Federal Period 1785-1820 More gracious and cosmopolitan than any American interior, Federal rooms exude the confidence that came with independence and a sense of national pride. They are more sophisticated, though also somewhat more formal, than Colonial interiors, with symmetrical plans and straight-lined furniture completely erasing any remnants of Rococo. The Federal interior is geometrically shaped and relatively spacious. Smooth plaster walls are painted white or perhaps in warm tones of blue, green, or mustard—subdued in public rooms, much brighter in private ones. There are white moldings, classically detailed, perhaps with plaster ornament like swags, garlands, and rosettes, sometimes accented in bright colors. The dining room or parlor might have wallpaper with patriotic motifs, or elegant scenics, imported from France. Tall windows, often Palladian-style, take to fairly elaborate window treatments, perhaps with draped pelmets, swags, or tasseled pullback draperies over simple muslin or cotton curtains. Floors are polished wood, graced with carpets. In wealthy homes, carpeting in geometric patterns might be laid in strips to cover the entire floor, then finished with a decorative border. Fabrics, including fine French imports, are richer than any used previously in America, with patterns as well as solids embellished with appropriate classical motifs. Lighting has become more sophisticated, and fine chandeliers provide the requisite finishing touch for any important room—with crystal drops, or cut-glass shades. Primarily of brass, chandeliers and sconces still depend on candles, though the first oil lamp, the saucer-type”Betty” is introduced in 1790. The Decorative Arts are more varied than in prior periods, and more distinctly American. The eagle, the national symbol adopted after independence was declared, is the ornament of choice for mirrors and other accessories, and circle of stars, representing the thirteen colonies, is used as well. Federal furniture is distinguished for its geometric forms, slim lines, and smooth expanses of mahogany or lighter-tone woods, often accented with contrasting banding and inlays. The “skin”of veneer has replaced carved decoration. A new range of objects has been designed for specific rooms—sideboards and large tables for the dining room, long sofas and matching chairs for the parlor, decorative tester beds, and a variety of occasional pieces such as sewing or card tables. Brought over from England, the ubiquitous and inexpensive Windsor chair has become the most popular and varied all-purpose piece in America. Though introduced earlier, it is most closely associated with the Federal period—in fan, comb loop back and other variations.
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