What’s Behind This Door?

Absolutely nothing! The two doors in the corner of the Otis House drawing room are false doors. Symmetry was a basic tenet of Federal design and these doors were installed to keep the room in balance. In the showiest room of the house, each window was balanced by a door on the opposite wall. These solid mahogany doors with mirrored panels and fake hinges were a completely extravagant addition that served no purpose other than to impress.