A General View of the interior of a dining-room in the Grecian style, by Mr. Lamb, is shown in Fig. 1900 [see above]. In this Design, Mr. Lamb observes that "in the centre of one side there is a large pier glass over the side-board, and a window in each side to the right and left. the servants' entrance to the room is opposite to the principal entrance, and communicates directly with the kitchen and other offices. Appropriate sculpture and arabesque ornaments are the principal decorations. the curtains are placed close to the windows, and within the pilasters, in order that, when drawn, they may not interfere with the Architecture of the room."
In taking a general view of the modern dining-room furniture here given, we shall commence with the sideboards and wine-coolers under them, which are, for the most part, very good. The idea of cooling wine in a sarcophagus, however disagreeable it may be to those who know the meaning of the word (flesh-devourer), and the original uses to which vessels of this shape were applied, is yet so sanctioned by modern habit, as to be, in our opinion, quite unobjectionable. There is no law in nature against the changing of the uses of objects; and the laws of society are, or ought to be, made by society for themselves, and not by past ages for those which are to succeed them.... The furniture in Mr. Lamb's interior is original, and yet classical; that is, it abounds in forms belonging to, or associated with, the antique.
J. C. Loudon, An Encyclopaedia of Cottage, Farm, and Villa Architecture and Furniture, London, 1833, though obviously an English work, was an influence on American Greek Revival interior design.
Copyright © 2003 Sarah E. Mitchell