on a high pillow unless you desire a double chin.” It is more likely than not that people slept the same way we do today.

This vintage folding table displays two ornamental plates, two books, two statues, an arched mirror, a photo, and an intriguing metal tray with a bud vase in the foreground.

A view of the mantel and hearth reveals the folding screen, which seems to be a handcrafted item adorned with ornamental flowers. It is possible that the lady of the house personally applied the fabric to the screen.

Here’s how the mantel looks today in the same room, unchanged. The floor tile features an attractive and interesting pattern. The mantel’s design likely dates back to when the house was built, although similar mantels were still sold up to the 20th century even if considered by some to be a little old fashioned.

Decorating your mantel or shelf with vases, statues, and clocks was a popular trend. By this time, you could find affordable statuary at local stores or through catalogs. The two vases on either side of the clock appear to be what some call today as “Bristol glass”.

Let’s take a closer look at the clock and vases on the mantel.

This clock is said to be manufactured by Ansonia and is the “Ulysses” model. It was a collaboration between case maker Nicholas Muller (of New York) and the Ansonia Clock Company, stamped “N Muller NY NO 167.” According to the information on the back of the clock in my collection, this case model was used in collaborations with both the Ansonia Clock Company and the Kroeber Clock Company. The one we see in the photo example is missing the small chain that is attached to the top and bottom of his bow.

Zooming in to view the Bristol glass vases and the small statue on the right.

Here are two unrelated examples of what is called today by some as “Bristol glass” vases with storks, which are very similar to those seen in the old photos. These vases could be bought in stores or sometimes were homemade crafts on a bohemian vase.

Here is a closeup of the statue and two vases.

Spelter, including bronzed or gilded versions, was available in pairs or singles and often sold alongside clocks. While the example here differs from the one in the photo, it shares a similar subject matter with the old photograph. Spelter, an inexpensive and easily worked alloy, has been used since the 1860s to make candlesticks, clock cases, tableware, and light fixtures. In the early 20th century, sculptors like Jacques Limousin extensively used spelter for creating Art Nouveau and Art Deco figurines and other ornaments. Today, you can easily find these items under the term “spelter statues.”

However, when searching for these statues today, they are often incorrectly identified as Art Deco, even if they do not belong to that style.

The lady’s dressing table is frequently referenced in books from the 1870s onward. It was common practice to adorn these tables with cloths and draperies. According to Beautiful Homes from 1878, a dressing-table or bureau should not be placed so that light directly hits the mirror, but rather so it illuminates the person using it. It’s intriguing to see how the term “toilet” has evolved; in the past, it referred to the process of “performing your toilet.”

This view reveals the wallpaper, frieze, gas wall fixtures, and the upper part of the fabric draped over the table. It also shows a small framed photo of a baby with a ribbon above it, along with gas sconces on either side of the table.

A drawing from the book Beautiful Homes of the toilet table that was quite popular for during this era.

Previous Chapters of this home:
From House to Library: 1. The House
From House to Library: 2. The Reception Room/Parlor
From House to Library: 3. Drawing Room

Next Chapters of this home:
From House to Library: 5. Dining Room

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