R-EX data - Drawing Room Flooring

The Regency Town House, Drawing Room Flooring

Wooden Floors. Softwoods, such as red, yellow, and white firs, were imported from Norway, Russia, Sweden and North America, and were widely used for the rough framing out of the walls, floors and roofs of houses.

Hardwoods, such as sycamore, lime, poplar and oak, were abundantly grown in the Wealden basin between the North and South Downs. These were occasionally used for floor boards and internal panelling.

The floors and roofs of Regency houses are primarily made of timber, as are many of the internal fittings. Much of the wood used in the building of Regency Brighton and Hove was imported from the Baltic and shipped into the port of Shoreham. This timber would have arrived in a partially worked condition as ‘planks’, generally about 1 and a quarter inches thick and nine inches wide. About twenty-three types of wood were used in the construction of the Regency house, with fashion and economy determining which was in favour.

During Regency times, the area around Shoreham would have seen the development of an industry based upon the conversion of wood into convenient sizes for the builder. Nevertheless, it is important to remember that at least some steps of the conversion process continued with conventional hand tools such as the hand saw, the adze and the finishing plane, right through the period.

Carpentry and joinery were the most common crafts in Regency construction. The carpenter produced the rough work necessary for support, division and connection within the structure. The operations of the joiner included laying floors

The structural floors were often made of pine or softwood, as these were widely available and cost-effective.

For more visible and prestigious areas like the Drawing Room, hardwoods such as oak or mahogany might have been used for better durability and appearance.

Polished floors. Wooden floors in Regency homes were often polished, particularly in well-to-do households like the one at the Regency Town House. Here is why and how wooden floors were typically treated and maintained.

The purpose of polishing was for protecting the wood from wear and tear; enhancing the natural beauty and grain of the wood and creating a smooth, reflective surface that complemented the elegance of Regency interiors.

Floors were polished using a variety of materials, depending on the household’s means and preferences:- Beeswax,  a common and natural choice, providing a subtle sheen and protecting the wood. Linseed oil: Sometimes mixed with wax to enhance durability and shine. French polish: For more luxurious homes, this technique could be used to create a high-gloss finish.

Polished floors required regular upkeep, which involved cleaning, waxing, and buffing to maintain the shine. In grand homes, servants were often responsible for this labour-intensive task.

In drawing rooms, large carpets or rugs often covered the central area of the wooden floor. The exposed edges of the floor, visible around the carpet, were typically polished and possibly stained to create a decorative border.

The degree of polishing and finishing would depend on the room’s importance. Formal rooms like the Drawing Room were more likely to have highly polished floors, while less formal areas might have simpler finishes.

Decorative Coverings. While wood was the base, floors were rarely left exposed in formal rooms like drawing rooms. Carpets (such as Brussels weave) or rugs were laid over the wood to provide warmth, comfort, and a luxurious aesthetic.

In some cases, painted or stenciled wood floors were used as a decorative alternative.

A Brussels weave carpet is a type of woven carpet that was popular in the 18th and 19th centuries, particularly in upper class homes. It is known for its durability, intricate patterns, and refined appearance. The key features are a looped pile construction, meaning the yarn is looped and left uncut, creating a raised textured surface. The loops are made from wool, which is typically woven over a linen or jute backing and the pattern is created during the weaving process, with colored yarns woven into specific designs.

Traditionally made of high-quality wool, sometimes blended with other fibers for added strength. The backing was often made of natural materials like linen or jute.

Designs were ornate and intricate, with sharp definition  including florals, geometrics, or other decorative motifs popular in the Regency and Victorian eras.

Inspired by the Regency fascination with nature, many designs celebrated floral and botanical themes.

Known for being long-lasting and hard-wearing, Brussels weave carpets were a practical choice for areas of heavy foot traffic, such as drawing rooms or hallways.

The patterns were woven directly into the carpet, ensuring they would not wear out quickly.

These carpets were considered a luxurious addition to Regency and Victorian homes.and were often used in formal rooms like parlours, dining rooms, and drawing rooms due to their elegance.

In modern times, the Brussels weave has been largely replaced by cut-pile carpets, but its historical significance remains tied to the grandeur of period interiors like those at the Regency Town House.

Key Features of Brussels Carpet Designs: Geometric Patterns such as trellises, grids, or repeating symmetrical shapes like hexagons and diamonds. These patterns were well-suited to the weaving technique and aligned with the neoclassical tastes of the Regency era.

Floral and Foliage Designs were highly popular, often incorporating vines, wreaths, or stylized leaves, roses, acanthus leaves, tulips. These designs added a touch of elegance and were inspired by nature, fitting the Regency trend of incorporating natural themes into the decor.

Borders were often decorative and framing the central design, could include scrollwork, medallions, or a repeating floral motif, Greek keys or Urns. The latter reflecting the neoclassical influence of the time. This framing emphasized the symmetry and order of Regency interiors.

Colours included earthy tones like browns, greens, and ochres, as well as richer shades like crimson, gold, or deep blue. The colours were muted yet sophisticated, blending well with Regency interior palettes

Central Medallions were included in more elaborate designs, serving as the focal point.

Larger Brussels carpets with complex floral or medallion patterns and rich colours rather than the simpler designs were often used in formal settings such as the Drawing Room

Brussels Carpet production. They were not made exclusively in Brussels, despite the name. The techniques originated in Brussels during the 17th C and were later adopted and improved upon by carpet makers in other countries, particularly England.

By the 18th and 19th centuries, Brussels-style carpets were predominantly manufactured in England, especially in well-known carpet-making towns such as Kidderminster, Wilton and Axminster.

English manufacturers produced Brussels carpets in large quantities, making them more affordable and accessible, while still retaining their association with luxury.

While some carpets may have continued to be made in Brussels, by the 19th century, most Brussels carpets were manufactured in England, with local adaptations that suited British interiors and tastes.

Where were carpets purchased: Regional Producers in Kidderminster, Wilton, and Axminster.

Larger towns and cities like Brighton likely had shops that sold a variety of carpets, either made locally or brought in from carpet-producing regions. During this time, Hove would have had a few local businesses to support its residents, but it’s unlikely that it had dedicated carpet suppliers as we think of them today.

Brighton, being a fashionable seaside resort, would have had access to luxury goods through merchants, traveling salesmen  catering to wealthy visitors. Carpets could have been purchased locally through such suppliers.

For homes like the Regency Town House, which represented a prosperous middle-class or upper-middle-class lifestyle, it is likely the carpets were sourced from English manufacturers known for quality. If the household were particularly wealthy or stylish, imported carpets might have been chosen for added prestige

Imported Carpets: Exotic Persian and Turkish Carpets were highly prized as luxury items. These would typically be imported and available only to the wealthiest households.

French Aubusson Carpets, handwoven carpets were often imported from France and featured elegant floral or neoclassical designs, appealing to Regency tastes.

Rugs: Rugs were often used in Regency interiors, including drawing rooms, to complement the décor and provide additional warmth and elegance. While specific references to rugs in the Drawing Room at the Regency Town House aren’t made, they were used for layering over carpets being often placed over larger carpets, such as Brussels weave carpets, to define seating areas or add visual interest.

Cleaning Carpets:: During the Regency period carpets were a sign of wealth and were treated with great care. Cleaning methods were labour-intensive and largely dependent on the resources and staff available in a household, such as at the Regency Town Houses in Brunswick Square.

How Carpets Were Cleaned: Beating: carpets were typically taken outdoors, hung over a washing line, and beaten with a carpet beater made of cane or wood. This process removed dust, dirt, and debris. It was physically demanding and noisy. It was necessary as coal left a residue of soot and ash that could settle in the carpets

Sweeping: on a more regular basis, carpets were swept with stiff brooms or carpet sweepers. This removed surface dirt and maintained the carpet between more intensive cleanings.

Spot Cleaning: for spills or stains, people used natural cleaning agents like vinegar, lemon juice, or even stale bread to lift marks. Sand or bran might be sprinkled on the carpet and then brushed off to absorb grease or oil.

Sprinkling Tea Leaves or Dampened Herbs: A common technique was to scatter damp tea leaves, fresh herbs (like lavender or rosemary), or even damp sawdust across the carpet before sweeping. These materials helped collect fine dust and left the carpets smelling fresh.

Avoiding Water: Carpets were rarely, if ever, washed with water because the dyes and fabrics were not colorfast and could shrink or discolour. Instead, dry methods were favoured.

Daily Maintenance: Sweeping was done daily or every few days, especially in high-traffic areas.

Beating: This more intensive cleaning was done seasonally or several times a year, usually during spring and autumn cleaning.

Social Contex: In wealthy homes like those in Brunswick Square, this work was usually performed by maids or housekeepers. These tasks were part of a broader, labour-intensive cleaning routine in well-staffed homes, as cleanliness was both practical and a reflection of status. Maintaining carpets required effort, and the ability to keep them clean and in good condition signaled affluence.

In less affluent households, rugs and mats might have been used instead of carpets, as they were easier to shake out or replace.

Polishing wooden floors: In a Regency Town House as in Brunswick Square, wooden floors were often polished regularly as part of the household cleaning routine. These floors, which were typically made of high-quality hardwood such as oak or mahogany, were considered an integral part of the home’s appearance and were treated with care.

Frequency of Polishing: Daily or Weekly Cleaning:

Wooden floors were swept and cleaned frequently (daily in the main areas, weekly in less-used spaces) to remove dust and debris. Dirt from coal fires, soot, and general foot traffic made this a necessity.

After sweeping, floors might be wiped down with a damp cloth to remove stubborn dirt.

Polishing wooden floors would typically take place weekly or bi-weekly in heavily used rooms, such as hallways, dining rooms, and drawing rooms.

Less trafficked areas, such as bedrooms, might be polished less frequently, perhaps monthly or seasonally.

Seasonal Deep Cleaning: During major cleaning efforts (such as spring cleaning or preparing for guests), all wooden floors would receive a more thorough polishing.

Polishing Process in Regency times: Rubbing with Beeswax or homemade Floor Paste  (often made of beeswax and turpentine) was applied to the wood. This helped to protect the floor, enhance its shine, and create a smooth surface.

The wax would be rubbed in by hand or with a cloth wrapped around a block of wood, ensuring even application.

The floor would be buffed to a shine using brushes, which were often fitted with handles so they could be worked back and forth across the floor. For very fine floors, this task might be done on hands and knees to ensure precision.In some cases, very worn or scuffed wooden floors might be lightly sanded down before polishing to restore their smooth finish.

Social Context: Polishing wooden floors was typically done by servants, specifically housemaids. In a well-staffed household, this would be a regular part of their duties, and great care was taken to ensure the floors were spotless and reflective of the home's prestige.

Since wooden floors in the Regency Town Houses were often paired with high-quality rugs or carpets (especially in grand rooms), areas not covered by rugs would be polished more frequently, while the rug-protected sections might require less attention.