Materials

Intro
1 / Period Style
2 / Georgian History
3 / Shape
4 / Materials
5 / Structure
6 / Color
7 / Texture
8 / Size

Brick - For those wealthy enough to afford the labor of making their own bricks, this was the coveted building material. Laying the bricks perpendicular to the house was a real show of wealth and contributed to the solid building that allows these homes to remain in existence today.

Metal - This was used primarily for weather vanes, gates, fences and hardware.

Glass - Classic transom lights are an important feature of the Georgian door. The semi-circular shape and fan design suits the geometric style of the door and allows for maximum light.

Textiles - The advent of the printing on cloth (chintz), allowed for a higher quality and less expensive fabric. This invention proliferates the popularity of foreign patterns and motifs from chinoiserie designs.

Wood - This was the most common building material used in 18th century America. This material was widely used for paneling, wainscoting, moldings, trims, stairways, fences and gates.

Drapery - More ornate, decorative treatments prevailed. Pelmets or cornices, swags and jabots are used as overhangings for the under curtains.

Upholstery - Line and silk damasks were coordinated with the wall hangings and curtains. Finer fabrics replaced the "homespun" fabrics.

Favored colors - "included magenta and crimson, deep green, dark blue, pastel pinks and blues". (The Style Sourcebook, pg.76) Tapestries of floral patterns are popular for seat and cushion upholstery.

Material Finishes

Paint - Usually a single coat over plaster or wood. Mid sheen and oil based paints became more popular as the century progressed.

Wallpaper - Although rare, this was used as a background to a painting or other ornamentation. Flocked or hand blocked styles are more prevalent in the later part of the century.

Decorative Accessories

Lighting - The most prominent chandeliers were hanging candle holders made of iron and wood. Their use was reserved only for the wealthiest because the candles made of bees wax were very expensive. The chandelier of metal and glass was very rare. Sconces were a decorative light source. Only minimal light existed on the exterior.

China and Porcelain - Imported china cups and teapots were essential items for the social elite. Most china was imported. The delft tiles and porcelain were made in this country and were of a more crude nature than the imported Wedgewoods of England.

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