Replicate the bedroom of the 1800s with a few modernizations.
The bedrooms of the 19th century were quite comfortable. The philosophy prevailing at that time was that a bedroom was a haven of rest, relaxation and privacy for adults. Children enjoyed private bedrooms also with similar accoutrements. Not all houses had indoor running water. People compensated for inconveniences with logical accommodations that have been interpreted time and time again in order to modernize the look of a bedroom. Those seeking to duplicate a 19th-century bedroom may do so with a few simple items.
The Porcelain Wash Basin
Each and every bedroom, including the baby's nursery, had a porcelain pitcher and porcelain wash basin. The pitcher was always filled and face towels were always close at hand. This necessity was soon outdated when indoor plumbing became the standard for even the humblest of homes. Nonetheless, the porcelain pitcher and wash basin have remained in the traditional contemporary bedroom as a decorative item emphasizing the design scheme.
The Lady's Vanity and Mirror
Ladies were without the contemporary private bathroom. Thus, any bedroom occupied by a lady or young woman was outfitted with a vanity, stool and mirror. All of the paraphernalia for primping was on the vanity, and much of the paraphernalia was set into sterling silver. It was not unusual to find perfume atomizers, powder boxes, jewelry boxes, brushes, combs and mirrors set into decorative sterling silver adorned with filigree and roses.
The Bed Dressing
With the exception of those rooms in hovels, most beds were dressed with at least one duvet, a dust ruffle, head and neck pillows in shams and smaller decorative pillows with embroidered or knotted facing. The insert for the duvet was a feather comforter. However, no bedroom was without a hand-quilted blanket. Women spent a large portion of their day sewing by hand. This included family quilts. Many times the family history was recorded on those quilts. All quilted blankets from this century were considered family heirlooms, used from one generation to the next.
The Decorative Trunk
The decorative trunk was a standard piece of furniture in the bedrooms of the 19th century. All seasonal items, including blankets and clothing, were stored in the trunk. Many bedrooms for young women included the dowry chest. This chest was a more decorative trunk and held items intended to be used in a new home after a young woman was married. The dowry chest contained items that were inherited and also items that were purchased along the years. Many young girls spent hours with their friends from time to time simply going through their dowry chest and visualizing themselves as happily married women with the treasures from their childhood homes.
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