The Blue Room in the White house has had different purposes throughout the history of administrations, but it is most often used as a reception area to welcome esteemed guests and visitors. Originally decorated during the Madison administration and filled with classic furniture and art, the entire room had to be redone after a devastating fire in 1814.
The president in charge or redecorating the Blue Room was President Monroe. After consulting with a team of experts he settled on a style that was decidedly French influenced. President Monroe was hoping to use deep and luxurious French mahogany furniture to show case the beauty of the shape and size of the room. However the French firm that was to ship the furniture found such a selection in poor taste and instead sent a suite of gilded furniture that they felt would be more tasteful.
President Martin Van Buren put his own stamp on the room by redecorating it with a blue motif. A custom made blue and gold carpet was installed as well as opulent blue drapes.
However, it is the touches added by Monroe that make the Blue Room continue to stand out. In the center of the large room stands a simple marble top table that was purchased in 1817. It is what is above the table that is truly breathtaking: a 19th century French chandelier with gilded wood and finely cut glass. A wreath of acanthus leaves circles the chandelier. Acanthus has come to stand for quality, longevity, and creativity. The chandelier is the focal point of the room and attracts almost as much attention as the famous blue coloring.
December 18th, 2006 by Webmaster
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