The Importance of Light

The Drawing Room might be considered the only public room in the house “designed” to be used at night. Unlike the parlor and dining rooms downstairs, this room has a chandelier, mirrors on the walls and doors, and even reflective materials in the wallpaper that when lit by candlelight would have had a brightening and shimmering effect during evening parties. Knowing that clothing looks different in candle light as compared to day light, women dressed for candlelight festivities carefully, often selecting glossy white fabrics spangled with gold or trimmed in silver, pearls, and diamonds.