My Lady's Chamber

To My Chamber

Or as those from the 20th century might call it, the bedroom. This room is a combination bedroom and sitting room. I often take my breakfast here, and spend most of the morning sewing. During the day, when I don't have visitors, this is a cozy place to relax by reading, working on needlework, or my latest sewing project.

It was previously though that the bedroom should be dark and enclosed, but recently we've discovered that the room should be light, airy, and well ventilated. Now my room is done in bright colors, and a soft fresh breeze moves about the room. I do love the fresh air, especially as I sleep.

"Chambers and bedrooms are of couse a portion of the house to be sedulously and scrupulously attended to, if either health or comfor are aimed at in the family.And first, every mistress of a family should see, not only that all sleeping rooms in her house can be well ventilated at night, but that they actually are so."
Catharine E. Beecher & Harriet Beecher Stowe.
The American Woman's Home, 1869

The curtains, made by my own hand, are of linen taffeta, edged in lace, and tied back with ribbons. Sunlight awakens me in the morning as, my windows face east and catch the ealy morning light. Such a wonderful way to awaken each morning. I dreadfully disliked the dark, musty rooms we had when it was thought that the night air caused sickness.

I have a canopy bed that was handed down from my grandmother. Although the canopy bed is a remant from the days gone by, I still love the look of the curtains. I have replaced the old, dark, heavy curtains with new, light curtains to match those in my room. They are now merely for decoration, as I leave them open at night as I rest to get the most benefit from the fresh air. As the lady of the house, it is one of my responsiblities to ensure that each room of my house gets the proper ventilation.

In another corner I have have my dressing area. On the dresser is a large pitcher of water, and a bowl that I used to freshen up at the begining and end of each day. There is also a door to my closet where I store my hats and dresses. Many of the dresses I've made myself.