The Lincoln Bedroom is one of the most famous rooms in the White House, located on the second floor of the executive mansion. It has served multiple functions over the years but is best known as a tribute to President Abraham Lincoln. The room is now a guest bedroom and retains many of the 19th-century furnishings associated with the Lincoln era. It is a blend of historical significance, classic American style, and luxurious decor, reflecting the 19th-century tastes of the Victorian era.
History and Evolution
- Original Use: The Lincoln Bedroom was not originally a bedroom during Lincoln’s presidency. It was used as President Abraham Lincoln’s Cabinet Room, where he worked, signed significant documents (including the Emancipation Proclamation), and held Cabinet meetings.
- Transformation: The room was converted into a bedroom during the presidency of Franklin D. Roosevelt, who had the bed that is now known as the “Lincoln Bed” moved into the room. This change transformed it into a dedicated guest room.
- Presidential Connections: Various Presidents and First Ladies have contributed to the room’s decor and preservation, emphasizing its historical legacy. It has been renovated multiple times to maintain its historical significance and Victorian charm.
Design and Style
The Lincoln Bedroom is designed in a Victorian style with a heavy influence from the mid-to-late 19th century, reflecting both the tastes of Abraham Lincoln’s time and the later adaptations that honored his memory. Key elements include:
- Victorian Influence: The room features the dark woods, rich fabrics, and detailed ornamentation typical of the Victorian era. Patterns like floral or damask are often used in the upholstery and wallpaper, reflecting the period’s taste for intricate designs.
- Color Scheme: The room’s color palette is typically composed of deep, warm tones, such as burgundy, gold, and dark green, balanced with lighter shades like cream or beige. These colors create an elegant and stately atmosphere.
- Historic Artifacts: The room contains various artifacts from Lincoln’s presidency or items tied to his era, making it both a museum-like space and a functioning guest room.
Key Features and Furnishings
- The Lincoln Bed
- Description: The centerpiece of the room, the Lincoln Bed, is an imposing rosewood bed crafted in a Victorian style. It is 8 feet long, 6 feet wide, and has a massive carved headboard with intricate designs.
- History: Although Abraham Lincoln never slept in the bed, it was commissioned during his administration in 1861. The bed is now closely associated with his legacy and adds a sense of grandeur to the room.
- Details: The bed is often dressed with elaborate bedding, including high-quality linens, pillows, and a heavy canopy, reflecting 19th-century tastes for opulence and comfort.
- Antique Furniture
- Writing Desk: The room contains a mid-19th century desk, possibly similar to the one used by Lincoln during his presidency. This desk has been historically associated with the drafting of important documents.
- Victorian Chairs: A collection of upholstered chairs and a fainting couch, typical of Victorian decor, provide seating options in the room. The chairs often feature carved wood details and plush velvet fabric.
- Armoires and Dressers: Period-correct furnishings, such as armoires and dressers with ornate handles and intricate woodwork, add to the room’s authenticity.
- Lighting and Fixtures
- Chandeliers and Lamps: Victorian-era chandeliers, often with brass or gold finishes, hang from the ceiling. These are complemented by table lamps with ornate bases and fringed lampshades, typical of 19th-century design.
- Natural Light: The Lincoln Bedroom has large windows with heavy draperies, often with tasseled or fringed trims, adding to the luxurious feel while allowing for control of natural light.
- Art and Decoration
- Portraits: The room features a portrait of Abraham Lincoln, as well as other historical figures or moments related to his presidency. These portraits are usually framed in gold or dark wood, reflecting the era’s style.
- Historic Documents: Replicas or original copies of significant documents, such as the Emancipation Proclamation, are sometimes displayed in the room, either in frames or as part of the decor.
- Carpets and Rugs: The room typically has richly patterned carpets or rugs, often in red or gold hues, adding warmth and texture to the space.
Significance and Usage
- Guest Room for Distinguished Visitors: Today, the Lincoln Bedroom is primarily used as a guest bedroom for visiting dignitaries, family members, and close friends of the President. Staying in the Lincoln Bedroom is considered an honor due to its historical importance.
- Symbol of American Heritage: The room stands as a tribute to one of America’s greatest Presidents and serves as a reminder of Abraham Lincoln’s contributions to the nation. It is a symbol of American history, leadership, and the ongoing legacy of the Civil War era.
- Tourist Interest: The Lincoln Bedroom has become an object of fascination for visitors and historians. While it is not always accessible to the public, photos and descriptions of the room often feature in White House tours and publications.
Changes and Restorations
The Lincoln Bedroom has undergone various restorations to maintain its historical accuracy. These efforts have often focused on preserving its Victorian aesthetic while updating aspects to meet modern needs. Restoration projects have included:
- Reupholstering: Fabrics for the furniture, draperies, and bed have been replaced with period-appropriate materials when needed.
- Paint and Wallpaper: The room’s wallpaper and paint have been updated several times to match the Victorian style and Lincoln-era designs.
- Preservation of Artifacts: Special care is taken to preserve the artifacts and furnishings in the room, ensuring they remain as authentic as possible to the period.
Conclusion
The Lincoln Bedroom is more than just a space; it’s a piece of living history. It captures the spirit of the 19th century with its opulent decor, antique furnishings, and the presence of the famous Lincoln Bed. As a symbol of Abraham Lincoln’s legacy and the era he shaped, the room continues to serve as a bridge between the past and the present, reflecting the timeless importance of American history and heritage.
