Today I want to take a look at on of the many curious habits that Victorians had can surprise people. That was covering furniture during the summer months.
If you had stepped into the home of a wealthy Victorian family during the summer, you might have found chairs, sofas and even pianos hidden beneath white cotton or linen covers. At first glance it might have looked as though nobody lived there, but there were several practical reasons behind the tradition.
One of the biggest reasons was dust. In the nineteenth century, streets were usually unpaved, horse-drawn traffic was on the roads that produced a lot of dust and coal fires and factories produced lots of soot that drifted into homes. During the summer, windows were opened to let in fresh air, but they also let dust, dirt and insects inside. The covers helped to protect the expensive upholstery and polished wood from becoming dirty.
Sunlight was another problem. Strong summer sunshine could fade richly coloured fabrics, carpets and wallpapers. It could also dry out and damage polished wooden furniture over time. Lightweight covers provided an extra layer of protection against the sun’s rays.
Many wealthier families also left their town houses during the hottest months, they would go to the countryside or the coast. Before leaving the servants would carefully cover the valuable furniture to keep it clean while the house was empty.
Victorian homes often had expensive handcrafted furniture that was expected to last for generations. Covering it was another way of protecting an important investment.
Although we are less likely to cover our furniture today, many museums and historic houses still use protective covers when rooms are not in regular use.
Were you aware that something as simple as a white cloth could help preserve expensive Victorian furniture, or is this the first time you’ve come across this unusual tradition?
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